Nothing against tried-and-true traditions, but buying hot dogs inside a ballpark has to be the biggest rip-off of all-time and perhaps supply and demand's ultimate indictment. So why pay $4.75 for your franks at U.S. Cellular when 35th Street Red Hots is a block down the road, where the dogs are cheaper, juicier, and the service is the no-nonsense Chicago attitude you've come to cherish?

While the dogs may be the main attraction (and they don't disappoint), the fries here steal the show, with the potatoes cut right in front of you and then fried and salted mere seconds before consumption. Your dog and fries are wrapped together, the merging of two soggy treasures that goes to show just how complimentary they truly are. French fried shrimp and Italian ice give the restaurant a few peculiar twists to distance itself from other nearby hot dog stands.

Seating is limited inside to about eight stools across from the checkerboard counter, but picnic tables outside offer the preferable summertime option. And while the staff is straight to the point about your order, they're real excited to talk a little Sox baseball (provided the team is in first place).

A hot dog, fries and a drink will run you $4 including tax, and at that price, I think you can afford to take the risk of sneaking hot dogs into the Cell, packed inside your pants pockets.

Centerstage Reviewer: Andy Seifert