This blog post was updated on August 25, 2020.
Hot dog, bun, ketchup, and mustard — although those may be the quintessential way to enjoy a hot dog, we’re excited to tell you that the options don’t just end there! Here’s a look at 7 cities across the country that put a unique twist to this classic American favorite and where to nab yours.
City: New York
Hot Dog Style: All-Beef With Sauerkraut & Mustard
Legend has it that the hot dog, a frankfurter or sausage served in a bun, was first sold in New York’s Coney Island around 1870. Since then, this simple and straightforward no-frills style has become synonymous with how many in the Big Apple eat hot dogs. Carts and stands peddling hot dogs are vast throughout the city, but true connoisseurs should make a point of going to Gray’s Papaya, Crif Dogs, or Nathan’s Famous.
City: Chicago
Hot Dog Style: Served in a Poppy Seed Bun & Covered with Chopped Onion, Tomato Slices, Sport Peppers, and a Pickle Spear
Served with so many vegetable accouterments that a slang term was actually coined to describe it (“dragged through the garden”), the Chicago-style hot dog is pretty much a meal in itself. Some Windy City must-visits to try out include Portillo’s, Duks Red Hots, and the Weiner’s Circle.
If you’re heading over to Duk’s, try out their double hot dog if you’re feeling extra hungry. If you still need a snack, you can try your very own shrimp basket sandwich, chicken nuggets, or tacos. Or, you can even get a slice of cheese (for under $1!) to take with you on the road. Either way, you won’t go hungry.
City: Atlanta
Hot Dog Style: Served with Coleslaw
Although many in the south will claim this crisp and tasty way to serve a hot dog as their own, the “slaw dog” seems to have originated in Atlanta. Some reportedly essential ATL Slaw Dog stops are The Varsity and Little’s Food Store.
If you’re celebrating or have a crowd with you, The Varsity even caters with their very own food truck. They cater at events and picnics for large people in addition to having a restaurant. Some delicious options on the menu include chili dogs, French fries, and onion rings. If you have a sweet tooth, you can order some apple pie or a frosted orange. If you’re dining inside, you’ll have plenty of hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, and more to choose from.
Related: The Best Southern Barbecue to Road Trip for this Summer
City: Detroit
Hot Dog Style: Drenched in Beanless Chili, Mustard, Chopped Raw Onion, and Cheddar Cheese
Known as a “Coney Dog” (after the hot dog’s birthplace in Coney Island), Detroit’s take is a vegan’s nightmare. If you’re in the Motor City and don’t mind dining on meat or dairy, head on over to both Lafayette Coney Island and American Coney Island. If you find you have a preference between the two legendary eateries, you’ll be able to weigh in on a long-running D-town rivalry.
City: Kansas City
Hot Dog Style: Served with Sauerkraut, Melted Cheese, and Thousand Island Dressing
Kansas City’s version of a hot dog may re-spark the heated debate on if it counts as a sandwich — since it’s based on the deli classic Reuben. But wherever you land on the contentious questions of “is a hot dog a sandwich?” you’ll want to try this version. Head to Kauffman Stadium, home of the Kansas City Royals, to try it!
City: Cleveland
Hot Dog Style: A Kielbasa or Hot Dog in a Bun, Covered in French Fries, Barbecue Sauce or Hot Sauce, & Coleslaw
The infamous “Cleveland Polish Boy” is a food icon in the Rock and Roll capital and a must-try for ALL visitors. The best places to order are the Seti’s Polish Boys and Hot Sauce Williams. Just be prepared to eat them with a knife and fork…and use a napkin.
City: Seattle
Hot Dog Style: Served with Cream Cheese, Grilled Onions, & (optional) Jalapeños
The most unique addition in a Seattle-style dog is the use of cream cheese, which depending on your taste, sounds deliciously enticing or gross. Either way, if you’re in the Emerald City, you’re going to want to try it. Some Seattle locations that’ll help you with your gastro-explorations include Comet Dogs, Taxi Dogs, and Radiator Whiskey.
Did we forget your favorite US city’s unique version of a hot dog? Tell us all about it in the comments below!
The Hot Wiener in Providence, R.I.. It has a Greek hamburger sauce and is smaller than a standard Hot Dog. The Best, forget jalapenos, sauerkraut, dill pickles, Thousand Island dressing just a few onions and a little mustard.