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- The Most Popular Spot for Hot Dogs in Every State (financebuzz.com)
On the Road Again: Your Guide to the Best Hot Dogs in Every State!
Let’s be frank: a good hot dog is a true American classic. Whether you’re craving a quick bite from a street cart or a gourmet creation, nothing quite hits the spot like a perfectly prepared frankfurter. And while the official grilling season might be winding down, our love for hot dogs burns bright all year long, especially when you’re exploring new places!
From regional twists like Chicago’s famously loaded dogs to historic eateries dishing out the same beloved recipes for decades, every state has at least one must-visit spot for hot dog enthusiasts. So, buckle up, hit the highway, and get ready to discover some of the country’s most delicious dogs.
Alabama: Gus’s Hot Dogs (Birmingham)
A Birmingham institution since 1947, Gus’s in downtown is a no-frills haven for classic hot dogs. TripAdvisor reviewers consistently rave about their delicious takes on tradition, including the regular dog, chili dog, and slaw dog.
Alaska: Red Umbrella Reindeer (Anchorage)
Keep an eye out for the iconic red umbrella in Anchorage! Red Umbrella Reindeer is a world-famous hot dog stand, open seven days a week. With hundreds of five-star reviews, the Spicy Reindeer Sausage is a particular standout among their popular offerings.
Arizona: El Guero Canelo (Tucson)
What started as a hot dog stand in the ’90s has blossomed into three restaurants, but El Guero Canelo in Tucson remains synonymous with its legendary Sonoran hot dog. This regional specialty features a hot dog nestled in a fluffy bun, piled high with beans, tomatoes, onions, mustard, mayo, and jalapeño sauce.
Arkansas: The Original ScoopDog (North Little Rock)
In North Little Rock, The Original ScoopDog is a local favorite for both delicious dogs and sweet treats (they also serve frozen custard!). This unpretentious stand offers a variety of styles, including classic Chicago, Detroit, and New York-inspired options.
California: Pink’s Hot Dogs (Los Angeles)
A Hollywood landmark since 1939, Pink’s keeps locals and visitors coming back with its incredible, celebrity- and film-inspired specials. Beyond the hot dog joint classics, you can find unique creations like the “Emeril Lagasse Bam Dog” and the “Lord of the Rings Dog,” appropriately adorned with onion rings.
Colorado: Harley’s A Hot Dog Revolution (Denver)
Harley’s A Hot Dog Revolution is a Denver staple, offering a menu with something for everyone. This restaurant puts a unique spin on the classic American snack, featuring adventurous options like Surf n’ Turf dogs and Mac ‘n Cheese dogs.
Connecticut: Rawley’s Drive-In (Fairfield)
Rawley’s has been a Fairfield favorite since 1947, boasting a simple menu that delivers on all your hot dog joint desires. Their classics include the standard hot dog, chili cheese dogs, “the works,” and the famous “hot chihuahua,” featuring their homemade hot chili.
Delaware: Dog House (New Castle)
Since 1952, Dog House in New Castle has been a beloved spot for both locals and visitors. Famous for its foot-longs, this roadside joint even offers a hot dog-centric breakfast menu. Guests can still dine at the original 1950s-era counter, a testament to its enduring charm.
Florida: Coney Island Drive-Inn (Brooksville)
The original Coney Island Drive-Inn opened in Brooksville in 1960 and has since expanded across Florida. Their menu is a vibrant mix of hot dog creations, including a gator dog, a Reuben dog, and, of course, “Norm’s Big Dog,” loaded with loose meat, chili, cheese, slaw, and onion rings.
Georgia: The Varsity (Atlanta)
Family-owned and operated since 1928, The Varsity in Atlanta is renowned for more than just its hot dogs, though they are a definite draw. This iconic spot offers all the classic hot dog joint staples like plain, chili cheese, and slaw dogs, alongside a selection of burgers, chicken, and sides.
Hawaii: Hank’s Haute Dogs (Honolulu)
Hank’s Haute Dogs in Honolulu offers a menu brimming with classics like chili dogs and Chicago-style dogs, plus an eclectic mix of modern and locally inspired specialties. Visitors to the Aloha State might want to try the “Hawaiian” dog, featuring Portuguese sausage, mango mustard, and pineapple relish.
Idaho: Golden Wheel Drive-In (Boise)
Boise’s Golden Wheel Drive-In is cherished for its friendly, family-owned service and a delicious assortment of hot dogs and burgers. Stop by for one of their foot-long hot dogs, which you can even get loaded for less than $7.
