Red Hot Lovers
Best hotdog and Best fries

What draws folks to Red Hot Lovers on East University Avenue is the hot dogs. Plain and the simple, the joint has the best dogs in town, proudly claiming a Chicago tradition of excellence. You don't need any more hot dog description than that. What you do need to know is that there are two other important reasons why Lovers is as good as it is: the burgers and the music.

They cook their burgers over an open flame grill, validating their "charburger" namesake. The buns are key. Lovers uses fluffy white and wheat buns and toasts them to perfection. Throw in a side of fries and all that's missing from your perfect summer meal is a pint.

The music argument is twofold. The first part is the selection. Never have I walked into Lovers without great music (classic rock) in the background. The Who, the Rolling Stones, the Beatles - you name it. The place is greasy with barely any sunlight. Couple that with the iconic Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz festival posters on the walls and what you have is a greasy spoon atmosphere at its best. Looking up from your meal (if you can manage) nets an eyeful: Ray Charles, Charles Mingus - these guys actually played in Ann Arbor. Only Lovers is dedicated to preserving such a hallowed piece of local memory.

Ever peeked behind the counter? Facing the kitchen above the register are dozens and dozens of tabloid cutouts ranging from alien Elvis baby clones to the world's largest mushroom. On the soda fountain facing the restaurant are several Far Side comics. Red Hot Lovers boasts a down-home, earthy, greasy atmosphere in perfect step with its food selection. It's all there in one package. Not too bad a deal.

- Andrew Sargus Klein