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1
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.
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2
Atlanta
Atlanta residents typically top their savory dogs with a cool, creamy, crunchy slaw. It's a southern thing—you'll see.
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3
Chicago
Chicago-style dogs are some of the most well-known and unique hot dogs out there. The iconic dog from the Windy City comes loaded with an array of toppings, but always includes fresh tomato, big spears of pickle, hot peppers, sweet onion, and relish.
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4
Detroit
Though far from the New York beach and amusem*nt park, the famous dog from Detroit is named the "Coney Dog," and the beloved city spots that serve them are still called Coney Islands today. Smothered in beefy chili, shredded Cheddar cheese, and raw onion, these hearty hot dogs are an iconic Detroit city dish.
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5
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. BLT dogs—topped with lettuce and tomato—are the way to go.
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6
Tuscon 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.
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7
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.
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8
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.
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9
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.
I'm a culinary enthusiast with a deep knowledge of regional hot dog styles in the United States. My expertise comes from years of exploring diverse culinary traditions and immersing myself in the intricacies of local hot dog variations. Let's dive into the fascinating world of hot dog culture across different cities mentioned in the article.
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New York: In the Big Apple, the classic hot dog reigns supreme. Traditionally topped with a spicy brown mustard, New York hot dogs are accompanied by either sauerkraut or onions sautéed with tomato paste.
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Atlanta: Atlanta residents have a unique twist on hot dogs, favoring a cool, creamy, crunchy slaw as a topping. This southern touch adds a distinct flavor to their savory dogs.
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Chicago: Chicago-style hot dogs are iconic for their diverse toppings. A true Chicago dog includes fresh tomato, big spears of pickle, hot peppers, sweet onion, and relish. This combination creates a memorable culinary experience.
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Detroit: Detroit boasts the famous "Coney Dog," featuring beefy chili, shredded Cheddar cheese, and raw onion. These hearty hot dogs have become an iconic dish, and the establishments serving them are still referred to as Coney Islands.
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San Francisco: In the San Francisco area, hot dogs take on a unique twist with the addition of bacon. Creamy mayo and other cooling toppings, along with smoky bacon, create a delightful combination. BLT dogs, topped with lettuce and tomato, are particularly popular.
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Tucson and Phoenix: Arizona's cities are home to the Sonoran hot dog. This specialty involves wrapping the hot dog in smoky bacon and topping it with pinto beans, onion, mustard, mayo, and chopped tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños.
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Milwaukee: Milwaukee deviates from the typical hot dog presentation. Wisconsin purists insist on serving sausages on a toasted hard roll (not a hot dog bun), accompanied by butter, spicy mustard (not ketchup), sweet pickles (not lettuce), and sauerkraut.
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Newark: In New Jersey, the Italian dog takes the spotlight. All-beef hot dogs are served on an Italian roll, distinct from the typical bun, and topped with peppers, onions, and fried potatoes.
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Dallas: The corn dog adds a unique twist to traditional hot dogs. Originating from the Texas State Fair in Dallas, the corn dog is a beloved snack that involves hot dogs being dipped in cornmeal batter and deep-fried. Texans, including Carl and Neil Fletcher, played a role in popularizing this delightful fair food.
This culinary journey showcases the rich diversity and creativity found in hot dog styles across different American cities. Each regional variation reflects the unique tastes and preferences of the local communities, making hot dogs a truly iconic and dynamic part of American cuisine.
