top of page

​

Six works of art, three world class dog stands.
A pairing of public art & street food.

​

The love of Chicago style hot dogs comes organically to artist, Jeff Zimmermann. His
grandfather owned a stand called "Zimmy's" on south Western where Jeff's father and uncles
worked after school. They worked for free but enjoyed all the encased meat they could stand.

Stop #1: Humboldt Park

Jeff Zimmermann
Artist & Hot Dog Aficionado

Begin at Jeff Zimmermann's working art studio in Humboldt Park. Inside, view some of his Chicago Style Hot Dog series works. Outside, view "The Party," a mural covering the length of the building.

Located at 1876 N. Damen, George's in Bucktown has been serving quintessential Chicago style dogs since 1948. This is the artist's "home" stand.

Stop #2: The Beach & The Loop

This is a 3-part stop. First, head to Oak Street Beach to view Zimmermann's iconic, 240' mural along Lake Shore Drive. Next, off to the Merchandise Mart where Jeff's 80' mural welcomes you to Chicago's hugely successful tech hub, 1871 Chicago. Lastly, check out the dog at 30 East (Balbo).

Oak Street Beach

In business since 1939, Jim's Original is "World Famous." Located at 1250 S. Union, Jim's was an anchor of Maxwell St.

Oak Street Beach

1871 Chicago

Final Stop: Southeast Side

Final Stop: Southeast Side

Finally, cruise down to the Southeast Side to visit Zimmermann's mural for SkyART. 2017 was Chicago's "Year of Public Art," and the SkyART mural was one of Mayor Emmanuel's "50x50" neighborhood arts projects. One of Zimmermann's favorite non-profits, SkyART uses free visual arts programming as a vehicle for young people to create, to communicate effectively, and to learn the essential skills and creative thinking needed to succeed.

Finally, cruise down to the Southeast Side to visit Zimmermann's mural for SkyART. 2017 was Chicago's "Year of Public Art," and the SkyART mural was one of Mayor Emmanuel's "50x50" neighborhood arts projects. One of Zimmermann's favorite non-profits, SkyART uses free visual arts programming as a vehicle for young people to create, to communicate effectively, and to learn the essential skills and creative thinking needed to succeed.

Just off the Chicago Skyway (obviously), Skyway Doghouse is a consistent winner of many "Best of.." contests. Serving the southeast side since 1969, Jeff thinks all the bridges down there are cool and add to the atmosphere. 

Still Hungry? Optional Stops To Add

Tour the Vienna Beef Factory on North Damen.

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chicago's Soho House features a Zimmermann mural with a dog. That's private, not public art, but he'll take you to see it. After, try a Portillo's. Founded as a simple hot dog stand in Villa Park in 1963, Portillo's has grown to 50 locations. Although they're now "big and corporate," their Chicago style dogs remain classic. Zimmermann prefer's a "stand," but Portillo's is interesting and the best dogs near Soho House.

​

​

​

bottom of page