The dog days are far from over.
Hot dogs hold a special place in the hearts of Americans, even though their story started far away in Europe. Across the ocean in Vienna, you might find franks served with mustard and horseradish, while in Germany and Switzerland, these sausage delicacies are readily found at train stations and eateries. Over time, we adopted and adapted it, transforming the hot dog into an all-time American favorite.
From sizzling hot dogs in New Jersey topped with spicy relish, to Sonoran dogs wrapped in bacon in Tucson, the American map is richly dotted with unique hot dog styles. Cities like Detroit offer Coney dogs, while in the Carolinas, you’ll find wieners with pimiento cheese. Each state has stamped its own identity into this classic dish.
During the pandemic, with travel limited, hot dogs became a local journey. Embracing different styles, from Michigans in New York to Italian dogs in New Jersey, Americans discovered the diverse culinary interpretations of what’s often considered a humble snack. Establishments serving these treats have often been family-run for generations, cherishing the art of hot dog making and topping perfectly refined creations.
While some ambitious entrepreneurs might have faced hurdles adjusting the simple hot dog to modern times, those who focus on quality meats and age-old recipes continue to thrive. Appearance is trivial when it comes to hot dogs; it’s the taste that counts.
Let’s explore some of the standout hot dog locales across the states. In Alabama, for instance, Gus’s continues to reign supreme in Birmingham with its unique onion sauce, offering franks that have delighted locals since 1940. In Alaska, reindeer dogs at the Talkeetna Roadhouse bring a unique twist to the classic hot dog experience.
Tucson, Arizona dazzles with its iconic Sonoran dogs from El Guero Canelo, pairing bacon-wrapped hot dogs with an array of toppings like beans, onions, and mayo that spoil you for choice. Meanwhile, in Arkansas, North Little Rock serves Chicago-style all-beef dogs in local variations like the Sooie Dog, distinguished by its dash of barbecue flair.
Heading over to California, in San Diego’s Barrio Logan, the innovative creations at Barrio Dogg use Angus beef franks and Sonoran-style buns, topped with a melody of flavors such as salsa verde and Sriracha aioli.
In Colorado, at Biker Jim’s in Denver, hot dog aficionados are treated to an adventurous menu brimming with diverse game meats like rattlesnake and wild boar, ensuring a dining experience that’s anything but ordinary.
Connecticut offers classic hot dogs as well, boasting fried clam belly and lobster-dressed dishes along its charming coastlines. Delve into the pepper relish-spiced franks at Blackie’s, a beloved institution since 1928, where locals rave about the perfect blend of house mustard and zesty toppings.
Let’s journey to Florida, where Miami presents the vibrant hot dogs at El Mago de las Fritas, decked out with croquetas and frita meat, a nod to its Cuban roots blending traditional flavors with irresistible zest.
In Georgia, La Grange treasures tradition at Charlie Joseph’s, flavoring its franks with century-old relish recipes and slaw dogs, offering a spicy-hot escape into Southern comfort food territory.
Over in Hawaii, the flavors of Aunty Lilikoi’s mustard at Puka Dog on Kauai deliver a mouthwatering experience, marrying juicy Polish sausages with tropical relish choices for a taste of island bliss.
Idaho’s Sun Valley hosts Jill Rubin’s Irving’s Red Hots, offering satisfying Polish dogs on steamed buns. This timeless stand brings simplicity and great taste together since the 1970s.
Indiana’s Fort Wayne reminisces its early 20th-century Coney Island influences at its locally adored hot dog stands, offering coney meat sauce-spiced franks worth traveling for.
Wimmer’s in Iowa dates its delicious hot dogs back to the 1930s, serving quality wieners at Bob’s Drive Inn in Le Mars with regional toppings and delectable sides.
