Memphis/Jimmy's Chicago Style Hot Dogs

I drive past this place about once every week or two, but rarely at a meal time, or when I was in the mood for a dog. Last Wednesday they had a pretty nice write-up in the paper, which was enough to send me over for lunch on Saturday. Not bad at all--I had the traditional Chicago style, and it really hit just the right balance of sweet-salty-meaty-sour-getmustardallovermywife. My wife had the Italian Beef (my first experience with that sandwich by that name), which was pretty good, but the bread was soggy (she'd asked for it "dipped" and was disappointed when they obliged, so you can't blame the fine folks at Jimmy's).

I know of only one other place in town that serves a Chicago Style Hot Dog--that being Petra's Deli on N. Germantown. Theirs isn't quite as good, but they have other nice things going for 'em.

Authentic? I have no idea. Vienna Beef, Bright Bright Relish, Dill Pickle Spear, Tomato Slice, Celery Salt, on a Poppy Seed Roll. Twenty or so other variations available, some of which sound more appetizing than others. Open til 8 most days, closed Sundays. Will definitely be returning.

Oh they're located near the corner of Stage and Kirby-Whitten in Bartlett, just around the corner from the Hollywood 20 theatre and the Kung-Fu store.

[sierraskyesmom]

I saw Man vs. Food the other day which highlighted Italian Beef. I'd never heard of it until then, but it looked damn good. Imagine my joy when I found a seasoning packet (don't crucify me) at Schnuck's the other day. I don't have anything to compare it with, as this was my first Italian Beef, but it was delicious! I'm smitten and can't wait to try the Italian Beef @ Jimmy's. (I'm getting it dipped.....I love me some jus)

[fijitodd]

You might also want to try Wiseguy's in Southaven. It's on Highway 51 between Goodman and Church Roads. I'm not a native Chicagoan, but it's the closest I've come to having Chicago style food and not be in Chicago. Worth a trip down if you have the time. One tip if ordering deep dish: call ahead and place your order. Takes about 45 minutes to cook so it'll be ready when you get there.

The owners are from Chicago and are cubs fans so they have Cubs, Bears, and Blackhawks memorabilia all over the walls and ceiling. It's great.

[norablind]

I've been to Jimmy's and it is very authentic the only difference there is that tomato on a chicago dog is usually cut into wedges but that's no big deal sad thing about Memphis is that it's THE ONLY good hotdog place in memphis i agree definitely a great dog and is a nice little taste of chicago along with the atmosphere

[Ross B]

I'm pretty sure that Jimmy is a Chicago native.

I am a Chicago native and I know real hot dogs when I eat them. Jimmy and his staff are wonderful and they serve up the best items on their menu that you could ever want to eat!! Try everything, you'll love it!!!!

I work about two minutes away and having a good fast and cheep lunch is what I want.Jimmy's dogs are so mouth wattering and tasty.You can't get a better dog in Memphis if you tried, his are the best!Try one and you'll be hooked like me!

welcome welcome welcome I'm a Chicago native add has lived in Memphis for 7 years now. I go bacfk to Chicago fequently just to eat. as a matter of fact I just left from Chicago this past weekend. The first place that I went when I got there was whhere? Jimmy's on Pulaski & Grand "oh my God" I had a fit
It was truly delicious,. I almost lost my mind when I heard there was one here in Memphis

GLAD YOU'RE HERE HATE IT TOOK YOU SO LONG

Thanks for the great tip - I missed that in the paper. My poor Chicago transplant buddy has been searching for an authentic Italian beef for years! We'll go this weekend : )

Sounds like you found a good spot there! Being a Chicagoan, I'd say that has all the components of a pretty authentic dog. Next time your wife orders Italian Beef, tell her to ask for it "dry". That way she won't have a big soggy mess to contend with (unless of course she likes it that way).

If you scroll through the Chicago board, you'll see that Italian Beef is something that gets discussed over and over. Everybody seems to have very definite opinions about what makes a truly good beef.

Enjoy!

Yep, that's pretty accurate. FINALLY, after the embarrassment of Ace's Chicago Pizza. And they even got the celery salt, which a lot of out-of-area Chicago places seem to miss. But all I want right now is some Gus' Fried Chicken.