For many, a city is not defined by it’s population, the news headlines, or even it’s geography – for many, a city is defined by it’s food. There are few food items that are as treasured as the all-mighty hot dog. The New York dog is adorned with red onions and grilled flat. The LA street dog is defined by the grilled onions, bacon, and mayo.

However, out of all the regional hot dogs, none are quite as polarizing at the Chicago dog: all-beef vienna on a poppy seed bun with yellow mustard, Nuclear Relish, onion, a dill pickle spear, pickled sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt. Never forget the celery salt – a Chicago dog without the celery salt is not a Chicago dog. Oh, and no ketchup either.

So where can we find the best Chicago dog? There’s the chain, and then there’s the hole in the wall…

Portillo’s is a Chicago institution. Started up in 1963 by founder Dick Portillo, Portillo’s can be found all over Chicago feeding millions of hungry residents their versions of the classic Chicago hot dog and italian beef. Locations all over Chicago.

Hot Doug had their 15 minutes of fame when they were featured on the Travel Channel for their “Foie Gras” hot dog (once illegal). If you can get past all the crazy things they do with duck and duck by-products, it becomes clear: Hot Doug offers once of the best Chicago Dogs in the area, bar-none. As a bonus, they’re a measly $1.75! Hot Doug’s is located at 3324 North California, Chicago, IL 60618.