There’s nothing quite like a hot dog done well. Sometimes, the only thing you need is a fuss-free sausage in a roll. Other times, you might want a sloppy chili cheese or an all-beef Chicago-style dog. Whether you’re after classic or crazy dogs, you'll find incredible hot dog spots across the US. Here we've tracked down the top dog joint in each state, from hole-in-the-wall gems to hip restaurants whipping up mouthwatering combos.
Click or scroll through our gallery to discover the best place for hot dogs in your state.
Our selections are based on genuine user reviews, awards and accolades, and the first-hand experience of our team. They're also regularly checked and updated.
Having originally opened in Foley in 2016, Wacked Out Weiner can now be found in three Alabama locations, as well as in Florida and Texas. There's a dog for every appetite, with single, double, and triple combos on offer. You can take your pick from dozens of toppings, including house-made chili, sauerkraut, and mac 'n' cheese. Customers consistently praise the friendly staff and tasty hot dogs.
If you’re local to Anchorage, you’ll likely have heard about this monster of a hot dog cart – but if you haven’t, it’s well worth seeking out for impressive fast food. The staff are friendly, the vibe is fun, and you can always guarantee a lot of charred, smoky flavor. Choose between reindeer dogs, buffalo dogs, German-style bratwursts, Louisiana hot links, classic beef dogs, or a vegan option, and pile on the toppings. Look out for the regularly changing specials, too.
The Sonoran hot dog – a fully loaded style complete with a bacon-wrapped wiener, pinto beans, onions, tomato, salsa verde, mustard, and mayonnaise – is hugely popular in Arizona, especially Tucson. While every local has their favorite spot, Aqui Con El Nene comes highly recommended. Just make sure you pick up some extra napkins, as it’s a seriously messy mouthful.
Regulars can't get enough of The Original ScoopDog's consistently tasty beef hot dogs. Favorites at this family-operated joint include The Atlanta Dog (with house-made slaw and celery salt), and The Kansas City Dog (with Swiss cheese and sauerkraut). Whatever you pick, finish your meal with one of the restaurant's freshly made frozen custard treats. The frozen custard cake is especially delicious.
Wurstküche is top dog for hot dogs in California. With locations in Downtown and Venice, it remains an LA staple thanks to its inventive sausages and eclectic vibe. There are three separate sausage menus – classics, gourmet, and exotics – and plenty to keep customers coming back for more. If you're in the market for something a little different, the Rattlesnake & Rabbit Dog with jalapeño peppers is highly recommended. There are also no fewer than five mustards to get stuck into.
Complete with roller-skating employees and Cupid arrows, this kitschy spot has been serving up stellar dogs since 1946. The small chain has two Los Angeles locations (and an additional one in Longwood, Florida) and is known for serving up the best chili dogs in the area. Piled high with meat sauce, onions, and mustard, the Cupid is hard to beat. There’s an equally tasty Reuben dog (with mustard, cheese, and sauerkraut) and a veggie option, too.
This small but mighty joint is a Colorado Springs institution, loved for its hefty hot dogs and messy sandwiches. Locals say you can’t go wrong with the Chicago Dog, piled with mustard, relish, onion, pickle, peppers, tomato, and cucumber, while the Green Chili Dog comes with house-made green chili, peppers, and onions. Thanks to its bright yellow exterior, you really can’t miss Margo’s Vienna Station.
Riley's Hot Dog & Burger Gourmet set out to take the hot dog to new places, and customers have been happy to go on the journey. The only problem is choosing from the extensive, eclectic menu! All the dogs get rave reviews, but two highlights are the classic chili cheese dog – with Riley's meat sauce, Cheddar sauce, and onions – and the Loco Taco Dog, which comes with seasoned minced beef, taco sauce, lettuce, tomato, and nacho chips.
Don't be fooled by this hot dog and chicken shack's modest appearance – it's got some truly great dogs on offer. Praised for its friendly service and warm atmosphere, Johnnie's Dog House has something for everyone. The dogs are named after states and cities, and as you're in Wilmington, it makes sense to try The Delaware Destroyer (two hot dogs on a hoagie roll with mac 'n' cheese, chili, grilled onions, and hot sauce). Customers love that there are lots of vegetarian options, too.
