Every year the third Wednesday in July is National Hot Dog Day! Annually, the country comes together to honor the diverse types of sausage served in a bun. Hot dogs gained popularity in the United States during the early 1900s, especially in Chicago, where Chicago-style hot dogs are as iconic to the city as the Bean or the Bears.
Residents of Chicago owe it to Germans for introducing hot dogs to the United States. By the close of the 19th century, German-born individuals or those from first-generation German families made up 25% of Chicago's population, and in 1880, 36% of all butchers in the city were German immigrants. They brought their culinary traditions with them, especially the Vienna sausage, which was then a blend of pork, beef, and various spices. This was a perfect fit for Chicago, the meatpacking capital of the world and a forerunner in the industrial food industry. The city’s longest-standing hot dog brand, David Berg & Company, was established in 1860, following the advent of steam-powered choppers that allowed factories to convert meat trimmings into hot dogs.
When enjoying a hot dog in Chicago, it's likely that you're having Vienna Beef, which dominates the market with a 71% share in the area. Hot dog brands tend to be very local, making it rare to find Vienna Beef in other hot dog capitols of the world like New York, where Nathan’s Famous or Sabrett’s are more prevalent. Authentic Chicago-style hot dogs are served in a Rosen’s bun named after the Polish immigrant Same Rosen. Rosen first went to Germany to learn baking, then opened a bakery in New York before settling in Chicago. He established his Chicago bakery in 1909 and subsequently created the poppy-seed bun, an ideal match for the hot dog. The toppings referred to as the “garden” on Chicago hot dogs stem from a lighthearted competition between Greek and Italian street vendors in Chicago. They would set up at Maxwell Street Market, which was filled with various vegetable stalls, and tried to outdo each other with creative toppings.
Illinois is home to many now famous hot dog locations, here are some notable spots to get a Chicago-style dog. Gene & Judes in River Grove has consistently reached the top of the list for its Chicago-style hot dogs and vintage diner atmosphere. Open since 1967, Wolfy’s in downtown Chicago is known for its rich history to the city and holds spots in many best hot dogs in Chicago rankings. With locations in Bucktown and Lakeview, Redhot Ranch is known for reintroducing the city to the original Chicago dog often referred to as the “depression dog” – a minimalist hotdog served with mustard, relish, onion, sport peppers and fresh-cut fries.
From “depression dogs” to Chicago-style garden dogs, Illinois continues to be a premier spot for hot dog enjoyers across the world.
