South of Wrigley

I was so very excited when I heard that SoW was opening up on Southland Drive. Every time I visit Illinois, Portillo's is an absolute must. Now I don't have to wait an entire year every time I want an amazing Italian beef or Chicago dog. It is truly divine and I crave it constantly. If you haven't given it a try, then I highly suggest you do.

Ladies and gentlemen, step up to the plate!!! AUTHENTIC CHICAGO DOGS, Italian beef sandwiches, pub fries with toppings, etc... it's ALL great!!! They always say the best food is found in a hole in the wall, out of the way, privately owned restaurant and this is one of those places! This is NOT a cute bistro focusing on trendy decor or obscure ingredients no one can pronounce or find locally. This IS an small, old fashioned, get in-get out hot dog diner with 5-6 tables and a few counter seats delivering some of the best down home food I've seen in Lexington for years. These are not tiny cocktail weenies covered in watered down chili and a haystack of cheese-ish product. These dogs are large (including a foot long on the menu), meaty, fresh, and covered with tasty toppings meant to trickle down your chin. Variety of combinations are available and they are generous with the choices. The pub fries (whether covered with chili, cheese, plain, or with some personal combo) are a perfect foil for lunch. Beer is also available. There is also a humongous sandwich, not for the faint of heart, for those who just want to pig out and swing away at a home run. Check out the menu for yourself - whether basic dogs, Chicago dogs, or something special - and feel like lunch is not just a 30 minute hustle to get the same old stuff. Plan ahead - there is often a line, but it moves fairly quickly (all cooked to order). If you can't get to a great American pastime for lunch, this is by far a wonderful alternative!! Batter up!!

I have seen a few people recently that I know well that have called out how great this place is. So here we go.
First of all the hours are very limited you have Tue-Sat 11a-2p to get your fix. I was going to have lunch with my cousin and we decided to try this place out. We got there right at noon on a Wednesday and there was a decent line to the door and a full house on the inside. Space is also very limited with the inside able to seat about 24 people pretty tightly and there were 2 picnic tables outside that unfortunately were pretty wet from an early rain for another 8 or so. So no big parties unless you are bringing to go easily.
The special was the Philly Cheese steak (pic provided) for $14 and I added the French Fries for another $3.25 you could also bundle the fries with a fountain drink for $4.50. so this isn't an inexpensive meal.
The ambience while waiting is a little crowded and if you are fortunate enough to find a seat also pretty tight. It is a tough place to enjoy good conversation because it is also very loud inside as they call out and prepare orders.
The sandwich itself was well made and a good size with a good bun and fresh hot ingredients. The fries although a good portion were just a bit oversalted but also good and extra crispy which I really liked. I tried to order another Philly to go at about 12:30p and they were already sold out so I ordered the Italian Beef sandwich and they kind of made it a Philly by adding peppers and cheese for my wife and she also enjoyed the sandwich.
Overall good experience.
Pros - the Food was great tasting and good size portions
Cons - the place is crowded, very loud and a little expensive. Plus if you are in a hurry it may not meet your needs.
I will be back again to give another sandwich a try and will definitely try the Sausage/Hot Dog options.

Went through and picked up to-go food for myself and my work crew, South of Wrigley absolutely smashed expectations out of the park. The Chicago dog was a hit, the Italian beef was a hit (add the caramelized onions and thank yourself later), the fries are maybe some of the best in the industry. Everybody was fed and beyond thrilled for under $10 each. Highly highly recommend this place if you can make it over during their relatively limited hours.

First time here and we were not disappointed. I had the the Italian beef dipped and my wife had the Chicago dog, both were delicious. The fries are on point, crispy and the right amount of salt. Great staff working hard to get everyone's order out in a timely manner. They are only open from Wednesday through Saturday from a 11am to 2pm.