Comparing Beer, Hot Dog, and Ticket Prices at Major League Baseball Parks
As Opening Day for baseball draws near, all eyes turn to hometown teams and the potential of watching them win a World Series championship. As you eagerly buy tickets to enjoy a game in the stadium, you can probably already taste savory hot dogs and ice-cold beer from your favorite concession stand. Unfortunately, ballparks were not immune to the rising prices of this past year, causing all-time highs for tickets and concessions. If you’re wondering how much it costs to go to a baseball game and enjoy a beer and a hot dog or two, look no further than our "Comparing Hot Dog and Beer Prices at Baseball Parks" infographic. We break down the cheapest and most expensive ballparks for the 2024 season.
Ever wonder how much it costs to buy a beer at Fenway Park or a hot dog at Coors Field? We crunched the numbers for all thirty major league ballparks and compiled this illustrated guide for baseball lovers across the country.
Which Ballparks Charge the Least (And the Most) for a Beer?
Beer is a staple of sports stadiums, but some ballparks sell it for far cheaper than others. Below, we compiled the highest- and lowest-priced beers you can buy at baseball stadiums across the country.
Cheapest Baseball Parks for Beer
Once again, Coors Field holds its beer prices steady at $3 for one beer. Though the league average is $6.98, several ballparks price their beer well below this number. Check out this list of stadiums that sell beer for less than $5.
- Colorado Rockies (Coors Field): $3
- Toronto Blue Jays (Rogers Centre): $4.44
- Los Angeles Angels (Angel Stadium of Anaheim): $4.50
- Arizona Diamondbacks (Chase Field): $4.99
- Los Angeles Angels (Angel Stadium of Anaheim): $5
- Minnesota Twins (Target Field): $4.99
- Atlanta Braves (Truist Park): $4.99
Most Expensive Baseball Parks for Beer
Nationals Park unseats Citi Field as the most expensive ballpark to buy a beer, raising their prices from last year by $5. Beer prices have skyrocketed this year, so you might want to wait and have a glass after the game to save some money. Check out the following ballparks that all charge more than $10 for beer.
- Washington Nationals (Nationals Park): $14.99
- Baltimore Orioles (Oriole Park at Camden Yards): $10.99
- Chicago White Sox (Guaranteed Rate Field): $10.50
- Boston Red Sox (Fenway Park): $10.50
- Chicago Cubs (Wrigley Field): $10.49
Fun Fact: An estimated 14.6 million beers (about 1.2 million gallons) are sold at major league stadiums every year. That’s enough to fill 1.7 Olympic-size swimming pools.
Which Ballparks Charge the Least (And the Most) for a Hot Dog?
Hot dogs are as fundamental to baseball games as throwing and catching, but it might not be worth the high cost this season. The league average has risen to $5.32, but some places still keep their hot dogs affordable. We’ve done the research for you and determined which ballparks charge the least and most for hot dogs so you can budget for the big game.
Cheapest Baseball Parks for Hot Dogs
Despite rising concession prices across baseball, many ballparks still offer inexpensive hot dogs to allow you to enjoy this gameday ritual without breaking the bank. Chase Field retains the honor of offering the cheapest hot dog with Yankee Stadium not far behind. Check out the stadiums that offer hot dogs for less than $4.
- Arizona Diamondbacks (Chase Field): $2.99
- New York Yankees (Yankee Stadium): $3
- Miami Marlins (LoanDepot Park): $3
- Minnesota Twins (Target Field): $3.99
- Atlanta Braves (Truist Park): $3.99
Most Expensive Baseball Parks for Hot Dogs
If you’re looking to save some money in the stadium, you’re better off skipping the hot dog and sticking with peanuts and cracker jacks at these ballparks. Once again, Petco Park and Oracle Park top the list as the most expensive stadiums selling hot dogs. Check out this list of stadiums that offer hot dogs for $7 or more, which is higher than the league average price for beer.
- San Diego Padres (Petco Park): $7.75
- San Francisco Giants (Oracle Park): $7.50
- Washington Nationals (Nationals Park): $7
- Colorado Rockies (Coors Field): $7
- Texas Rangers (Globe Life Field): $7
- New York Mets (Citi Field): $7
Fun Fact: An estimated 22 million hot dogs are sold yearly at major league ballparks. Lined up from end-to-end, that’s 3,100 miles, or about the distance from Boston to San Francisco.
What’s the Total Amount You Would Spend at a Game?
If you add up the cost of a ticket, a hot dog, and a beer, the total amount adds up very quickly. We calculated the total cost for three of the most affordable games compared to three of the most expensive stadiums to attend.
Kansas City Royals (Kauffman Stadium)
- Ticket: $42
- Beer: $5
- Hot Dog: $4
- Total = $51
The Kansas City Royals slide in as the team offering the cheapest gameday experience in 2024, allowing you to buy a ticket, beer, and hot dog for only $51. With prices well below the league average, Kauffman Stadium is well worth a visit.
Cleveland Guardians (Progressive Field)
- Ticket: $50
- Beer: $5
- Hot Dog: $4.50
- Total = $59.50
As the first Ohio team to make this list, the Cleveland Guardians provide a fun-filled day at an affordable price. This team has been hot in recent seasons with 8 winning seasons in the last 10 years and 5 playoff berths in the last 8 years.
Cincinnati Reds (Great American Ball Park)
- Ticket: $52
- Beer: $7.49
- Hot Dog: $6.29
- Total = $65.78
Not to be outdone by their cousins in east Ohio, the Cincinnati Reds manage to offer a relatively inexpensive trip to a ballgame despite their high concession prices. The on-field action with their dynamic roster should make skipping the concession stand easy.
San Francisco Giants (Oracle Park)
- Ticket: $89
- Beer: $9
- Hot Dog: $7.50
- Total = $105.50
Oracle Park is a gorgeous venue overlooking the San Francisco Bay, but their gameday prices are far less appealing. High concession prices are overshadowed by tickets nearing $90, making them a one-time stop on your ballpark tour.
New York Yankees (Yankee Stadium)
- Ticket: $98
- Beer: $6
- Hot Dog: $3
- Total = $107
Despite offering the third-cheapest baseball experience in 2023, watching a game and concessions at Yankee Stadium now costs over $100. Their streak of 31 winning seasons is little consolation for the high gameday cost, making them a team best enjoyed from your couch.
Los Angeles Dodgers (Dodger Stadium)
- Ticket: $115
- Beer: $7
- Hot Dog: $6.50
- Total = $128.50
After offering several record-breaking contracts in the off-season, the Los Angeles Dodgers raised their prices significantly to see these superstars live. With a total nearing $130, you should book tickets to watch the Dodgers play on the road.
What’s the Average Attendance for All Teams?
In-person attendance has grown steadily in the years after Covid-19, and the 2023 season hosted nearly 30,000 fans per game. We expect 2024 to be even more enjoyable, making ballparks crowded once again. Below, we've listed the average attendance for all baseball teams for the past three years.
- 2023 Average Attendance: 29,293
- 2022 Average Attendance: 26,808
- 2021 Average Attendance: 18,900
Fun Fact: The most expensive ticket ever sold went for $1.7 million in a 2016 showdown between the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians (now Guardians).
