Chicago-Style Hot Dog
Chicago, United States
A Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef frank in a steamed poppy-seed bun with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, sport peppers and celery salt. The cold toppings are part of the design, giving the hot sausage a sharp, crunchy and fresh counterpoint.
Why locals eat it
The hot dog belongs to Chicago’s fast, specific counter-service food culture, where the prescribed topping set is as recognizable as the sausage itself. The ketchup rule is a local convention, not a universal law, but ordering it without ketchup is the expected way to experience the classic.
Local tip
Ask for it dragged through the garden and mention any toppings you need omitted. Use napkins generously; the tomato, relish and mustard make this a deliberately messy sandwich.
Typically made with
All-beef hot dog, Poppy seed bun, Yellow mustard, Neon green relish, Chopped onions, Tomato wedges, Pickle spear, Sport peppers, Celery salt. Recipes vary — always check with the vendor if you have allergies.