BZ Red Hots
A classic Chicago hot dog joint offering authentic flavors and a convenient stop within the zoo for summer favorites.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
BZ Red Hots
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A classic Chicago hot dog joint offering authentic flavors and a convenient stop within the zoo for summer favorites.
Avoid Peak Hours
Arrive before noon to avoid crowds and long wait times for your food.
Order Ahead
Consider ordering ahead or packing a lunch to bypass potentially long waits for food orders.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
American, Hot Dogs
Price
Mid-range
Address
Riverside, IL 60546, USA
Website
czs.org/DiningHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Classic Chicago Hot Dogs
Experience authentic Chicago-style hot dogs with Vienna beef and all the classic trimmings, a true taste of the city.
Zoo Dining Convenience
A convenient dining option within the zoo, offering a variety of summer foods perfect for a day of animal encounters.
Souvenir Cup Refills
Purchase a souvenir cup for $12 and enjoy free refills on drinks throughout the year.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Avoid Peak Hours
Arrive before noon to avoid crowds and long wait times for your food.
Order Ahead
Consider ordering ahead or packing a lunch to bypass potentially long waits for food orders.
Souvenir Cup Deal
Buy the souvenir cup for $12 for free refills all year.
Tips
from all over the internet
Avoid Peak Hours
Arrive before noon to avoid crowds and long wait times for your food.
Order Ahead
Consider ordering ahead or packing a lunch to bypass potentially long waits for food orders.
Souvenir Cup Deal
Buy the souvenir cup for $12 for free refills all year.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
BZ Red Hots offers a classic Chicago hot dog experience with generally positive reviews for its authentic taste and fresh ingredients. However, some diners have expressed concerns about excessively long wait times for food and high prices, particularly for a zoo location. Despite these drawbacks, it's considered a decent option for quick bites within the zoo premises.
"Came here during boo at the ZOO. I have hears good things about this place. In particular the chicken tenders.
I have been here many times and I can tell u the food items are all good.
I ordered the chicken tenders for the kiddos, garden burger for myself and the chicken burger for the wifey. Everything came out great.
Food was very hot and flavorful.
Urfavoriterealtor"
Noel Hermosillo
"The pizza was good. The chicken tender were subpar, and the garden burger was almost inedible. Just make a vegetarian burger like a regular burger it doesn't have to be fancy. Ordering was easy enough, and for discounts, just put BKZmember under promo even if you're not. The place wasn't too packed when we went were about to easily get a table, but I bet this place is full on the weekends."
William
"For a restaurant in a Zoo, this place is impressive; especially the quality of the food. Got a cheeseburger and the crispy clucker - both hit the spot, and the fries were super fresh. Our friends got the roasted acorn squash pizza which was great - squash and brie on a pizza at a Zoo restaurant??? Nut - recommend after the dolphin show!"
Avi H
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The most popular items include Chicago-style hot dogs, chicken tenders, cheeseburgers, and pizza. The fresh-cut fries are also frequently mentioned.
Yes, BZ Red Hots offers kid-friendly options like chicken tenders, mac-n-cheese, pizza, and hot dogs. However, be prepared for potential long waits.
Wait times can be quite long, especially around noon. Some reviews mention waits of an hour or more. Ordering ahead or arriving before peak hours is recommended.
Yes, BZ Red Hots offers a garden burger as a vegetarian option.
Some reviews suggest prices are a bit steep, especially for zoo food. Others find them reasonable for the quality and quantity.
Yes, you can purchase a souvenir cup for $12 that includes free refills on drinks until the end of the year.
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Exploring Brookfield Zoo Chicago with Kids
There are also plenty of stations for sweet treats, food trucks and more snack stands around the zoo. See the zoo’s menus here.
Restaurants and Food at Brookfield Zoo
The two main restaurants are BZ Red Hots at the east end of the zoo, and Café del Sol at the southwest corner.
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