Michael’s is a Highland Park legend that’s been serving the community for 40 years. If you ask of the owners, they’ll describe it as serving “North Shore comfort food”, because they’re focused not just on making meals, but on making memories. However, they concede that most people describe Michaels as “Chicago-style fast casual.” Michaels opened in 1977 as a 12-stool hot dog stand and many of the same team members are still there today.
Michael’s built a reputation for serving the finest Chicago-style hot dogs and specialty sandwiches. More than three generations of families have returned for the jumbo char dog with cheddar fries, taking heart in the fact that Michael’s doesn’t frown upon ketchup on your hot dog. Plus, Michael’s has expanded its repertoire with wraps, baked potatoes, a 46-ingredient salad bar and specialty salads like a terrific Asian salad and Debbie’s Favorite Salad with field greens, chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, goat cheese, sliced pears and balsamic vinaigrette.
Michael’s is located at 1879 Second Street in Highland Park, 847-432-3338, www.michaelshotdogs.com.
