Summer dining staples in the Oak Park area

If you're anything like me and my family, during the summer months you eat more from restaurants and fast food joints than you actually cook for yourself at home.

It's understandable.

It's hot.

It's muggy.

Who wants to be in a kitchen making food when it is much easier to slap down some money and have someone else do the work for you? And when you have children, it's all about quick and easy. Never mind that for appx. 12 weeks you may be creating future fatties because of the poor eating habits your instill in them. You're given 40 weeks to reverse the mess you created. 

So let's explore the best summer fare known to man........hotdogs. OP has a couple of places to get your fix of this multiple-parts-meat-product and I'll be your guide to the Top 3 in my book.

1. Tasty Dog...bka "The Dogger". Located at Euclid and Lake Street. This institution became a sentimental favorite during my high school days because of its proximity to my alma mater, OPRFHS. A couple of years back TD moved to the north side of Lake Street because a new development was being built on the lot it occupied. Some arguing ensued regarding "eminent domain" rights, protests took place, etc. etc. etc. (typical OP politics), they finally worked it out. But I am getting off subject.

When ordering one of their tasty dogs, be sure to ask for everything on it. That way you get a small garden salad as an added bonus. Thick slices of tomato, cucumber, shredded lettuce, and hot peppers can be the first course of your dining experience. Or if you have European roots, you can eat all the veggies at the end of the meal. Makes no matter to me. Once you make it through the garden, the dog is juicy and cooked to perfection. Fries= B+. Shakes= A.

2. Parky's. Located at Madison and Harlem in Forest Park. I realize the small stand is not an OP establishment, but it is close enough to get on my list. I was introduced to Parky's as a young boy by my father who thought the dogs were good, but not as fantastic as their french fries. To this day, I agree with his assessment. The dogs are solid. Get the standard condiments (mustard, pickle relish, onions, tomato) and it's good eating. What you're really there for is the double-bagged, grease-oozing, golden, sliced taters. Oh, and the workers salt them down like a mo fo! Get a coke with your meal and sit on the picnic benches to take in the sights and sounds of Harlem Avenue at dusk.

3. Pete's. Located at Ridgeland and Roosevelt Road. Pete's has become a favorite of my family's because of it's location (of the Top 3 it's closest to our home) and for the fact my children believe the side of melted cheese you order with your dog "is the best ever made". Now, I like a cheese dog as much as the next guy (especially if you add chili), but I'll watch them fight over the stuff (they also like it on their fries) and have even caught them licking the cup to get every drop available. Another reason we go there is for the gyros. Awesome.

So take a shot at these places and tell me what you think.

P.S. Stop by "Hole in the Wall" (OP Ave. and Garfield) for dip top ice cream while your in town to make the experience complete.

Take care,

Vic