Carl’s Red Hots

I was a regular at Carl’s 50 years ago, but now its across the street and the old ladies with hair nets are long gone. It was a nice blast from the past and you can’t ruin a Vienna Polish with mustard and onions. Food was good but its a different vibe.

If I want a quick turkey burger or a sub, then Carl’s is the spot! My kids love the chicken wings with mild sauce… not the healthiest meal, but they swear by it! Subs, hot dogs, Super tacos… all with a smile and pretty quick service. Not bad for a fast food joynt!

Your typical Southside of Chicago grease pit.
Like everywhere else, it has food specials that don’t actually save you any money. A menu in which 95% of the items are fried.
I gave this place three stars because the food was so hot when I got it. I ordered a gyro and I liked how they put the cucumber sauce on the side the keep it cold, and they weren’t stingy with the sauce like most places.

I am 75 year old. Carl’s Red Hots Stand was my first job in 1955. I loved working for Carl and Mr. Siegel. (he was so sweet) He would have this saying…“If you know what I mean.” I remember him always looking over his eyeglasses. Smile.
One time, I a friend stopped by the stand to see me… I gave him a free hot dog. One of the customers saw this and told on me. Carl was so kind and told me how he made this his living and I should not give it away. I cried but he forgave me. I had a greater sense of respect for working hard and be honest. He taught me how to forgive and forget. He never brought it up again.
We sold nothing but Red Hots with fries for .25 cents, cold drinks and hot tamales.
At that time, I made 75 cents an hour… and I saved enough to buy my Senior Prom Dress…$ 50. Which was a lot of money back then.
Carl would never let me ride the bus home when I worked closing… he made sure I got home safe. He drove me to my home. Always a very kind and caring man who worked very hard. I am so glad to hear Carl’s Red Hots is still around. I now live in Phoenix, AZ. One day I will stop by and have a Red Hot for olé time sake .hope I get to meet Carl’s son. God Blessings on you.
June Hyman Esposito

Quick review for a quick bite.
I needed a quick bite before a church event, so I stopped by Carl’s Red Hots. My first mind told me to get a polish and fries, but I got the fries and tamales instead. Big mistake. The tamales were not made by Carl’s and were not even close to good tamales… please stop selling this! The fries were good, hot and yummy.
I give Carl’s one extra star for great customer service even when there were loud kids around, the place was clean for a food joint, and it was warm inside the lobby for their customers. Prices were good overall.
Maybe one day I can re-​visit and get a Red Hot or a polish.

apparently you not only need a sandwich with beef on it but you also need italian sausage. then you need to have this said artery clogger dipped to go along with a bag full of greasy french fries. and then you need to wash it down with a coke. i was unaware of these things that i needed until we made a quick stop at carl’s to grab some food… and it was a very good idea. the sandwich was awesome but this is not for the waistline watching crowd. you just have to suck it up that you’ve gained 1lb just by looking at the menu and 5lbs when finishing this delicious meal. and the prices are well within reason so at least your wallet doesn’t take a hit!

Reasonable prices, quick service, good food and not a whole lot of attitude from the employees!!! I definitely recommend this place; especially after a night of drinking! LOL!

I grew up with Carl’s Red Hots since the 60’s. I remember the wonderful greasy bags of fries and the wonderful dogs and the orange Nehi. I was of course only like 10 years old but my memories are wonderful. I do miss their old shack across the street of the current location. Something about eating in a little shack

Great food for when you’re in a rush to get lunch. Super specials, as well as quick service. I really like coming here because it has a variety of different food (I’m a fan of the hot dogs!) and it even has a drive through! I’ll be seeing a lot of Carl’s this school year!