Hot dogs might be simple, but they’re downright irresistible. They’re an American icon, after all. From iconic Chicago dogs to bacon-wrapped ones in Arizona, each region has its own spin locals swear by. So we compared and ranked them all. Here are 11 of the most mouthwatering hot dogs across the country.
11. Maxwell Street Polish (Chicago, Illinois)
The Maxwell Street Polish is a Chicago legend, and it’s not your average ballpark frank. This sandwich features a grilled or fried Polish sausage, loaded with sweet grilled onions and yellow mustard, all nestled in a bun. The optional addition of spicy sport peppers adds a fiery kick that cuts through the richness of the sausage.
10. Michigan Hot Dog (New York)
Here’s a head-scratcher: the Michigan Hot Dog has almost nothing to do with Michigan. This delicacy is a New York specialty, particularly popular in the Plattsburgh area. What makes it unique, you ask? It’s all about the sauce. A steamed hot dog is placed in a steamed bun and then generously topped with a thick, meaty sauce known as “Michigan sauce.”
9. Danger Dog (Tucson, Arizona)
The Danger Dog, also known as the Sonoran Hot Dog, originated in Hermosillo, Mexico, and has become a sensation in Tucson and Phoenix. It’s a bacon-wrapped hot dog, grilled until crispy, and then loaded with various toppings: pinto beans, grilled onions and tomatoes, fresh onion, mayonnaise, mustard, and jalapeño salsa. It’s an unforgettable hot dog experience that will keep you coming back for more.
8. Chicago-Style Hot Dog (Chicago, Illinois)
Now, this is a true culinary icon of the Windy City. It all starts with a steamed poppy seed bun with an all-beef Vienna hot dog. Then comes the variety of toppings: yellow mustard, white onions, sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato wedges, pickled sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt. The combination of hot and cold, sweet and savory, and crisp and soft is what makes this hot dog so special.
7. Coney Dog (Michigan)
Don’t be fooled…the Coney Dog is a Michigan original, not a New York invention. This is a beef hot dog topped with an all-meat chili, yellow mustard, and diced white onions, all served in a warm, steamed bun. It’s a simple but satisfying combination, well-loved by many for over a century.
6. Slaw Dog (North Carolina)
In North Carolina, hot dogs come with a surprising twist: they’re bright red! Also, they’re almost always topped with a coleslaw and a savory, meaty chili. The combination of the hot chili and the cool slaw creates a contrast of temperatures and textures that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
5. Reuben Dog (Kansas City, Missouri)
Imagine your favorite deli sandwich transformed into a hot dog. That’s the Reuben Dog for you. It takes a classic all-beef hot dog and tops it with the fixings of a Reuben sandwich. Think melty Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and a drizzle of creamy Thousand Island dressing. Some versions even include corned beef for added flavor.
4. Hot Wiener (Rhode Island)
This iconic hot dog has been a Rhode Island staple since the 1940s. The wiener itself is a blend of beef, pork, and veal, so it has a richer, more complex flavor than your average hot dog. It’s served in a steamed bun with meat sauce, mustard, onions, and a generous sprinkle of celery salt.
3. Cincinnati Chili Dog (Ohio)
The Cincinnati Chili Dog is a true original that defies expectations. What makes it special is the chili, which is a unique blend of meat and spices, including cinnamon, chocolate, and allspice. This sweet and savory chili is ladled over a hot dog and then topped with shredded cheddar cheese. It’s messy yet decadent, and a hot dog that’s not afraid to be different.
2. Reindeer Dog (Alaska)
One of Alaska’s most unique street foods is the Reindeer Dog. The sausage is a blend of reindeer (or caribou) meat with pork and beef, giving it a subtle, venison-like taste that’s savory and slightly sweet. Served with a variety of toppings, from classic mustard and onions to more creative concoctions, the Reindeer Dog is a must-try for adventurous foodies.
1. Dodger Dog (Los Angeles, California)
This iconic ballpark frank isn’t just a hot dog; it’s a piece of baseball history. The 10-inch pork sausage, longer than the bun, has been a staple at the stadium since 1962. It’s a simple pleasure, often served with just mustard and onions. And yet it has become a tradition enjoyed by generations of baseball fans. It’s a true classic that has stood the test of time.