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Different Types of Beer
There are over 9,000 craft breweries in the United States, proving that craft beer is bigger than ever. If you're interested in opening a bar or starting your own brewery, it's important to understand the different types of beer and their unique flavors. We break down the most popular beer types so you can talk about craft beer like a pro, make recommendations, and brew your own styles. Shop All Brewery Equipment Click below to learn about the different types of beer: Pale Lager and Pilsner Dark Lager German Bock Brown Ale Pale Ale India Pale Ale Porter Stout Belgian-Style Ale Wheat Beer Wild & Sour Ale Specialty Beer Types of Beer Video Watch our video below as we go over the different types of beer. <iframe scrolling="no" width="392" height="226" src="/v/?num=12750&width=600&height=500&embed=1" frameborder="0"></iframe> Types of Beer Here are some of the most common types of beer you'll encounter: Pale Lager and Pilsner Dark Lager Brown Ale Pale Ale India Pale Ale Porter Stout Belgian-Style Ale Wheat Beer Wild & Sour Ale Specialty Beer Beer Styles The types of beer can be broken down into hundreds of different styles, all with unique flavors, colors, and aromas. Two characteristics that are used to describe styles of beer are alcohol by volume (ABV) and international bitterness unit (IBU). What Is ABV? ABV stands for alcohol by volume and represents the percentage of alcohol in the beer. The amount of alcohol in the brew can actually affect the taste of the beer. Beers with a higher ABV have a more bitter flavor. In very strong beers, the alcohol can numb the tongue and neutralize the taste, so additional flavors are added to compensate. Brewers use ABV to achieve the perfect balance between sweetness and bitterness. What Is IBU? IBU stands for international bitterness unit and is a measurement of the number of bitter flavor compounds in a beer. The IBU scale starts at zero and has no upper limit, but most beers fall between 5 IBUs and 120 IBUs. Anything higher than 120 can't be detected by the average palate. Types of Beer List Below, we identify the different types of beer and offer tips for food pairings. Don't forget to choose the right beer glass for each style so you can enhance the drinking experience for your guests: Types of Pale Lagers and Pilsners Pale lager and pilsners are golden-colored beers that are light in flavor and low in alcohol content. This style of beer became popular in what is now modern Czech Republic and Germany. American Lager American lager is light in flavor, color, and alcohol content, and it's often produced in large quantities. ABV: 3.2-4.0% IBU: 5-15 Examples: Budweiser, Coors, Pabst Blue Ribbon Pairs With: American cuisine, spicy food Serving Temperature: 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit German Helles German helles is maltier than a traditional pilsner and features a bright gold color. ABV: 4.8-5.6% IBU: 18-25 Examples: Victory Helles Lager, Stoudt's Gold Lager Pairs With: German cuisine, pork, brie Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit German Pilsner German pilsner is pale gold in color with a medium hop flavor and a slight note of maltiness. ABV: 4.6-5.3% IBU: 25-40 Examples: Troegs Sunshine Pils, Sierra Nevada's Nooner Pilsner Pairs With: German cuisine, poultry, fish, spicy cheese Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit Czech or Bohemian Pilsner Czech or bohemian pilsner is a straw-colored beer with a noticeably bitter hop flavor. These beers can sometimes have a floral aroma. ABV: 4.1-5.1% IBU: 30-45 Examples: Lagunitas PILS, Dogfish Head Piercing Pils Pairs With: Spicy food, Asian cuisine, sharp cheddar cheese Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit Back to Top Types of Dark Lagers Dark lager is malty and smooth with toasted caramel flavors. These beers tend to have mid-range alcohol content and lower bitterness profiles. Amber American Lager Amber lager features prevalent malt flavors with varying levels of hoppiness. This beer is also characterized by a darker color, caramel aroma, and smooth taste. ABV: 4.8-5.4% IBU: 18-30 Examples: Yuengling Lager, Samuel Adams Boston Lager Pairs With: American cuisine, poultry, beef, cheddar Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit Oktoberfest Named for the Oktoberfest celebration in Munich, Oktoberfest is a full-bodied beer with a rich, toasted flavor and a dark copper color. ABV: 5.1-6.0% IBU: 18-25 Examples: Paulaner Oktoberfest-Märzen, Victory Brewing Company Festbier Pairs With: German cuisine, meat and vegetables, spicy cheese Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit German Schwarzbier Schwarzbier is a dark beer that is surprisingly light in flavor. Schwarzbiers are less malty than would be expected but still boast a slight sweetness. ABV: 3.8-4.9% IBU: 22-30 Examples: Shiner Bohemian Black Lager, Guinness Black Lager Pairs With: German cuisine, spicy food, muenster cheese Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit Vienna Lager Vienna lager is reddish in color with a sweet malty flavor. These beers boast a subtle hop flavor and crisp drinkability. ABV: 4.5-5.5% IBU: 22-28 Examples: Dos Equis Amber Lager, Great Lakes Eliot Ness, Blue Point Toasted Lager Pairs With: German cuisine, Mexican cuisine, pork, spicy cheese Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit Back to Top Types of German Bocks German bocks are heavy on malty flavor, making them sweet and nutty. Bocks have lower alcohol levels, while doppelbocks, weizenbocks, and maibocks move up the alcohol scale. Traditional Bock The bock is a malty, sweet beer with a toasty flavor and a dark copper color. ABV: 6.3-7.5% IBU: 20-30 Examples: Samuel Adams Winter Lager, Great Lakes Rockefeller Bock Pairs With: German cuisine, meat and vegetables, chocolate, Camembert cheese Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit Doppelbock Doppelbocks are stronger than the traditional style and boast a higher alcohol content and a fuller body. ABV: 6.6-7.9% IBU: 17-27 Examples: Troegs Troegenator Double Bock, Samuel Adams Double Bock Pairs With: Heavy foods like red meat, pork, or ham, sharp cheeses Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit Weizenbock Weizenbocks are wheat bocks and can take on fruity, malty flavors. ABV: 7.0-9.5% IBU: 15-35 Examples: Victory Brewing Company's Moonglow, Southern Tier Brewing Company's Goat Boy Pairs With: German cuisine, poultry, chocolate Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit Maibock Maibocks are more pale and hoppy than traditional bocks, although the malt flavor is still present. ABV: 6.0-8.0% IBU: 20-38 Examples: Capital Maibock, Hofbrau Maibock, Smuttynose Maibock Pairs With: Italian and German cuisines, fish, shellfish, asiago, Swiss cheese Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit Back to Top Types of Brown Ales Brown ales feature malty overtones and tend to have toasty, caramel flavors. They typically feature mid-range alcohol content and hop bitterness. American Brown Ale American brown ale is a dark beer without the bitterness of porters and stouts. This style boasts a dark caramel color and a medium to full-bodied profile. ABV: 4.2-6.3% IBU: 25-45 Examples: Brooklyn Brown Ale, Sierra Nevada Tumbler Autumn Brown Pairs With: American cuisine, heavy foods like beef stew, red meat Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit English Brown Ale English brown ale features a nutty malt flavor with a caramel aroma. ABV: 4.0-5.5% IBU: 15-25 Examples: Newcastle Brown Ale, City Star Brewing's Bandit Brown Pairs With: American cuisine, heavy foods, red meat, poultry, gouda cheese Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit Back to Top Types of Pale Ales Pale ales are generally hoppy but lower in alcohol content than IPAs. They are typically light, drinkable beers. American Amber Ale American amber ale is a malty, medium-bodied beer with a caramel flavor and amber color. ABV: 4.4-6.1% IBU: 25-45 Examples: Lagunitas Imperial Red Ale, Stone Brewing Company's Levitation Ale Pairs With: American cuisine, meat, fish, blue cheese Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit American Pale Ale American pale ale is a medium-bodied beer with a noticeable hop flavor and a light copper color. ABV: 4.4-5.4% IBU: 30-50 Examples: Sierra Nevada Brewing Company's Pale Ale, Smuttynose Shoals Pale Ale Pairs With:Seafood, poultry, cheddar cheese Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit Blonde Ale Blonde ales balance the flavors of malt and hops nicely, and they often have a fruity aroma. ABV: 4.1-5.1% IBU: 15-25 Examples: Victory Brewing Company's Summer Love, Flying Fish Brewing Company's Farmhouse Summer Ale Pairs With: Italian cuisine, spicy food, fish, pepper jack cheese Serving Temperature: 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit English Bitter English bitters are named for the bitter flavor that the hops present. They