Described by many a connoisseur as the quintessential hot dog, the Chicago-style dog is one to be both admired and adored – and perhaps feared by those who haven’t yet tasted its deep-down goodness. For food-serious Chicagoans, the Chicago-Style hot dog is more than a favorite; it’s a matter of pride. Just, hold the ketchup, please.
Once known as the “Depression sandwich,” the Chicago-style hot dog got its start in 1929, at a little hot dog stand on Maxwell Street called Fluky’s. Money was scarce and hot dog stands did their part to help feed the masses. Originally sold for only a nickel a dog, the boiled and snappy beauties were topped with mustard, chopped onions, relish, sport peppers, tomato wedges, a kosher dill pickle and celery salt all on a poppy seed roll. In some places, this style is also referred to as “dragged through the garden” or “well-dressed,” although you can certainly get one in just about any variation you choose.
In Chicago, as in many other cities, baseball and hot dogs go hand in hand. Generations upon generations in Chicago have sat in Wrigley Field eating a dog while listening to legendary announcer Harry Carey give the play-by-play. Of course, you can still get a hot dog there today, but it is memories such these that keep the fans coming back, season after season.
Though the original Fluky’s stand no longer exists (the name and ownership has since been changed) you can get a Chicago-style dog at their restaurant on Western Avenue. You can also head over to hot dog hot-spots, like Portillo’s as well as a number of other locally-famous eateries. Just remember, though you can try to duplicate the toppings – and many have – it just isn’t the same as snapping into a fresh Chicago-style hot dog in its venerable hometown, where a request for ketchup is sure to be met with a disapproving sneer.
You might as well just scrawl the word “Tourist” across your forehead.
