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I stopped by Jim's Original last Saturday (1/6/07) and noticed that the price of a Polish and fries had gone up from $2.60 to $2.85 including tax since my last visit back in September of '06. I walked over to Express Grill to see how they were handling things, and their price for a Polish was adjusted to match Jim's penny-for-penny! I went back and enjoyed a Polish from Jim's in the end, but I was just surprised by the increase in price as I'd prepared change ahead of time to make the transaction nice and easy. Anyone know if this is a simple increase in the cost of living or a seasonal thing?

Slightly disappointed (but still happy with the food),
Dan

Dan, three factors caused a price increase during the past year: a fuel surcharge imposed by Alpha Baking Company (S.Rosen), a price increase for plain and poppy seed buns, and a price increase for hot dogs and Polish. While I'm only talking pennies, many hot dog stands, have passed this increase to the consumer. Every year, bun costs rise, more than dogs.

Thanks for the explanation, csd. I'm saddened that the inevitable march of inflation (and the greater willingness of firms to tack on fuel surcharges) has forced my favorite Polish joints to tack on increased-price edits to their magnificent menu boards. I wonder when they'll get to repainting or replacing the large sign boards in the future (to reflect the changes). Thanks again for the info.

Recounting my pennies for the next trip,
Dan

There was a time (as the late Godfather of soul used to say), when Jim's served Slotkowski sausages. This was the original "J.T." polish that became a part of Chicago history. Then as now, Maxwell Express served Vienna. In those days, there was really no contest. Jims was always busier, often with a line at all three windows, and cars double parked at all hours. Maxwell express was a much smaller stand, often getting the overflow from Jim's if the lines got too long (Though it always had its fans).

I liked Jims better myself. It wasn't that I thought the Slotkowski polish was a superior product, but it did seem to come out better after it got the flat top grill under a pile of onions treatment than the Vienna did , at least most of the time. Jim's pork chops were better too. I stopped by a lot (sometimes for breakfast, and I wasn't alone either). Whichever camp you were in, there was no question they were very different places.

When Slotkowski went out of business Jim's switched to Vienna. From that point on, most of the significant differences between these longtime neighbors and competitors seemed to disappear. Sure, on any given day you might get a better polish at one place or the other but it seems to me that this mostly reflects the effect of ancillary factors, like how long and how evenly the sausage was cooked, and (just as important) how the onions were done, as opposed to being a reflection of any real stylistic or quality difference between the stands.

Now, I realize that just because both places use the same sausage doesn't mean that one can't be significantly better or different than the other. After all, Chicago is filled with hot dog stands almost all using some variation of the same ingredients and some are great, while others stink. The central issue here is that there doesn't seem to be any real
pattern. The clear winner on one visit might come out second best on the
next. Between using the exact same stuff and doing everything the exact same way, these places have become pretty much indistinguishable.

The whole point is rather moot anyway, because at this point neither one is consistiently very good (though I'm not sure I fully understand why). A char polish ("JT style", with mustard, grilled onions and hot peppers) from Weiners circle or Wolfy's will almost certainly be better than what you're likely to get from either Jims or Maxwell Express these days. But if it's three A.M. and you hit a good one, either can stll be a fine bedtime snack. I still think the pork chops are better at Jims, so I'm more likely to go there . Of course, if the line's too long, I might just go next door.

_________________
Lacking fins or tail
The Gefilte fish
swims with great difficulty.

Jewish haiku.

While I'll agree with you that consistency is not always king at many fast-food joints, I will have to differ when it comes to comparisons between the Polish from Wolfy's and the Polish from either of the two stands previously mentioned. I've had a Polish from Wolfy's a few times and I've had a Polish from Jim's a few times, and while the Wolfy's Polish is good, Jim's version wins hands-down whenever I've had it (few as those times might be) with larger sausages, better fries, and hotter (that is, a burning-temperature) preparation. I'm working my way through the standards at Wiener Circle, but I don't expect their Polish to top the Maxwell Street "originals," either. The formula at Jim's and Express Grill -- which I find stylistically a bit different from one another -- simply trumps any other in my book. I'll make sure to get the char Polish from Wolfy's the next time I'm there, but I don't see it unseating the originals anytime soon.

