Herm's Hot Dog Palace 5.8.10

Address: 3406 Dempster St
Skokie, IL 60203


I tried my hot dog with mustard this time. I am usually not a fan of the mustard, but I felt it was time to let the symphony of the traditional Chicago style flavors wash over me. Who am I to alter greatness? In other news, I ate a hamburger with mayo later the same day. That was not by choice and was less enjoyable, but all in all still a sauce filled day. In any case, I enjoyed the mustard and may continue to go that route, or at least eat one hot dog with mustard since I usually get 2 wherever we go.

The hot dog itself was on the high end of average. It was nothing special, but all the necessary ingredients were in place (minus the celery salt). The bun held together well, the hot dog was Vienna Beef, and the toppings were acceptable. The more interesting part of Herm's is actually Herm's itself.

We arrived and placed our order and when were told to "sit down and relax" until our food was ready. I, for one, found this difficult, as we had not yet paid. I find it unsettling to try to engage in hot dog related conversation whilst wondering if I am going to be beckoned back to the register at any moment. It turned out that we ate our food and then went back to pay. The man behind the counter was impressive, both in terms of remembering what we had ordered as well as adding up the totals of said orders out loud. I'm guessing all prices include tax. It just seems like a strange system and one that begs for people to try to dine and dash. It also took away some of my enjoyment by leaving me on edge about what to expect.

Overall, Herm's was an enjoyable experience and the hot dog was pretty good. I would give it 3.5 out of 5 celery salt shakers and an I would go back but only if I was already in the area.

Aidan

I passed Herm's Palace many times during my youth on the way to my grandmother's house, but never stopped due to fact that she would inevitably have some amazing food and candy to be enjoyed. Aidan and I had seen and noted Herm's last year during our travels to Poochie's just a few blocks down the road and it brought back boyish questions of what was it like. Now was the time to learn and know for sure.

I was feeling a bit hungover due to a previous evening spent socializing with a side of dancing, but was game for the good times of a hot dog. Herm's apparently had recently gone under a freshen coat of paint ("makes everything look so much better", my grandmother correctly used to say) in the form of a Chicago themed mural with greats from the 80's and 90's (Not too many mural worthy members of the Chicago society during the 00's, I guess). In addition, there was large seating area, which was quite filled and a nice amount of natural light. The order taker jovially informed us a number of times to let him know when we were ready and finally it was decided. I went with a hot dog and fries, along with a cheeseburger to help with the nocturnal good times.

Upon placing our order, we were told to grab a seat. We did not pay at this time. This was the same paying set up as Poochie's and we nearly walked out of there without paying. So this time we were much more nervous and kept watching to see when you pay.

During this period of high anxiety, our food was brought to the table, with no mention of compensation. The hot dog looked good. Herm's had quite the extensive menu which in my current theory means they will be unable to give due time and effort to honing their hot dog skills. Yet, I think we have a found an exception. It was a steamed Rosen's sesame seed bun, natural casing Vienna Beef hot dog, mustard, neon green relish, onions, two big sections of tomato and a pickle spear. It also really good, with a nice snap, pleasing Vienna Beef flavor and the condiments along with bun joining hands in community and marching in unison with each other. It tasted like a classically prepared Chicago Hot Dog should and I believe is an accurate standard for an average hot dog. It did what it claimed it would. No more, no less.

The fries were also good and I believe of the thin Sysco variety. The cheeseburger on the other hand was low grade and limited in potential. It was a lot of bun with crispy meat and the "everything" condiment selection was identical to that of a hot dog. I am not joking, they put the required condiments of a Chicago style hot dog on my hamburger. Now I love the hot dog toppings, but there are not meant for the hamburger, which deserves its own unique pairing to bring out the burger's strengths. It was like drinking red wine with fish, if you get my drift.

In conclusion, Herm's Palace had nice ambiance, a very solid hot dog and a pay on the way out sort of compensation system (your order taker will attempt to remember what you had and then impressively add it up in his head. Long live mental math.) I would give Herm's Palace a very solid 3 celery salt shakers and would return for a hot dog if in the area but would head for Poochie's instead for my burger fix.

Dan