← Chicago

The Chicago Dog

Seven toppings, zero ketchup.

Flag of United StatesOrigin: Chicago, United States
Our score: 10/10
The Chicago Dog illustrated hot dog icon

Pinpointed origin: Chicago, United States

The anatomy

Vessel
Poppy-seed side-split bun
Sausage
Vienna all-beef
Region
Chicago
Ingredients
Neon green relish illustrated ingredient iconChopped white onion illustrated ingredient iconTomato wedges illustrated ingredient iconDill pickle spear illustrated ingredient iconSport peppers illustrated ingredient iconCelery salt illustrated ingredient icon

A Vienna Beef frank, steamed bun, and the full garden. Assembly order matters: mustard first, then relish, onion, tomato, pickle, peppers, and a dusting of celery salt last.

Method

  1. 1Steam the poppy-seed bun until soft.
  2. 2Simmer the Vienna Beef frank (never boil hard).
  3. 3Lay down yellow mustard, then neon relish.
  4. 4Add onion, tomato wedges, a pickle spear, and two sport peppers.
  5. 5Finish with a dash of celery salt. Serve immediately.

Tasting notes

The platonic ideal. The snap of the Vienna Beef, the bright vinegar hit of sport peppers, the celery salt tying it together. Ketchup would be a crime and you know it.