Red Hot Ranch 7.23.10

Red Hot Ranch
2072 N Western


I couldn't tell you why I liked this hot dog so much. It was the minimalist/old school style, which means I got my dog with just relish (not of the neon green variety, which is the kind I prefer) and onions. The fries were fresh cut and wrapped up on/in the dog, which helped them meld into the dog, which added some flavor to my otherwise quite naked dog. The bun held up well. It did not have poppy seeds but seemed to have been steamed. The dog itself was a Vienna Beef and so of course had the snap and consistency that I know and love. The fries were, as previously stated, fresh cut. I actually watched one of the employees cut up a potato and put it in the oil and then present us the finished product. The fries were therefore very hot and very fresh and that made me a happy panda.

So again, I can't really tell you why it tasted so good. Maybe it was the company. Maybe it was the unexpectedness of the getting to go for a hot dog today. Maybe it was the sweet satisfaction of finally checking out this establishment, which I have been meaning to do for almost a year. In any case, I give the Red Hot Ranch 3.5 out of 5 celery salt shakers and an "I will defintely eat there again and again" because of its proximity to my place of employment.

Aidan

I must admit that I had low expectations before going to the Red Hot Ranch. I am not sure why, but it just seemed to be a place that was just there with nothing special about it. Yet upon getting in, it felt good. A limited menu of hot dogs, polishs, french fries and fried shrimp was the first good sign. The second was a nice assortment of picnic tables outside and a stand only counter on the inside.

I order a hot dog and fries with my usual orange soda. There was a little delay as the fries were put in the oil for a second cooking, which made sure they were done and mighty crispy. The menu also informed me that I would get mustard, onions, relish and sport peppers on the hot dog in fine Old Chicago Style. I appreciated the straightforwardness of it.

The hot dog has Vienna Beef natural casing dog, with that snap and compactness that I find reassuring. The fries as previously stated were well done and placed on top of the hot dog. One apparently could also request them on the side with no ill comments from the workers. The condiments were well proportioned and fresh. The bun, sans poppy seeds, held up very well for its hefty load of hot dog, condiments and fries.

I liked Red Hot Ranch, but it was no blow away. I would interested to do a comparison between it and another Old Chicago Style hot dog stand called Sam's Red Hots a few blocks away which I remember enjoying. With that said, I would give Red Hot Ranch 3.5 celery shakers out of 5.

Dan