< Back to Table of Contents
There are many great hot dog styles to taste across the U.S.
JANEAN FLOWE
Between the Bun:
A Tour of America’s Hot Dog Styles
Celebrate America 250 with a hot dog in hand and a cross-country tour of its many styles.
by Zachary Laks
Whether grilled, steamed or boiled, a hot dog at first bite has an unmistakable way of capturing an instant sense of comfort, and to many, a classic taste of Americana. Though, depending on where you are in the U.S., your hot dog will be dressed accordingly. Summer is high season for the dog, from backyard cookouts and ballpark franks to the legendary Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest every July Fourth—all of which has become an indelible (and most edible!) American tradition.
As excitement builds around the United States’ semiquincentennial, there’s never been a better time to spotlight that distinctly American summer moment of nostalgia tucked into a bun. Here’s a fascinating look at how the hot dog became an American icon, the many regional ways you can enjoy one and a few must-try favorites worth the drive.
Ballparks across America serve hot dogs.
ADOBE STOCK
A Bite-Sized History of the Hot Dog
America’s fascination with the hot dog dates to the late 1800s, on the bustling boardwalk of Coney Island, New York. Hot dog historians point to German immigrant Charles Feltman as the first to sell German sausages served on a bread roll from a pushcart. This plate-free snack quickly caught on as passersby appreciated its on-the-go, savory qualities.
It wasn’t until 1916, when Nathan Handwerker (recognize the first name?), a former employee of Feltman, brought the hot dog into the mainstream. Handwerker’s sharp business instincts upended the market, positioning the franks as “everyman’s food” and boldly undercutting competitors’ prices with 5-cent dogs while others charged two to three times as much.
To this day, lines still form outside Nathan’s Famous on Coney Island, and the brand’s Fourth of July hot dog eating contest endures as a quintessential American summer spectacle.
Road-Trip Worthy Hot Dogs
Celebrate America 250 this summer on a road trip to try the country’s time-honored, regional hot dog varieties.
Chicago style hot dogs
The Chicago Dog
Where to go: Superdawg Drive-In, Chicago
The Chicago Dog is a defining culinary delight of the city, served on a steamed poppy-seed bun and “dragged through the garden,” meaning mustard, green sweet pickle relish, onion, tomato, a Kosher dill pickle spear, pickled sport peppers and celery salt. Just don’t ask for ketchup; you’ll likely be met with a scowl, as it’s strictly off-limits on these city dogs.
A plate of two Gray’s Papaya hot dogs
GRAY’S PAPAYA
The New York City Street Dog
Where to go: Gray’s Papaya, New York City
The best New York City street hot dogs are no-frills delights with a snappy frank and balanced toppings. These are built for a city always on the go, topped with mustard, sauerkraut and onion sauce.
If you can’t make it to the city, Gray’s Papaya offers shipping nationwide! Try the pack of 12 New York City Hot Dog Kit, which includes 12 hot dogs, 12 buns, 1 pouch onions, 1 pouch sauerkraut and 1 bottle mustard. The kit ships frozen with ice packs.
Sonoran style hot dog
Arizona’s Sonoran Dog
Where to go: BK Carne Asada & Hot Dogs, Tucson
The Sonoran Dog is a picture-perfect cultural creation that is deeply tied to the U.S.-Mexico border food culture. This deluxe dog is bacon-wrapped and fully loaded with a mound of toppings, including pinto beans, tomatoes, onions, jalapeño salsa, mustard and a mayonnaise drizzle, served in a fluffy bolillo-style roll. Give one a try the next time you visit Tucson.
A fork may come in handy when eating a Layfayette Coney Island hot dog
The Detroit Coney Dog in Michigan
Where to go: Lafayette Coney Island, Detroit
The Detroit Coney Dog became a diner staple throughout Michigan as Greek-owned restaurants innovated their take on the American classic. The hot dog is layered with Greek-influenced beef chili, yellow mustard and finely diced onions for a saucy, satisfying bite.
Sizzling, wrapped and ready hot dogs from a Los Angeles street vendor.
Los Angeles’ Bacon-Wrapped Street Dog
Where to go: Los Angeles street vendors
A late-night staple that dots Los Angeles’ stadiums and nightlife scene, the bacon-wrapped street dog is an indulgent (and messy!) local favorite. Grilled on flat-top carts, the hot dog is loaded with grilled onions, peppers, ketchup, mustard and mayo, making it an unmistakably L.A. creation.
The Carolina-style hot dog is a fan favorite at Patty & The Dogs.
The Carolina-Style Hot Dog
Where to go: Patty & The Dogs in Monroe, North Carolina
A Southern favorite found throughout North and South Carolina (and neighboring states), the Carolina-style hot dog is all parts hearty, satisfying, and delicious, with its combination of chili, mustard and creamy coleslaw. You’re going to need a couple of extra napkins for this classic as it delivers saucy, nostalgic flavors in every bite. A must-try on any Southern road trip.
Ready to taste your way across America? From iconic ballpark franks to regional favorites piled high with local flavor, AAA Members can save on the journey. Enjoy savings on everything from hotels and gas to game tickets and dining, making your next foodie getaway even more rewarding. Discover offers and start planning at AAA.com/Save.
If you’d like to share this article with someone, click the SHARE icon at the top right of the page.
Check out these other stories!
5 Most Pet-Friendly National Parks
Tours that Reveal America’s Hidden History
Family Vacation: Three Days in Los Angeles
AAA Guides—Travel & How-To Guides Are Available
