Vienna Beef: The Chicago hot dog tradition that's lasted over 130 years

When you think of a Chicago-style hot dog, any purest knows it has to start with one thing and that is Vienna Beef. Today we are taking you back behind the scenes of a Chicago staple that has withstood the test of time for more than 130 years.
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[@ManDom878]

Vienna Beef. The first ever type of food I recognized as Chicago food as a kid. Not a beef, not a pizza puff or polish. But a Vienna Beef Sausage.

[@davemanone3661]

I made these one night for supper. I ordered all the proper ingredients and was excited about having them. My mother and her husband took all the toppings off, except the mustard. For now on i make them for myself!

[@spankbuda3769]

😂

[@CookingwithVROY1790]

Lmao I had the same happened to me with my ex she wasn't from Chicago and she even added ketchup. I knew then it wouldn't last very long 😂

[@davemanone3661]

@@CookingwithVROY1790 I have an ex that made me choose her, or my 10 year old dog. Did I mention EX?

[@wturner777]

@@CookingwithVROY1790 She totally screwed up, didn't she?

[@CookingwithVROY1790]

@@wturner777 yes big time

[@thatShadowKat]

When I moved out of Chicago (and the Midwest), that's the first thing I went searching for, and thankfully found, due to so many Chicagoans living here. Can't be without my Vienna beef hot dog!

[@spankbuda3769]

Arizona or Vegas?

[@thatShadowKat]

@spankbuda3769 Vegas

[@soxbearshwks8988]

@@spankbuda3769 i'm retired in Az. thankfully we have Portillo's here, i go there for Italian Beef, Maxwell Street Polish, and of course Vienna Beef Hot Dogs. i also have a ChicagoLand Vienna Hot dog place near where i live in Mesa, they also carry Supreme Tamales we used to get at Gene&Judes.

[@antbanks415]

I'm visiting Chicago since Wednesday and I already had 3 Chicago dogs.

[@jeffherdzina6716]

Only three ? I hate to say I did that the first night back in Chicago in June.

[@TheManFromKansas]

Where did you buy them from?

[@jeffherdzina6716]

@@TheManFromKansas Portllo's in Willowbrook, Ill. But you can go to any hotdog place with the Viennabeef sign and know it's a great dog.

[@TheManFromKansas]

@@jeffherdzina6716 Cool, i never been to Portillo's . or Gene & Jude , i hear they both are good, i will try them when i visit Chicago when i visit this summer.

[@timray7066]

I stop there at the vienna factory store for a maxwell street polish and sometimes i will get an Italian beef. You cannot get any better than those 2.

[@bsr6823]

Please never sellout and stay true to Chicago!!!

[@davemanone3661]

Great story, it's comforting to know that there are people who care about making a good hot dog!

[@Oneday-q5x]

Had my first Vienna at the opening of Wolfy’s on Peterson Ave in Chicago. It was our hangout after school ( Senn H.S.) in ‘65 🌭🍻

[@v.a.993]

Ain' t no beef like Vienna Beef!!!!

[@Nuttyirishman85]

Berta beef.

[@theoBaba773]

Vienna is Europe. What are you?

[@Femur15]

I have bought 2 complete Chicago dog kits from Vienna. Originally, I grew up in the south suburbs and moved here to Ohio in 90. So many try to imitate it but never duplicate it. Nothing like that. The kit even comes with MaryAnn bakery poppyseed buns.

[@sowservesave9037]

Team "No Ketchup" here :) Great story. One of the best I've seen this year. Congratulations on creating a "good news" story for Chicago.

[@boogitybear2283]

I visited the Sears Tower last year and was laughing at the “No Ketchup Allowed on Hot Dog” part of the Chicago Culture experience. It rubbed off on me because I hate ketchup all together now!😂

[@Professor__S]

It's not Chicago. It's Shikago 😂

[@anyaholmes9495]

I'm just glad you said Sears Tower😂😂😂😂​@@boogitybear2283

[@Youtubesuckshitt]

No ketchup? But fresh tomatoes are fine, and onions cooked in ketchup is ok lol. Shitcago being the backseat 80iq chef as usual😂

[@ellenchavez2043]

We send boxes from Vienna Sausage Factory as presents. It includes Hot Dogs, Rosen's Poppyseed Buns, French's Mustards, Vienna Blend Relish , frozen fries, sport peppers and pickles. You add the onion and tomatoes. And instructions! Great present for those not in Chicago.

