One of the great joys of summer – or anytime, really, throughout the year – is savoring a Chicago-style hot dog. Of course, they go especially well with both major-league and Little League baseball games here in the Windy City. And maybe add some apple pie afterward for that all-American experience.
Each July we observe National Hot Dog Day on the 22nd, but of course, you’re welcome to celebrate all month long.
Just what is a true Chicago dog? Here’s the 9-point master checklist of the perfect hot dog recipe:
1. Vienna Beef frank
The holy grail of Chicago-style hot dogs in the Vienna Beef Natural Casing dog, a beef frankfurter. The wiener should be boiled, not grilled. (That would be a char dog. These taste great, but they’re not The Chicago Dog.)
2. Steamed poppy seed bun
The Holy Grail for Chicagoans is the S. Rosen poppy seed bun. Hot dog buns are like a perfect supportive pillow to the dog. Never ask for toasted.
3. Yellow mustard
It’s nothing fancy, but definitely not Dijon or seeded. No ketchup. Ever. Under any circumstances.
4. Dill pickle spear
It’s gotta have snap, and be crunchy. The crisp kosher pickle spear is the spine of the Chicago hot dog.
5. Sweet pickle relish
This is the neon-green relish. It’s not a natural constrast, and the sweetness makes a nice contrast to the dill of the spear.
6. Freshly chopped white onion
It should be finely diced, but not minced, so it has a nice crunch. And it should not overwhelm the dog.
7. Tomato wedges
Thin tomato slices can ameliorate the awkwardness of holding the dog when eating.
8. Sport peppers
Two or three on the dog will suffice; leave them whole. You might think that giardiniera or jalapenos might work too, but they’re not quite the same.
9. Celery salt
This is just a powder made table salt mixed with ground celery seed. A dash of celery salt is that perfect, final touch.
Mustard, relish, and onion should be in close contact with each Vienna Beef hot dog. The pickle spear should be on one side and the tomato wedges on the other. The sport peppers are a spritzing hazard, and you should look to confirm the dusting of celery salt before biting in. There are no hard-and-fast rules as to how eat a Chicago-style dog except “as best you can.” Just ask your friends and family to look away.
Big Guys Sausage Stand
Berwyn
Gene and Jude’s
River Grove
Goody’s
River Grove
Hot Dog & Burger Company
La Grange
Michael's Beef House
Oak Park
Mickey's
Oak Park
Mr. Beef & Pizza
Forest Park
Parky’s
Forest Park
Pete's Red Hots
Oak Park
Portillo’s
Forest Park and Northlake
The Winking Dog
Northlake
Step up to the altar of Chicago’s special genius. The beauty of Chicago-style is that the crunch comes from the supporting cast of condiments—not the sausage itself. Summer will be gone before you know it. Enjoy as many Chicago dogs as you can. And step away from the ketchup.