have fruity flavors and lower alcohol content. ABV: 3.0-4.2% IBU: 20-35 Examples: Sharp's Brewery's Doom Bar Bitter, Surly Brewing Company's Bitter Brewer Pairs With: Fried food, fish, feta cheese Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit English Pale Ale Also known as "extra special bitters," English pale ales have a strong hop flavor that is balanced by sweet malt. ABV: 4.5-5.5% IBU: 20-40 Examples: Black Sheep Ale, Flying Fish Extra Pale Ale Pairs With: American and English cuisines, meat, English cheeses Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit Back to Top Types of India Pale Ales (IPAs) IPAs (short for India pale ales) boast strong hop bitterness with piney and floral flavors. These beers also have high alcohol contents. American IPA American IPAs have more hops, big herbal or citrus flavors, and high bitterness compared to pale ale. ABV: 6.3-7.5% IBU: 50-70 Examples: Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA, Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA Pairs With: American and Indian cuisines, meat, poultry, fish, gorgonzola cheese Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit Imperial or Double IPA Imperial or Double IPAs are American IPAs, but with a stronger flavor, hop bitterness, and a higher alcohol content. ABV: 7.0-14.0% IBU: 65-100 Examples: Russian River Brewing Company's Pliny the Elder, Lagunitas Maximus Pairs With: American cuisine, meat, fish, sharp cheddar Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit English IPA English IPAs are similar to the American style, but with a weaker hop flavor and lower alcohol content. ABV: 5.0-7.0% IBU: 35-63 Examples: Goose Island India Pale Ale, Shipyard IPA, Samuel Smith’s India Ale Pairs With: American and Indian cuisines, fish, parmesan cheese Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit Back to Top Types of Porters Porters are all dark in color, and they feature flavors reminiscent of chocolate, coffee, and caramel. They tend to be more chocolatey than brown ales, and less coffee-like than stouts. American Imperial Porter American imperial porters are dark in color, but lacking in burnt malt taste. They also boast a malty sweetness. ABV: 7.0-12.0% IBU: 35-50 Examples: Sierra Nevada Brewing Company's Porter, Stone Smoked Porter Pairs With: American cuisine, barbecue, meat, asiago cheese Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit English Brown Porter English brown porter is similar to the American style but usually with a lower alcohol content and less malt sweetness. ABV: 4.5-6.0% IBU: 20-30 Examples: Shipyard Longfellow Winter Ale, Arcadia London Porter Pairs With: American and English cuisines, meat, chocolate, fontina cheese Serving Temperature: 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit Robust Porter Robust porters are stronger and more bitter than a brown porter and feature a subtle caramel flavor. ABV: 5.1-6.6% IBU: 25-40 Examples: Smuttynose Robust Porter, Thomas Hooker Imperial Porter Pairs With: American and English cuisines, heavy foods like stew, colby cheese Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit Back to Top Types of Stouts Stouts are dark beers that are similar to porters but with stronger roasted flavors. This style also features mid to high alcohol levels. American Stout American stouts feature malt flavors working to create strong chocolate and coffee notes, but without overpowering hop bitterness. ABV: 5.7-8.9% IBU: 35-60 Examples: Highland Black Mocha Stout, Bell's Kalamazoo Stout Pairs With: Heavy foods, meat, oysters, chocolate, brie cheese Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit American Imperial Stout American imperial stouts are strong dark beers with a malty flavor and a deep black color. ABV: 7.0-12.0% IBU: 50-80 F Examples: Dogfish Head Brewery's Worldwide Stout, Stoudt's Fat Dog Imperial Stout, Bell's Java Stout Pairs With: Heavy foods, poultry, aged cheddar Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit Oatmeal Stout As their name suggests, oatmeal stouts feature oatmeal in their malt blend. This adds smoothness and sweetness to the beer. ABV: 3.8-6.0% IBU: 20-40 Examples: Young's Oatmeal Stout, Troegs Java Head Stout Pairs With: Meat, shellfish, chocolate, Camembert cheese Serving Temperature: 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit Milk Stout Lactose sugar adds a smooth sweetness to milk stouts. ABV: 4.0-7.0% IBU: 15-25 Examples: Young's Double Chocolate Stout, Lancaster Brewing Company's Milk Stout, Samuel Adams Cream Stout Pairs With: Mexican cuisine, beef, chocolate, ice cream, cheddar Serving Temperature: 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit Irish Dry Stout Irish dry stouts are dark beers; black in color with a bitterness that comes from roasted barley. ABV: 3.8-5.0% IBU: 30-40 Examples: Guinness Draught, Murphy's Irish Stout, Beamish Irish Stout Pairs With: Heavy food like beef and stew, barbecue, burgers Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit Back to Top Types of Belgian Styles Belgian beers are known for their spiced fruity flavors and high alcohol content. Despite their high ABV, belgians are usually low in bitterness. Belgian Pale Ale Belgian pale ale contains a toasted malt flavor that is subtle enough to not overpower the taste of the hops. ABV: 4.0-6.0% IBU: 20-30 Examples: Weyerbacher Brewing Company's Verboten, Samuel Adams Belgian Session Pairs With: American cuisine, fried food, fish, salad, tangy cheeses Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit Belgian Dubbel Belgian dubbels feature rich and malty flavor with a spicy, fruity note. ABV: 6.3-7.6% IBU: 20-35 Examples: Chimay Premiere, Blue Moon Winter Abbey Ale, Flying Fish Abbey Dubbel Pairs With: American cuisine, barbecue, meat, Limburger cheese Serving Temperature: 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit Belgian Tripel Belgian tripels are lighter-bodied beers with a slight hoppy bitterness and a high alcohol content. ABV: 7.1-10.1% IBU: 20-45 Examples: Victory Golden Monkey, Weyerbacher Merry Monks Pairs With: Pasta dishes, meat, poultry, gouda cheese Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit Belgian Quadrupel Belgian quadrupels are dark brown, full-bodied beers that exhibit flavors like brown sugar and fruit. They also have a very high alcohol content. ABV: 7.2-11.2% IBU: 25-50 Examples: Weyerbacher QUAD, Brewery Ommegang Three Philosophers Pairs With: Smoked meat, goose, brie cheese Serving Temperature: 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit Belgian Strong Dark Ale Belgian strong dark ale features a very high alcohol content with complex fruity flavors. ABV: 7.0-15.0% IBU: 20-50 Examples: Bell's Brewery's Hell Hath No Fury Ale, Dogfish Head Brewery's Raison D'Etre Pairs With: American cuisine, barbecue, blue cheese Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit Belgian Saison Saisons (also known as farmhouse ales) have earthy notes and a medium hop flavor. ABV: 4.4-6.8% IBU: 20-38 Examples: Samuel Adams Rustic Saison, Dogfish Head Brewery's Noble Rot, Victory Brewing Company's Helios Pairs With: Indian and Asian cuisine, poultry, seafood, parmesan cheese Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit Back to Top Types of Wheat Beers As you might have guessed, wheat beers use wheat as their malt. They're generally lighter in color and alcohol content. Their tangy flavors go great with fruit and brewers often add seasonal fruits to wheat beer. American Pale Wheat American pale wheat beer is pale in color, lower in alcohol content, and has a light bready flavor. ABV: 3.5-5.6% IBU: 10-35 Examples: Blue Moon Summer Honey Wheat, Shipyard Summer Ale Pairs With: Mexican cuisine, spicy food, poultry, mozzarella cheese Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit Belgian Witbier Witbier gets its name from its white color and has a light, fruity flavor to match. ABV: 4.8-5.6% IBU: 10-17 Examples: Hoegaarden White Ale, Dogfish Head Brewery's Namaste, Blue Moon Belgian White, Victory Brewing Company's Whirlwind Witbier Pairs With: Seafood, poultry, pork, salad, soft cheeses Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit Berliner Weisse Berliner Weisse is tart, sour beer with a pale color. Sometimes raspberry syrup is added to dull the sour taste. ABV: 2.8-3.4% IBU: 3-6 Examples: Dogfish Head's Festina Peche, Freetail Brewing Company's Yo Soy Un Berliner Pairs With: German cuisine, ham, salad, soft cheeses Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit Dunkelweizen Dunkelweizen is a darker version of a Hefeweizen. These beers have a malty flavor with hints of banana. ABV: 4.8-5.4% IBU: 10-15 Examples: Samuel Adams Dunkelweizen, Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse Dunkel Pairs With: German and Indian cuisines, fish, goat cheese Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit Hefeweizen Hefeweizen is a light-colored wheat beer with a crisp taste that can sometimes have hints of cloves or apples. ABV: 