The horseshoe sandwich originated in Springfield, Illinois sometime in the early 20th century. Local lore names the inventor as a chef at Wayne's Red Coach Inn, although this is subject to debate. You can get horseshoe sandwiches at most Springfield restaurants, at some restaurants in central Illinois, and at a few restaurants in other parts of the state. Horseshoes are not generally served outside of Illinois.

A traditional horseshoe sandwich consists of:

• 2 pieces of Texas toast (thick sliced bread, lightly toasted)

• 2 hamburger patties (cooked to preference, usually medium)

• a mound of french fries (preferably skinny fries)

• cover the whole thing with cheese sauce (preferably "Welsh rarebit")

Variations:

Variations usually substitute another meat for the hamburger patties. Common alternatives include turkey, chicken (fried, grilled, or buffalo-basted), ham, or Italian beef . Less common alternatives include shrimp, crawfish, egg, or tomato.

Some restaurants substitute English muffins for the toast.

Smaller versions of the horseshoe sandwich are also available, and go by the name of "ponyshoe."

Critics of the horseshoe have noted that its composition is extremely similar to the old U.S. Army dish of chipped beef served on toast, known in slang as "S.O.S.," which is short for "S--t on a Shingle."