The Absolute Best Chili Cheese Fries in Chicago [Updated 2024]

I’ve scoured the city, sampling a diverse array of chili cheese fries from trendy food trucks to beloved local joints.

After reviewing 12 different spots, I’ve uncovered hidden gems and classic favorites that are sure to satisfy your cravings.

This guide will not only spotlight the best places to get your fix, but also delve into the unique twists each location brings to this indulgent dish.

Whether you prefer a meaty chili piled high on crispy fries or a vegetarian option with all the fixings, there's something here for every chili cheese fry enthusiast.

Odge's

Highlights
Best cheeseburger in Chicago
Fluffy, delicious fries
Perfect pre-game spot
Cash only
Juicy, top quality meat

Odge's in Chicago is a hidden gem that left my taste buds dancing with delight! As a self-proclaimed chili cheese fry aficionado, I was thrilled to discover that the hearty chili here doesn’t just sit atop the fries; it envelops them in a warm embrace of flavor. The fries themselves are fluffy and perfectly cooked, striking that golden balance of crispiness on the outside and tenderness within.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show—the chili! It has a tantalizing spice that tickles the palate without being overwhelmingly hot, making it accessible to spice enthusiasts and novices alike. Not to forget the generous portion of shredded cheese that melts blissfully over the entire concoction, creating an ooey-gooey masterpiece.

While I was there, I couldn’t resist trying their signature cheeseburger, which is touted as the best in the city. The juicy, high-quality meat made my visit even more worthwhile. One thing to keep in mind—don’t forget to bring cash, as they are cash only. If you’re looking for a perfect pre-game spot, Odge’s is your destination for some of the best chili cheese fries in Chicago!

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George's Hot Dogs

Highlights
Crispy, Thick French Fries
Flavorful Chicago-style Hot Dog
Generous Portion Sizes
Friendly Service
Cash Only, Buy Local

At George's Hot Dogs, the quest for the ultimate chili cheese fries takes an exciting turn! As soon as I dug into the crispy, thick French fries, I was captivated—each bite offered a satisfying crunch that enveloped the delicious toppings. The chili itself was a robust mix of hearty beef and spices, swimming generously over the fries, which made it impossible for anyone to resist.

But the real standout move here is the addition of a Chicago-style hot dog as a side option. Though technically separate, everything tastes better together! The sumptuous flavors of this classic dog complement the chili cheese fries beautifully, creating a feast that reflects the heart of Chicago's culinary scene.

Another delightful aspect is the generous portion sizes. You definitely get your money’s worth, which, let’s be honest, is essential when you’re treating yourself to such indulgence. The friendly service made me feel at home, and their commitment to being cash only adds that delightful local charm.

For a true taste of chili cheese fry heaven in the Windy City, George's should be at the top of your list!

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Dog Haus

Highlights
High-quality dogs
Delicious fries
Fast counter service

First off, let me just say that Dog Haus serves up some of the tastiest chili cheese fries I've ever had. The fries are crispy and cooked to perfection, and they're topped with a generous helping of savory chili and gooey melted cheese. It's definitely a dish that will satisfy your cravings for something salty, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious.

But it's not just the fries that make this spot stand out. The high-quality dogs are also a major draw. From classic beef franks to creative options like the "Thai Fighter" (topped with spicy peanut sauce and slaw), there's something for everyone on the menu.

And while the food is top-notch, I also appreciated the fast counter service. When you're in the mood for chili cheese fries, you don't want to wait around all day for them. At Dog Haus, your order is taken quickly and efficiently so you can get back to enjoying your meal ASAP.

Overall, I highly recommend checking out Dog Haus if you're looking for some seriously tasty chili cheese fries in Chicago. Just be warned: once you try them here, other versions just won't cut the mustard (wink wink).

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Meatheads

Highlights
Delicious burgers
Allergy-friendly
Great customer service
Cajun french fries

First things first, their burgers are absolutely delicious! But let's get back to the main topic of discussion here: chili cheese fries. Meatheads' take on this classic dish is definitely a contender for the best in Chicago.

What sets them apart is the fact that they are allergy-friendly, which is great news for those with specific dietary requirements. The customer service was also top-notch, making my experience all the more enjoyable.

