The Best Hot Dogs in Chicago, According to Someone Who Has Tried ‘Em All

If you’re looking for the best hot dog in Chicago, you’ve come to the right place. While I can’t tell you how many hot dogs I’ve eaten in my life, I am sure that number is in the many thousands. After high school, I worked at Nick’s Nest, a hot dog stand in my Massachusetts hometown, where I would have one for lunch every day. They’re a favorite food to eat while traveling, and I regularly grab them in my daily life as well, because I live in Chicago, where the hot dog is a local staple.

Served in a steamed poppyseed bun, the Chicago dog has specific toppings: mustard, chopped onions, neon green relish, tomatoes (slices or wedges), pickles (usually spears, sometimes chips), spicy sport peppers, and celery salt. The all-beef dog has a natural casing, which gives a perfect snap when you bite into it. While most Chicago dogs are pretty good, the best ones are constructed so you taste everything in every bite. And you probably know this, but just to be sure: that bite will not include ketchup, as the tangy condiment doesn’t mesh with the other toppings (this is a real if-you-know-you-know thing in Chicago—and you want to be in the know). When you’re in the city, whether you’re siddling up to a hot dog stand or popping into a casual restaurant, order yours as a “Chicago dog” or ask for it “dragged through the garden”—a signal that you know what’s up, and that you want everything on it.

These are the best places to get a hot dog in Chicago, according to a dog-loving resident.

Read our complete Chicago travel guide here, which includes: