The Iconic Arizona Sonoran Dog Didn't Even Exist Until The Late 1980s
By Katie Lawrence|Published May 16, 2020
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Katie Lawrence
Author
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 began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
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!
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.
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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!
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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