A State-by-State Guide to the Most Iconic Foods in America

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Arizona: Sonoran Hot Dog

Arizona puts its own Southwest spin on the hot dog with the famous Sonoran hot dog. This borderlands creation actually originated just south of the border in Sonora, Mexico, but it made its way north and became a staple of Arizona’s street food scene. The Sonoran dog starts with an all-beef frank wrapped in bacon and grilled until crispy. It’s then cradled in a soft bolillo-style bun and loaded with a barrage of toppings: typically pinto beans, chopped tomatoes and onions, jalapeños, salsa or hot sauce, and a drizzle of creamy condiments. The combination of smoky bacon, spicy peppers, and cool avocado or mayo makes each bite a fiesta of flavors and textures. You’ll find Sonoran dogs at ballparks, food carts, and restaurants across Arizona, where this hearty, messy handheld is a much-loved part of the local food culture.