A legend in Miami, Sweet Dogs is known for its outstanding service – and for naming its dogs after sports teams. One of the most unusual options is the Florida Panthers, which comes with grilled ham, sautéed peppers, onions, sesame seeds, sweet relish, sweet and sour sauce, and La Choy noodles. Customers also go crazy for the Mac, which is loaded with mac 'n' cheese, Parmesan, and garlic croutons. It's a cheese lover's dream.
Top service, great value for money, and tasty hot dogs make Georgia-born chain The Original Hot Dog Factory a customer favorite. A couple of standout options include the Hawaiian Dog (a grilled beef hot dog with bacon, cheese, barbecue sauce, grilled onions, and pineapple) and the Detroit Coney (a beef hot dog with chili, shredded cheese, and chopped onions). There are also branches in Alabama, Arizona, Ohio, and Texas.
Say aloha to the best hot dogs in Hawaii at Puka Dog. The Hawaiian-style hot dog is called a puka dog because it's named after the unique bun it comes in. Unusually, the sausage is inserted into a hole, and a metal rod helps to bake the middle of the bun. Customers choose between Polish or veggie dogs, pick how hot they want their accompanying garlic-lemon sauce, then select the type of relish they're in the mood for. Mango is a big hit, but people also go crazy for the locally made Aunty Lilikoi's Hawaiian Mustard.
There's no fuss or frills at Scotty's Hot Dogs – just really good dogs. At this Boise food truck, all dogs and toppings are cooked fresh to order by owner Brandon Rex, and those who've had a Scotty hot dog say it's the best place in town. The Polish dog and the special Scotty sauce are often singled out for praise. The working hours and locations frequently change, so keep an eye on social media for up-to-date information.
Chicago is known for all-beef hot dogs served in poppy seed buns, and you can get them all over the state. But Portillo’s is the place to go for the real deal. After all, the joint started in Villa Park, Illinois, in 1963 and has been a fan favorite ever since. The classic Jumbo Hot Dog is topped with mustard, relish, chopped onions, sliced ripe tomato, sport peppers, and pickles in that iconic steamed bun. Chicago natives call this combo of toppings 'dragging the dog through the garden.'
Intensely popular and extremely delicious, Chicago-style dogs can also be found at Superdawg Drive In, a family-owned spot that's been around since 1948. It's known for serving up one of the best dogs in the city, complete with a delicious pickled green tomato and all the usual trimmings. The joint is easily recognizable, too, thanks to the two giant hot dog characters standing on the roof.
Founded in 1949, Bob’s Drive Inn has been part of the Le Mars community for over 70 years, and it’s still going strong. The family-owned spot is famous for its Bob Dog. This meaty explosion sees a wiener piled with mustard, ketchup, onions, and meat sauce. Locals say it’s seriously good – and best enjoyed with a side of cheese fries and onion rings. The Double Dog takes it up a notch, adding in another sausage.
Claiming to be the oldest Coney stand in America, Fort Wayne's Famous Coney Island Wiener Stand first started serving customers in 1914. The menu hasn't changed much over the past 110+ years, and that's why visitors keep on coming back. The classic Coney dog sees a grilled sausage served in a steamed bun with house-made Coney sauce, mustard, and chopped onions. It's so good that the joint can turn out as many as 900,000 hot dogs every year.
Customers can't praise Wiener Kitchen in Overland Park enough. Here, the sausages are made in-house, and there's a wide variety of toppings. There are regular specials and inventive choices such as the Chicken Apple dog – with a chicken wiener, strawberry jam, basil mayo, and toasted pecans – and the Bacon Sausage dog, which comes with country-style sausage gravy. The classic chili cheese dog, filled with the joint's chorizo and black bean chili, is the real favorite, though.
