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Bitter Pops Brings a Nationwide Hot Dog Tour to Chicago

By Tom Barnas
2/13/2025

You hungry?

Bitter Pops, a popular establishment in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, has launched a Regional Hot Dog Program, offering patrons a unique culinary journey through America’s diverse hot dog traditions. Each month, the program features a different regional specialty, available exclusively on Thursdays.

The initiative began in September 2024 with the Michigan Coney Dog, a nod to Detroit’s iconic creation. Bitter Pops’ rendition includes a 7-inch Vienna Beef hot dog nestled in a fresh Turano bun, topped with house-made Coney meat sauce, yellow mustard, and diced white onions.

In October, the spotlight shifted to the New Jersey Ripper, a deep-fried hot dog known for its crispy exterior. November brought the Arizona Sonoran Dog, a bacon-wrapped frankfurter adorned with pinto beans, onions, tomatoes, and a drizzle of jalapeño sauce.

February 2025 celebrates the New Orleans Lucky Dog Smoked Sausage, featuring a Vienna Beef Maxwell Street Polish Sausage grilled to perfection, placed in a toasted Turano bun, and topped with house-made chili, diced onions, and yellow mustard.

Bitter Pops’ Regional Hot Dog Program is set to continue through August 2025, inviting guests to explore a new regional specialty each month. This initiative offers Chicagoans a flavorful journey across the nation’s diverse hot dog landscape.

Located at 3357 N. Lincoln Ave., Bitter Pops is open Monday through Wednesday from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

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