JK's Hot Dogs and Beef Sandwich

Stopped by after hearing about this place a few times.
Walked in and was immediately and warmly greeted by the gentleman behind the cashier.
He was very friendly and helpful in explaining the menu.
I'm not from Chicago, but often go a few times a year and love going to Portillo's when I go; so always want to try and find some authentic Chicago food in San Antonio.
I wanted to try the staples of Italian Beef and Chicago Style Dog, but also tried their Reuben Sandwich.
All the food is ordered at the counter and they bring the food to your table. Food came out quickly, but you could tell it was freshly made to order.
I ordered the Italian Beef wet with the Giardiniera peppers.
The choice between dry, wet, and dipped is personal, but I prefer the meat wet and the bread dry.
The beef was extremely moist and flavorful while the Giardiniera peppers added the perfect amount of heat.
I believe they use Gonnella bread, but it was very soft.
In case you wanted more juice on the sandwich, it does come with a side of au jus.
The Chicago Dog was well made and came out looking just like the picture.
It was perfectly done from the poppy seed bun, pickle spear, tomato wedges, relish, onions, and peppers.
It was definitely authentic.
I also tried the Reuben sandwich just to see their range of food.
The Reuben was surprisingly just as good as the Beef Sandwich and Chicago dog.
They were very generous with the corned beef that was topped with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island.
The portions were balanced out so the combination of corned beef, Swiss cheese and sauerkraut complement each other with their unique flavors. Since the food was so good, decided to try their Banana cake that I noticed in the reach-in fridge with the drinks.
Don't know the exact ingredients, but was a cake bottom, banana pudding in the middle, and topped off with whipped cream.
If you love bananas, you'll definitely love this cake.
The different textures of the dense cake, creamy pudding, and the fluffy whipped cream made each bite a different enjoyable flavor. Now that I know how well they do the Chicago foods, I'll definitely come back to try the rest of the menu.
Service was outstanding and food was amazing.
Small Mom and Pop business who are about their customers and food.

Owner response

Ok..
Honest opinion from someone who was born & raised in the Chicago area.
Overall, the Italian Beef wasn't great or bad.
They do use Turano rolls.
The sandwich Beef didn't have much flavor and the tasted like it has been sitting in the Au Jus a little too long.
The ratio bun to was good, but could be better.
I was disappointed that they don't offer any fries or onion rings.
What?? An Italian Beef without sides??? Would I go back if I'm back in town? Maybe....
There is a place called Wiseguys in Round Rock.
If you really want true Chicago Italian Beef & more.
You gotta try this place when you visit Austin.
Chicagoians will love this place.
Photo with 1 Beef is JK, 2nd photo with 2 beefs is Wiseguys!

Owner response

Daddy-Daughter dinner tonight was @jkchicagodogs.
It's tucked away in the Country Village Plaza on 281.
We had to hurry because they closed at 6:30pm. Dad and I shared the Chicago Hot Dog and the Classic Hot Dog.
This is the third Chicago Hot Dog I've tried and this is the first with a slight kick to it.
Carlo was real nice and told me that JK is for his daughters.
Next time, I want to try the Italian Beef.

Owner response