The Chicago-Style Hot Dog Guide
Everything you need to know to eat like a true Chicagoan.
The Sacred Seven Toppings
A true Chicago-style hot dog starts with an all-beef frankfurter (Vienna Beef, naturally) on a steamed poppy seed bun, then gets "dragged through the garden" with exactly seven toppings — no more, no less, and absolutely no ketchup.
Yellow Mustard
Classic yellow mustard, tangy and bright, is the only acceptable mustard for a true Chicago dog.
Bright Green Relish
A sweet, neon-green pickle relish that adds color and a touch of sweetness.
Fresh Chopped Onion
Raw, white onions, finely chopped for a sharp bite.
Sliced Tomato
Two or more wedges of fresh tomato, adding juiciness and color.
Pickle Spear
A crisp, cold dill pickle spear, nestled alongside the dog.
Sport Peppers
Small, spicy pickled peppers that bring heat and crunch.
Celery Salt
A sprinkle of celery salt ties all the flavors together and is the essential finishing touch.
Fun Facts
- Chicagoans consume more hot dogs per capita than any other city in the U.S.
- Vienna Beef, founded in 1893, supplies most of the city’s hot dog stands.
- The Chicago dog’s signature neon-green relish gets its color from food dye.
- There are over 1,800 hot dog stands in the Chicago metro area—more than McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Burger King locations combined.
- The phrase 'dragged through the garden' refers to the abundance of vegetable toppings.