Hot Dog of the Day: Vienna Beef Factory Store

Vienna Beef Factory Store One wouldn’t be faulted for thinking the Vienna Beef Factory Store might have a better hot dog than the average stand. On proximity alone, shouldn’t the public store of the local fount of encased meat have a fresher, snappier dog? Well, frankly, it doesn’t. The store’s straight-outta-the-’70s lunchroom, dotted with factory workers who somehow aren’t yet sick of their employer’s output, puts out a solid, orthodox Chicago-style dog ($2.75) wrapped in paper with a heap of crinkle fries. The most exceptional thing about a visit to the meat Mecca’s store is the rare option of Barq’s Red Creme at the soda fountain.—Jake Malooley