4.9-5.6% IBU: 10-15 Examples: Sierra Nevada Kellerweis Hefeweizen, Magic Hat Circus Boy Pairs With: German cuisine, seafood, fish, brick cheeses Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit Back to Top Types of Wild & Sour Ales Wild or sour ales are typically very low in alcohol, and feature tart, sour flavors that come from (safe) bacteria in the brew mash. American Sour American sour beer packs a wild punch from the bacteria used in the fermentation process. ABV: Varies IBU: Varies Examples: Samuel Adams American Kriek, Weyerbacher Riserva Pairs With: Fruit, strong cheese Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit Belgian Fruit Lambic Belgian fruit lambics are brewed with fruit to make an intense sweet and sour flavor. ABV: 5.0-8.9% IBU: 15-21 Examples: Upland Brewing Company's Raspberry Lambic, Dogfish Head Festina Lente Pairs With: Fruit, salad, chocolate, soft cheese Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit Flanders Red Ale Flanders red ale evokes a malty, fruity flavor underneath a strong sour taste brought on by Lactobacillus bacteria during fermentation. ABV: 4.8-6.6% IBU: 5-18 Examples: New Belgium Lips of Faith La Folie, The Lost Abbey's Red Poppy Ale Pairs With: Meat, blue cheese, cheddar cheese Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit Belgian Gueuze Gueuzes are aged beers that give off a very strong sour flavor. ABV: 6.2-8.1% IBU: 9-23 Examples: Brouwerij Boon's Boon Gueuze, The Bruery's Rueuze Pairs With: Strong cheeses Serving Temperature: 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit Back to Top Types of Specialty Beers Beers made with additional spices, flavorings, or fruits are called specialty beers. Any lager or ale can be made into a specialty beer by adding ingredients to enhance the flavor. American Black Ale American black ales are dark in color and feature a malty, roasted flavor with medium to high hop bitterness. This style is sometimes called a black IPA. ABV: 6.0-7.5% IBU: 50-75 Examples: Lagunitas NightTime, Founders Dark Penance, Victory Yakima Glory Pairs With: Aged cheeses, seafood, chocolate Serving Temperature: 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit Barrel-Aged Beer A barrel-aged beer is any type of beer that has been aged in a wooden barrel. Sometimes these barrels have been used to hold bourbon, wine, or other spirits, adding to the flavor of the beer. ABV: Varies IBU: Varies Examples: Allagash Curieux (Bourbon Barrel-Aged Tripel), Great Lakes Barrel-Aged Blackout Stout, Narwhal Imperial Stout (Barrel Aged) Pairs With: Varies Serving Temperature: 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit Chocolate Beer Chocolate or cocoa can be added to any style (lager or ale) to form a delicious chocolate beer. ABV: 2.5-12.0% IBU: 15-40 Examples: Samuel Adams Chocolate Bock, Shenandoah Chocolate Donut Beer, Yuengling Hershey's Chocolate Porter Pairs With: Varies Serving Temperature: 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit Coffee Beer Coffee beer is typically a porter or stout with added coffee flavor. This flavor can be achieved by steeping coffee beans in water or the beer mixture. ABV: 2.5-12.0% IBU: 15-45 Examples: Samuel Adams Black & Brew Coffee Stout, Sierra Nevada Coffee Stout, Stone Brewing Company’s Coffee Milk Stout Pairs With: Meaty stew, hard cheeses Serving Temperature: 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit Fruit and Vegetable Beer Any type of beer can be infused with fruit and vegetable flavors, so flavors will vary greatly. ABV: 2.5-12.0% IBU: 5-50 Examples: Samuel Adams Rebel Grapefruit IPA, Modern Times Beer’s Fruitlands Sour Cherry Gose, Weyerbacher’s Imperial Pumpkin Ale Pairs With: Salad, brie cheese Serving Temperature: 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit Gluten Free Beer Gluten free beer is brewed with fermentable sugars and grains that do not contain gluten. These beers vary in color, flavor, and alcohol content. ABV: Varies IBU: Varies Examples: Wicked Weed Brewing’s Gluten FREEk, Widmer Brothers Brewing Company’s Omission IPA, Lakefront Brewery’s New Grist Gluten-Free Pilsner Pairs With: Varies Serving Temperature: Varies Herb and Spice Beer Herb and spice beer is any lager or ale that has added flavors from roots, herbs, or other spices. Many pumpkin spice and seasonal fall beers are examples of this style. ABV: 2.5-12.0% IBU: 5-40 Examples: Dogfish Head’s Midas Touch, Rogue Ales’ Juniper Pale Ale, Small Town Brewery’s Not Your Father’s Root Beer Pairs With: Varies Serving Temperature: 45-55 degrees Fahrenheit Honey Beer Honey beers are ales or lagers that are brewed with honey to add sweetness and unique flavor. ABV: 2.5-12.0% IBU: Varies Examples: Boulder Beer’s A Honey of a Saison, Samuel Adams Honey Queen, Burial Beer Company’s The Keeper’s Veil Honey Saison Pairs With: Salad, light creamy cheeses Serving Temperature: 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit Pumpkin Beer Pumpkin beer is brewed with fresh pumpkin and common fall spices. These beers are increasingly popular and can be made with lagers, ales, and sour beers. ABV: 2.3-5.0% IBU: 5-70 Examples: Elysian Brewing Company’s Night Owl Pumpkin Ale, Weyerbacher Brewing Company’s Imperial Pumpkin Ale, Samuel Adams Harvest Pumpkin Ale, Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale Pairs With: Poultry, soft creamy cheeses Serving Temperature: 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit Rye Beer Rye beer often features malty, roasted flavors, with lower hop bitterness. Rye beers can be made as ales or as lagers, and will either take on a sweet or spicy flavor. ABV: Varies IBU: Varies Examples: Founders Red’s Rye IPA, Great Lakes’ Rye of the Tiger IPA, The Bruery’s Sour in the Rye Pairs With: Spicy meat, creamy cheeses Serving Temperature: 45-55 degrees Fahrenheit Session Beer Any style of beer can be brewed as a session beer, as sessions are simply less strong, more drinkable beers that are perfect for summertime consumption. ABV: 3.5-5.0% IBU: 10-35 Examples: New Belgium Brewing’s Slow Ride Session IPA, Samuel Adams Rebel Rider Session IPA, Victory Brewing Company’s Swing Session Saison Pairs With: American cuisine, spicy food Serving Temperature: 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit Smoke Beer Smoke beer is any beer that is brewed with malt that has been kilned over an open fire. The smoke adds a noticeable, but not overpowering flavor, which is inspired by traditional German rauchbier. ABV: Varies IBU: Varies Examples: Ithaca Beer Company's Gorges Smoked Porter, Goose Island Beer Company’s Prairie Smoke, Denver Beer Company’s Smoked Lager Pairs With: Roasted vegetables, hard cheese Serving Temperature: 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit Back to Top Lager vs Ale Most types of beer are classified as either lagers or ales. Lagers are made with yeast that ferments at the bottom of the beer mixture, and ales are made with yeast that ferments at the top. Besides the yeast used to make lagers and ales, there are spontaneously fermenting yeasts, which produce wild or sour beers. Pale Ale vs India Pale Ale Although often confused with each other, pale ales and India pale ales have some distinct differences. Pale ales tend to have a softer less-bitter taste, while India pale ales usually have a strong hoppy taste. Additionally, India pale ales tend to have a slightly higher alcohol content than pale ales do, further contributing to their stronger taste. Top Fermenting Beers The yeast that is used in ale production ferments throughout the beer and settles at the top of the liquid. It has a higher tolerance to alcohol and ferments at warmer temperatures when compared to the yeast that’s used to make lager. IPAs, stouts, and wheat beers are all examples of top fermenting ales. Bottom Fermenting Beers The yeast used in lager production is more fragile than what’s used to make ale, and it settles at the bottom of the liquid vessel after fermentation. It needs to ferment more slowly and at cooler temperatures than the yeast that’s used in ale production, and it has a lower tolerance to alcohol. Pilsners, bocks, and Okerberfests are all examples of bottom fermenting lagers. Spontaneous Fermentation Beer Lambics and sour beers are made with a process called spontaneous fermentation. This type of fermentation occurs when beer is exposed to wild bacteria and yeast. These beers originated in Belgium, but brewers all over the world have found ways to manipulate this process to create sour, funky-tasting beers of their own. The American sour, Belgian gueuze, and Flanders red ale are all examples of spontaneously fermented beers. Back to Top Now that you know more about the different types of beer that are out there, hopefully you are inspired to add something unique to your beer list. Use this guide to help you and your servers feel more confident about recommending beers to customers, or maybe even create a menu that is centered on perfect beer pairings.
