Cleveland Vs Cincinnati-Style Hot Dogs: What's The Difference?

American cuisine is a fascinating melting pot of flavors, and there are tons of regional varieties when it comes to hot dogs. Hot dog culture runs especially prevalent in Ohio.

Venture to Cincinnati, and you'll find the chili dog reigns supreme. It's piled high with cheddar cheese and served with onions and yellow mustard in classic Coney Island style.

You can find this eye-catching dish mainly at local chili parlors. It's not the same as a spicy slow-cooker beef chili; the flavors are sweeter and milder.

Meanwhile, Cleveland’s Polish Boy does hot dogs completely differently, turning to smoky flavors and featuring a garlicky kielbasa with barbecue sauce, fries, and coleslaw.

Unlike the beef base of the Cincinnati style, Cleveland's Polish Boy employs a pork-beef mix, flavored with spices, and cured to an especially smoky state.