Still respecting your opinion, though,
Dan

I'll admit that I haven't had a Wolfys polish in a while. One curious thing about Wolfy's was that they used to list "polish sausage" and "Hungarian sausage" on the menu, and they were always the same (at least since the mid 60's when I started going). I think you'll be suprised by the Char polish at WC.

_________________
Lacking fins or tail
The Gefilte fish
swims with great difficulty.

Jewish haiku.

It'll be my next order when I'm down there next, but I'm still digesting the possibility that Jim's was even better in days gone by thanks to that other sausage they used to use. The mind -- and taste buds -- boggle at the possibilities...

With a lot to sleep on,
Dan

It's true. Actually, there was a third polish stand in those days that I liked better than either Jim's or Maxwell Express. It was across from the original Jim's, actually in the street itself at the S.E. corner of Maxwell and Halstead (It's killing me that I can't recall the name...but it's been gone nearly 25 years at this point). Anyway, they served a different sausage (also a polish name, but not Slotkowski), which was excellent, but what really set this place apart for me though, was that they had these great hot peppers. Unlike the sport peppers you'd get from the other places, these were almost like a Giardinara, with pieces of celery and red pepper and garlic in an oil base. Really fantastic with the grilled sausage. You would have liked it for sure.

_________________
Lacking fins or tail
The Gefilte fish
swims with great difficulty.

Jewish haiku.

Kuhdo,

Are you sure Jim's and Maxwell St. serve Vienna? The main reason I much prefer Wolfy's polish (and yes, I remember the Hungarians on the menu) is that the Maxwell Street (area) stands polish tends to taste more porky and smoky than the Vienna polish served at Wolfy's. Many people would consider that a good thing, but in my book, I prefer the more beefy and garlicky taste of the Wolfy's varient. It's hard for me to believe that both of these varieties are Vienna's.

_________________
Steve Z.
Photographer/Pseudojournalist

"The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook." - Julia Child

Well, remember that Vienna makes dozens of styles of sausages, including some to order. I'm fairly sure that kuhdo is right (at least that both places buy SOME sausages from Vienna, if not the star attraction, since I've seen the trucks).

The difference is probably that Wolfy's is selling the beef spicy-hot-dog type of Polish, instead of the pork smoked garlicky coarse polish used elsewhere.

Jim's and Express Grill both have a "beef polish" menu item. My guess is that's the same as (or similar to) what Wolfy's has on offer. Give it a try and let us know, maybe?

_________________
Ed Fisher
my chicago food photos

RIP LTH.

I'm fairly certain both Jim's and Maxwell Express both serve Vienna, though I'm pretty sure they serve a different sausage than you'd get at Wolfys or WC ( I agree entirely with SteveZ's description of the Maxwell St. polish as being more smoky/porky than the Wolfy variant).

_________________
Lacking fins or tail
The Gefilte fish
swims with great difficulty.

Jewish haiku.

Wow.. First of all I can't believe there's a forum dedicated to Chicago food. I think I have found a new favorite hangout.


So I've tried a Jims Original. It was right after the first of the year in 2006. A buddy and I went to a Bulls game, and my car was still parked over by Chicago and State.

On our way back, we made the detour over to Union Ave. Let me tell you, I probably had one of the best Polish sandwiches I remember in my life, and the value was incredible.

My only beef was that when we went down there, some dude practically met us at our car, kept pointing to us "This Way. This is the one you want!" as he kept walking toward Jim's Original. All the while while we were walking, he kept trying to sell us cocaine. I remember thinking after we ordered I couldn't get my sandwich and get out of there fast enough.