Concession Stand Food Ideas
If you develop the right menu, opening a concession stand is a low start-up cost way to join the foodservice industry. Whether you want to revamp your existing concession stand menu or generate one from scratch, we developed a comprehensive concession stand food ideas guide filled with healthy items, profitable snacks, pre-made concessions, and spruced-up concession stand fare to help you increase your sales. Shop All Concessions Supplies Click below to learn more about concession stand foods: Classic Concession Stand Food Ideas Most Profitable Concession Stand Foods Healthy Concession Stand Food Ideas Pre-made Concession Stand Food Ideas Store Bought Snack Ideas Preparing Concessions On-Site vs Off-Site Classic Concession Stand Food Ideas Your concession stand menu isn't complete without these classic foods. Investing in some key concession equipment allows you to expand your menu to include popular foods that will boost your sales. We rounded up the most profitable menu items and provided tips on upgrading these classic concessions. Hot Dogs If you're looking for a traditional concession food that's cost-effective, popular with customers, and requires very little labor to prepare, hot dogs are the perfect choice. Countertop hot dog rollers do most of the work for you, displaying footlongs, brats, and sausages while they cook and adding a tempting aroma to your concession stand that draws more attention. Condiment dispensers make it convenient for guests to choose their favorite toppings, whether it's ketchup, relish, or mustard. Try adding some of these popular hot dog combos to your concession stand menu: Ketchup or Mustard: In the battle for the most popular hot dog topping, you can stay neutral by offering your guests their choice. Chicago Style: To make this regional favorite, start with an all-beef frankfurter and top it with yellow mustard, green relish, a pickle spear, tomato slices, pickled peppers, and a sprinkle of celery salt. Coney Island Hot Dog: The quintessential Coney Island dog is made with a beef frank topped with meaty chili, hold the beans. Finish it off with chopped onions and yellow mustard. Cleveland Polish Boy: This Cleveland classic combines a kielbasa sausage with a generous topping of cole slaw, french fries, and barbecue sauce. Extra napkins are a must for this messy hot dog. French Fries It's hard to resist a bucket of fresh-cut french fries. This classic concession food can be prepped ahead of time or cut fresh to order with a french fry cutter. Just a few minutes in your countertop fryer and you'll be ready to serve up this crowd-pleasing snack. Try some of our ideas for mixing up your concessions french fry menu: Potato Alternatives: Instead of russets, try a different type of potato like a purple Peruvian or a Japanese sweet potato. You can even skip potatoes altogether and offer jicama or yucca fries. Cooking Oils: Experiment with a range of deep frying oils like coconut oil, olive oil, or duck fat. Loaded Fry Ideas: Load up your fries with tasty toppings like carne asada fries, bahn mi loaded fries, or poutine fries. Chicken Wings Fried foods like chicken wings are great for concession stands because the cooking process is very simple. Drop an order of wings in the fryer and toss them with sauce when they're done. Plate the wings with celery and blue cheese, and they are ready to be served. You can take this simple menu item and spice it up with our tips: Meatless Alternatives: More consumers are interested in plant-based meats than ever before. Try offering vegan wing alternatives made of crispy cauliflower, deep-fried seitan, or buffalo tempeh. Smoked Chicken Wings: If you want to put your chicken wings over the top, try smoking them the night before. Flash fry them to order and toss them in a classic Memphis dry rub seasoning before serving them with ranch dressing. Global Flavors: Take inspiration from popular street foods around the world and offer Korean fried chicken wings, shawarma chicken wings, and pollo frito chicken wings. Nachos Even with gourmet ingredients, loaded nachos are relatively inexpensive to produce and quick to assemble. Unexpected Proteins: ahi tuna, toasted chickpeas, pulled pork, huli-huli chicken, fried tofu. Unique Cheeses: beer cheese, paneer, cheese curds, queso, vegan cheese, Ayib. Tortilla Chip Alternatives: pita chips, beetroot chips, Fritos, wonton chips, sweet potato chips, Cheetos. Funnel Cake Trends toward health consciousness aside, most patrons are happy to splurge at events. Use these funnel cake ideas to create desserts customers will set their diets aside for. Funnel Cake "Sandwiches": funnel cake ice cream sandwich, fried chicken funnel cake sandwich, funnel cake Monte Cristo. Sub Funnel Cake Into Classic Desserts: Replace vanilla wafers in banana pudding, shortcake in strawberry shortcake, or graham crackers in smores with funnel cake. Flavored Funnel Cake Batter: red velvet, chocolate, peanut butter, birthday cake, lemon. Grilled Cheese Grilled cheese is classic comfort food that sells well at concession stands when they're made with unexpected and fanciful ingredients. Artisan Breads: sourdough, pumpernickel, focaccia, gluten-free, croissant, rugbraud, buttermilk biscuit. Specialty Spreads: spinach and artichoke, ajvar, baba ganoush, Amba. Add-Ins: mojo pork, mac and cheese, BBQ chicken, crab cakes, burnt ends. Pizza There will be other vendors offering this beloved food, so use our pizza ideas to outproduce your competitors. DIY Toppings: allow customers to select their desired sauces, cheeses, and toppings. Serve Less-Known Types of Pizza: Roman pizza, Detroit pizza, Ohio Valley pizza, Sicilian pizza, Greek pizza. Accommodate Alternative Diets: gluten-free pizza crust, vegan cheese, cauliflower pizza crust, meatless sausage toppings. Cotton Candy Nostalgic and easy to eat on the go, cotton candy is a classic concession stand food. Use our gourmet cotton candy ideas to attract the cultivated modern palette. Use Organic Ingredients: use organic sugar and flavorings in your cotton candy recipe. Creative Cotton Candy Containers/Sticks: ice cream cone, twisty stick, mason jar, rock candy stick, glow stick. Fancy Flavors: pina colada, prickly pear, cherry cordial, pumpkin spice, pitaya, white chocolate, acai. Corn Dogs Corn dogs are classic concession stand fare, but there is nothing basic about these corn dog ideas. Non-Sausage Corn Dogs: lobster corn dog, dill pickle corn dog, chicken tender corn dog. Creative Batters: beer battered corn dog, tempura battered corn dog, pancake battered corn dog. Unique Dipping Sauces: marinara sauce, curry ketchup, mustard BBQ sauce, maple syrup, tomato chutney. Beef Sandwiches There are countless takes on the beef sandwich, proving that however you smother or slice it, people love hot beef between warm bread. Dress your beef sandwiches up to the nines with these beef sandwich ideas. Convert Comfort Food Into A Sandwich: beef stroganoff sandwich, Salisbury steak sandwich, pot roast sandwich, beef bourgeon sandwich. Regional Beef Sandwiches: Philly Cheesesteak, Beef on Weck, Italian Beef, Baltimore’s Pit Beef sandwich. Unique BBQ Sauces: El Sancho BBQ sauce, Carolina mustard BBQ sauce, guava BBQ sauce, Carolina vinegar BBQ sauce. Concession Stand Menu Tip: Find something that you do very well and make that the focal point of your menu. Once you have a loyal customer base frequenting your stand, look to expand. Most Profitable Concession Stand Foods Profitable concession stand foods are inexpensive to purchase in bulk, easy to mass-produce, and don't require cutlery. We've rounded up the most profitable concession stand foods below: Popcorn Cotton Candy Nachos Pretzels Roasted Nuts Snow Cones Corn Dogs Ice Cream Back to Top Healthy Concession Stand Food Ideas When forming your concession stand menu, it's important to consider the growing trend towards health-conscious eating and the broader awareness of food allergens so you can accommodate customers' dietary restrictions. Here are some healthy snacks you can sell at your concession stand. 