As a lifelong Ohioan with an unwavering hot dog obsession, I’ve tasted my way from Toledo to Cincinnati in search of the ultimate frank. Along the way, I’ve discovered that Ohio’s hot dog scene is far more diverse than most people realize.
Some spots craft masterpieces—perfectly grilled dogs tucked into pillowy buns, topped with inventive flavors that linger in your memory for days.
Others, sadly, dish out limp, uninspired offerings that make you wonder why you bothered ordering in the first place. Join me for a candid tour through Ohio’s wiener wonderland, where the highs are unforgettable and the lows are unforgettable for all the wrong reasons.
1. Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace: A Topping Wonderland
Holy hot dog heaven! The first time I walked into Dirty Frank’s in Columbus, my jaw dropped at their menu of nearly 50 toppings. Where else can you get a dog topped with Sriracha-lime slaw one day and mac & cheese the next?…