Every Chicago native or resident like myself will tell you about their favorite hot dog stand tucked in some corner of the city. The orders usually start with the words, “One hot dog with everything on it, no fries.” However, the fries are included for free in the order. You may insist on not wanting them, but you will be charged the same price. If you're adamant, you may get a dollar off.

The joy of living in Chicago is that there's always a local hot dog stand nearby to count on for your fast-food cravings. Be it a quick lunch, a substantial snack, or as an aide to sober up after a night of drinking, a hot dog stand has you covered. In pleasant weather, having your hot dog outdoors on the picnic benches that emerge from seemingly nowhere is a rewarding experience. You might even fancy a "double dog," two side-by-side franks laden with an assortment of vegetables under the sun.

Chicago's distinct hot dog toppings are a signature mix - diced onions, green pickle relish, mustard, tomato slices, sport peppers, a pickle spear, and a hint of celery salt. They leave out ketchup, but the combination of these ingredients mirrors ketchup's essence.

Vienna Beef, the city's most prevalent brand, was first introduced at the World's Fair's Columbian Exposition in 1893. However, the iconic Chicago hot dog as we know it today did not take shape until the Great Depression. The city's diverse vendors of Jewish, Italian, Greek, and Eastern European roots all had their influence, giving rise to the "Depression Dog" - a strong, filling blend of mustard, onions, relish, and peppers sold for just a nickel. The later additions of celery salt, pickle spear, and tomatoes came about post-World War II, a period that also saw the rise of the hot dog stands that continue to pepper Chicago's landscape.

As an observer, you'll note that Chicago's hot dog offerings, though seemingly light, provide the right amount of satisfaction. From a single frank to pairs of dogs, the menu caters to varying levels of hunger. The Polish dog, a flavorful and juicy variant, is a gem on its own, topped simply with griddled onions and mustard-absolute bliss.

While a hot dog from any Chicago stand will sate your craving, some stand-outs worth knowing are Fatso's Last Stand, celebrated for its char dogs; Redhot ranch, home to the fans of burger, fries, and Depression Dogs; and Fixin' Franks, whose exemplary hot dog delivery can even be found in 17 outlets of Home Depot. Then there's Wiener's Circle, a famous Chicago hot dog stand, infamous for its foul-mouthed staff as much as it is for its hot dogs.