Chicago is renowned for its distinctive street food scene, a culinary landscape dotted with iconic stands serving up hearty and affordable fare. Among these, certain hallmarks stand out: the classic Chicago-style hot dog “dragged through the garden,” the comforting Italian beef, and the occasional savory pizza puff. These aren’t just meals; they’re experiences, often enjoyed under the familiar gaze of letter board menus sponsored by local soft drink brands, offering a sense of culinary safety and tradition for Chicagoans. Eater Chicago’s “Standing Reservation” series aptly highlights these noteworthy establishments, and today, we delve into the story of a true institution: Jim’s Original, a street food pillar with over 80 years of history deeply rooted in The Original Maxwell Street.
To truly understand Chicago street food, one must acknowledge the profound influence of the original Maxwell Street Market. It was here, at the bustling northwest corner of Maxwell and Halsted Streets, back in 1939, that Yugoslavian immigrant Jimmy Stefanovic established Jim’s Original. Stefanovic wasn’t just opening a food stand; he was crafting a culinary legacy by inventing the Maxwell Street Polish sausage sandwich. This creation, a symphony of flavors and textures, quickly became, for many, synonymous with the Windy City’s gastronomic identity.
But what exactly is a Maxwell Street Polish? On paper, it sounds simple: a smoked pork and beef Polish sausage, flat-grilled to achieve a satisfyingly crisp casing, generously piled with sweet caramelized onions, a few fiery sport peppers for a kick, all nestled in a yellow mustard-slathered hot dog bun. Yet, when these components unite, they transcend simplicity. The result is a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, garlicky, and meaty notes that has captivated generations of food lovers. This is the original Maxwell Street flavor, perfected at Jim’s.
Tradition is the bedrock of Jim’s Original. For decades, they were famed for their unwavering 24-hour service, a testament to their dedication to serving Chicagoans whenever hunger struck. However, in 2021, change was imposed. The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Jim’s landlord, mandated reduced hours (closing between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m.) as part of a local crime reduction initiative. Despite this adjustment, Jim’s Original continues to thrive, even expanding with a second location at 2775 N. Elston Avenue, ensuring that the legacy of the original Maxwell Street Polish endures.
To gain deeper insights into this Chicago icon, we spoke with Jim Christopoulos, the third-generation co-owner of Jim’s Original. His emailed responses, lightly edited for clarity, reveal the heart and soul behind this beloved institution.
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The iconic yellow sign of Jim’s Original, a beacon for street food lovers in Chicago.
Eater: Could you tell us about your connection to Jim’s Original?
Jim Christopoulos: I’m Jim Christopoulos, co-owner and operator of Jim’s Original—also known as Jim’s Original Hot Dog, Jim’s Original Maxwell Street. I run the stand with my parents. It’s a family affair, deeply rooted in the tradition of the original Maxwell Street.
Eater: When did Jim’s Original first open its doors?
Jim Christopoulos: We’ve been serving Chicago since at least 1939, and possibly even earlier. My grandfather, Jim Stefanovic, started working at his aunt’s hot dog stand at Maxwell and Halsted in 1939. He soon took over and bought it from her. Our family has continuously operated Jim’s since his passing in 1976, navigating even the relocation due to the UIC expansion in 2001. We are committed to preserving the spirit of the original Maxwell Street.
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The signature wax paper wrapping of a Maxwell Street Polish at Jim’s Original, a detail cherished by regulars.
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Maxwell Street Polishes with fries, a quintessential Chicago street food meal, perfected at Jim’s Original.
Eater: What’s the one thing customers would immediately notice if you changed?
Jim Christopoulos: Our menu and preparation are straightforward. Any change would likely be noticed, but altering the onions would be most apparent. Onions are integral to every sandwich. If we changed the type or cooking method, our customers would certainly know. It’s crucial for maintaining the authenticity of the original Maxwell Street experience.
Jim Christopoulos: This onion consistency is vital for several reasons: (1) Origins: It honors our beginnings as a simple hot dog stand selling Maxwell Street sandwiches, staying true to the original Maxwell Street concept. (2) Relevance: Jim’s has been serving Polish sausages to Chicagoans for so long, it’s become a cornerstone of the Chicago street food scene. Jim’s is one of the last standing remnants of the original Maxwell Street Market’s culinary heritage. (3) Authenticity: Jim’s is authentic, the Original Maxwell Street Polish Sausage Stand. We remain faithful to how my grandfather served Maxwell Street sandwiches back on that famous corner.
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Jim’s Original’s distinctive stand, known not only for Polish sausages but also for their savory pork chop sandwiches.
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The welcoming staff at Jim’s Original, contributing to the stand’s reputation and drawing national media attention.
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A memorial plaque for Jimmy Stefanovic, the visionary founder of Jim’s Original and the originator of the Maxwell Street Polish.
Eater: What’s the best-selling item, and what makes it so special?
Jim Christopoulos: The Polish sausage, undoubtedly. Its uniqueness lies in being our own recipe, crafted over 80 years ago by my grandfather, Jim. You can only savor this specific Polish sausage at our stand; it’s not available anywhere else. The spice blend is perfectly balanced with a smoky pork flavor, complementing the yellow mustard and sweet grilled onions impeccably. It’s the essence of the original Maxwell Street Polish.
Eater: How did ending 24-hour service affect Jim’s Original?
Jim Christopoulos: We experienced nearly a 20 percent drop in gross revenue. Our low prices are sustained by high sales volume. Reduced hours squeeze our margins and, more importantly, we’ve likely lost our late-night clientele to other establishments. Reclaiming our status as the late-night street food destination may be a challenge. The legacy of the original Maxwell Street was built on accessibility, including those late-night hours.
Eater: How have rising food prices impacted Jim’s Original recently?
Jim Christopoulos: Ingredient costs have risen significantly, 10 to 30 percent for most items. This further pressures our margins. We only adjust prices annually in July, so until then, we absorb the costs. When we do raise prices, we keep increases minimal to maintain our “street food” appeal and remain accessible to our market. We strive to keep the tradition of affordable original Maxwell Street food alive.
Eater: What makes Chicago street food special in your opinion?
Jim Christopoulos: Chicago street food is exceptional because of its unique, hearty character, developed over decades and reflecting Chicago’s rich culinary history. It’s a testament to the diverse cultures that have shaped our city. It’s food designed to satisfy in all Chicago weather extremes, from freezing winters to sweltering summers. It’s resilient, just like the original Maxwell Street spirit.
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Customers waiting for their orders can explore the rich history of Jim’s Original through a dedicated wall display.
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The iconic brown paper bag from Jim’s Original, instantly recognizable and synonymous with authentic Chicago street food.
Jim’s Original continues to serve as a vital link to the original Maxwell Street, offering not just food, but a taste of Chicago’s vibrant history and culinary soul. Whether you’re a lifelong Chicagoan or a visitor eager to experience authentic local flavors, Jim’s Original is an essential stop.
Jim’s Original
1250 S. Union Avenue, University Village
Open 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily
Maxwell Street Market
800 South Desplaines Street, , IL 60607 (312) 745-4676 Visit Website
Jim’s Original
1250 South Union Avenue, , IL 60607 (312) 733-7820 Visit Website