1. Fruit Snacks The best fruit snacks for concession stands are easy-to-peel and consume. Stock your concession stand with these fruit snacks. Fruit Snack Ideas Pre-Cut Melon Slices Bananas Apples Oranges Fruit Cups 2. Roasted Nuts Roasted nuts' healthy fat content will keep ballpark customers satiated when the game goes into overtime, making them an ideal, nutrient-packed snack to offer at your concession stand. Roasted Nut Recipes Praline Pecans Honey Roasted Nuts German Roasted Nuts Cinnamon Roasted Nuts Toasted Coconut Rum Nuts 3. Vegetable Snacks Pre-cut vegetables paired with single-serve dips are on-the-go snacks that won't leave your concession stand customers feeling heavy. Vegetable Snack Ideas Celery and Peanut Butter Sweet Bell Pepper and Hummus Cucumber Slices and Tzatziki Jumbo Dill Pickles Carrot Sticks and Ranch Back to Top Pre-made Concession Stand Food Ideas You can make simple crowd-pleasers off-site and transport them to your concession stand. Some of these food options require equipment if you want to serve them hot. Investing in a food warmer allows you to keep pre-cooked food at ready-to-serve temperatures without having to upgrade your concession stand space or increase on-site prep times. 1. Cookies On average, we eat seven billion cookies each year in the United States. Selling these beloved treats is a safe way to turn a profit, but which flavors do people prefer? We're sharing the most popular cookies so you can turn a major profit. Most Popular Cookies Chocolate Chip Cookies Peanut Butter Cookies Oatmeal Cookies Sugar Cookies Snickerdoodle 2. Popcorn These beloved popcorn flavors are sure to sell. Reimagine them to set your concession stand apart. Popcorn Flavors Caramel Popcorn Cheese Popcorn Chocolate Popcorn Coconut Oil Popcorn with Toasted Coconut Cajun Popcorn 3. Brownies Brownies are a beloved baked good you can easily make ahead in large batches and sell for a high profit at your concession stand. Here are some ideas for the best types of brownies to sell. Types of Brownies Keto Brownies Vegan Brownies Everything Brownies (cookie, Oreo, and brownie layered bar) Peanut Butter Brownies Cream Cheese Brownies 4. Sandwiches Pre-assemble America's most popular sandwiches and sell out daily. Most Popular Sandwiches BLT Roast Beef Sandwich Turkey Sandwich Grilled Chicken Sandwich Ham Sandwich 5. Soft Pretzels From giant soft pretzels to pretzel bites, soft pretzels are inexpensive to produce and return a considerable profit. Discover the best soft pretzel dip ideas below. Soft Pretzel Dip Ideas Spinach Artichoke Dip Honey Mustard Beer Cheese Whole Grain Mustard Creamy Horseradish Concession Stand Menu Tip: Try introducing a new pre-cooked item and see how it sells. When you learn what your customers like to buy—and how much—you can pre-cook with more confidence. Back to Top Store Bought Snack Ideas Store-bought foods allow you to serve the largest number of people at the lowest prices. We researched and compiled lists of the most popular snack flavors and brands for you. All you have to do is pull these items off the shelf and hand them to your customers. Most Popular Candy Offer the top five most popular candies in America at your concession stand: M&M's Skittles Reese's Peanut Butter Cups Starburst Twizzlers Most Popular Soda The polls are in and these are your patrons' favorite soda flavors: Coca-Cola Diet Coke Pepsi Mountain Dew Dr. Pepper Most Popular Candy Bars Discover the best-selling candy bars in America: Hershey's Bar Snicker's Kit Kats Twix 3 Musketeers Most Popular Chewy Candy The most popular chewy candy brands will fly off your concession stand's shelves: Sour Patch Kids Swedish Fish Gummy Bears Sour Gummy Worms Fruit Gummy Rings Most Popular Gum According to a 2020 research study, Americans ranked the most popular chewing gum flavors as follows: Spearmint Peppermint Wintergreen / Winterfresh Fruit Flavors Cinnamon Concession Stand Menu Tip: Stocking your concession stand with bottled beverages such as bottled water, iced tea, and lemonade at a lower price than on-site food vendors will encourage their patrons to make a separate trip to you. If you sell food, creating a drink deal and including a bottle of water with meals is a great way to set yourself above your competition. Back to Top Preparing Concessions On-Site vs Off-Site If you're trying to decide where to prepare your concessions, we've broken down the benefits and risks of preparing your concessions on- and off-site to help you decide. You should also consider your location and your customer's needs. For example, if your concession stand is at a sporting event, you would do well to focus on pre-made snacks since your customers will want to return to their seats quickly. Benefits and Risks of Preparing Concessions Off-Site Selling pre-made concessions reduces the amount of equipment you need at your stand. If you have limited space, preparing your food in a commissary kitchen ahead of time can be helpful. Less on-site prep time means you can sell more products than if you cooked them to order. Although prepared food saves time on site, it also involves some risk. You must estimate how much you can sell before setting up shop for the day/evening. This gamble could cause overproduction and waste if you're unfamiliar with your customers' needs. Benefits and Risks of Cooking to Order at Your Concession Stand The freshness and authenticity of made-to-order food allow you to charge more for your concessions, and you’re more likely to have return customers if you have something unique to offer. Also, cooking to order means you won’t have extra prepared goods at the end of each day, reducing food waste. There isn’t a lot of risk in selling food to order, but it can be harder to turn a profit. The added prep time means you’ll probably sell fewer items, and the added expense of purchasing equipment lowers your profit margin. Additionally, keeping up with customer orders may require you to hire a small staff or work with a partner. Rapid Cook Ovens If you want to increase your menu and decrease prep times, rapid cook ovens are essential. They can cook a pizza in less than four minutes, create a perfectly crisp panini in seconds, and roast a chicken breast in under seven minutes. Rapid cook ovens take up significantly less space than traditional ovens, making them ideal for concession stands. Depending on your menu, this could be the only piece of equipment you'll need. Back to Top The best concession stand menu is filled with low-cost, easy-to-assemble items that are well-suited to the event it serves. If you're interested in pursuing other vending opportunities, check out our guide comparing food trucks, food trailers, and food carts and discover which mobile food business is right for you.
