Mac and Cheese is an awesome and classic meal but when put on a hotdog, it feels like we’re on another planet. At Frank’s on First in downtown Hinsdale, crazy combinations like pulled pork, bacon and mac and cheese loaded onto a hotdog are a common and exciting occurrence on the menu.

I decided to check out these twisted hotdogs and “hoofed” it on over to Hinsdale. I went to the restaurant on a Wednesday night so as expected, it wasn’t too busy. We stepped in from the outside and yet I felt like I only waked through a doorframe and was back outside. Patio furniture and little umbrellas made me feel as though I was at a real hotdog stand in summertime Chicago. Looking beyond the tables, I noticed that the kitchen where they create and craft their hotdog combinations is visible to all. After talking with the owners, I soon understood the reason for the open kitchen; they were honest, pleasant and so welcoming that they did not need to hide anything from their costumers.

After looking at the thousands of options on the menu, like the Paker dog (a bacon-wrapped dog with grilled onions and cheese sauce) and the Hillbilly Dog (Chili and creamy coleslaw with mustard and onions), I had a hard time deciding on my fateful first dog. I finally chose the Chili Mac dog, a loaded hot dog with chili and mac and cheese on a pretzel bun for $3.95. I was almost more excited about the price than the actual dog until it was placed in front of me. I sunk my teeth into the loaded and overflowing hotdog and was pleasantly surprised. This four layer bite was beaming with flavors ranging from the soft bun, the juicy hotdog and chili, and the creamy mac and cheese. Although these flavors created a wonderful taste bud masterpiece, the chili was a little too spicy for my sensitive taste. After demolishing the filling dog, I then moved onto the Loaded Fries for $4.25, which had cheddar cheese sauce, chili, bacon and sour cream thrown on top. When the fries were shared among my friends, they were consumed so fast I couldn’t even remember what they looked like. Like the hotdog, these fries were not shy on flavor combinations and pleased all who got a taste before they disappeared.

Bottom line: A great place to get Chicago style hotdogs with a twist, teenager-budget friendly and a wonderful and welcoming atmosphere. 3.5/5 paws