Red Top in Louisville is a food truck that serves all-beef and wild game sausages, including wild boar, wagyu, and bison dogs, with creative toppings. There's the Louisville – a combo of Cheddar beer cheese, Coney sauce, and organic yellow mustard – and the Germantown, which comes with Cheddar, grilled onions, apple-bacon sauerkraut, and molasses.
There's no excuse to miss Dat Dog when in Louisiana. First of all, the joint has three locations in New Orleans. Second of all, there's a hot dog for everybody. The 10 house-special dogs on the menu range from a classic Chicago-style handheld to an out-there alligator and crawfish dog. Guests also love the vegan and vegetarian options, such as the Vegan Banger, which features a vegan-friendly bratwurst, sauerkraut, dill relish, onions, tomatoes, and mustard.
Simones' Hot Dog Stand is a local institution that's been serving the good people of Maine since as far back as anybody can remember. Customers call the dogs 'Lewiston Lobsters' because the bright red sausages come in a split-top bun, lobster roll style. The friendly staff serve them however you want – loaded with meaty chili and melted cheese, or simply with onions, mustard, and ketchup. Owner Jimmy Simones likes his dog topped with everything (mustard, relish, onions, and celery salt) and served with chocolate milk.
Stuggy's has been churning out dogs since 2010, but these are no ordinary hot dogs. Diners can choose between all-beef, wagyu, turkey, and vegan dogs alongside a wealth of creative toppings. The Bruce Lee and Crab Mac N Cheese hot dogs are standout menu choices. The former comes wrapped in an egg roll and topped with Asian mustard, slaw, and furikake-sprinkled cheese, while the latter is finished with mac 'n' cheese, lump crab, and a dusting of Old Bay seasoning. The burgers and sandwiches are worth a try, too.
Casey's Diner's 10-stool dining car first started serving customers in 1922 and moved to its Natick location in 1927. The joint is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and people still come by today to experience a slice of history. The biggest draw remains the famous steamed hot dogs, which have just the right amount of 'snap' when you bite into them. Locals and visitors say you should order the dog 'all around,' with relish, onions, and mustard.
Covered in chili sauce, mustard, and onions, a Michigan-style Coney dog is hard to resist. There are hundreds of spots across the state to grab the handheld favorite; however, in Detroit, you’ll usually find locals arguing over which is best. It’s between next-door rivals American Coney Island and Lafayette. The former offers a slightly spicier chili, while the latter serves up a richer, meatier option. Both are worth sampling to see which you prefer.
If you like your food messy but finger-licking good, Uncle Franky's is the place for you. Some have said the Chicago Dog served here is the best you'll eat outside of the Windy City, and it's been voted the best dog in the state by locals multiple times. It's loaded with yellow mustard, a pickle spear, onion, Chicago-style green relish, tomatoes, pickled peppers, and the joint's secret seasoning. If that doesn't do it for you, try other dogs such as the Coney Island Chili Dog and the Carolina Slaw Dog.
With two hot dog carts serving Winona, Small Time Hot Dogs’ menu ranges from a classic beef hot dog with all the fixings to a Memphis dog with onion, slaw, and barbecue sauce. Catch the Big Rig truck, and you can try specialties such as the Raging Cajun, covered in Cajun crawfish sauce. Locations are regularly posted on Facebook – but wherever you find the carts, you can be sure of amazing service and quality dogs.
Complete with orange and yellow striped walls and autographed headshots of famous faces who have eaten inside, Woofie’s Hot Dogs is a St. Louis must-try. The joint is renowned for its giant dog menu, with favorites including the St. Louis Style (with barbecue sauce, mustard, onion, and pickle) and the Chicago Style (a steamed dog with pickle, onion, tomato, mustard, relish, and spicy sport peppers). Look out for regular specials, too, like the Spicy Italian (pictured), which comes piled with rich tomato sauce, mozzarella, salsa verde, and chili flakes.
Not to be confused with Alaska's inclusion, Yeti Dogs is located right by the incredible Big Sky Resort and surrounded by its breathtaking scenery. What better spot to chow down on a delicious hot dog? The signature Yeti Dog lives up to the majestic Montana landscape and comes loaded with mustard, a zesty mayo, sweet relish, sauerkraut, and onions.
