Frank Meats Patty

Schucks, I learn another place I liked suddenly closed down thanks to looking on Unilocal (specificially a Unilocaler’s comment section, and then I went over to its Unilocal page to check)! Shame, since this place was really good. I guess I’ll do one, anyway.
My first visit (blargh, I see I oddly forgot to checkin on that visit), I ordered the shrimp, and liked that a lot. Second time here, I ordered something that wasn’t just a basic cheeseburger (forget the exact name it went by on FMP’s menu), and it closely resembled how much I loved In ‘n Out’s animal style cheeseburger when I went there in San Francisco. Forget Shake Shack, this was THE best imitation I had found of that anywhere in Chicago! I did try something that my mom ordered the first time I went here (2^nd time was by myself), and while I oddly can’t remember what that was, that was the only thing I felt was a little off.
Shame to hear they suddenly closed sometime this fall, since this place really was great. In fact, I might’ve upped this review to 5 stars, had I had another great experience here again. Sadly, I’ll never know if this place was 5 star great.

I know, its been a hard year, you can open up to me. You’re still grieving over the closure of Hot Doug’s. We are all, in our own way — some slice liverwurst on a dog and call it a foie gras sausage, some pour cheez whiz on a cheap polish and call it an elk dog, some crack completely and vote Republican.
Grief takes many forms, not all of them pretty, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Frank can help. He won’t replace Doug, but he can get you back in the saddle. Frank makes a solid Chicago dog, and his burger has a great char grilled flavor, a solid diner burger that is a great neighborhood option when you don’t need a beer. The fries are comparable to Doug’s. I hear the fried shrimp is good, but I haven’t tried it.
There are no gourmet sausages, and it really isn’t a destination restaurant like Doug’s was, but that’s OK. We in Avondale are glad to have it.
Service is extremely friendly, and its cash only, so breathe deep and remember that, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Orders are taken on an iPad but they don’t take credit cards. How hard is it to get a square reader? Even my local farmers market uses them. They are trying to fake like they are their predecessor, the inimitable Hot Doug’s, but are a far cry from it. Kitschy claw machine and candy/​prize machines have been added and just serve to further establish them as any other local burger joint. Also, the cheese sauce is gross — I typically like the liquid cheese for my French fries and when I ordered it was told that is what they served. Not the case, see my picture for reference. Had the single fatso with cheese, it was pretty good and they have one of those awesome make your own soda Coke machines. This was my second time here and I’ll probably be back because I live in the neighborhood but I don’t have high expectations.

Finally made my way to the Avondale neighborhood to satisfy my craving for greasy goodness. I never used to eat this way until I discovered their sister location– Fatso’s Last Stand when I resided in Humboldt Park. That place was my go to for Shrimp, Sloppy Fatso, Hot dogs and burgers. I frequented the place so much that I was actually interviewed by Adam Richman in Man Finds Food. It helped that they had a parking lot because parking was tough around that neighborhood. I moved to Lincoln Park in February and thought that I now liked hot dogs and greasy burgers. I tried a bunch of local hot dog stands, and honestly, nothing measured up to what I grew accustomed to.
I was in Avondale neighborhood yesterday, so I stopped into Frank Meats Patty.
I ordered a cheeseburger and cheese fries to go.
I was nervous about how the food would travel the 20 minute drive back home.
The packaging they used for the fries, kept them crispy and my burger with all the fixings didn’t get soggy. Score!
I forgot how good French Fries and a greasy burger could actually be. All the other hot dog joints use the same standard thick cut frozen French Fries and frozen burgers, but these are different. They are amazing… The burger was tasty, fresh and I could tell all the toppings were freshly sliced.
I will be coming back with my nieces and nephews!