Illinois: Superdawg Drive-In (Chicago)
Picking the top dog in Chicago is no easy feat, given the city’s legendary hot dog scene. However, Superdawg has been a beloved fixture since 1948. The classic Chicago-style Superdawg is a must-try, but their menu also features other sandwiches and sides, like the Superonionchips.
Indiana: Fort Wayne’s Famous Coney Island (Fort Wayne)
Since 1914, Fort Wayne’s Famous Coney Island has maintained its classic menu for over a century. It’s filled with simple delights like classic Coney Island hot dogs, cheeseburgers, cups of chili, and fountain sodas, all at unbeatable prices (a Coney Island dog is just $1.95!).
Iowa: The Flying Wienie (Cedar Rapids)
The Flying Wienie in Cedar Rapids is a no-frills joint guaranteeing a delicious dog, with a great selection of Chicago-style dishes. While the Chicago hot dog is a fan favorite, the Wienie is also known for its Italian beef sandwiches, gyros, and the bargain “double play” meal (two hot dogs, fries, and a drink).
Kansas: Fritz’s Meats & Superior Sausage (Leawood)
While not strictly a hot dog joint, Yelp reviews confirm that Fritz’s in Leawood knows its meats, including hot dogs! Visitors can stop in for a hot dog or specialty sausage for lunch any day, or go all out with their bacon-wrapped hot dog BLT.
Kentucky: Lonnie’s Best Taste of Chicago (Louisville)
As its name suggests, Lonnie’s in Louisville serves up Chicago classics, with hundreds of Yelp reviews to back up its claim of being the “best” in the area. Lonnie’s offers several delicious dogs named after Chicago streets, alongside Italian beef sandwiches, Polish sausages, burgers, and more.
Louisiana: Dat Dog (New Orleans)
With three locations across New Orleans, Dat Dog has become famous for its delectable “haute dogs.” From classics like the “Basic Beefy” to NOLA-inspired varieties such as the “Crawfish Special” or the “Fiesta Dog,” Dat Dog truly has a dog for every taste.
Maine: Flo’s Hot Dogs (Cape Neddick)
This roadside hot dog joint in Cape Neddick is famous for its steamed hot dogs and signature relish. Visitors have been traveling far and wide to enjoy a bite at Flo’s since it first opened its doors in 1959.
Maryland: Attman’s Delicatessen (Baltimore)
Attman’s Delicatessen, with locations in Baltimore and Potomac, has been serving delicious Jewish deli classics since 1915. While their menu boasts many amazing options, Attman’s is also celebrated for its deli dogs, generously piled high with meats like corned beef, salami, and pastrami.
Massachusetts: Jack’s Hot Dog Stand (North Adams)
Jack’s menu is refreshingly simple, and it’s this dedication to tradition that makes it so great. This beloved hot dog restaurant opened in 1917 and remains a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Plus, you can’t beat the price: $1.95 for a hot dog, with toppings like kraut, cheese, and chili for less than a dollar extra.
Michigan: American Coney Island (Detroit)
A downtown Detroit institution since its founding in 1917, American Coney Island offers a simple and delicious menu. You can even take home a Coney Island hot dog kit! True to its Greek immigrant roots, the menu also includes classics like gyro, grilled chicken pita, and Greek salads.
Minnesota: The Wienery (Minneapolis)
The Wienery’s menu is packed with an eclectic mix of diner foods, but it’s the vast selection of hot dogs that truly shines. They offer classic styles from cities across the U.S., plus in-house specialties like the Tasmanian Devil dog, covered in “the hottest chili… as hot as you want it.”
Mississippi: Small Time Dogs (Winona)
Small Time Dogs isn’t a brick-and-mortar joint, but rather two trucks serving central Mississippi. Hot dog enthusiasts can track their locations via their Facebook page. These carts offer specialty dogs like the Raging Cajun and the Buffalo Wing Dog, along with Southern comfort foods like po’boys and pulled pork BBQ.
Missouri: Steve’s Hot Dogs (St. Louis)
Steve’s hot dogs are legendary in the St. Louis area.
They offer classics, including a St. Louis dog, chili dog, and Chicago-style dog.
They also boast plenty of specialty dogs like the Gorilla Mac & Cheese Dog and the Backyard BBQ Dog, and even serve beer and cocktails.
