Favorite Hot Dogs from Around the USA

ILLINOIS: CHICAGO HOT DOG

New Yorkers love their sauerkraut (which is full of nutrients, by the way). In Chicago, they go for everything else. Their dogs are “dragged through the garden”—piled with mustard, chopped white onions, bright green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices, pickled sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt, all on a poppy seed bun. Note: Absolutely no ketchup. Ever.

WISCONSIN: BRATWURST

Wisconsinites like to say that the brat, made from veal, beef, or pork, is the sophisticated older brother of the hot dog. “Who in Wisconsin doesn’t grill brats year-round?” says Taste of Home editor Heather Good. “You aren’t truly a Wisconsinite if you don’t! Packers tailgate in January ... brats on the grill, you betcha!”