This place is not good. There’s a reason this place is always empty and now has plenty of parking. The woman at the register barked «cash only» as we tried to pay using a credit card. The ketchup was watered down and disgusting. The cheddar sauce was merely a few slices of kraft singles thrown in the microwave. Disgusting!!!
It’s a shame that the former Hot Dougs location has not only lost its friendly and welcoming appeal, but the quality and care that people came to expect. I will not return and I absolutely do Not recommend this place in the least. If I could give the food and service half a star, I would, but that’s not an option here. Save your time and money and go elsewhere.

the red headed step child of Lockdown and Fatso’s (Phil’s) Last Stand — located in the former Hot Doug’s location. The burgers are super fat and greasy and the fries i feel like i gained 20 pounds after eating. The great selection of uncommon soda bottles. Only thing I wished it had was a different menu from Fatso since it’s somewhat a car ride away or just name it Fatso #2 which doesn’t sound very good. Regardless, Support this place as it’s a neighborhood joint! Great greasy and fatty food that’ll give you a heart attack and you’ll thank me.
Also i wish hours on weekend were extended — only downfall.

If you’re looking for a great, reasonably priced burger and top notch Chicago-​style char dog, Frank Meats Patty is your place! I really love Fatso’s, so I was very much looking forward to my meal here. We arrived around 7:30 on a Tuesday to an empty restaurant which I was a bit bummed to see; that being said, I know this location is just a bit off the beaten path, so I hope their business picks up soon, because I’m a huge fan (or maybe they just receive more traffic earlier in the day/​on the weekends).
I ordered a single Fatso with cheese as well as a char dog – my boyfriend went with the Super Ooey Gooey. We were both so satisfied with our meals; the burgers were cooked perfectly and had the right balance of toppings. The burgers at Fatso’s Last Stand are consistently juicy, full of flavor, and require lots of cleanup post meal, and Frank Meats Patty is no different (YUM!). The char dog was also delish; can’t go wrong with a Chicago style dog!
The prices here are definitely reasonable; we left feeling full but not stuffed; all in we spent about $ 22 for 1 single Fatso with cheese, 1 super ooey gooey, 1 char dog, and 2 Filbert’s sodas (they have a lot of unique flavors like black cherry, fruit punch, grape, etc.).

I have fond memories of the fun times I spent at the previous establishment. But times do change and I’m happy to say that I really like this new occupant. Frank Meats Patty is related to another place we visit – Fatso’s Last Stand – FMP is newer, brighter and has more seating.
We stopped here for a late lunch. All I had on my mind was a burger… a big juicy burger. FMP provided a good one in the Ooey Gooey. Now if what you are craving is a juicy, sloppy, several napkin swiping kind of burger, the Ooey Gooey is it. It’s a Merkts cheese stuffed hamburger patty, griddled and topped with grilled onions. It’s a huge burger and it’s divine. Throw out your diets, come on a cheat day, run a 5k first because this is an awesome calorie splurge.
I opted for a side of cheese fries and although the fries were good, the cheese sauce on the side looked really gross – it wasn’t smooth or creamy, just this gloppy mess. but the fries were tasty and definitely my son’s favorite as well.
Another great thing about this place – the Coca Cola Freestyle Machine! Can’t always get grape soda anywhere and my son loved getting grape sprite. The menu is mostly char dogs and burgers. But there’s also fried shrimp, fried pickle chips and FLS’s famous Mac N Cheese.
Friendly service, clean digs. Cash only, although there is an ATM on site in case you forget your green.

Ca$h money only!
Service is great here, the main guy working is very nice and helpful to all his customers.
Coke Freestyle machine makes drinking non-​alcoholic beverages. If you don’t drink pop, don’t let the name turn you off. They have a ton of fizzy and flavored waters to pick from, as well.
I had the Mac & Cheese with Salami and I think adding the salami is what really made it delicious. Without the meat bits, I fear it wouldn’t have been overly special. The portion for $ 8.50 is huge! It made three meals for me and I felt like a beast ordering it.
Viable option when I’m craving some beastly mac & cheese or a char dog!

Came in yesterday to try the fried pickles among other things. Was not disappointed! The guy working at the front was supper nice, we recognized him from Fatsos! The food came out fast and tasty. I will definitely be back!

