Teddy's Red Hots- Downer's Grove, Darien

Teddy's Red Hots whisks diners back in time to a classic American hot-dog joint—and not just because the eatery has been perfecting the italian-beef recipe for more than 35 years. The Downers Grove location is newly remodeled, and the Darien spot's bright-red barstools rise from a checkerboard floor. Behind the counter, cooks pile their signature 7-inch all-beef red hots with mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, and a pickle spear. Upon request, they'll add sport peppers, sauerkraut, and celery salt, or they’ll load the links with chili and cheddar. They also sandwich their hot dogs and charbroiled burgers between regular or pretzel buns. Meals are capped off with housemade italian ices, made daily with fresh lemon, black cherry, or strawberry.