Chicago Style Hot Dogs

Many sources attribute the distinctive collection of toppings on a Chicago-style dog to the "Depression Sandwich" allegedly originated by Fluky's on historic Maxwell Street in 1929. Vienna Beef frankfurters, the most common brand served today, were first sold at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

Chicago-style hot dogs are boiled or steamed before adding the toppings. Less commonly, they're grilled and referred to as "chardogs." The typical dog weighs 1/8 pound and the most traditional type features a natural casing, providing a distinctive "snap" when bitten.

The Chicago metropolitan area boasts more hot dog restaurants than McDonald's, Wendy's, and Burger Kings combined. A "hot dog stand" in Chicago may serve many other items, including the Maxwell Street Polish, gyros, Italian beef and pork chop sandwiches. The restaurants often have unique names, such as Mustard's Last Stand, or architectural features, like Superdawg's two giant rooftop hot dogs (Maurie and Flaurie, named for the husband-and-wife team that owns the drive-in).

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Man's Hand Cooking Hot Dogs on a Barbecue Grill, Taste of Chicago

Vienna Beef Hot Dog topped with mustard, relish, onion, pickle, tomato, sport peppers & celery salt. The "Chicago Style" hot dog got its start from street cart hot dog vendors during the hard times of the Great Depression. Money was scarce, but business was booming for these entrepreneurs who offered a delicious hot meal on a bun for only a nickel. The famous Chicago Style Hot Dog was born! They'd start with a Vienna Beef hot dog, nestle it in a steamed poppy seed bun and cover it with a wonderful combination of toppings: yellow mustard, bright green relish, fresh chopped onions, juicy red tomato wedges, a kosher-style pickle spear, a couple of spicy sport peppers and finally, a dash of celery salt. This unique hot dog creation with a "salad on top" and its memorable interplay of hot and cold, crisp and soft, sharp and smooth, became America's original fast food and a true Chicago institution.

Baseball Park Hot Dogs

Adaptations of the hot dogs served at the home ballparks of five Major League teams as shown in this March 1, 2007 photo. Clockwise from lower left, Atlanta Braves, Houston Astros, New York Mets, Colorado Rockies and Chicago Cubs.