Don’t think about it… JUST GET YOUR GRUB ON HERE! Absolutely superb customer service, food and plenty of parking. CASH only but don’t fret, there’s an ATM onsite. The owner of this place, Bob is a super cool, friendly, funny man who goes out of his way to make you feel as if you are family and grant any of your foodie desires. He will strike up a good conversation if you are looking for one.
The shrimp is a must do! Big n’ juicy shrimp encased in panko breadcrumbs accompanied by their fabulous homemade cocktail sauce. Order them plain or on their uniquely tasty po’ boy. Do their ooey gooey yummy Mac n’ cheese. Get it with diced salami or hot dog. DO EVERYTHING HERE!
Happy Frank Meats Patty made it out this way. Anticipated their opening as soon as I found out it was the sister restaurant of Phil’s Last Stand AKA Fatso’s. You do it and you do it well! Keep it up. Thank you for keeping a foodie like me happy!

The problem with Unilocal is that individuals like Matt W. (see below — 2÷18÷15) are able to freely post and ruin reviews of amazing joints that will soon become Chicago staples. No offense, but you, Sir, have terrible taste.
First off, Frank Meats Patty is not «ripping off» Hot Doug’s in the slightest. They are paying homage to a retired Chicago institution by doing a few similar off-​menu offerings on weekends. Since they took over the Doug’s location, they are simply paying their respects to the former régime; deservedly so. Think of it as analogous to when baseball teams wear patches of retired numbers on their jerseys.
Secondly, it isn’t rude or cheesy to display a «NO KETCHUP» sign. We live in Chicago. It’s a simple rule that goes back ages in this town. You don’t like it, move away. Also, why on earth would anyone steam hot dogs when they can char them? It’s inefficient to do both (given a smaller end fast food kitchen) and knocks their signature char dog popularized at Phil’s/Fatso’s. Not to mention how much better a char dog tastes over a bland steam dog… Again, this is Chicago. It appears Matt W. should move to the dirty cesspool of New York City…
Frank Meats Patty is drunk, comfort food heaven, just like its’ big brother Phil’s in Ukrainian Village (still not calling it Fatso’s… RIP Phil). Same menu, different neighborhood, larger, more family friendly establishment. Bob and his delightful staff rotate at both, so you are assured to be greeted with tons of smiles and efficient service, just like Hot Doug’s used to do.
It pained me to read some of the previous reviews. Also, Sylvana C., who gave one star simply because there is no chicken or salad… This is a greasy comfort food joint — why in the hell would they need to offer those? You should have done your due diligence and eaten elsewhere! Although good luck with that in this neighborhood…
LONG LIVE FRANK MEATS PATTY!

Fatso’s is great and this is essentially the same food from soup to nuts. (I’m glad, because I live within walking distance of Fatso’s and the drive to FMP is weekends-​only.) The only noticeable difference with the Avondale location of FMP is that it’s much more family friendly in the winter, i.e. there is space inside to have your family of four sit and enjoy the meal when it’s freakin’ cold outside. When it’s warm, Fatso’s outdoor picnic tables and kids area beats this, but when I needed to eat in with my wife and one-​year-​old, FMP fits the bill.
As others say here, the «secret» menu is no longer secret, so if you want a Super Ooey Gooey stuffed burger, you only have to look at the signage to know the deal. Prices looked the same. The staff is very friendly and they are very appreciative of the strength of good customer service.
Also – you still generally want to avoid the hot dogs here. In order of preference: Fatso’s, Super Ooey Gooey, Ooey Gooey, the fries, the polish, the shrimp, the hot dogs. (You should really think of Fatso’s/FMP as a burger/​fries joint that serves hots and polish because we live in Chicago.) If you absolutely have to eat a dog because you are standing in the most recent Hot Doug’s location and need to stroll down memory lane, have at it, but the dogs at Devil Dawgs, Flub-​a-​Dub-​Chubs, Superdawg, etc. all crush this dog.
Also, part deux: FMP is only open until 8 PM. This is a borderline travesty, but I’m guessing the neighbors over here have something to do with this. Fatso’s lets me have my cravings and show up for lunch, dinner or late nights… beautiful. I don’t think this will hurt business up here, but if you were thinking of strolling through here for a late-​night crush after you leave the club and are driving home… think again.

