The Iconic Arizona Sonoran Dog Didn’t Even Exist Until The Late 1980s
As the unofficial food of Arizona, Sonoran dogs have been around forever… or have they? Believe it or not, this iconic dish beloved to most Phoenix and Tucson residents wasn’t invented until the late 1980s. Keep reading to find out where it all started!
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You'll find different styles of hot dogs all over the country, from chili cheese Coneys in Detroit to the iconic tomato, pickle, hot pepper, sweet onion, and relish concoction loved by Chicagoans.
Nobody knows exactly who invented the dish, but they were on to something, as it soon spread like wildfire across the border. It's estimated that over 200 places in Tucson alone offer Sonoran dogs, with Phoenix boasting even more.
To make a Sonoran dog, you start by wrapping a hot dog in bacon and grilling it.
Next, you stuff it inside a bolillo bun and top the whole thing with pinto beans, onions, tomatoes, and a variety of additional condiments, often including mayonnaise, mustard, and jalapeño salsa. Yum!
Traditionally, Sonoran dogs were sold by vendors known as "dogueros" at street carts.
What’s your favorite place to get a Sonoran dog in Arizona? Let us know, and check out our previous article for some of our top picks: These 8 Places Serve The Best Sonoran Dogs In Arizona. Please note: some restaurants may be closed or only offering takeout and delivery, so be sure to contact the establishment to learn more.
Are there any restaurants, businesses, or other attractions in Arizona you think the world should know about? Head over to our nomination page and give them a shoutout — you just might see your submission featured in an upcoming article!
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Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
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