Chicago-style hot dogs are cooked in hot water or steamed before adding the toppings.[1][7] A less common style is cooked on a charcoal grill and referred to as a “chardog.” Chardogs are easily identifiable because very often the ends of the dog are sliced in criss cross fashion before cooking, producing a distinctive “curled-x” shape as the dog cooks. Some hot dog stands, such as the Weiners Circle, only serve char-dogs.[20][21
The typical beef hot dog weighs 1/8 of a pound or 2 ounces (57 g) and the most traditional type features a natural casing, providing a distinctive “snap” when bitten.[6][22]
The buns are a high-gluten variety made to hold up to steam warming, typically the S. Rosen’s Mary Ann brand from Alpha Baking Company.
As a long time Chicago native, I will provide an authentic Vienna Beef Hotdog on a S. Rosen steamed poppy seed bun, Polish Sausage, Italian Beef Sandwich with a Gonnella Roll, Jay’s Potato Chips and a cold beverage from a mobile Hot Dog cart for the lunch time crowd and private events throughout the Nashville and surrounding counties. Come taste and smell Maxwell Street, Comiskey Park, Wrigley Field or The Chicago Stadium.