BUCKTOWN — The mood on Tuesday at Jr's Red Hots was celebratory for Juan Enrique, a 49-year-old Logan Square resident who has been frequenting the walk-up hot dog stand's predecessor Sam's Red Hots since age 5.
"The fries are different, they used to be crinkle cut, but it's still good," said Enrique, who was eating a wrapped-in-fries Chicago-style hot dog at a picnic table under a Vienna Beef-branded umbrella.
Just east of Armitage and Western avenues, Bucktown staple Sam's Red Hots closed last summer. Jr's Red Hots opened in the same stand at 2345 W. Armitage Ave. on June 2, according to owner Arturo Torres, Jr., who is calling the week a soft opening to allow time to work out any issues.
Torres Jr., the second-generation owner of Arturo's Tacos, a Mexican restaurant started by his father at the northeast corner of the Armitage and Western avenues intersection in 1988, bought the former hot dog stand and neighboring triangular lot in December.
"The reception so far has been great. A lot of people have been waiting a long time for us to open. They are excited now that we're finally open," Torres, Jr. said.
Currently, the cash-only menu offer hot dogs, Polish sausage, char-broiled hamburgers and pork chop and chicken breast sandwiches. There are also Greek, Cobb and Ceasar salads.
Beverages include canned pop, glass-bottled soda or bottled water.
Torrres said a grand opening celebration is expected to happen in the coming days, once the ice cream equipment gets installed.
Milkshakes in several flavors (strawberry, chocolate, vanilla, banana and peanut butter) are planned, along with scoops of ice cream in sugar or waffle cones.
Jr's Red Hots, 2345 W. Armitage Ave. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily with later hours until 4 a.m. expected once more worker are hired, Torres, Jr. said. For more info, visit the hot dog stand's Facebook page or call 773-666-5444.
Photo of the menu, in the window of Jr's Red Hots. [Photos by DNAinfo/Alisa Hauser]
