Let's get one thing straight: these are bucket-list hot dogs.
There are thousands of hot dog combinations, some I'm sure we've never heard of before. But the list below contains the most popular, well-known dogs in the country. What is your favorite? Where do you pledge your hot dog loyalty?
Chicago Dog
Photo courtesy of Eat This, Not That
From: Chicago, Illinois
Explained: The Chicago Dog's standard is Vienna beef, but the toppings are what make the Windy City proud. This dog is "dragged through the garden" with yellow mustard, chopped white opinions, sweet pickle relish, a pickle spear, tomato wedges, pickled peppers and celery salt. The most genuine Chicago Dog will be placed in a soft, pillowy poppy-seed encrusted bun.
Coney Island Chili Dog
From: Detroit, Michigan
Photo courtesy of Spruce Eats
Explained: Before the Cincinnatians get all upset, let us explain. While sure, Cincinnati chili dogs are and will forever be our favorite (non-biased, of course) the origins of the Coney Island Chili dog hail from Detroit. What makes this dog a staple is the seasoned beef chili adorned with yellow mustard, white onion and cheese.
Photo courtesy of MasterCook
Seattle-Style Dog
From: Seattle, Washington
Explained: Often made of a grilled Polish sausage, this wiener is split in half before being put into a toasted bun and slathered with cream cheese. A Seattle-Style is adorned with grilled onions, jalapenos, cabbage and dolloped with siracha or barbeque sauce.
Cleveland Polish Boy
Photo courtesy of Asenzya
From: Cleveland, Ohio
Explained: Prepare yourselves; the Cleveland Polish Boy is a grilled kielbasa sausage on a roll with coleslaw and a dousing of barbeque and hot sauce. It's not a true city dog unless its piled with home-style french fries. Napkins required when eating.
Sonoran Dogs
Photo courtesy of Martins Famous Pastry Shoppe
From: Arizona
Explained: Bacon-wrapped and snuggly stuck into a steam bolillo roll, you might not even recognize this hot dog at first. The standard Sonoran Dog is topped with pinto beans, chopped tomatoes, onions, mustard and jalapenos. The daredevils use guacamole and salsa Verde.