[@kurtvonfricken6829]

Can I be a friend? 🤣🤣🤣

[@ekraszewski]

A lot of people don’t know that Rosens doesn’t make hot dog buns. They come from a company that used to be known as Mary Ann Baking Company, who made buns for Cubs park, White Sox Park and a huge number of local hot dog stands. They also made burger buns for all the McDonalds restaurants in a five state area. They are now known as Alpha Baking Company.

[@davidtaylor328]

This Video is GOLD & so are Vienna Beef Hot Dogs & - I LOVE IT. 👍🏻🌭👍🏻

[@JohnnyLegato6M]

It's absolutely Hot Dog perfection. I had one in Chicago many years ago and have craved them ever since. Have it exactly the Chicago way for the best experience.

[@kellywilson8440]

Had my first one back in nov-2024 at O"Hare intl airport and was very good !

[@MamaBear01234]

❤❤Nothing better than a Vienna beef hot dog! Chicago has the best restaurants and food!! I grew up eating at Tasty Dawg in Elk Grove 😋

[@spankbuda3769]

What a small world! I use to go there. My friends grew up in Elk Grove and I use to live in Arlington Heights near Busse Rd.

[@ChicagoTechGuy]

Only hotdogs I buy and eat! Chicago Baby!

[@soxbearshwks8988]

growing up in Elmwood Park 50s-60s we always went to Gene&Judes for Vienna Beef Hot Dogs, they were THEE best....PERIOD

[@NoNo-iz8hd]

Rubber dogs!!!!

[@jeffherdzina6716]

You are making me homesick for a great hotdog.

[@MrEric622]

My father worked for Vienna Beef for 19 years. I grew up on these hot dogs, and they are truly the best in the world.

[@jeffherdzina6716]

I might have added a few dollars to your dads paycheck. As much as I ate them . Tell your father for a great dog !

[@walterwhite1]

Us Californians love ❤Chicago dogs 🤤

[@Robsay01]

Nothing like this in NC. The closest is Freddie’s Chain places but it’s not like the independent Vienna hot dog places in Chicago and the area. Definitely miss them. Yum.

[@jeffherdzina6716]

We have Freddie's here in Tulsa. Not even close to what's at Chicago.

[@izzy574]

My relatives from NYC always want Chicago hot dogs and deep dish pizza!

[@MiloMilo-z7t]

NYC pizza sux!!

[@AbsoluteNut1]

Deep dish isn't pizza. It's an abomination.

[@mattblom3990]

I remember being 22 years old in Canada and spending $23, a fortune at a time, for Chicago cheesecake shipped out that morning to Vancouver. Chicago cousine is amazing.

[@modern.monkE99]

Crime also lasted 130 years in Chicago 😂😂😂

[@billcrowley4882]

I don't think that's in Bridgeport but rather the back of the yards, and that's the old Sinai Kosher plant.

[@billcrowley4882]

@@OneTwo-oj2kz 39th and Morgan on the border of Bridgeport and the yards but Sinai Kosher was always considered as being back of the yards when I grew up in the city.

[@barrysuss4421]

@@billcrowley4882 No comparison, Best Kosher was the best Chicago dog.

[@adamaizenberg756]

I miss the corn beef sandwiches from Sinai Kosher. Vienna beef sells it, but it’s not as good.

[@billcrowley4882]

@@adamaizenberg756 I remember the line at lunch time to get them sandwiches. No matter what the weather there would always be a line. People that never experienced one of them sandwiches don't believe how big they were.

[@Coop3837]

Awesome video of a family owned business where people care about their product and customer service. Can't wait to try one.

[@timothyslaughter476]

ABSOLUTELY!!!

[@cogboy302]

"For 130 years." Sounds like that's a big thing. There's a distillery near where I grew up in Ireland that's been open for 417 years.

[@MichaelRaissis]

Grew up in The NY Area and was raised on Sabretts, but I do love me some Vienna Beef Chicago Style Hot Dogs

[@matthewbauman73]

They are simply the best 👌

[@abbc2105]

I will never understand people who think ketchup shouldn’t be on a hotdog. At least where I grew up, it was ketchup, mustard, and nothing else. (as God indeed)

[@jamess9808]

I love the 720p resolution you really captured the spirit of living 130 years ago

[@arfriedman4577]

I dont understand why you're upset with story.

