The special Superdawg proprietary all-beef sausage is perfectly complimented by pickled tomatoes. This is a unique Chicago experience that will never be duplicated. There are also locations in Wheeling and Norwood Park.

There's a certain joy driving down Peterson and seeing that iconic Wolfy's sign with the fork and lights. The jumbo char dog is the proper choice here.

Byron's boiled dogs are probably one of the best examples of the Chicago-style dog. The empire may have shrunk—at one time Byron's had locations in front of Wrigley Field and in Lincoln Park where the massive Crate & Barrel store stands. But the hot dogs always deliver a quality bite.

The theatrics behind this Lincoln Park sausage stand have been well documented, including the encouraged banter between customer and staff that borders on offensive but never reaches that threshold with loyal customers. This late-night hangout has managed to reinvent itself with playful messages on its famous marquee; it’s usually a combo of anti-Trump messages or something about the Cubs. The char dog is the star here with all the usual toppings. Get grilled onions, but be careful about the cheese sauce. Also look for a new location in suburban Rosemont at the stadium of a new minor league baseball team, the Chicago Dogs.

The Depression Dog variant is what makes Gene & Jude's an institution. Stuffed with french fries, this variant gives Chicagoans a reason to visit the suburbs.

The spiritual successor to Hot Doug's is often on the summer festival circuit. But stop by to the Fullerton location for the full arsenal at Chicago’s Dog House. The "Chompers Gourmet Alligator Sausage" is smoked alligator sausage, caramelized onions and sweet chili sauce.

Red Hot Ranch is no longer a secret with its all-natural sausages with a casing that just has enough bite. The double dog is the way to go, as the sausages are a bit slimmer than at most places. The restaurant is slated to move later this year. On the South Side, the same owners run 35th Street Dogs near Sox Park.

Jimmy's, with more than a half a century of slinging sausages, needs to be on this list to ensure completeness.

Grilling a hot dog isn't a novice's task, and Fatso's char dog is the best in the city. The West Town staple now has a Lincoln Park location.

This classic hot dog spot near UIC and the United Center has been around since 1968. It’s an old-school stand with all the trappings of a Chicago street food spot.

Down in Berwyn, Big Guys Sausage Stand abides by the motto "blue collar gourmet food." While the specialty sausages here are delicious, don't let them overshadow the traditional red hot.

While developers continue to reshape 31st Street, much to the chagrin of many locals, Maxwell Street Depot continues to serve diners for 24 hours a day. The Polish and hot dogs still draw late-night crowds.

A member of the Vienna Beef hall of fame, Morrie O’Malley’s has been in Bridgeport for more than three decades. This seasonal counter is steps away from Sox Park. They also serve steak sandwiches and Italian beef.

Known for putting a tamale on a hot dog bun and piling on the fixing, Fat Johnnie’s is an institution high on charm. A visit by Anthony Bourdain brought national attention to the stand.

For around 70 years, this Chicago hot dog stand has been serving the West Chatham community from its humble start as a push cart. They even have a connection to McDonald's founder Ray Kroc. The hot dogs and fixings are a little sweeter than others, but everything is top notch down to the sport pepper at Fred & Jack’s.