Mike's Chicago Dog (and More)

Hey again, readers! I know you just read my brilliant Seoul 116 - Korean Kitchen & Bar blog and wanted to know where else I've been eating lately. Well, I'm here to fill you in on that very subject!


On Friday Nate and I ditched the big box stores and shopping malls for a walk in the woods. We loaded up my Ford Escape (affectionately named Sully) and headed toward the Uhwarrie National Forest. After a scenic hour and a half drive spent singing along to Christmas music, we arrived at a trailhead. Unfortunately for us, there was a deep creek standing between us and the rest of the trail and even more unfortunately for us, the footbridge was inaccessible. Deciding we weren't interested in walking the remaining 9 miles of our hike with wet feet, we regrouped and found another trailhead.

Heading out of Raleigh toward the Uhwarrie

We walked a peaceful 7-ish miles in the woods running into very few other people but hearing plenty of echoing gun shots from nearby hunters. I have to say, there's nothing quite as unsettling as knowing there are people actively shooting bullets nearby and having no idea where they're aiming. Thankfully we were never very nearby a target.

We found the Uhwarrie is home to many a strange-looking tree

After 3-ish hours of walking, we were cold and tired so I did some passenger-seat research for a coffee shop. I found Coffee XChange in downtown Asheboro, North Carolina. We set the GPS for the 108 Sunset Avenue location and sped toward warm beverages and possibly pastries. We went into the cute little coffee shop and were looking at the menu and you'll never guess what happened next! We left. Yep. We were never served here. The girl behind the counter helped the customer in front of us and then disappeared to the back to not return for another 2 minutes at least.


So we went back outside to find another option which was right around the corner at Mike's Chicago Dog (and More)!


Mike's Chicago Dog (and More)


Now, you may be thinking, as we certainly were, of all the gin joints in...wait, that's not what we were thinking. We were actually wondering what on earth is this Chicago street food-style eatery doing in middle-of-nowhere Asheboro, North Carolina?


Décor: The bright yellow awning and red and yellow Vienna Beef branded umbrellas are like a neon beacon just inviting guests into this unique eatery. The interior is painted an equally bright yellow and walls are absolutely covered in Chicago sports memorabilia - there's even an entire wall dedicated to the Chicago Cubs (my late-Uncle Norm would be proud). The tables are covered in red vinyl, as are the seats of the metal yellow chairs. There is also an 8 stool lunch counter if you want to be right up and close to the action. Basically, this place is inviting. You can't help but feel welcome.

Food appearance: This place is very elbows on the table. Everything is served in paper boats, with plastic cutlery and in Styrofoam cups.


Food taste: This establishment is a love letter to Chicago-style fast foods. Hot dogs, Italian Beef Sandwiches, Pizza Puffs and Supreme Tamales. As disgusting as they are, I love hot dogs. I always have. And Chicago-style hot dogs are by far the superior hot dog. Everything about them just works! The tangy mustard, the briny and spicy sport peppers, the slightly sweet relish, the crunch of the pickle, the fresh juicy tomato, the celery salt and the texture of the poppyseed bun. Basically, if I could marry a hot dog - this would be it. So you can imagine my sheer delight when I found VEGETARIAN HOT DOGS on the menu! WHAT!?! Yes, this unassuming restaurant even caters to those of us who do not eat meat.


Not surprisingly, I ordered a Chicago Dog with a veggie dog, add giardiniera. You know my affinity for this pickled condiment.


Nate and I also split an order of Mozzarella Sticks and Jalapeno Poppers. Both were crisp, hot and perfectly melty. Basically this meal was the best thing I could've had post-hike.


Nate ordered a Chicago Dog and a Carolina Dog (topped with chili and slaw).


Service: Service here was fantastic! We were promptly greeted and told to sit wherever we liked. Our server/cook was very friendly and accommodating and ensured we had everything we needed to enjoy our meal. We also met the restaurant's namesake, Mike! Yes, we met THE Mike. This gruff Chicago transplant talked football with Nate while he rung up our check and sold us some giardiniera to take home.


Cleanliness: Everything was clean including the restrooms.


I eagerly await my next trip through Asheboro to take another stop at this cute neighborhood joint. I would absolutely eat here close to daily if we lived closer. Really, it's that good! So if you are moseying through or near Asheboro take a pit stop at 103 N Fayetteville St and treat yourself to a Chicago Dog or two!


With our bellies full of happiness, we headed back toward Raleigh to decorate for Christmas.

Hart Christmas Corner