Social Profile: 
✔️Breakfast ✔️Brunch ✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out ✔️Delivery
… View more
We are the longest continuously operating hot dog stand to have done business on Maxwell Street. Except for a short closure in 2001, when we were relocated from Maxwell Street to Union Avenue, we have been in business since 1939, with 62 years of history on Maxwell Street. Jim’s was so well-known and has so consistently served our food that we became the cornerstone of the Old Maxwell Street Market until its relocation in 1994. People still identify the Old Maxwell Street Market with the sweet smell of onions that emanated from Jim’s stand.
Old-school 24/7 hotdog stand (started in 1939) boasting the original Maxwell Street Polish sausage.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 1250 S Union Ave, Chicago, IL 60607
Phone: (312) 733-7820
Website: http://www.jimsoriginal.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Jim’s Original: Welcome
The Original Maxwell Street Polish Sausage Stand … The legend of “Jim’s Original” started over 80 years ago, when a young, bright-eyed European immigrant named …
Jim’s Original | Chicago IL – Facebook
Have you ever wanted to bring some great #polishsausage or #hotdogs to grill up at a weekend bbq or picnic? Stop by Jim’s Original (1250 S Union Ave, Chicago) …
Jim’s Original (@jimsoriginal) · Chicago, IL – Instagram
6.5K+ followers · 72 following · 118 posts · @jimsoriginal: “THE World Famous & Longest Operating Hot Dog Stand in Chicago Open over 86 yrs OG loc: 1250 S …
Reviews
sheldon cohen
A Disgraceful Display of Culinary Perfection: Jim’s Original
If you enjoy maintaining your dignity, clean fingernails, and a blood pressure reading that doesn’t alarm medical professionals, stay far away from Jim’s Original. I went there recently and was subjected to an experience so “horrible” I’m still thinking about it three days later.
The “Offense”
I ordered two Polish sausages. Apparently, at Jim’s, “serving food” actually means “initiating a structural failure of a sandwich.”
The Sausage: It didn’t just have juice; it had a literal ecosystem of Polish sausage nectar. The moment I bit in, the snap of that casing released a localized flood of grease and spice that I’m fairly certain is classified as a liquid at room temperature.
The Toppings: They had the audacity to bury this thing in enough mustard and grilled onions to start a small farm. The onions weren’t just “toppings”—they were a lifestyle choice.
The Bun: A “soft bun” is a generous term for what essentially became a decorative sponge for the yellow mustard and meat-water.
The Napkin Crisis
I finally understand why the staff hands out 50 napkins like they’re dealing blackjack at a casino. It’s not a courtesy; it’s a survival kit. By the third bite, I wasn’t eating a meal; I was wearing it. I had mustard on my wrists, onion fragments in my soul, and enough juice on my hands to require a hazardous materials team. It was absolutely disgusting how much I enjoyed licking my fingers in public like a person who has completely given up on society.
The Verdict: A Total Disaster (I’ll be back tomorrow)
Warning: If you don’t want to spend twenty minutes questioning your life choices while smelling like grilled onions for the next 48 hours, do not go here. It is a delicious, salt-soaked trap.
… moreIf you enjoy maintaining your dignity, clean fingernails, and a blood pressure reading that doesn’t alarm medical professionals, stay far away from Jim’s Original. I went there recently and was subjected to an experience so “horrible” I’m still thinking about it three days later.
The “Offense”
I ordered two Polish sausages. Apparently, at Jim’s, “serving food” actually means “initiating a structural failure of a sandwich.”
The Sausage: It didn’t just have juice; it had a literal ecosystem of Polish sausage nectar. The moment I bit in, the snap of that casing released a localized flood of grease and spice that I’m fairly certain is classified as a liquid at room temperature.
The Toppings: They had the audacity to bury this thing in enough mustard and grilled onions to start a small farm. The onions weren’t just “toppings”—they were a lifestyle choice.
The Bun: A “soft bun” is a generous term for what essentially became a decorative sponge for the yellow mustard and meat-water.
The Napkin Crisis
I finally understand why the staff hands out 50 napkins like they’re dealing blackjack at a casino. It’s not a courtesy; it’s a survival kit. By the third bite, I wasn’t eating a meal; I was wearing it. I had mustard on my wrists, onion fragments in my soul, and enough juice on my hands to require a hazardous materials team. It was absolutely disgusting how much I enjoyed licking my fingers in public like a person who has completely given up on society.
The Verdict: A Total Disaster (I’ll be back tomorrow)
Warning: If you don’t want to spend twenty minutes questioning your life choices while smelling like grilled onions for the next 48 hours, do not go here. It is a delicious, salt-soaked trap.