I really want to make a return as my job takes me to our locations all over the city, but I'm always afraid that a lone guy like me really shouldn't be in places like that. Am I going to run into that kind of thing during the day, or was what we ran into a fluke? (Or should I just suck it up as part of the atmosphere?)


My next question, are either of these two places related in any way to the "Original Maxwell Street Stations" you see all over the south side?
[/list]

HI,

While someone offering cocaine has never been my experience. I am usually approached by the tube socks street vendors who politely back off when I decline. Even the panhandlers back off when declined.

Some years ago I took a tour of Maxwell St guided by an activist professor from Roosevelt. He explained while these vendors want your business, it is in their best interest not to frighten you away. This is why they back off when declined, because maybe next time you will buy the socks. The same street code applies to the panhandlers, who know they have a choice spot and over time someone will give them money. If they behave badly, Jim's and Maxwell Express will shoo them away.

I guess someone dealing with illegal substances isn't inclined to follow rules or social conventions.

Regards,

_________________
Cathy2

"You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways, Road Food 2012: Podcast

Just thought I should post a reminder that it's Black History Month again this February, which means $1.50 sandwiches at both Jim's Original and Express Grill! So if you can stand a late lunch and/or an early dinner, stop by Union & Roosevelt between 3-5 P.M. Monday-Thursday this month for Polishes and pork chop sandwiches at nearly half their regular price. I made the discount period today and grabbed a Polish from Express Grill and a pork chop sandwich from Jim's (my first one, actually), all for the grand total of $3.00 USD. (The Polishes are normally $2.85, and the pork chops $2.95 each.) Go, go, go!

--Dan

P.S. After ordering Polishes from Jim's Original exclusively the last few weeks (mostly for the fries to complete a quick meal in my car), the switch back to Express Grill's sausage was a little jarring. I believe my preference has swung to Jim's even for the Polish alone (never mind the crispness of their fries). This was a surprising development for me. I also discovered that bone-in pork chop sandwiches actually don't appeal to me that much, but I thankfully feel little buyer's remorse as I only paid $1.50 extra to make that determination. Take advantage of this deal, people! There's no better time to make the double-grill comparison.

Ah, inflation strikes again The last 2 years, Ive actually managed to partake
of this deal once or twice each year... and it was always a single, solitary
dollar for the sandwich-plus-fries. A whole 50% upcharge this year

These places are always excellent values, they are just even better at
this particular time (though, I once was in the area and didnt actually
get it, because I saw a *massive* queue of people outside - it looked like
it might be a good 15-20 minute wait! Had never seen the 2 spots quite
that busy before).

c8w

Stopped at Jim's tonight, pretty much the same as above. Pork chop sandwich was very good, meaty, tender, good pork flavor. Jim's Polish, and I realize this is blasphemy to some, was verging on mealy with a distinct artificial smoke flavor. Fries were abysmal, undercooked food service fries tasting of freezer burn.

I did not have the inclination to rinse and repeat at Maxwell Street Express.

Enjoy,
Gary

_________________
Sauce on the side, always, implied, axiomatic..........never a doubt, BBQ sauce without.

Low & Slow

Yeah, I've experienced the same thing on occasion, but that was usually during the lulls after dinner or those times I stopped by in the mid-to-late afternoons. More often than not, however, I get to Jim's right before the dinner hour and can manage a super-hot sausage and an "acceptable" side of fries (which seem to still taste better to me than the Express Grill's versions). When the meat isn't so hot and/or fresh, the experience can certainly leave something to be desired. Your mileage may vary, of course, but I've had a bunch of satisfying meals at Jim's after a long day in the medical district.

Perhaps we should arrange a timely meetup to see if the hour of service makes a difference (though I'm sure you've tried Jim's many times before)? Well, whatever the case, I still gotta make my way to Manny's and the various Italian-sub/deli places in the area, so no big rush. Lots uh' places to try...

