Karaoke – it’s a word than can conjure dreams of extremely short-term stardom, as well as nightmares of mortification every bit as horrid as being locked into wooden stocks at the center of town for a public shaming. If karaoke is an option for you and your gang, consider these three reasons to take to the stage at Pam’s Chicago Style Dogs & More.
1. Whoever heard of karaoke at a hot dog stand? The sheer oddness of the setting makes for some surreal moments at Pam’s. This is not a bar or club. It’s not dim, it’s not smoky, and the modest food (more on that in a moment) and well-lit interior have a way of bleaching the performers in the absolute sobriety of the moment. Karaoke was never so naked, and yet, there’s a familiar vibe from the audience. People are cheering one another on – while eating authentic Chicago-style hot dogs in steamed poppy-seed buns. The karaoke happens from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays (but runs later than that if the line for the karaoke machine gets long, Pam’s co-owner Dan Revell told us). Customers, who get free karaoke with any purchase, sing from a lighted stage at the very front of the eatery by the window. In fact, people walking past along Delmar Boulevard can see them shaking their booty and emoting from the sidewalk, and have been know to enter Pam’s just to see if they sound as good as they look. Kid Rock, Metallica, Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga have been popular choices recently, Revell reported.
2. The lack of a liquor license and the early hour mean that this is one of few places where families can enjoy karaoke together. Kids of all ages can and do take the mic. Some are cheered on by stage parents who seem ready for Toddlers and Tiaras, and some are shy, preferring to hide behind mommy’s legs, but most are somewhere in the middle. Families adore the opportunity for some karaoke fun, Revell said, giving mom, dad and the kids all a turn to embarrass themselves. “No one else offers this kind of thing for kids who want to be the next American Idol,” said Revell.
3. The cuisine at Pam’s offers intrigue for those who’ve never been to one of the corner hot dog joints in the Windy City, along with those who have and miss that high-calorie fare served at a rapid clip from behind a counter. The menu features authentic Chicago dogs nestled in their “salad” of condiments, including that preternaturally green relish and those curiously mild “sport peppers.” Pam’s has the 22-inch Archinator monster dog, the Reuben Dog, the deep-fried Mexican Pamirito and the ominous-sounding Slinger Dog. You’ll also find such Chicago faves as the Italian beef sandwich, the Polish sausage, the gyro and an authentic Philly Cheese Steak made with Cheez Whiz. As for desserts, you may want to go ahead and sign that living will before you order. We’re talkin’ about deep-fried, festival-style choices including a deep-fried Twinkie, deep-fried Ding Dong, deep-fried Snickers bar, deep-fried Oreos and deep-fried cookie-dough balls. That’s no joke, son.
If the spirit moves you, head to Pam’s on Wednesday night for dinner and a show. Both are … strangely satisfying.
This article appears in January 2011.