Hot dogs are one of summer's favorite foods. A hot dog on the grill makes us think of vacation and sun paired with gathering as friends and family. 

The fun part about this classic meal is everyone's hot dog looks a little bit different. You can customize that bun with toppings galore fit to your personal preference. 

The world has its preference on how a hot dog should be created, as well. Just America has quite a diverse opinion on how a hot dog should be prepared, and regional hot dogs are often known far and wide. Check out this list for inspiration on how to celebrate cultures and enjoy this party food.

Chicago

The Chicago Dog is arguably one of the most famous of our regional pairings. You will find these cascading with yellow mustard, dark green relish, chopped raw onion, pickle spears, chili peppers, tomato slices and a dash of celery salt. 

Another key element of the Chicago Dog is the poppy seed bun and the all-beef frankfurter. Try this to capture the essence of Chicago street food. 

New York City

A classic New York City hot dog is one of cinema's most popular versions of street food. Some call it the inverse of the Chicago Dog and vice versa. 

There are sure to be an enormous amount of options on the streets of the various boroughs in NYC, but you can expect to find the classic New York dog with steamed onions and pale, deli-style mustard. You can also find these with souerkraut and a spiral-sliced wiener. 

Boston

Another hot dog you've likely heard of is the classic Fenway Frank. This hot dog originated in Fenway Park for the Bostonians and other Red Sox enthusiasts. 

This dog is boiled AND grilled, served in a New England style bun (top split rather than side split) with mustard and relish. Some also serve the Fenway Frank with Boston baked beans on top. 

Texas

We would be remiss if we didn't mention another ballpark famous hot dog originating in none other than Texas! You can find this dog at Minute Maid Park in Houston and in many other restaurants throughout the state. 

The Texas Dog is topped with classic Texas chili, cheese and fresh, diced jalapeños. 

Coney Dog

The Coney Dog is probably one of the most famous iterations of the hot dog of all time. Its origin is disputed, but many trace the tradition back to Charles Feltman, a Coney Island pie-wagon vendor who sold hot sausages in milk rolls as early as 1867.

However, the dog didn't become the quintessential wiener smothered in chili or ground beef, mustard and onions until decades later. Now you can find it in its hometown of Coney Island or in restaurants across the midwest. 

Kansas City

Kansas City is a cultural hub with claims on many classic dishes like barbecue. Their hot dog may be less known than the Chicago Dog, but if you visit, you will enjoy a sesame seed bun and pork-based wiener topped with sauerkraut and melted Swiss cheese. 

Some say this pairing is like a Reuben sandwich turned hot dog. Mustard is also commonly added to this hot dog or even Thousand Island dressing. 

New Jersey

One of the most popular hot dogs of New Jersey is the Italian Dog. This hot dog is nestled in a thick pizza bread and topped with onions, peppers and deep fried potatoes. 

Serve to those who love the hearty side of food. 

Seattle

Across the states, we have the Seattle Dog. This pairing offers an interesting twist — cream cheese! Split the wieners in half and grilled them before adding to a toasted bun topped with grilled onions. 

Get a kick of the spicy side by adding Sriracha and jalapeños, as well. 

Cleveland

You've probably heard of the Cleveland Polish Boy — a kielbasa served on a bun covered with a healthy portion of french fries, sweet Southern style barbecue sauce and coleslaw. 

Spice it up by swapping the barbecue sauce for hot sauce, or mellow it out with yellow stadium mustard. 

Sonoran Dog

This loaded hot dog iteration can be found across the southwest. If you try this bad boy out, you will find a bacon-wrapped hot dog on a sturdy bun topped with pinto beans, grilled onions, green peppers, chopped fresh tomatoes, relish, tomatillo jalapeño salsa, mayonnaise, mustard and shredded cheese. 

Try it out in a group that loves toppings and all things Southern. 

There are many different hot dog options out there. Celebrate the summer season with your favorite grill-able pairings!

For more hot dog inspiration this summer, check out these recipes for BLT Hot Dogs and Grilled Jalapeño Popper Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs.