Hot dogs are one of the ways we cheers to America each year, alongside burgers, corn on the cob, and a few beers. With Fourth of July coming up, there is no better way to prepare than to study up on hot dogs. Hot dogs may seem simple to you, but according to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (NHDSC), and yes that is very much a real council, there are all different types of hot dogs based on different regions. You might be used to a beef hot dog with relish and mustard on it, while someone from the opposite coast has never even had that combo. Oh, and if you want to continue celebrating hot dogs, it’s your lucky month because National Hot Dog Day is coming up on July 19. While each region’s dog ranges in differences in the kind of meat, buns, and toppings, you’ll definitely find one of your favorites in this guide.
New York City Dog
The Big Apple is home to thousands of hot dog stands at every corner. New Yorkers are said to eat more hot dogs than any other group in the country. No matter what part of the city you happen to be in, they serve their dogs the same with a beef wiener, steamed onions, and a deli-style mustard on top. This is a classic dog that never misses.
Philadelphia Dog
This hot dog is probably one of the most diverse ones you will come across in this guide. It features an all-beef wiener with a fish cake inside the bun, topped with a sweet vinegary slaw and spicy mustard. What a combo!
The Texas Dog
This hot dog is a spicy twist of a classic style dog. It has chili, cheese, and jalapeños to make up the most flavorful hot dog yet. If you like chili and spice, you will probably eat this one up.
New Jersey Dog
New Jersey hosts many different types of hot dogs, and they can be found all over the state, but their most unique offering is the Italian Dog. This is a hot dog in thick pizza bread topped with onions, peppers, and deep fried potatoes. This dog will most definitely fill you up.
West Virginia Dog
This dog features chili, mustard, and coleslaw topped on a beef wiener, all inside of a steamed bun.
The Fenway Frank
The city of Boston offers a classic and delicious hot dog that can always be found at none other than Fenway Park. This dog is boiled and grilled, served in a New England-style bun, and topped with mustard and relish. They are also sometimes served with Boston baked beans on top. This is the perfect dog to have alongside the Red Sox and a couple refreshing beers.
The Colorado Rocky Dog
Home to some of the greatest Rocky Mountains, this rocky dog is a foot-long dog with grilled peppers, sauerkraut, and onions. If you start eating it now, you might finish it by the time the Fourth of July comes around…
Cincinnati Coney
The original home to the famous Skyline Chili is also home to some of the greatest hot dogs in the country. Their dogs are topped with Cincinnati-style chili and an ample amount of grated cheddar cheese on top. If you’re a chili lover, this dog is definitely for you.
The Southwest Dog
This favorite features a grilled, bacon-wrapped hot dog on a plain bun with pinto beans, grilled onions and green peppers, chopped fresh tomatoes, relish, tomatillo jalapeño salsa, mayonnaise, mustard, and shredded cheese. What a mouthful!
Chicago Dog
A competitor with New York dogs, Chicago dogs are layered with yellow mustard, relish, chopped raw onion, pickle spear, sport peppers, tomatoes, topped with celery salt and served in a poppy seed bun. My mouth is watering after thinking about this one.
The California Dog
The famous Cali dog is a bacon wrapped weiner with grilled onions and peppers. These are mostly seen around Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Seattle Dog
Seattle offers a topping on their dog that isn’t seen anywhere else in the world — cream cheese. The hot dog is split in half and grilled before being put in a toasted bun and is topped with grilled onions, siracha sauce, jalapeños, and of course cream cheese. Seattle natives go crazy for this dog.