A hot dog is just a hot dog no matter where you eat it, right? Not necessarily. Cities across the U.S. claim ownership over special hot dog styles thanks to specific (and mouth-watering) toppings or special cooking methods. Check out ten of the most beloved styles.
After you’ve discovered what’s out there, learn how to make your hot dog toppings.
New York
In New York, the simple dog reigns supreme. A hot dog in the Big Apple is traditionally topped with a spicy brown mustard and either sauerkraut or onions sautéed with tomato paste. The sauerkraut featured here gets an extra kick of flavour from chilli powder and beer.
Kansas City
Fans of the Kansas City Royals baseball team know the magic of combining two classic, meat-laden treats — the traditional ballpark frank and the deliciously gooey Reuben sandwich, stacked high with corned beef and Swiss. These grilled Reuben hot dogs mimic the best-selling dish sold at Kansas City’s Kauffman Stadium. All-beef dogs are topped with melted cheese, caraway, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing.
Atlanta
Atlanta residents typically top their savory dogs with a cool, creamy, crunchy slaw. Here, we’ve added some spicy chilli and mustard underneath the crisp veggie topping for an extra boost of contrasting flavour.
Chicago
Chicago-style dogs are some of the most well-known and unique hot dogs out there. The iconic dog from the WindyCity comes loaded with an array of toppings, but always includes fresh tomato, big spears of pickle, hot peppers, sweet onion, and a vivid green relish.
Detroit
Though far from the New York beach and amusement park, the famous dog from Detroit is named the «Coney dog,» and the beloved city spots that serve them are still called ConeyIslands today. Smothered in beefy chili, shredded Cheddar cheese, and raw onion, these hearty hot dogs are an iconic Detroit city dish.
San Francisco
Hot dogs wrapped in or topped with bacon are popular throughout the western United States. But in the San Francisco area, it’s common to find creamy mayo and other cooling toppings in addition to the smoky bacon. These BLT dogs — which call for a caraway-flecked mayonnaise as well as pickles, shallots, tomatoes, and shredded lettuce — are like having a gourmet version of the favorite sandwich piled right into your hot dog bun.
Tucson and Phoenix
Arizona’s most well-known cities are home to the Sonoran, a hot dog that’s first wrapped in smoky bacon, then topped with pinto beans, onion, mustard, mayo, and chopped tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños. To make a version of this unique dog at home, wrap your dog in bacon first, drizzle with your favorite sauces, and then finish it off with this fresh, chunky salsa.
Milwaukee
These may not look like the typical hot dog, but they’re the real deal. Ask a Wisconsin purist — tradition demands that these sausages be served on a toasted hard roll (not a hot dog bun), with butter, spicy mustard (not ketchup), sweet pickles (not lettuce), and sauerkraut.
Newark
In New Jersey, the Italian dog is king. All-beef hot dogs are served on an Italian roll, rather than a typical bun, and topped with peppers, onions, and fried potatoes. Try our recipe for grilled peppers and onions instead of frying to add a complex, charred flavor to your vegetables.
Dallas
If you’re looking for a truly unique dog, ditch the bun! There’s some controversy over where and when the corn dog was first created, but there’s no denying the deliciousness of the classic state fair food. Two Texans, Carl and Neil Fletcher, are just a few of the many who lay claim to first making and popularizing this now beloved snack — the duo are said to have introduced it at a Texas State Fair (held in Dallas since 1886) in the late 1930s or early 1940s. Regardless of its origins, the corn dog is a delicious twist on the traditional dog that Texans, and Americans around the country, have been enjoying ever since.