Montana: Yeti Dogs (Big Sky)
Located at the base of Big Sky Resort, Yeti Dogs offers an incredible selection of all-beef franks, eclectic topping options, delicious ice cream, and brews. The Yeti Dog is a go-to, featuring mustard, “yeti sauce,” sweet relish, kraut, and onion. Note that this hot dog restaurant closes during the shoulder season between summer and ski season.
Nebraska: Don & Millie’s (Lincoln)
Don & Millie’s in Lincoln is a no-frills establishment with a great selection of menu items. Those craving a hot dog should definitely try the footlong chili dog, which comes with fries and a drink.
Nevada: Windy City Beefs N Dogs (Las Vegas)
The concept behind Windy City Beefs N Dogs, with two Vegas locations, originated from a Chicago native who wanted authentic Chicago dogs without flying home. The restaurant delivers classic Windy City hot dogs, excellent combo deals, Italian beef sandwiches, Polish sausages, and more.
New Hampshire: Gilley’s PM Lunch (Portsmouth)
Gilley’s Diner has been a Portsmouth institution since the 1940s, slinging classic American grub in a charming, time-capsule setting. Their menu is straightforward, focusing on juicy burgers, steamed hot dogs, and crispy fries.
It’s a spot where you can grab a quick bite or enjoy a late-night feast. With its no-frills charm and dedication to comfort food, Gilley’s has earned a loyal following among locals and visitors.
New Jersey: Hot Dog Johnny’s (Buttzville)
Hot Dog Johnny’s has been a Northern New Jersey staple since 1944. Visitors come from near and far to enjoy their simple yet delicious dogs and fries, all while sipping on frosty birch beer. They also have fantastic merchandise, and while technically in Belvidere, NJ, their merch playfully says “Buttzville.”
New Mexico: The Dog House Drive-In (Albuquerque)
The Dog House is a classic hot dog joint with the added charm of car-side service. They’re known for delicious hot dogs and corn dogs, and perhaps most famously, for being featured on “Breaking Bad.”
New York: Nathan’s Famous (Brooklyn)
Nathan’s Famous in Coney Island might just be the most renowned hot dog joint in the entire country. It was one of the first, inspiring many of the Coney Island-style dogs found on this list. Established in 1916, the original Nathan’s building still stands outside the Coney Island subway station, still churning out delicious franks and fries.
North Carolina: Sup Dogs (Greenville)
Since 2008, Sup Dogs has earned a reputation as a fantastic spot for delicious and affordable hot dog combos and drinks. With locations in Greenville and Chapel Hill, Sup Dogs offers all your classic dogs, along with their own specialties like the “Western Dog,” “Firehouse Dog,” and “Sweet Dog.”
North Dakota: DogMahal DogHouse (Grand Forks)
The DogMahal DogHouse is celebrated for its generously topped signature dogs. Try the “Fightin’ Hawk,” loaded with taco meat, cheese, onions, and green chilis, or the “Hobo A Go Go,” topped with BBQ beans, mustard, bacon, and tater stix. Beyond the amazing food, DogMahal also sells vinyl, comics, and toys.
Ohio: Tony Packo’s (Toledo)
Tony Packo’s first opened in Toledo in 1932, amidst the Great Depression, and has become a local legend. They are famous for their delicious Hungarian dogs (the founder was the son of Hungarian immigrants), but the menu also features other delights like pierogies, fried pickles, and more. When visiting this iconic spot, it’s definitely worth trying everything on the menu.
Oklahoma: Coney I-Lander (Tulsa)
For decades, Coney I-Lander has brought delicious dogs to the Tulsa area, now with seven locations across Oklahoma. The menu is delightfully simple: grilled dogs covered in their famous chili (a family recipe), mustard, onions, and cheese, plus tamales, Frito pies, and more.
Oregon: Roake’s (Portland)
Roake’s, a hot dog joint with locations in Portland and Milwaukie, keeps it simple and has garnered a loyal following since opening its doors in 1937. The menu features classics like a long or short Coney, plump dog, jalapeño cheese dog, and an array of delicious burgers, fries, and chili.
Pennsylvania: Yocco’s Hot Dogs in Allentown
Yocco’s has been a Lehigh Valley institution since 1922. Their “Yocco’s dogs,” well-done dogs on steamed buns with a secret chili sauce, mustard, and chopped onions, are a fan favorite. They also offer great sides, including fries, onion rings, and pierogies.