I am very glad that Frank Meats Patty has taken over this space– their burger is the same as Fatso’s Last Stand in Ukrainian Village. the place is pretty much the same– The burger was tasty, the french fries were fresh cut and a good amount for 2 bucks.
I was mostly impressed with the friendly staff– the gal who took my order, asked for my name-​but their was no shout out, she brought the food to my table, and asked if she could get me anything else. on the way out the guy in charge (possible owner) thanked me by name for stopping in.
I noticed a Groupon today, so hopefully that will increase their business-​I also like that they stay open till 8 each night and are open on Sundays. Next time– a char dog for me.

Rosa J. works hard, but she definitely eats harder. It was a minus-​Fahrenheit-​weather-​kind-​of-​the-​day, but it wouldn’t stop Rosa J.‘s request on searching for great burgers.
I’m not well-​acquainted with the old tenant at the exactly the same location (Hot Doug’s), so I came here with no preconception and just simply hoped for a good burger coming out from this corner joint.
I was greeted by a nice young man and took my order. I had the Double Fatso with cheese burger and fried pickles.
I’ve heard that this place is a sister restaurant with the Fatso’s Last Stand on Chicago Ave. in the West Town neighborhood. Is there any confirmation on this piece of information? By the way, there’s a Unilocal check-​in offer: one (1) free fountain drink, a $ 1.89 value. Thus, take an advantage if you’re a check-​in freak like myself (Yes, just recently earned the « Unilocal Maximus» badge… thank you very much, my friend).
The burger was delicious. My sensory system was able to detect the nice, grilled smell coming straight from the burger itself (I LOVE that smell). The gooey cheese «mingled» harmoniously with the grilled onions and other toppings. I typically ask my onions to be grilled, versus raw, because I think grilled onions somehow «neutralize» melted cheese, in my opinion. Not to mention that the juice coming from the grilled onions and cheese creates a good dipping sauce for fries, or in my case, fried pickles.
On the other hand, I’ve not had fried pickles for a long time and almost forgot how «oily» they were. I needed the oil tonight though because I’m often relying on my beloved CTA trains and busses. I don’t personally own any «penguin oil» in my body (don’t expect to find such thing from a 95 lb. Asian girl), but oiliness from those yummy fried pickles would probably do the trick.
I wish this place is open a little bit «later» at nights. It’s kind of early to close at 2000 hour, so I selfishly deducted one (1) star!
Speaking of CTA busses, there’s no «northbound» CTA 52 (California/​Kedzie) bus stop across from Frank Meats Patty. I believe the nearest one is on California/​Belmont. Then you will be expecting to walk a short couple of blocks north. Nevertheless, there’s a southbound bus stop at California/​Roscoe, which is located on the same side as FMP, immediately crossing Roscoe.

After being the first customer in line and my live TV debut on WCIU’s «You & Me This Morning» I finally made it back to try a Char Dog. Since I got a free meal my first visit, I technically couldn’t leave a review. It was also an honor to get to turn on the «OPEN» sign officially opening day, at such a recognized storefront. The Foie Gras Duck Burger was killer opening morning.
I love the fact that quality and loving care goes into every meal. I tend to avoid hot dogs, unless they’re char dogs. A custom made dog, a great sharp cheddar smear on the perfectly steamed poppy seed bun, is tops on my check list. Chicago Style toppings are perfectly executed and I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed a hot dog so much.
Many menu items I still wish to explore and I need to get creative with more visits to the city. Bob and his crew go out of their way to make you feel welcome and you’ll certainly leave satisfied… he’ll remake if you aren’t happy.

If you’ve been to Fatso’s Last Stand, you know the menu here: burgers, dogs, fries, and sodas, all cash, no credit card. The only difference is the secret menu is out in the open and the interior’s much nicer and spacious than their Ukranian Village digs.
A nice tip of the hat to the previous tenant is the inclusion of duck fat fries on Friday/​Saturday and wild game burgers featured each month.
If you’re in Avondale and don’t want to wait for a table at Parachute or you’re not in the mood for fried chicken from HBFC, this is a good spot to smash out some grub.