Types of Hot Dogs
During the Great Depression, the hot dog emerged as a quintessential American food, symbolizing convenience, affordability, and a taste of tradition all in one bite. President Franklin D. Roosevelt served this humble yet beloved sausage sandwich at the White House to the visiting King of England, George VI. This iconic moment solidified the hot dog's place in American culinary history. Not only is it a storied food, but with the rise of inflation and economic uncertainty, the hot dog is making a resurgence. Like the different types of American BBQ, hot dogs are diverse. There are countless regional variations of the hot dog, with different parts of the country building a unique dish on the base of sausage and bun. Shop All Hot Dogs Click below to check out the different types of hot dogs: 1. New York Style Hot Dog 2. Corn Dog 3. Chicago Dog 4. Coney Island Hot Dog 5. Puka Dog 6. Maxwell Street Polish 7. Sonoran Dog 8. Dodger Dog 9. Italian Dog 10. Polish Boy 11. Hot Dog FAQ Hot Dog Styles America boasts a wide range of regional hot dog styles. From universally beloved corn dogs and famed Chicago dogs to niche regional styles like the Sonoran or Puka dogs, we provide a list of the top ten hot dogs in America. 1. New York Style Hot Dog New York City is famous for its diverse culinary scene, and one iconic street food synonymous with the city is the New York-style hot dog. The key components of a New York-style hot dog are a boiled beef frankfurter served on a soft bun and topped with a generous helping of spicy brown mustard, sauerkraut, and onion sauce. Onion sauce is made by sauteing onions in oil, tomato paste (or ketchup), and spices, creating a savory and slightly sweet contrast to the zesty brown mustard. Some vendors also offer additional toppings such as relish, ketchup, or even spicy chili to cater to different preferences. New York-style hot dogs are often served in a paper tray or wrapped in foil for easy handling, accommodating the bustling lifestyle of The City That Never Sleeps. It’s believed that the first hot dogs were born out of New York. In the 1860s, German immigrants started selling sausages on milk rolls with sauerkraut from carts in New York City’s Bowery. These sausage sandwiches were known as Red-Hot Dachshund Sausages. By 1867, a German immigrant and baker named Charles Feltman began selling hot dogs in Coney Island, New York. He served his sausages on a long, sliced bun so beachgoers could enjoy their lunch on the sand. Feltman sold 3,600 hot dogs his first year of operation, and America’s love of hot dogs was born. In recent years, The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council estimated that New Yorkers spend over $120 million a year on franks, proving the New York-style hot dog is still a beloved staple in the city's culinary landscape. Dog: Boiled all-beef frank Bun: Steamed white bun Toppings: Spicy brown mustard, sauerkraut, onion sauce 2. Corn Dog Not just a regional food, corn dogs are a popular choice across America. The key components of a corn dog are a hot dog that is skewered on a stick, coated in a thick layer of cornmeal batter, and deep-fried until golden brown. The hot dog provides a meaty center, while the cornmeal batter adds a crunchy exterior. The batter typically consists of cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and seasonings, creating a sweet and savory flavor profile. To make a corn dog, the hot dog is first skewered onto a stick for easy handling. It’s then dipped into the cornmeal batter, carefully placed into a high-heat oil, and deep fried. The oil cooks the hot dog inside while creating a crispy golden crust on the outside. Once cooked to perfection, the corn dog is ready to be enjoyed on its own or with condiments like mustard or ketchup. Drizzle your hand-dipped corn dogs with homemade hot honey to elevate your menu and play into the swicy trend. Scores of food entrepreneurs lay claim to the corn dog’s invention. Many believe it was German immigrants to Texas who first created the corn dog, combining their time-honored sausage-making traditions with the beloved cornbread found in the American South. In 1942, brothers and Vaudeville performers, Neil and Carl Fletcher, started selling “corny dogs” at the Texas state fair, popularizing this now beloved food. However, some contest that the title of corn dog inventor and propagator belongs to a diner in Oregon called Pronto Pup since they started selling their cornmeal-batted hot dogs as early as 1941. Co-founder of the Cozy Dog Drive-In, Ed Waldmire, claims to have perfected the recipe with his future business partner Don Strand after trying a hot dog baked into cornbread at an Oklahoma diner in 1941. Regardless of who popularized it, corn dogs are a beloved food across the United States enjoyed at carnivals, fairs, and concession stands. Dog: Beef and pork blend hot dog Other Ingredients: Cornmeal batter, deep frying oil, stick Condiments: Mustard, ketchup, hot honey 3. Chicago Dog The Chicago dog, also known as the Chicago-style hot dog, is a beloved classic in the world of franks. This iconic “dragged through the garden” hot dog is synonymous with the vibrant food culture of Chicago, Illinois. A traditional Chicago dog starts with an all-beef hot dog served in a poppy seed bun. Its smorgasbord of toppings sets it apart. It’s loaded with bright green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices, pickled sport peppers, yellow mustard, chopped white onions, and a dash of celery salt. These toppings come together to create a flavor profile that is at once tangy, savory, and sweet. The origins of the Chicago dog can be traced back to the 1930s Great Depression era. Fluky’s started marketing their “Depression Sandwich” (which we now know as the Chicago dog) in 1929 for a nickel each. All the toppings provided bulk and nutrients to the simple and affordable meal. Aside from the toppings, Chicago dogs are set apart by their all-beef Vienna Beef dogs popularized by Jewish immigrants to Chicago. The Chicago’s Union Stockyards had notoriously low health and hygiene standards, and the Jewish community's all-beef dogs offered an alternative to the pork sausages made at the Stockyards. Over the years, the Chicago dog has become a staple of the city's culinary scene and is a must-try for hot dog enthusiasts visiting the Windy City. Dog: Boiled or steamed all-beef frankfurter (traditionally Vienna Beef) Bun: Poppy seed bun Toppings: Bright green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices, pickled sport peppers, yellow mustard, chopped white onions, celery salt 4. Coney Island Hot Dog Coney Island hot dogs consist of a grilled beef frankfurter in a natural casing placed in a soft, steamed bun. It's then topped with a flavorful all-meat chili sauce (“Coney sauce”), yellow mustard, and chopped, raw onions. Some variations may also include additional toppings, such as pickles, jalapenos, or cheddar cheese. Hot dog enthusiasts used the term “Coneys” as shorthand for the beloved food, but it can also signify the type of restaurants where Coney Island dogs are served. In Detroit, “Coney Islands” are Greek-American diners that serve Coney dogs alongside other staples such as gyros, Greek salads, burgers, and breakfast foods. Despite its name, the Coney Island hot dog didn’t originate in Coney Island, New York. The story of the Coney Island hot dogs began in the early 20th century when Greek immigrants came through New York’s Ellis Island and encountered hot dogs on Coney Island. After making their way further west to Detroit, Michigan, these immigrants introduced their twist to the classic hot dog by adding a savory meat chili sauce, and the Coney dog was born. Over the years, the Coney Island hot dog has spread nationwide. Today, you can find variations of the Coney Island dog at food carts, trucks, and trailers throughout the United States, each offering a unique take on this flavorful and satisfying street food favorite. Dog: Grilled all-beef frankfurter in natural casing Bun: Steamed hot dog bun Toppings: All meat chili sauce, yellow mustard, chopped raw onions 5. Puka Dog Originating in Hawaii, Puka dogs, also known as Hula Dogs, are a unique and tropical twist on the classic hot dog. This specialty hot dog features a Hawaiian sweet bread bun with a hole in its center. Chefs create the hole by inserting a heating rod into the bun. This also toasts the inside of the bun. They then stuff the hole with a high-quality grilled Polish sausage, adding a rich and meaty flavor to the dish. Traditional condiments include mango or passion fruit mustard, spicy garlic citrus sauce, and tropical fruit relish. The Hula dog offers a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. Puka dogs emerged out of a small hot dog hut at the base of the Waimea Canyon in Kauai. The name "puka" comes from the Hawaiian word for "hole", referring to the hole in the bun where the sausage is placed. Inspired by their tropical surroundings, the owners began creating exotic relishes and sauces from the native fruits and plants of Kauai. Popular relish flavors are mango, pineapple, and coconut. The combination of savory sausage and spicy sauce with the sweet relish and bun makes puka dogs an ambrosial food. Create your own version of the trademarked puka dog and invite guests to an island experience at your mainland establishment. Dog: Grilled Polish sausage Bun: Hawaiian sweet bread bun Toppings: Tropical fruit relish, mango mustard, spicy citrus garlic