The hot dog, especially as a popular street food, is deeply tied to the history of immigration and industrialization in the United States.

The predecessor of the hot dog, the sausage, has ancient origins, with various forms of sausages being made by different cultures for thousands of years. The hot dog as we know it has its roots in the sausages brought to the United States by German immigrants in the 19th century. The specific birthplace of the hot dog is a matter of dispute, with cities like Frankfurt in Germany and Vienna in Austria both claiming to be the original home of the sausage used in hot dogs (hence the names "frankfurter" and "wiener").

In the United States, the hot dog became a popular street food in the latter half of the 19th century. Immigrant vendors in cities like New York began selling hot dogs from pushcarts as an affordable, easy-to-eat meal for workers. Coney Island, in Brooklyn, New York, is often credited as one of the birthplaces of the American hot dog.

As the hot dog’s popularity soared, it became ingrained in American culture, being served at baseball games, amusement parks, and fairs. Different regions developed their unique styles of serving hot dogs with a variety of toppings, reflecting the diversity of American culinary traditions. For instance, in Chicago, a hot dog might be served with yellow mustard, dark green relish, chopped raw onion, pickle spear, sport peppers, tomato slices, and a dash of celery salt, all tucked into a poppy seed bun.

Today, hot dogs remain a popular street food in many parts of the United States. They are served in various ways, with a wide array of toppings available to cater to different preferences, showcasing the adaptability and enduring popularity of this simple yet beloved food item.