If an old-school joint with heaps of nostalgia and affordable bites to eat is what you’re after, grab a seat at Coney Island Lunch Room. This Grand Island establishment has been going strong since 1933 and is now run by the original owner’s grandson, George Katrouzo. Alongside hamburgers, bowls of chili, and delicious French fries, the team offers an incredibly tasty Coney Island Hot Dog, piled with meat sauce, onion, and mustard.
If you've only got time to visit one hot dog place in Nevada, make it Buldogis in Las Vegas. The name is based on the traditional Korean beef dish, bulgogi, and the menu is inspired by Korean and Vietnamese flavors. Locals love the Gang Nam, which comes with pork belly, nori flakes, and Korean chili sauce. Service is consistently outstanding, too.
In 2024, the New Hampshire news station WMUR9 asked its viewers to vote for their favorite hot dog joint in the state. The winner? Dog Daze, a cash-only food truck in Walpole. But even though its façade might be no frills, Dog Daze serves up hot dogs in all shapes and sizes. Purists can opt for the naked dog and dress it themselves, while out-there foodies could try the Walpole, complete with baked beans, bacon, and maple syrup – or the Asher, with peanut butter, marshmallow fluff, and chocolate sauce.
Rutt's Hut is known for rippers – deep-fried hot dogs that are so named because the casings crack and split during the cooking process. Things have changed a bit since it first opened in 1928, but the name has stuck. Rutt's Hut has made several notable TV appearances, including on Food Network and the Travel Channel. Customers suggest ordering the relish, made with a mystery blend of mustard and spices, to top your dog.
Serving some of America's most creative hot dogs, the Urban Hotdog Company has a menu long enough to please everyone. There are 18 different hot dogs, ranging from the simple to the sublime. Potato-wrapped sausage, Polish sausage, bacon-coated – they've got it all. There's a reason Albuquerque The Magazine named it the best hot dog joint in the area six times! Don't forget to order the fried Onion Strings with chipotle mayo to go with your dog.
Gray's Papaya on Broadway makes the bold claim that it sells 'the best hot dogs anywhere.' Customers could argue about that deep into the night, but there’s no debating the quality of the Gray's Papaya dog. The menu is small but mighty, with hot dog lovers given just a few select topping options: ketchup, mustard, sauerkraut, onions, relish, chili, or cheese. There's a breakfast menu and drinks, too, but the star of the show is the dog.
It wouldn't be a hot dog roundup without a nod to Nathan’s Famous – and, while the brand’s franchises can be a little hit or miss, a trip to Coney Island isn't complete without stopping by the original location. This globally renowned spot has been serving up sizzling all-beef frankfurters since 1916, and locals and tourists alike return again and again to try one. We’d recommend sticking with the classic and topping it with ketchup, mustard, and sauerkraut.
Like your hot dogs loaded with ketchup? How about with a side of fries? Well, if that's the case, The Roast Grill isn't for you. Owner George Poniros serves one thing only: a sausage, perfectly grilled to a slight char, covered in chili or slaw (or both) and served in a bun. Don't ask for mayo, cheese, or fries, because they're not on the menu. He must be doing something right, though, because this spot is a huge hit with customers.
You can browse vintage records before tucking into a mouthwatering hot dog at DogMahal DogHaus in Grand Forks. People love the friendly owners, the eclectic atmosphere, and the exciting options on the menu. If you've really got the munchies, go for the Green Party Dog with guacamole, hatch chilies, and salsa verde or the epic Chester Fester, which is topped with chili, mac 'n' cheese, and a mountain of Cheetos.
The long dogs at Scooter's World Famous Dog House are something of a local legend. First opened in 2000, the seasonal joint in Mentor is only open through spring and summer, but it's definitely worth waiting for. A customer favorite is the Chicago, which comes with dill pickle, relish, and onions, but the Hawaiian – with grilled pineapple and mozzarella – is a close second.
