about

Since 1977, the Velliotis family and Clark Street Dog have been serving the Chicagoland area delicious Chicago-style street food and drink. The restaurant has become known for their signature Clark Street Dog, a play on the Chicago Dog with mustard, onion, relish, tomato, pickle, and sport peppers. They also serve a top-rated Chicago Philly Steak, fresh angus burgers and the fan-favorite Cheese Fries. The variety of menu items is always fresh, never frozen, and cooked to order.  Clark Street Dog sources and supports locally owned and sourced products and services.

In addition, Clark Street Dog is the original Hot Dog Bar.  We feature a full bar and is the original home of the Pickle-Back Shot, the result of a creative conversation over what to do with the leftover whole spears pickle juice. The bar only features local beers on tap featuring Goose Island for $5.00 every day of the week including game days

Clark Street Dog is Lakeview's favorite late-night stop and a friendly environment with affordable dining options, the perfect place to grab a beer and a bite.

Clark Street Dogs

Speaking with Angelo Velliotis, Owner, Clark Street Dogs.

Can you tell us a little bit about your history at Clark Street Dogs?

"Well, the restaurant was started in 1977. is building used to be a gas station before it became Clark Street Dogs. My Father purchased it in 1987 from the original owner. I started working for the original owner in the summers when I was a kid growing up. I was working for my father here in high school, I worked here through college... I had the unique opportunity to get to know the neighborhood, the clientele, and grow to understand the business before being where I am today. I have loved every second of it."

Can you describe the overall concept theme of your restaurant?

"The thing that separates us is the fact that we have a full-service spot. People could come in here, grab a dog, grab a burger, or grab their favorite Devanco Gyro, but they don't have to have just water or pop.They can have an adult beverage and it's always been like that. It is the original hot dog bar. There was never any other place like this. Yes, you can go to a couple of places. You can get a beer, but I mean, we're talking full-service liquor. That's what differentiates us from all the other places. That's the concept."

Signature dish or dishes?

"Hot dog because it's in the name. Whenever your name is "Clark Street Dogs", the Dog is going to be your most popular, but those are the tourists. Those are the people that come here for the first time. Then when the regulars come back and become regulars, it's going to be our Gyro, Our version of Philly Steak, Our burgers. Those are the things that are the menu items that are kind of undervalued because it's not in the name, but the regulars….that's what they come back for."

Memorable Dining Experiences? 

"You know, the customers just make my day here.  When I have customers bring their families & say "Hey, I used to live in this neighborhood, this is the place I dined at, and now they are returning with their children, their relatives, or parents. As an owner/operator, to know that you are creating memories for people to share with their families or future families…. there's nothing better." "We've had people come in here for their wedding rehearsals. They've come in here between weddings, they've taken photos. We've had two couples last year take their engagement photos here. You know, for some of them, this place is more precious than sometimes it is to my family. I'm humbled by that. I truly am."

Can you share a memorable success story or milestone of your restaurant? 

"The milestone success stories are every year. We're growing every single year & for a single location, that is not always easy. Our 50-year milestone is rapidly approaching & that will be a very special time. As an independent/single location, those milestones are monumental. So I'm very grateful I've got several staff here that's been with me for 25 years & we have an incredibly loyal following/customer base. We would not be here without them. We have a great location & great partners and we're looking forward to our next 50 years."