[Photograph: D.H. Lee]

The Brunch Dog at Franks 'n Dawgs is quite possibly all of the best components of breakfast combined into one giant messy sandwich. It starts with a giant Slagel Farms breakfast sausage, topped with cob-smoked bacon, a fried egg, and then it's all drizzled with maple mayo. Lots of it. The whole thing is stuffed into a buttered and toasted New England-style hot dog bun, which is a rare creature here in Chicago. We're accustomed to the poppy seed variety.

The combination is gloriously salty, greasy, eggy, and sweet, all at the same time, and will cure a hangover immediately upon consumption. If you've seen this Hangover Helper before, you've probably been watching television, because this thing has shown up quite a few times on national TV, and for good reason.

One warning: you'll be wearing half of it on your face and shirt by the time you're done.

Franks 'n Dawgs

1863 N Clybourn Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614 (map)
312-226-8000; franksndawgs.com

About the author: After a failed attempt at starting a chain of theme restaurants called "Smellen Keller," Dennis Lee traveled the world to discover his true passion. Sadly, midwifery didn't pan out. Now he works in a cubicle, and screws around as much as possible. Follow his shenanigans on Twitter.