Hot Willy's Sausage and Italian Beef

[sergeantnic]

We are from the Chicago area orginally and grew up eating Vienna Sausage hotdogs and Italian Beef sandwiches.

Over the last 10 years we have searched and searched for true Chicago Style Italian Beef and finally found the place.

Hot Willy's in Ybor off of 5th Ave. We've been there twice and the quality was the same both times.

It is a small shack with a small patio for outdoor dining. They import all of their products straight from the Vienna Sausage company in Chicago. The beef is excellent and cooked perfectly.

I highly recommend the "Wet" Italian Beef sandwich but be prepared for a mess. I haven't got their Giardiniera yet but will next time.

They also do authentic Chicago style dogs.

http://www.hotwillys.com/

[Stricken]

My kinda thread minus the homosexual undertones lmao! Will have to try it tx for the info.

[sergeantnic]

My kinda thread minus the homosexual undertones lmao! Will have to try it tx for the info.

Yeah I'm sure I'll catch some grief for the name.

They are open late on Friday and Saturday nights but closed on Sunday.

He also serves beer and wine if you are so inclined.

I'll be up there Saturday for my new weekly ritual of a Wet Italian Beef sandwich and tots!

[Scottly]

Portillos FTW

[Scottly]

Lou Malnotti's deep dish...heavenly.

[stevewfl]

I lived in the burbs of Chicago and miss the food (not the winter). Thanks for the heads up!

[MightyMouse]

I've never been to Chicago so I have no point of reference but there is a place on Ulmerton road in Clearwater called Chicago Dog House. Nothing fancy about it but the decor is all Chicago and the food is excellent. There's celery salt shakers at the tables if that says anything about the authenticity. I can't get enough of that stuff. My favorite is the brat with mustard and kraut. They're the white brats, not the brown ones. I believe the owner, a white-haired bearded gentleman who also runs the register, is a Chicago native. He's a character and the service is excellent. I've seen the Vienna Sausage Co. sign on the wall so possibly he imports from them as well. Maybe you could try it out one day and tell us how authentic it is.

[sergeantnic]

I've been to the Chicago Dog house and it's pretty good. I don't recall if he does Italian Beef or not??

This isn't the only place that does Chicago dogs or Beef sandwiches but it's the only one we've found close to us that is good quality.

There used to be a place on Hwy 301 in Gibsonton that did authentic deep dish Chicago Style pizza called Luigi's. But they closed. Now we gotta find a new Chicago Style pizza place.

Giordano's is alright but the quality is hit or miss and we usually get their stuffed pizze instead of the deep dish.

[SAT_DUC]

I will also tell you the place across the street from it "El Puerto's" is F'in AMAZING!! Do yourself a favor and try it. If you've never had Argentinian food you will kick yourself for not trying this sooner.

[Prettyboy]

good spot...been there twice myself.

[PalmHarborGsxr]

thanks for sharing....will check it out soon

[kaiser sauze]

God I wish they would open a Portillos or an Al'd beef here how awesome would that be.

[vfrsam]

My kinda thread minus the homosexual undertones lmao! Will have to try it tx for the info.

My thoughts exactly.