Open to suggestions (but thankfully not lacking for options),
Dan

My dissatisfactory Jim's Polish lingering on my tongue from last week I took a page from Steve Z's play book and stopped at Wolfy's for a Polish. Meaty, lightly charred, noticeable spice, hint of garlic, nice snap and, most importantly, no artificial smoke flavor. Wolfy's puts out a very good Polish.

Wolfy's Polish


My Polish palate has been recalibrated, thanks Wolfy's.


Enjoy,
Gary

Wolfy's
2734 W Peterson Ave
Chicago, IL 60659
(773-743-0207

_________________
Sauce on the side, always, implied, axiomatic..........never a doubt, BBQ sauce without.

Low & Slow

What's that nasty looking tomato doing on there?

_________________
Steve Z.
Photographer/Pseudojournalist

"The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook." - Julia Child

I'm going to start off by taking Binko off the hook.

At the risk of permanently etching a supremely embarrassing fact in the stone tablet of cyberspace, I must confess that despite being a born and raised Chicagoan, tonight marked not only my first polish from either establishment, but my first polish... period.

So, coming at this with a totally clean slate, on Friday, May 18th 2007 at approximately 10:30PM, I'm giving my nod to Jim's... a narrow winner in all categories except for onions.

That said, I kind of feel like I just cast my vote for Jack Johnson instead of John Jackson.*

* - Incidentally, we really should determine who among us are Tastycrats and who are Fingerlicans.

_________________
-Dom
www.skilletdoux.com

I made it back to Jim's for the first time in about a year. It was 5pm on a Tuesday, so not prime time but not a dead time either.

I think the polish is not quite as good as it used to be. Mine was not mealy, but I understand how one could be mealy. The grilled/steamed onions were, as always, very good. I'm going to have to go to Byron's again sometime soon (it's been more than a year as well) for a comparison. I am not sure that Jim rates a long drive any more just for a polish.

The pork chop, however, was as outstanding as one can expect for that price point. I eat my pork chops from Jim's plain, in fact not even the bun. They are surprisingly (disturbingly?) tender for being that thin.

_________________
"You may not want to take its picture, but you really want to eat it." - Nigella Lawson

Based on my completely unscientific sampling comprised of a single visit to each at different times spread over different days I enjoyed Maxwell St. Express a good deal more.

The pork chop I had at Jim's Original tasted off to me, like pork that had been around a day or two too long. The one at Express was pretty tasty in a really dirty kind of way.

Polish at Express also was fresher and more flavorful. The sport peppers were really hot for some reason. Usually I eat them essentially by the handful, but I could really feel these.

There's little better than a 3am Jim's Pork Chop sandwich.

Jim's Original 7.28.07

_________________
Sauce on the side, always, implied, axiomatic..........never a doubt, BBQ sauce without.

Low & Slow

GWiv, you are, indeed, a god.

I assume you ate the PC sammie accordiing to C2's prescribed technique: to wit, grip bone through bun and chew?

_________________
“We all have to stand before the kitchen gods.” Chef Jacob Sahaya Kumar Aruni

Hammond,

If I remember correctly from the Maxwell Street video that particular method resulted in C2 spitting teeth.

Enjoy,
Gary

_________________
Sauce on the side, always, implied, axiomatic..........never a doubt, BBQ sauce without.

Low & Slow

Ah.. that takes me back to graduate school... No classes on Friday, so go out drinking and listening to bands in Lincoln Park on Thursday night until about 2am, then point the car down to Jim's and pick up a polish and a pork chop. Drive over the 18th street bridge (fantastic views at night) to Michigan, and zoom up to the Wrigley Building. Double-park in the little loading zone, and get out and enjoy the spring air and a beautiful pork chop with just enough grease to sober myself up for the drive back to the North Shore... then a quick left turn at Orleans onto the Kennedy and I'd be home in 25 minutes.

Sigh... life was so much simpler then when I had no money and no time, but a far stronger constitution!

