Key Takeaways
- Chicago-style hot dogs have a 130+ year history worth knowing
- We hit 3 iconic spots: Byron’s, Clark Street Dogs, and Wrigleyville Dogs
- Ketchup is never, ever acceptable on a Chicago dog
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The Big (Dog) Idea
The original plan was to run to various hot dog spots dressed as hot dogs. Cute, right? Well, the Chicago summer heat had other opinions about the full costume situation, but we kept the spirit alive, and the run turned out to be just as ridiculous and fun as we hoped.
If you’ve been on the fence about doing a themed fun run, a costume race, or just adding a little chaos to your training miles, this one’s for you. Running doesn’t always have to be serious, and this day reminded me exactly why I fell in love with running in the first place.
Related Post: Looking for another unique idea for a fun time in Chicago? Check out the Chicago Lakefront bar crawl!
What We Wore: The Hot Dog Costume Breakdown
Let’s talk gear, because even the silliest costumes deserve a practical breakdown.
Initially, we planned to wear a hot dog tunic that, honestly, could pass as a quirky dress if you squint. With temperatures around 73°, the hot dog tunic was a lot thicker than we anticipated. Our downfall was not planning an alternative costume for the heat.
While we skipped the hot dog tunic, we still added in some serious personality: glitter gel accents, and big cheer bows that stayed put the entire run. Are big cheer bows the new race glitter? Maybe!
Underneath, a black running tank and black running shorts kept things functional and sweat-wicking where it counted.
The unsung hero of the whole situation? Anti-chafe balm. I used Happy Curves balm on my thighs, underarms, and anywhere with friction running in the warm temperatures. Do not skip this step. Costumes or not, sweat creates friction and you’ll want to make sure your skin is protected.
And no matter what you’re wearing on top, your feet should always be in your tried-and-true running shoes. Cute shoe matching can wait.
8 Tips for Running in a Costume
Whether you’re doing a themed race or a hot dog crawl through Chicago, these tips will save you a lot of misery.
- Do a test run first. Wear the full outfit for at least a mile before race day or your actual event. You’ll quickly discover where it rubs, bounces, or blocks your vision.
- Skip the mask. Masks restrict breathing and cut your visibility significantly. Sweat-proof face paint does the job without the hazards.
- Lube everything. Apply anti-chafe balm generously before you leave the house. Reapply mid-run if it’s long. Costumes hit different spots than your regular kit.
- Trust your running shoes. No matter how good the costume shoes look, wear the running shoes you’ve trained in. Your feet will thank you!
- Go lightweight. Choose breathable fabrics wherever possible. Accept that you’ll probably run slower, and make peace with that.
- Plan for heat differently. Costumes trap heat. Start earlier, carry more water, and build in shaded rest stops.
- Lean into the chaos. People will cheer, honk, and possibly stop you for photos. Build that into your time estimate and just enjoy it.
- Have a “costume check” bag. Bring a tote with safety pins, extra balm, and bobby pins. Something will shift. It always does.
Related Post: Celebrate your marathon race day with a little extra sparkle!
The Chicago Dog: A Love Story
Before we get to the crawl, let’s talk about the star of the show.
The Chicago-style hot dog isn’t just a fast food item. It’s a civic institution with a history dating back to 1893, when Vienna Beef first debuted at the World’s Columbian Exposition (also known as the Chicago World’s Fair). Over 130 years later, it’s still the standard by which all other hot dogs are judged (at least in this city).
The Vienna Frank
The dog itself is an all-beef frankfurter, hardwood hickory smoked with a proprietary spice blend and no fillers or artificial flavors. The signature characteristic is the “snap” when you bite into it.
Chicago Dog Bun
It’s served in a steamed poppy-seed bun. Steaming makes the bun soft and pliable enough to hold everything without tearing when it is loaded with toppings.
Chicago Dog Classic Toppings
A classic Chicago dog must have all seven.
- Yellow mustard
- Bright green sweet pickle relish
- Chopped white onions
- Red tomato wedges
- A kosher dill pickle spear
- Pickled sport peppers
- A dash of celery salt
And just to be completely clear: no ketchup.
Related Post: Running the Chicago Marathon? Get tips for planning your Chicago Marathon weekend.
The Hot Dog Crawl: 3 Stops Worth Every Sweaty Step
We initially mapped out four spots across the North Side, but cut it to three because it was so warm. Here’s the full breakdown.
Byron’s Hot Dogs
1017 W. Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613
Byron’s has serious credibility points, including a presidential visitor (Obama has eaten here). What surprised me most was the produce situation. Beyond the traditional seven toppings, they pile on cucumbers, shredded lettuce, and bell peppers. It sounds like a lot, but as part of a hot run, all those cold, crisp vegetables felt incredibly refreshing. Highly recommend trying it out!
Clark Street Dogs
3040 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
Clark Street Dogs has this great dual personality: part dive bar, part neighborhood deli. It’s unpretentious in the best way. The vibe alone makes the hot dog taste better, if that makes sense. Grab a seat, stay a while.
Wrigleyville Dogs
3737 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613
If you’re in the area for a show at the Metro or a Cubs game and everything else has closed down, Wrigleyville Dogs is your answer. The poppy seed bun game here is strong, the fries are genuinely good, and they also serve gyros for anyone in the group who needs an alternative. Perfect late-night option after kitchens shut down. Of all the hot dogs we sampled, this was the only one with a poppyseed bun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stand up, lean slightly forward to protect your shirt, and hold the toppings in place with your index finger. Eat it quickly and confidently. And under no circumstances do you add ketchup.
Vienna Beef is the standard. They’ve been producing Chicago-style franks since the 1893 World’s Fair and remain one of the most widely distributed suppliers for hot dog stands and carts across the city.
It’s dyed with blue food coloring. Vienna Beef executives added it in the late 1940s because standard pickle relish was photographed as a dull, unappetizing brown. The blue dye makes it pop in photos and at the counter. It has zero effect on the flavor; it’s still a sweet, tangy pickle relish, it just happens to look like something from a cartoon.
The Wrap-Up
Final stats: two runners, three hot dog stops, approximately 3 miles covered, zero regrets.
The run was chaotic and wonderful and exactly the kind of thing that makes training feel less like work. If you’re in Chicago and looking for a fun route, save this post and use our three stops as your own loose guide.
If you want to attempt your own costume run, start with the anti-chafe balm, grab a lightweight base layer, plan for an alternative costume if it’s going to be warm, and go find your local equivalent of a hot dog crawl.
Have you ever run in a costume? Drop a comment below and tell me the wildest thing you’ve ever worn on a run. I need to know.
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