[@METALMAN4Wii]

Place looks clean I give them that.

[@caniacstevehenderson7115]

I grew up on the beef sausages from a corner hotdogs stand on western Avenue there in Chicago. Had mine we with mustard onion relish & 2 small peppers !! ❤❤❤❤❤😂

[@ithinkaboutthings9052]

It’s quite possibly the only redeeming feature of Chicago besides Dr. Robert & Emily Hartley.

[@scottwinterroth]

So the secret to Vienna Beef’s success is the 'snap'? Guess I’ve been eating all my hot dogs wrong without listening for the music!

[@7viewerlogic670]

Great story!

[@juancatfish1]

Sport peppers, celery salt, relish, tomato, dill pickle spear, onion, mustard, poppy seed bun and a steamed beef hot dog.

[@iket.9930]

I love Vienna Beef hot dogs, they're #2 on my list. The only ones better are the natural uncured beef franks from Usinger's in Milwaukee. Of course you'll have to go to Usinger's outlet store in Milwaukee or one of the few large supermarkets there (Woodman's) that carry them. You really can't go wrong with either one.

[@rogerlee5779]

Miss working there

[@HHb-g7g]

No body compares to vienna beef hot dogs from chicago 🥇🏆

[@Mcknlee]

Incredible.

[@2KGrind09]

I'm a Houstonian and I love chi-town dogs. I will put ketchup on my dog, I live in a free society 👍

[@patrickharper9297]

i love the vienna sausages... i wanna try one of them normal size; i never knew i been eating minis all this time

[@theyarnkitty]

No ketchup ever!!😊

[@wturner777]

Me putting ketchup on a Chicago Dog! TRY TO STOP ME!! 😈😈

[@GaddZZooks]

❤️ the beef👍

[@PassivePortfolios]

Everyone outside Chicago know that NY city and Cincinnati have the best hot dogs.

[@gavinlamp5426]

Weinerschnitzel has this, and it's one of my favorites.

[@daphnelattimer9952]

I've never had one, but it sounds delicious!

[@RSW552]

The best! Also, the best relish! 🌭

[@califaern3sto]

They used to sell these outside of Lowe's here in Cali, its been many years since they stopped. What happened? 😊

[@jennilynmae]

Now I’m craving a Chicago dog but alas, I live in Southern Indiana. 😭

[@speedytypermananswers5551]

Only place I can get chicago style hot dog was at shack burgers, but in 2018 they stopped doing chicago style hot dogs, and since then I have not had chicago style hot dogs here in queens new york

[@erickort1987]

2:47 classic clint eastwood quote

[@treaverbombard3398]

In Chicago I now we don't use ketchup on our dogs but I'm sorry I just can't eat my dogs with out ketchup

[@2KGrind09]

it's a free world, enjoy it the way you want.

[@perfectomprg]

Brought to you by… Vienna Beef

[@orionvassi]

Wonder if this guy is offended by the Seattle dog. Cream cheese, fried onions, jalapenos, and Sriracha sauce.

[@ironhell813]

Sounds yummy

[@neebinmakwah349]

Ahhh, the best... Yum, you're making me hungry😁😋

[@FrrrBeeeeeep]

CHICAGOOOOOO❤❤❤❤

[@tinhinnh]

I don’t care what anybody says I will always put the “k” word on my dogs!

[@user-uj5zc6vx2k]

thats grate🎉

[@oldfashiondreams1298]

Celery salt wasn't on the original Chicago Hotdogs! I didn't hear about this ingredient until I was in my 20's. And I grew up 1/2 block from a hotdog joint. And worked at another hotdog joint. Never had celery salt.

[@larrylebowski8386]

I live in California and I want Vienna hot dogs in my local grocery stores! 😡🌭

[@UHaulTV]

*Bobak's* has entered da chat

[@AhJodie]

I want one now! I want to have some in my freezer ready to be cooked anytime I get an urge to eat one! I want to go to Chicago..... oh, no.... I don't want to go to Chicago, hahahahaha, but I want a Vienna Beef Chicago Style Hot Dog!

[@gm7304]

😃I weigh 110 lbs I can eat about 20 hotdogs with no guilt or added pounds to my body.

