America has an unwavering love for two kinds of dogs--the ones wagging their tails on the couch and the ones served hot in buns. The hot dog is a true American icon, found in every corner of the country and at all the biggest celebrations, from state fairs to baseball games and the Fourth of July.

It's the MVP of American cuisine, whether boiled, simmered, or grilled, and it's simply irreplaceable. Like burgers and fries, the hot dog is woven into the fabric of American identity, shaped by a rich and diverse immigrant history. Despite its ubiquity, the hot dog manages to stay a regional hero, with local variations anywhere from a New York-style dog to a Chicago dog.