Rhode Island: Olneyville New York System (Providence)
Family-owned and operated since moving to their current Providence location in 1953, Olneyville New York System has become a local legend. The Stevens family also runs a second location in Cranston, where visitors can find their famous franks (known as “RI’s best hot wiener”), fries, burgers, and more.
South Carolina: Jack’s Cosmic Dogs (Mount Pleasant)
Jack’s Cosmic Dogs is known for its vast selection of delicious franks, including their signature “Classic Cosmic Dog,” featuring blue cheese coleslaw and “Cosmic Mustard.” There are plenty of other dogs to choose from, plus a build-your-own option and a tofu dog for veggie lovers.
South Dakota: The Prairie Dog (Hill City)
The Prairie Dog offers a large selection of hot dogs and other sandwiches inspired by the state’s rich history. While all their dogs sound delectable, visitors might want to consider the “Rushmore Rattler,” a beef hot dog topped with brown mustard, sharp cheddar, and a homemade jalapeño medley.
Tennessee: D & B’s (Knoxville)
D & B’s was founded in 2014 by two friends who decided the area needed some truly great hot dogs. Their menu features all the classic dogs (basic, chili cheese, Chicago, etc.), as well as specialties like the “One Man,” a hot dog topped with pulled pork and BBQ sauce.
Texas: James Coney Island (Houston)
The first James Coney Island was opened in Houston in 1923 by two Greek brothers. Today, it has grown to include five restaurants in the Houston area. The menu offers a selection of classic Coneys, specialty gourmet hot dogs, classics inspired by other cities like Chicago and New York, plus a great selection of burgers and sides.
Utah: J. Dawgs (Provo)
The idea behind J. Dawgs was conceived in 2004, leading to the opening of the first simple hot dog shack dedicated to serving incredible dogs with the finest ingredients. Now, the Provo location is one of nine in the state that serves all-natural franks with delicious homemade sauce and fresh local buns daily.
Vermont: Beansie’s Bus (Burlington)
Yes, it really is a bus! Since 1944, Beansie’s has offered a delectable menu full of perfectly cooked dogs, Michigans (steamed dogs with meaty sauce), and fries. But if you want to experience Beansie’s, you’ll need to do it between April and September, as the bus is a seasonal operation.
Virginia: Skeeter’s Hot Dogs (Wytheville)
Skeeter’s Hot Dogs first opened in 1925 (then known as the E.N. Umberger Store, after its founder).
The dogs are simple and delicious, keeping loyal customers coming back for decades. Guests can opt for the “Skeeterdog” with mustard, onion, and chili, or try classics like the Slawdog, Cheesedog, The Works, or a handful of regional styles.
Washington: Matt’s Hot Dogs (Seattle)
Since 1992, Matt’s has been known for its incredible dogs, burgers, fries, and shakes. The menu features all the classics-like Seattle, Chicago, and New York dogs-and more unique varieties like a spicy Polish “Fire Dog” or a Chicago-style veggie sausage.
West Virginia: Stewart’s Hot Dogs (Huntington)
Stewart’s Hot Dogs was founded by the Mandt family in Huntington in 1932. They initially sold only Stewart’s root beer and popcorn, but that changed with the addition of dogs to the menu. Today, visitors flock to try their famed “original” hot dog, as well as their corn dogs, deep-fried dogs, bratwurst, chili sauce buns, and more.
Wisconsin: Martino’s (Milwaukee)
Martino’s is perhaps best known for its hot dogs (and they offer all the classics!), but they also serve delicious Italian beef sandwiches, homemade soups, bratwursts, and more. The restaurant has been family-owned and operated since 1977 and is widely hailed (on Yelp and beyond) as one of the best places to grab a dog in Milwaukee.
Wyoming: Phil’s Dog Shak (Riverton)
One of the great things about the simplicity of hot dogs is that some of the best you’ll ever taste can come from a humble cart or shack on the side of the road – and that’s exactly the case with Phil’s. Many online reviewers praise their perfectly cooked dogs. Phil’s also boasts delicious footlongs, Polish sausage, and Frito pies.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re a dedicated hot dog enthusiast or just looking for a tasty and affordable meal, exploring these famed local hot dog joints is a fantastic way to celebrate National Hot Dog Day in your home state or discover new flavors on your travels. It’s the perfect bargain road trip lunch, allowing you to stretch your restaurant budget while savoring an iconic taste of America.
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- The Most Popular Spot for Hot Dogs in Every State (financebuzz.com)