They may have originated in Frankfurt, but today there’s nothing more all-American than a frankfurter. Chicago franks take three of our top 10 spots, making the Windy City top dog this summer—even if Coney Island gets all the attention come the Fourth of July.
Portillo’s, Chicago
“A trip to Chicago would not be complete without a visit to one of the 30 Portillo’s located in and around Chicago,” says lo7la. “The hot dogs are all beef and are definitely the best in town. The cup of hot gold might not be real cheese, but darn, it's good. And for that something sweet, you cannot beat their chocolate cake. Only your mother might be able to top this dessert. (And even then, it would be a close call.)”
Nathan’s Famous, Coney Island
“Take a subway ride out to Coney Island and visit the original Nathan’s,” says baseballbrat. "Sure, you can get their hot dogs at airports and malls throughout the country now, but they taste different in New York.” Mashka adds, “I always end up talking to people while waiting in line. Must be the excitement of truly getting one of the tastiest hot dogs in America.”
Pink’s, Los Angeles
“Who knew you can fit two hot dogs in one bun (The Today Show Dog)?” asks UCLArocks. “There's even a crazy option with three hot dogs in a tortilla (Three Dog Night).” Adds ak1, “Pink’s piles on the toppings: nacho cheese, mushrooms, olives, guacamole. You name it, they probably have it.”
Puka Dog, Koloa, HI
“Located in a blink-and-you'll-miss-it shopping center,” says BeTheBuddha, “Puka Dog’s homemade buns are spiked and warmed from the inside out before the bun is filled with a secret garlic-lemon sauce and topped with a veggie dog or a Polish sausage—and star fruit, mango, or papaya relish.”
Hot Doug’s, Chicago
“Not only do they have the classic Chicago-style dog but they also have the Elvis (with Polish sausage) and the occasional game—I had the alligator dog with blue cheese,” says ext212. “Order a ‘gourmet’ hot dog with duck-fat fries and a tall glass of Coke, and you won't regret it.”
The Dog Out, San Ramon, CA
“My dad was in the hot-dog business, and I am always on the lookout for the perfect hot dog,” says SFPhotocraft. “The minute you walk in here, you feel this is going to be a fun meal. On our last visit, we had five kids with us, and the manager came around with free ice cream for everyone!”
The Wiener’s Circle, Chicago
“You haven't had a Chicago-style hot dog until you have eaten at The Wiener's Circle (after midnight),” says rbank. “This place is one of character, famous for people yelling and swearing at each other before they take part in the monstrosity that is cheese fries. Soon you will be enjoying your hot, tasty, delectable food in true Chicago fashion.”
Wright’s Dairy Rite, Staunton, VA
“Open since 1952, this classic drive-in restaurant has had car-hop service since its inception,” says zabelle. “Inside, there’s a phone at every booth to call in your order. Now, it took us a while to figure this out, but once we did, it was great fun. Their dogs come in regular size and Dogzilla, a 1/3-pound dog served on a sub bun.”
Chris’ Hot Dogs, Montgomery, AL
“Chris' Hot Dogs is a dive, but everybody knows it was one of Hank Williams’ hangouts,” says Barnburner. "The place is dark, dingy, and kind of seedy, but the hot dogs are great. You're as liable to see construction workers in Chris' as you are to see the governor.”
SuperDog, Portland
“We had a Nathan's hot dog topped with their homemade all-meat chili, a double smokie cooked in beer, a slice of cheesecake, and some of their yummy potato-leek chowder,” says PatJohnson. “The bun is out of this world. We left with our tummies full and spent less than $20, including two local microbrews called guess what—SuperDog IPA.”