So… How to review this place?
Looking out the window while sitting at the counter top everything felt familiarish., but different. Layout is the same as when Hot Doug’s occupied the space. There was a bittersweet excitement waiting for my food. No gourmet hot dogs. Just burgers, fries, char dogs, and fried shrimp… not that there is anything wrong with those choices.
Obviously, I am not going to compare it to Lockdown (updated my review to better reflect the place as they do not still play Nickelback). Not quite Phil’s (Or Fatso’s now) Last Stand either. FMP is it’s own entity, but does closely resemble Fatso’s Last Stand.
There is a bit of nostalgia coming here. I still remember Hot Doug’s and I think this place will always make me think fondly of Doug Sohn first. Anyways, this is what I ordered…
Duck burger: Good stuff. Whatever the onions were cooked in was a bit strong and provided a bit too much tang for the burger and overpowered the foie gras a bit. I’d probably get the Ooey Gooey or Fatso burger more often than the specialty, but still good.
Duck fat fries: Maybe the oil wasn’t up to hot enough temp or wasn’t cooked long enough, but the fries were a little soggy. Normally I love this because the extra oil tends to cause more salt to stick, but I ordered Vern’s cheddar on the side and I was having trouble penetrating (that’s what she said) the cheddar with the fries.
Overall, it’s good food with friendly staff.

Awesomeness in my belly — now I thought there would be a long line but so glad I was able to get in and out! I watched from my office window checking on it every hour! Today was their grand opening and it was filled with my co workers. The guy was nice taking my order and very pleasant. Menu on the wall easy to follow. They even have a Belly account so make sure that you check in with your Belly app! Get points!
Ah, just like Hot Dougs… CASH ONLY… I repeat… CASH ONLY!!!
I ordered the single fatso burger with bacon and it was to die for. I’ll definitely be back!!!
Oh find out if those magnet along the wall are able to be taken down and kept!

Its opening day for Frank Meats Patty (FMP) and I made it. On my way I had many questions along with excitement. How would it compare with Hot Dougs? (unfairly so). Would there be a 3-​hour wait to get in? (since it is opening day).Would the food match the hype? (Most rarely do). Lets dig in!
As I was walking up to FMP there was no line to be seen. Hmm, surely inside it would be slammed. Nope! Just a couple tables taken. Hmm! So I placed my order: A Double Fatso Burger with bacon (he suggested bacon over a fried egg), a Char dog and some fresh cut fries.
That burger was INCREDIBLE (Did you see that pic, thats a beautiful thing)! I was expecting a decent burger but nothing special, nothing that would rival Kumas, Lockdown (My fave) or Au Cheval. Guess I was wrong, they are in the discussion (badass). So tasty, juicy, cheesy all the way down to the last bite. That last bite is important, pretty much any burger is good the first bite or two but near the end many end up blech! Not FMP! This is a badass burger to the end! Well done. Oh still not much of a crowd, maybe that neighborhood feel is real!
The Char Dog was nothing special to me. A charred hot dog with the typical Chicago style toppings. Not that it was bad but nothing great. I tasted like they overdid the celery salt on the dog. Easy with that stuff fellas, as I thought it took away from the actual charred flavor of the dog.
The fries were fresh cut with a healthy dosing of celery salt. But I liked them as it seemed to work better than the dog. Wowza still no crowd, in fact, fairly empty! Shocked!
The layout is pretty much the same with some different colors and lots of Chicago memorabilia. Customer Service was quite good, my order was taken promptly with no hassle and my food came hot and fast.
If I have a significant complaint its that its freezing by the window. I often like to sit by the window and gaze out and daydream of what my life could of been as opposed to what Im going to write in my review of a hot dog joint. But this was quite uncomfortable as I had to put my jacket on and eventually move away to a table… Take care of those windows guys!
Overall this is a very different animal than Hot Doug’s and should not be compared. The burger is Badass, the dog needs some work. But I would say the food lives up to the hype as does the service. You guys made me a fan! Maybe a few little quirks to work out but looks like they eventually will have a strong following. Ill be back to try that Buffalo Burger or Foi Grois! Keep doing what your doing! 4.2 stars!