Hot Dogs: Chicago v. New York

Hot dogs are an American tradition. Whether you are at a baseball game, a picnic in the park, grilling in your backyard, or stopping at a stand on the street, you can find people eating hot dogs just about everywhere. There are definitely some dogs that are better than others. You can find different styles of hot dogs depending on where you are in the United States. From little weenies to giant frankfurters to veggie dogs, there are about as many different dogs in this country as there are people. But there are two hot dog styles that are famous above the rest: Chicago and New York.

The classic New York wiener is grilled and served with sauerkraut and mustard. If you want to grab a quick $1 dog from a street cart, it will be boiled and served with mustard and onion sauce. Like the Chicago dog, a traditional New York dog will be made out of beef.

While New York might not offer all of the colorful toppings of a Chicago dog, it does offer an easy to hold dog you can eat without getting super messy.

While in the City, you can also get a Coney Island dog, which is a beef frank served on a plain bun. Mustard is available if you want it. The Coney Island dog was first served by in 1867 when Charles Feltman wrapped Vienna sausages in a roll, and sold them as Coney Island Red Hots.

This isn’t to be confused with the Coney dog, a wiener topped with the special Coney sauce (a beanless chili).

New York hot dogs might be called street food, but they are available just about any time of day. They are an inexpensive, easy to eat meal while exploring the city.

The Chicago style hot dog is an all beef wiener in a poppy seed bun. But, it’s the toppings that make these dogs stand apart from the rest. First of all, never put ketchup on a Chicago dog. You just may be run out of town if you do.

Some popular Chicago toppings:

• mustard

• onion

• sweet pickle relish

• dill pickle spears

• tomatoes

• peppers

• celery salt

• grilled onions

• raw onions

Chicago dogs are usually roiled or steamed. If you want it grilled, you need to order a chardog.

Why are these hot dogs so good? Maybe it has to do with the Polish influence in the city. You know that the Polish are famous for their sausages.

Do you have a favorite hot dog? Let us know whether you think the Chicago Dog or the New York Frank is better. If you had to choose, which one would you pick? How do you prepare hot dogs at home? Be sure to share your tips with us in the comment box below.