The fries themselves were cooked perfectly and had a nice crispiness to them. The chili was flavorful and had just the right amount of spice to it. And let's not forget about the cheese - it was melted to perfection and brought everything together.

But what really stood out to me were their cajun french fries. They had a nice kick to them that complemented the chili cheese fries perfectly. I highly recommend trying them both together!

Overall, Meatheads proved to be a worthy contender in my search for the best chili cheese fries in Chicago. Their delicious burgers, allergy-friendly options, great customer service, and cajun french fries make this place worth visiting.

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Lola’s Coney Island

Highlights
Authentic Detroit coney dogs
Excellent customer service
Homemade "layola" sauce
Clean and friendly atmosphere

First things first, let's talk about their chili cheese fries. The fries were crispy and golden, topped with generous portions of chili and melted cheese. I was blown away by the combination of flavors in every bite. It was a perfect balance between the savory chili and gooey cheese, making it hard to resist having just one more bite.

But what really impressed me about Lola's Coney Island was their excellent customer service. From the moment I walked in, I was welcomed with warm smiles and friendly greetings from the staff. They were very attentive to my needs and made sure that my visit was nothing short of exceptional.

Another highlight of this place is their homemade "layola" sauce – a secret recipe that adds a unique twist to their already delicious food. It complemented the chili cheese fries perfectly, leaving me wanting more.

Aside from the food, Lola's Coney Island boasts an authentic Detroit coney dog experience that is worth checking out. The clean and friendly atmosphere also makes for a great place to unwind after a long day at work or exploring Chicago.

Overall, Lola's Coney Island definitely deserves a spot on the list of best chili cheese fries in Chicago for its mouth-watering taste, excellent customer service, homemade layola sauce, and welcoming atmosphere.

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Fatso's Last Stand

Highlights
Delicious char dogs
Great customer service
Amazing fries

First of all, I have to say that I was blown away by the amazing fries at Fatso's Last Stand. The fries were perfectly crispy and golden brown, and they had just the right amount of seasoning. But what really took these fries to the next level was the generous serving of chili and cheese on top. It was like a flavor explosion in my mouth!

In addition to the fries, I also tried their delicious char dogs which were juicy and full of flavor. And let's not forget about their great customer service! The staff at Fatso's Last Stand were friendly and accommodating, which made my experience even better.

Overall, I would highly recommend Fatso's Last Stand for anyone looking for some seriously tasty chili cheese fries in Chicago. You won't be disappointed!

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The Hat Chicago

Highlights
Late night hours
Great variety of menu items
Cozy atmosphere
Convenient parking nearby

First off, let's talk about the chili cheese fries. Oh my goodness! These fries were amazing! The perfect amount of crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, smothered in a generous serving of flavorful chili and melted cheese. Every bite was an absolute delight.

But that's not all that The Hat has to offer. They have a great variety of menu items for everyone to enjoy, from burgers to hot dogs to sandwiches. And if you're looking for a late night snack, The Hat is open until 3 am on weekends!

The atmosphere at The Hat is cozy and inviting, with plenty of seating options for both small and large groups. Plus, the convenient parking nearby makes it easy to stop by and indulge in some delicious chili cheese fries.

Overall, I highly recommend checking out The Hat Chicago if you're in the mood for some top-notch chili cheese fries (and who isn't?). Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

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Choppers

Highlights
Quad burger
Variety of shakes
Mix and match shakes
Beautifully themed diner
Patient and kind staff

First of all, let me just say that the atmosphere at Choppers is amazing! It's a beautifully themed diner that really takes you back in time. But we're not here to talk about the decor, are we? Let's get to the food!

I have to say, I was pretty impressed with their chili cheese fries. They were piping hot and smothered in generous amounts of cheese and chili. The fries themselves were crispy and perfectly seasoned.

But what really stood out to me was their Quad Burger - a burger with four juicy patties stacked high. It's definitely not for the faint of heart (or stomach) but it's worth every bite. And if you're feeling adventurous, try mixing and matching their variety of shakes. Trust me, you won't regret it.