Cece Love
We tried the Polish sausage and gave it a solid 9.5 out of 10. Topped with onions, jalapeño peppers, and mustard, it was incredibly flavorful and juicy. Surprisingly, even as someone who typically doesn’t enjoy mustard, I found that it added a delicious depth to the overall taste.
I really liked their fries texture and appreciated that they weren’t overly salty. However, some people may not like the crumble-like texture. We gave their fries a 8.5/10. I enjoyed dipping them in barbecue sauce, though in my opinion, I wish the sauce had been a little sweeter since you have to pay a small price for it. That said, the fries were just as satisfying with ketchup or even on their own.
When we arrived, there were around 100 motorcycle riders. Despite the crowd, we had no trouble finding good parking, which made the experience even more enjoyable. Due to the lack of seating, the atmosphere was the same as a normal fast food restaurant.
… moreI really liked their fries texture and appreciated that they weren’t overly salty. However, some people may not like the crumble-like texture. We gave their fries a 8.5/10. I enjoyed dipping them in barbecue sauce, though in my opinion, I wish the sauce had been a little sweeter since you have to pay a small price for it. That said, the fries were just as satisfying with ketchup or even on their own.
When we arrived, there were around 100 motorcycle riders. Despite the crowd, we had no trouble finding good parking, which made the experience even more enjoyable. Due to the lack of seating, the atmosphere was the same as a normal fast food restaurant.
Hagz
One of Chicago staples…The pork chop sandwich is on point! Comes with fries too. You can’t ask for a better food for a cheap cost. I’ve also tried the polish sausage with onions both are classic. There’s no seating but you can stand and eat there or your car. This place is a must stop next time you are in Chi town! 100% recommend!
… moreSyd Grant
I’ve had Jim’s on my “to do” list since seeing several stories about them. We were in tow from Texas for just a couple of hours on a business trip.
Stopped by here just before lunch and a little bummed that there’s no inside or outside seating. That didn’t stop us from trying own of their polish dogs though.
They come with fries and a pretty good deal for both. The sausage was really good, especially with the grilled onions. Even though I ate it right away the bun was still soggy. That was a bummer but didn’t stop me from devouring it.
Great iconic place to visit!
… moreStopped by here just before lunch and a little bummed that there’s no inside or outside seating. That didn’t stop us from trying own of their polish dogs though.
They come with fries and a pretty good deal for both. The sausage was really good, especially with the grilled onions. Even though I ate it right away the bun was still soggy. That was a bummer but didn’t stop me from devouring it.
Great iconic place to visit!
Thierry HG
I honestly don’t see the hype. The food was a bit tasteless. I understand the idea of keeping the same recipes since 1939, but I think adding a little more flavor wouldn’t hurt. Tradition is great — but taste matters too.
… moreAaron Guseman
Stopped by Jim’s after leaving a concert at Soldier Field. Fresh food fast with low prices. Every sandwich comes with fries. Between the 4 people we ended up with 4 hot dogs and 2 burgers. Burgers and dogs both had great flavors and the onions and mustard were a unexpected great combination for someone who usually uses mayonnaise or ketchup. Fries were crispy and fluffy and the cheese sauce was almost perfect as well. It was a great find at midnight on a holiday.
… moreElliot MacDonald
Food was great, but more importantly it was cheap and fast (took them about 15 seconds to make). There’s no seating inside, if you want to eat there you have to stand up outside.
… moreMr. B.A.
This was my first visit to Jim’s Original, and let me tell you I wasn’t disappointed. It is definitely the best Chicago polish sausage in the city. I even bought the kit to go and make some at home for convenience.
… moreJan Pytela
I’ve just loved my visit to Jim’s.
The atmosphere is fun, with the classic hole-in-the-wall vibe, and fast no-frills service.
The food itself was great – I had a hot dog with polish sausage and very spicy peppers that I remember to this day. You do get some complimentary fries to help with that!
Definitely worth a visit, even if it’s a short detour from your downtown destination in Chicago.
… moreThe atmosphere is fun, with the classic hole-in-the-wall vibe, and fast no-frills service.
The food itself was great – I had a hot dog with polish sausage and very spicy peppers that I remember to this day. You do get some complimentary fries to help with that!
Definitely worth a visit, even if it’s a short detour from your downtown destination in Chicago.
Pete G
Every trip to Chicago, I try to find an original, long time favorite of the locals. I’ve been past this way on I-90 many times, and finally had a chance to try it. Love the vintage atmosphere and style, great prices, quick service. I had the Polish, not quite what I was hoping for, but still good. Double Cheese was good, and the Chicken Polish had a good review from my daughter. Fries were excellent!
I’ll have to try the Pork Chop next time.
… moreI’ll have to try the Pork Chop next time.