[@michaelmckibbin9665]

looks so tasty

[@kevincarr335]

Chicago hotdogs rule

[@bryceword1768]

And I shall continue to use KETCHUP until the end!!!! 🤣😂🤣😂🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪

[@Woozlewuzzleable]

Preach brother, if putting ketchup on a hot dog or burger is wrong then I never want to be right.

[@Sigismund7]

Ketchup is 🗑️

[@bryceword1768]

@@Sigismund7 😜

[@doncase7668]

I bean eating since 1968 4:28

[@Dee-jq2ob]

Husband is from Chicago and he can’t stand I use ketchup and no mustard 😂

[@Pavia1525]

He should divorce you. You’re not right in the head.

[@Lawomenshoops]

So how do some many hotdog stands in Chicago survive, and standout when almost everyone is using the Vienna beef hot dog? Obviously, you use quality veggies/ toppings, and a good poppy seed bun. Almost all are steamed! But, grilled Vienna beef hotdogs isn’t the way to cook them! One time I visited Chicago, the hotdogs came with fresh cut fries on top! That stands out. But, there wasn’t tomatoes on that hotdog.

[@LosAngelesJedi]

actually delicious

[@KP-xi4bj]

Ah yes, the taste of sodium nitrite. A known carcinogen.

[@annoyedok321]

Red dye hot dogs are the best.

[@scottr5775]

HOT DOGS😊😊😊😊😊

[@punkwarlord]

If you can add tomato slices and an entire pickle wedge on hot dog, you can add ketchup... You can't humiliate a hot dog any more than it already has been.

[@boilinabag]

x chi guy here. i would kill for a REAL chicago style red hot. superdawgs or gene and judes, my treat. they put freaking velveeta cheese on dogs here. YUK!

[@MiloMilo-z7t]

Yuk

[@artfisher1235]

No hot dog is worth eating. Period.

[@bluebear6570]

There is nothing "Vienna" in this hot dog!

[@coreyeatsdetroit9733]

Those are good hot dogs.

[@gooner_loomer]

and they say the UK has shitty food 🤣

[@roncarroll4136]

well I may not be part of that style I like ketchup

[@kenthorsen4558]

I use shrimp sauce instead of ketchup.

[@wturner777]

@@kenthorsen4558 Is that the same as cocktail sauce?

[@kenthorsen4558]

@@wturner777 yes it is, and happy new year.

[@wturner777]

@@kenthorsen4558 Thanks! Happy New Year to you, too! 🎉🥳

[@JC-qt8in]

Now they are 7$

[@gchsbus]

THIS ISSUE WITH KETCHUP IS RIDICULOUS! I will take 4 of those, just celery salt and mustard. then I also put ketchup on them in the car. Ketchup and mustard is so delicious together om a hot dog, i am sorry.

[@msr1116]

The Harry Callahan clip is here on KZbin, longer, and as hilarious as the words are true. Never knew Dirty Harry was secretly a true Chicagoan. I make Chicago hot dogs with Jennie O turkey franks and get pretty near the same taste. There's no substitute for that neon green relish though. Gotta buy the real deal.

[@boogitybear2283]

Chicago is the best big city in America. It’s way better than New York City.

[@ironhell813]

I doubt it but I wouldn’t live in either place Both cities are known for their corruption And my life is hard enough without added

[@FrankRoque3.0]

I want that🤔

[@tgvaught7272]

OMG! Overnight me a dog NOW!! :) I'm in MD and can't get good dogs or seafood for the life of me!

[@petergriffinson1907]

Gimme that ketchup!

[@wturner777]

And I want it on my fries!

[@DallasMorgan-it7uc]

*Ladies and gentlemen. This is the most beautiful of all God's creation. We the people of the United Nations do. Selah*

[@jazzisojazzy2642]

I hate that they don’t have veggie or turkey hotdogs😭🤦🏾‍♀️

[@FactStorm]

Lol

[@roberthansen8589]

Yuck!

[@dstriker7333]

No ketchup?

[@oldfarmshow]

👍👍

[@lauraholloway6910]

Portillos

[@rickdonaldson2867]

Im sorry, but the best frankfurter in the us is costcos. The same ones you get with your 1.50 hotdog w soda. So there.

[@robertstevensii4018]

I get mine sans pickle spear. OK or no?

[@tvviewer4500]

They need to get all the weird shit they have added since the 70s. I can’t eat the dogs now a days

[@iamnotmental]

so you don't like to put ketchup on but you put tomatoes and relish instead...it's the same thing ffs -.-