All-American plate

[Photo provided to China Daily]

There's so much great American comfort food on the menu at Windy City Ballroom, such as smoked ribs to die for, that it's almost trifling to rave about the hot dogs here. But a hot dog is a true summer pleasure, especially if you're with Americans celebrating the Fourth of July this week. This Chicago-style version, just 38 yuan ($6), is slathered with grilled onions, quality cheddar cheese and a scattering of jalapeno slices to ensure this dog bites back. Wash it down with some fresh lemonade, a Kentucky IPA or the stunning vanilla-bourbon iced tea.

9 Yongtaizhuang North Road (off subway line 8), Beijing. 010-6299-3777.