sauce 6. Maxwell Street Polish The “Chicago Dog” isn’t the Windy City’s only famous frank; The Maxwell Street Polish is another beloved hot dog variation from Chicago. This iconic dog is named after Maxwell Street, a historic market street in Chicago known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse culinary offerings. It typically consists of a grilled Polish sausage served on a bun with yellow mustard, fried onions, and sport peppers. This type of Polish sausage is a flavorful and slightly spicy smoked variety that is a staple in Polish cuisine. The Maxwell Street Polish dog was created by Jim’s Original in 1939. Back then, Jim’s original was a stand in Chicago’s historical Maxwell Street Market, run by Yugoslavian-born founder Jimmy Stefanovic. Whether you're exploring the bustling streets of Chicago or looking to add a unique and flavorful hot dog option to enhance your happy hour, the Maxwell Street Polish is a classic choice that never fails to impress with its bold and satisfying taste. Dog: Grilled, smoked pork and beef Polish sausage Bun: Plain hot dog bun Toppings: Fried onions, sport peppers, yellow mustard 7. Sonoran Dog Originating from the Sonora region of Mexico in the early 1970s, the Sonoran dog is a bacon-wrapped, beef hot dog nestled in a soft, slightly sweet bolillo-style bun. The bun is topped with a variety of indulgent condiments, including pinto beans, grilled onions, chopped tomatoes, mustard, mayonnaise, and jalapenos. This combination of ingredients creates a mouthwatering blend of textures and flavors. It has gained a cult following in the United States, particularly in the Southwestern states of Arizona and Texas. Tucson, Arizona, even created a Sonoran hot dog trail to help visitors and locals sample Sonoran dogs from a diverse array of businesses. One of the defining features of a Sonoran dog is its bolillo-style bun. Originating from Mexico, these buns are characterized by a soft interior encased in a crusty exterior. They’re made from a simple dough of flour, water, yeast, and salt. A Mexican variation of the baguette, bolillos are typically shorter and thicker than traditional hot dog buns and are shaped into an elongated oval before they’re baked. Of course, it’s the generous toppings that elevate the Sonoran dog from a snack to a hearty meal. While the traditional Sonoran dog follows a specific recipe, there are regional variations that add a unique twist to this Mexican-inspired dish. Some versions may include queso, cotija, or guacamole, and offer different types of salsas as garnishment. Dog: Grilled, all-beef hot dog wrapped in bacon Bun: Bolillo Toppings: Pinto beans, grilled onions, chopped tomatoes, mustard, mayonnaise, jalapeno 8. Dodger Dog Dodger Dogs are grilled or steamed pork wieners in soft, steamed hot dog buns topped with classic condiments such as mustard, ketchup, onions, and relish. Named after the Los Angeles Dodgers, they are made remarkable by their 10-inch length (the average hot dog is 6 inches). The grilled variety is considered the traditional version and was known as “Farmer John Dodger Dogs” until 2021. There are a few variations of Dodger Dogs. The Super Dodger Dog is made with 100% beef sausage, and the Doyer Dog replaces the traditional toppings with chili, salsa, and jalapenos. Sold at their namesake stadium, these iconic hot dogs are a staple at baseball games and have a rich history that dates back several decades. They received their name in 1958 when the Dodgers moved from Brooklyn to Los Angeles, and the Dodger Dog has been a fan favorite at Dodger Stadium ever since. Dodger Dogs consistently lead hot dog sales at all Major League Baseball ballparks. The hot dogs are supplied by California-based Papa Cantella’s. Outside of the Dodger Stadium, you can purchase Dodger Dogs at a small chain of restaurants throughout Southern California. They make an excellent addition to any sports bar marketing strategy. Dog: Grilled or steamed 10-inch pork hot dog Bun: Steamed hot dog bun Toppings: Mustard, ketchup, onions, relish 9. Italian Dog Originating in Newark, New Jersey, the Italian hot dog is a beloved classic throughout the state. It starts with one or two spicy (aka single or double), all-beef hot dogs and is loaded with flattop fried potatoes, peppers, and onions. To complement its savory flavors, the Italian hot dog is generously drizzled in spicy brown mustard, adding a tangy kick. It’s traditionally served on pizza bread; leftover pizza dough shaped into circular pockets like pita. Pizza bread has an airy but chewy bite, serving as a sturdy yet pillowy base for these hearty frankfurters. Jimmy “Bluff” Racioppi and his wife, Mary Racioppi, introduced the Italian dog to the culinary scene. Jimmy was nicknamed “Jimmy the Buff” for his habit of bluffing when he played poker. When Mary created the now beloved Italian hot dogs in 1932, it was such a hit with Jimmy and his poker buddies that the couple decided to open their restaurant, “Jimmy Buffs” in Newark, New Jersey, to share their delicious sausage sandwiches. Italian hot dogs are now popular throughout New Jersey. As more and more establishments started preparing and serving Italian hot dogs, some chose to use sandwich loaves instead of pizza bread. However, a truly authentic Italian hot dog distinguishes itself by its pizza bread bun. Dog: Spicy, all-beef hot dogs (traditionally from Best Provisions in Newark, NJ) Bun: Pizza bread Toppings: Flattop grilled potatoes, peppers, and onions, deli mustard 10. Polish Boy Originating from Cleveland, Ohio, a Polish Boy hot dog is a grilled or deep-fried smoked kielbasa in a barbeque sauce-coated hoagie roll piled with mounds of coleslaw and French fries. The correct order for assembling a Polish boy is to grill or pan-fry the kielbasa, toast the bun, and then place the sausage inside. To layer the toppings, squeeze a stream of BBQ sauce onto the kielbasa, load in some fries, and then place a pile of slaw on top. This combination of savory and tangy flavors creates a delicious and satisfying meal that has become a favorite among food enthusiasts and makes the perfect Fourth of July menu item. The origins of the Polish Boy hot dog can be traced back to the 1940s when it was first introduced by local Cleveland food vendors looking to create a unique and affordable street food option. A true Cleveland’s Own menu item, the kielbasa gives a nod to Eastern Europe’s influence on Northeast Ohio. Over the years, variations of the Polish Boy have popped up in food trucks, diners, and BBQ joints nationwide. Some variations favor vinegar-based slaw to creamy slaw, some establishments sub perogies for fries, and BBQ restaurants add pulled pork or chopped brisket to the already hefty sandwich. Dog: Grilled or deep-fried smoked kielbasa Bun: Hoagie bun Toppings: Coleslaw, French fries, BBQ sauce Back to Top Hot Dog FAQ Now that you know the top ten types of regional hot dogs, you might have some questions about the hot dog ingredients behind each creation. We answer some of the most frequently asked hot dog questions below, so you can create a delicious dog-eating experience at your establishment. What Are Hot Dogs Made Of? At its core, a hot dog is a type of sausage, traditionally a Vienna sausage or a frankfurter, that is typically made from a mixture of finely ground meat, food starch, flavorings, corn syrup, and water. The most common meats used in hot dogs include beef, pork, and chicken, but there are also variations made with turkey, veal, or a combination of different meats. One key characteristic of hot dogs is their casing, which is the thin, edible membrane that encases the meat mixture. Casings can be natural (made from animal intestines), or synthetic (made from materials like collagen or cellulose). The casing is what gives hot dogs their signature snap when bitten into. Hot dogs can be found in various forms, including fresh, smoked, or cured. Fresh hot dogs are uncooked and must be cooked before consumption, while smoked and cured hot dogs are pre-cooked and can be eaten cold or heated up. Additionally, hot dogs come in different shapes and sizes, from the classic long and skinny frankfurter to the shorter and thicker cocktail franks. They range in flavor from mild and savory to bold and spicy, depending on the seasonings and spices used in the meat mixture. Some hot dogs may also contain additional ingredients like cheese, jalapenos, or bacon bits to add extra flavor and texture. What Is the Difference between Hot Dogs and Sausages? Hot dogs are a type of sausage. The term sausage categorizes ground meat mixed with spices and salt, which is then stuffed into a casing. Fat content and texture distinguish hot dogs from other sausages. While hot dogs are finely ground and typically have a lower fat content, most sausages have a higher fat content and are not as finely ground. Because they typically contain artificial flavorings and corn syrup, hot dogs are considered less healthy than other sausage varieties made with more natural ingredients. Back to Top Hot dogs are a beloved classic in American cuisine, and their popularity is undeniable. It’s estimated that over 7 billion wieners are consumed nationwide during Hot Dog Season (the months between Memorial Day and Labor Day). Consider adding a few of the regional hog dog styles listed above to your summer menu to attract new customers. With so many different types of hot dogs available, this versatile menu item can be reimaged time and again to broaden your customer base.