What really made my experience at Choppers memorable was their staff. Despite being incredibly busy, they were patient and kind, making sure everyone had a great dining experience.

Overall, if you're looking for some delicious chili cheese fries (and maybe even a Quad Burger), head on over to Choppers in Chicago. You won't be disappointed!

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Victory Grill

Highlights
Kid-friendly
Great service
Authentic Chicago hotdogs
Spicy sport peppers
Amazing murals

Firstly, let me tell you that Victory Grill is a great place to bring your kids along for a meal. With its kid-friendly atmosphere, you won't have to worry about your little ones getting bored while you enjoy their authentic Chicago hotdogs and spicy sport peppers. In addition to the delicious hotdogs, Victory Grill has some of the best chili cheese fries I've ever tasted!

What sets Victory Grill apart from other places in Chicago is their amazing murals adorning the walls. While waiting for your food, take a moment to admire the beautiful artwork around you. It's definitely worth taking some pictures for Instagram!

The service at Victory Grill is also impeccable. The staff is friendly and attentive without being overbearing. They're always willing to go the extra mile and ensure that all customers are satisfied with their meals.

Overall, if you're looking for some amazing chili cheese fries in Chicago, Victory Grill should be at the top of your list. Whether you come alone or with family and friends, this place will not disappoint!

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Jr’s Red Hots

Highlights
Friendly staff
Delicious food
Budget-friendly
Small joint charm

Walking into this small joint, I was greeted by a friendly and accommodating staff that made me feel right at home. I was excited to try their chili cheese fries as they were raved about online.

Let me tell you, these fries did not disappoint! The crispy fries were smothered in savory chili and gooey cheese, making every bite an explosion of flavor. The chili had just the right amount of spice, adding a kick without overwhelming the taste buds.

What's even better is that Jr’s Red Hots doesn't break the bank. This budget-friendly spot is perfect for anyone looking for a delicious meal without emptying their wallet.

The charm of this small joint only adds to its appeal. It's cozy and casual atmosphere makes it feel like you're enjoying some comfort food in your own living room.

Overall, I highly recommend visiting Jr’s Red Hots if you're on the hunt for the best chili cheese fries in Chicago. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

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Donald's Famous Hot Dogs

Highlights
High quality hot dogs
Fast and great service
Recommended dishes: Gyros, Hot Dog, Italian Beef Sandwich
Plenty of free parking

First of all, let me just say that this place truly lives up to its name. The hot dogs were some of the best quality I've had in a while. But let's talk about what we're really here for - the chili cheese fries. Wow, just wow! The fries were cooked to perfection and topped with a generous amount of chili and melted cheese. It was like a party in my mouth.

The service was fast and great, which is always a plus when you're hungry and craving some delicious food. And if you're unsure what to order, I highly recommend trying their gyros, hot dog, or Italian beef sandwich - they won't disappoint.

Another great thing about this place is that there's plenty of free parking available, so no need to worry about finding a spot on the busy streets of Chicago.

In conclusion, if you're looking for high-quality hot dogs and some of the best chili cheese fries in Chicago, Donald's Famous Hot Dogs is definitely worth checking out. Don't take my word for it though - go try it out for yourself!

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Devil Dawgs on State

Highlights
Diverse menu
Delicious fries
Great chicken

First off, let me just say that their menu is extremely diverse. They have everything from burgers to hot dogs, but of course, I was there for one thing and one thing only - their chili cheese fries.

I ordered the classic chili cheese fries and was not disappointed. The fries were perfectly crispy and the chili had just the right amount of spice to it. It wasn't too overwhelming, which allowed the flavor of the fries to still shine through. And can we talk about the cheese? Oh my goodness, it was so melty and delicious. I could tell it wasn't some cheap imitation cheese either.

But let me tell you a little secret - their chicken is just as good as their chili cheese fries! I tried their buffalo chicken sandwich and it was out of this world. The chicken itself was juicy and flavorful, and the buffalo sauce had just enough kick to satisfy my spicy cravings.

Overall, Devil Dawgs on State is definitely a must-visit spot in Chicago for anyone looking for some seriously delicious fries or some killer chicken sandwiches. Don't take my word for it though, go try it out yourself!

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