Chicagoans believe the Second City’s way with hot dogs (known there as red hots) is second to none. They’re unique, that’s for sure; and yet, surprisingly, in—of all places—Aiken, South Carolina, a pub named City Billiards serves the real thing: true Chicago hot dogs.
What’s true about them? Taut, all-beef wiener: check. Spongy, poppy seed-dotted bun: check. Plenty of emerald-green relish: oh, yeah! Pickle spear, sliced tomato, chopped onions, sport peppers, yellow mustard, and a sprinkle of celery salt: all are present and accounted for. These Chicago dogs boast the cascade of condiments and garnishes that has inspired some aficionados to describe one so dressed as having been “dragged through the garden.”
