A Short History of the Chicago Hot Dog — and Wrigley’s

Chicago’s signature dog took shape on and around Maxwell Street in the early 20th century: an all‑beef frank on a poppy‑seed bun dressed with mustard, neon‑green relish, chopped onion, tomato wedges, sport peppers, a dill pickle spear, and a dusting of celery salt—“dragged through the garden,” as vendors said. Nickel dogs loaded with produce made a hearty, budget‑friendly meal during the Depression, and that topping set became the city’s calling card (and yes, no ketchup).

At the center of that story is Vienna Beef, whose founders introduced their sausages at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition (The same World's Fair that gave the iconic beer Pabst Blue Ribbon, it's actual blue ribbon). As the city grew, Vienna grew with it—supplying stands, carts, and corner joints with natural‑casing franks known for their signature snap. The Chicago dog and Vienna Beef became inseparable icons.

Inside Wrigley Field, hot dogs have always been part of the soundtrack—“Hot dogs! Get your hot dogs!”—but a few modern milestones stand out. In 2011, the Cubs brought Vienna Beef back to the ballpark, thrilling traditionalists. Then in 2015, the team opened Platform 14 behind the center‑field scoreboard and teamed up with Hot Doug’s, ushering in a craft‑sausage era that cemented Wrigley’s encased‑meat cred for a new generation.

Chef Mike Enjoying a home game in Wrigley for the first time in 26 years a week before they clinch the playoffs in 2025. They won!

Timeline at a Glance

1893: Vienna Beef debuts at the World’s Columbian Exposition.

1910s–1930s: Maxwell Street stands popularize the garden‑topped “Chicago dog.”

1950s–1980s: The classic seven toppings become standard citywide.

2011: Vienna Beef returns as the official dog at Wrigley Field.

2015: Platform 14 opens; Hot Doug’s brings creative sausages into the park.

How to Dress a Chicago Dog

• All‑beef frank, steamed (or gently grilled for snap).

• Poppy‑seed bun, warm and soft.

• Yellow mustard (stripe it).

• Neon‑green relish.

• Chopped white onion.

• Tomato wedges.

• Dill pickle spear.

• Sport peppers.

Mike's Global Grill will be celebrating the Chicago Cubs return to the playoffs with Chicago-themed dishes from hot dogs to deep dish pizzas! Check our website for more information, or contact info@mikesglobalgrill.com for more information.

Chef Mike is keeping a close eye on Panamanian Cubs Catcher Miguel Amaya, who is due to be evaluated today September 29th after extensive ankle rehab. Go Cubs Go . . . Go Cubs Go . . .