Chicago Paulies

LOVE this place! Don't be put off by how it looks on the outside or its location. Both are a bit off putting. It is also a bit odd when you order as the window is small and it is kind of hard to see inside, but take two seconds to say hi, and you will be sold. Paulie and whomever works with him (I don't know her name), are pleasant and engaging and they make a great Chicago dog and fries. I haven't tried anything else but have been there to hear others order and he is very open to providing what they want.I know this review is a little shorter than most of my other ones but don't read anything into that. I hit this place up every time I am anywhere near the area.

This hole in the wall is a friggin gem! I'm traveling for work on the left coast of Florida monthly, and I'm always on the lookout for highly rated Yelp food spots. Today I was in Ybor City area early afternoon and a search near me had Chicago Paulie's rated almost a perfect 5 stars?!? I had to check this out, as I abso-luuutley love Chicago Beef sub/sandwiches with Giardiniera. I rolled up at 2 and Paulie said he closes at 2. I told him that Yelp and Google maps show 3pm and he has tried to change his hours online tirelessly. The Italian Beef was the best I've ever had outside of Chicago. Superb. Tender shaved beef, soft roll and delicious aus jus, on it or as a side to dip it in. Excellent spicy Giardiniera directly from Chicago loaded on top.We chatted it up as Paulie is a retired professional and does this to get out of the house or his wife will put him to work! We talked stocks and he knows his stuff; he really hooked me up with a large for a medium $$ and threw in a few free mini waters! Great service, great guy.The Chicago dogs are amazing and made wth fresh ingredients in front of you.This place is basically the size of a concrete trailer, located in a gas station parking lot. There's two stools to eat at, but I ain't got no time fer that! when it's 100 degrees out. Best for takeout no doubt. TL;DR- This is one of the best Chicago style Italian beef sandwiches I've found in Florida hands down. As this is a walk up window, be prepared to take it to-go if it's insanely hot out or you have multiple people.Great job Paulie! Can't wait to come back next month :)

This was an outstanding find. It was just a hotdog trailer next to a gas station and an older community in Tampa, but the hot dog was fantastic and the tater tot.

Great hotdogs!!!!! Great owner who is conversant. I go there maybe three times a month and he remembers me.

The owner was very pleasant to talk with as he made up all the fresh ingredients for a fully dressed dog. The dog was the real deal! A classic chicago dog with poppyseed bun, all beef dog with natural casing for that "snap", relish, mustard, chopped onions tomato's, sport peppers---all in all a real treat. Very reasonable price too. I will be back to try the Italian beef as well!

I recently discovered an incredible Italian sandwich shop, and it was nothing short of amazing! The bread was perfectly fresh and had just the right texture. What really stood out was the tenderness of the steak, seasoned to perfection. Every bite was packed with flavor. I can't wait to go back and enjoy it all over again!

I'm so disgusted with myself.I can't believe I've taken this long to review Chicago Paulies. I know it's gotta be a Yelp felony to love a food establishment the way I love this one and delay, to this extent, giving it its proper shine. For that, I must apologize.I've previously stated my immense affinity for Chicago. It's my favorite city, excluding places I've lived. And being a Louisiana guy, I'm big on flavor. Chicago's food scene has an abundance of that. While spending a summer there after graduating, I became very familiar and fond of the variety of food greatness the Windy City provides. After the summer ended, I've kept my eyes open for joints that were true to what I experienced that year. But it's been hard.Enter Chicago Paulies. First off, the owner is not for the faint of heart. He is as straightforward and blunt as they come. And he will cuss you out with tha quickness. That's actually one of the things I like most about coming here. LOLOL But the main attraction is the menu. Polish sausages, Chicago hot dogs, Italian beef......he's serving all the Chicago classics and doing them with such authenticity. Mr. Paulie also has regular hot dogs and freshly squeezed lemonade on deck AND the portions and prices are both gonna give you some relief in today's economy. Every. Single. Time. I'm. In. Tampa. I. Stop. Here.I'd be surprised if they didn't wind up on your list of Tampa favorites too.

Awesome place to fill my need for a Chicago food fix. Keep in mind this is basically a food truck. Excellent Chicago hotdogs and Italian beef. Paulie is always friendly and provides excellent service. Everything is authentic Chicago!!

Food is great, service is amazing and prices are reasonable. Paulie's is our taste of Chicago in Tampa.

Paulie is a staple of Tampa and has the best hot Italian beef sandwich, authentic Chicago dogs and an amazing chili dog. Support local small businesses!