The Ideal American Hot Dog: a Regional Taste Test

WHO:

AP News - Isabel Tzeng, a ceramicist in New York City, is a fan of the classic New York dog.

AP News - Zach Cmiel, a software engineer and Chicago native, enjoys Chicago-style hot dogs.

AP News - Boo Phillips of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, expresses his love for hot dogs and mentions Bill’s Hot Dog Stand.

WHAT:

AP News - The Nathan’s Famous hot dog eating championship is held annually on July 4.

AP News - A classic NYC hot dog is typically served with sauerkraut, spicy brown mustard, and Onion Sauce.

AP News - Chicago-style hot dogs are topped with mustard, neon relish, onion, tomato, pickle, sport pepper, and celery salt, and ketchup is not allowed.

AP News - Cincinnati hot dogs are topped with chili, mustard, onions, and shredded cheese.

AP News - Kansas hot dogs may be topped with Reuben-style ingredients or Kansas City-style barbecue sauce.

AP News - The Sonoran hot dog features a bacon-wrapped wiener, hot pinto beans, grilled and raw onions, diced tomatoes, mustard, jalapeno salsa, and mayo or crema.

AP News - The bestselling all-beef “everything” dog at Hot Dog Ranch in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is served with a secret-recipe Coney sauce, yellow mustard, and chopped onions.

WHERE:

AP News - New York City is known for its boiled hot dogs, often referred to as “dirty water dogs.”

AP News - Chicago is recognized for its Chicago-style hot dogs.

AP News - Cincinnati is noted for its unique hot dog style.

AP News - Kansas is mentioned for its hot dog variations.

AP News - The Wiener’s Circle is a popular hot dog spot in Chicago.

AP News - Hot Dog Ranch is located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

AP News - Nick Tahou’s Hots is a hot dog establishment in Rochester, New York.

WHEN:

AP News - The Nathan’s Famous hot dog eating championship occurs each July 4.

AP News - Hot Dog Ranch has been operating for 94 years.

AP News - Nick Tahou’s Hots has been a hot dog mecca since 1918.

WHY:

AP News - The preparation and consumption of hot dogs vary by region, reflecting local pride and preferences.

HOW:

AP News - NYC hot dogs are boiled and served in a spiced brine.

AP News - Chicago-style hot dogs are steamed or grilled over an open flame.

AP News - The Sonoran hot dog is served on a soft, sweet, canoe-like Mexican roll called a bolillo.

AP News - At The Wiener’s Circle, hot dogs are grilled until blackened and split.

(UPDATED July 3, 2026 06:16 UTC)

The Nathan’s Famous hot dog eating championship takes place every July 4, showcasing the regional pride and unique styles of hot dogs across the country. In New York City, fans enjoy boiled hot dogs known as “dirty water dogs,” while Chicago natives savor their signature style topped with mustard, neon relish, and more, with ketchup strictly off-limits. Other variations include Cincinnati hot dogs with chili and cheese, Kansas hot dogs featuring barbecue sauce, and the Sonoran hot dog, which is wrapped in bacon and served on a sweet Mexican roll.