_________________
"You may not want to take its picture, but you really want to eat it." - Nigella Lawson

This thread really ought to be updated every year.

A recent 3 am stop has left me with a definitive conclusion. There's no telling which stand is going to serve you better at any given time.

Polish, pork chop sandwich, and fries from each. The pork chop sandwiches were quite close, with the onions making all the difference. Maxwell Express had far better onions, darker, more caramel...much better sandwich. Jim's fries were miles better than its competitor. As for the polish, as I recall, they were both good, but (and here this post and my memory break down) one was better, and I can't recall which. I think that Jim's sausage was a bit better, but the superior Maxwell onions actually created a better total polish experience.

So I'm left thinking it's a crapshoot. If onion quality matters (and to me it does), that can be pretty easily observed through the window. Both stands were doing a pretty good business, and the late-night scene hear remains one of my favorite streetscapes in Chicago.

_________________
LTHForum Kansas City

Hi,

Last Saturday night, I had exactly $7 warming my pocket in the River North area. I could have whipped out a credit card for dinner, but didn't want to invest too much time in a restaurant. I was tired and wanted to go home. I also needed something to eat.

I stopped by Jim's for a Polish dressed with grilled onions and mustard and a side of crispy fries for $3.25 plus a Pepsi for $0.85 for a grand total of $4.10. In a moment of generosity, I gave them a tip of $1. There is nothing better than eating a Polish while listening to the radio and looking at the billion dollar Chicago skyline.

I checked my parking meter box to find a few quarters. I smiled at my good fortune as I threw the car in gear. I easily found parking in front of Mario's Italian Ice. I ordered a medium peach Italian ice for $2.25 for a golden taste of of summer.

Having spent my wee fortune on a meal for the Gods, I made my way home. I was prepared for a lengthy ride because the prior two nights three lanes of traffic squeezed into one for a stretch. To my delight all three lanes were open for a breezy trip home that left me feeling all was well with the world.

_________________
Cathy2

"You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways, Road Food 2012: Podcast

Well, not on a Saturday, but...

its February again, Black History Month again. Realized this (sad to say) only when I happened to be in the Taylor/Roosevelt area at about 3:30pm a couple of days ago, and so stopped in to Jim's, and saw the signs The "all sandwiches with fries for $1.50" deal - only the greatest food deal in all of Chicagoland for the year - is back! Its only between 3pm and 5pm (on, I think, Monday thru Thursday?), but its back. And a quite ridiculous deal it was, too - a couple of very good sandwiches and good fries, for the grand total of 3 bucks including tax! The sandwiches were very good on the day, and even the fries were pretty damn good.. probably because the food was so hot and fresh and turning over so fast (there was a little bit of a line building, by the time I was done it was increasing even more).

One has the option of pretty much any sandwich and fries for 1.50, BTW - Polish, Beef Polish, PorkChop, Burger, Cheeseburger, or Double-Cheeseburger(!), even Chicken or Fish IIRC. Probably only 1 week left for this deal now.. but if anyone happens to be the vicinity of Taylor/Roosevelt between 3 and 5pm next week, Id strongly recommend stopping in - due to the very very rapid turnover (probably), both the sandwich and the fries were even better than they had been for me the past couple of times at Jim's (at relatively unusual times - like evening once, 2am once, that sort of thing

c8w

I happened to stop by Jim's today about 2:50 PM today. There were 2 lines out to the curb,something I had never seen at that time of day and I couldn't figure out why until I saw a sign that said "All sandwiches $1.50 between 3-5 PM Monday thru Thursday during the month of February in honor of Black History Month".

People were leaving with shopping bags full of sandwiches. I ordered my regular,Polish,mustard,grilled onions. The Polish tasted as if it had been held for quite some time and luke warm as were the onions. I had never encountered that before. The fries were as good as usual.

Maxwell Express on the south was also offering the exact same deal but the lines were about 1/3 of what they were at Jims.