Chet's Dairy Freeze has been serving up delicious dogs to the people of Muskogee since 1948. That's why you won't find fancy creations on the menu here. The options are just hot dogs served plain, with cheese, chili, or both. Fans say the chili cheese dog is the way to go – one customer loves them so much, he reportedly ate 25 in under an hour. Try beating that record, and you could earn yourself a T-shirt, plus some serious respect from the regulars.
Victory Dogs is a firm Medford favorite, with customers flocking to the hot dog stand from all over Oregon – it’s not unusual to see a lengthy line waiting to sample the excellent dogs. Here, though, it's actually all about the extra meat piled on top of your dog. The menu is huge, and customers say you can't go wrong with any of the offerings, but if we had to pick out a few favorites, they'd be the Bacon Dog, the Curry Dog, and the Reuben Dog – a play on the traditional sauerkraut and mustard sandwich.
What’s better than a standard-sized hot dog? A footlong option, of course. That’s exactly what the team at Eddie’s Footlong Hotdogs have been serving up since opening in 1947. The family-owned firm, now with two Meadville locations, allows you to customize your dog however you like, from classic ketchup and mustard to dill pickles, mayonnaise, and jalapeños. Occasionally, you’ll find the team serving up specials, too, like a mac ‘n’ cheese–topped wiener (pictured).
Hot wieners, also known as New York System dogs, are a Rhode Island specialty. So, what better place to sample them than at the James Beard America's Classic award–winning Olneyville New York System in Providence? The restaurant's history goes back to the 1930s, when the founders first introduced Rhode Island to hot wieners with celery salt, mustard, meat sauce, and onions. There are burgers and sandwiches on the menu, but the hot dogs are the stars of the show.
For comforting, consistently good hot dogs, head over to Jack's Cosmic Dogs, owned by local businessman Jack Hurley. The joint is inspired by Hurley's nostalgia for 1950s diners, and the menu focuses on what he loved as a kid: hot dogs, ice cream, and sodas. The Classic Cosmic Dog comes with sweet mustard and house-special blue cheese slaw – but if you're feeling adventurous, you can add chili and cheese. It's a local institution that's very popular with families.
Once a bricks-and-mortar spot, now a traveling food truck, Hungry Dog does excellent dogs, burgers, and shakes. People are impressed by the great service, as well as the quality beef hot dogs and fresh buns. The constantly changing specials are a particular highlight; previous creations have included a Nacho Dog, topped with taco meat, cheese sauce, and corn chips. Keep an eye on the truck's socials for locations and opening times.
Come to D & B's Hot Dogs and Ice Cream for exactly what its name suggests: hot dogs and ice cream. You can choose an old-school dog or a Chicago-style dog, or go for a tricked-out option such as the One Man with pulled pork and barbecue sauce. There are even buns in the ice cream special, with a split bun acting like the banana in a traditional banana split. People rate the fast service, and the joint has a strong local following, while still attracting customers from miles around.
When Miguel Kaiser and Zulma Nataren relocated from Arizona to Texas, they decided to bring a taste of Mexico with them. T-Loc's uses tortillas from Agua Prieta, Sonora, and brings in special buns from Tucson every week for that authentic Sonoran taste. The bolillo bread – Mexican white bread similar to a baguette – is filled with a sausage wrapped in bacon and served with beans, jalapeño sauce, mustard, and tomatoes. It gets some of the most enthusiastic reviews we've ever seen.
This Utah franchise of gourmet hot dog chain Dog Haus wins hands down when it comes to serving the best dog in the state, thanks to its generously dressed, signature all-beef hot dogs. The joint never disappoints, even winning over hot dog sceptics. Don't miss the Old Town, with smoked bacon, caramelized onions, chipotle aioli, pickled jalapeños, and Cotija cheese.
Open since 1945, this beloved local diner is a great place for huge breakfasts and top-notch sandwiches. Handy's Lunch is also famous for one particular hot dog: The Texas Hot Dog. This handheld is served topped with yellow mustard, house-made chili, and chopped red onions, and customers say it's perfect. You may have seen the joint on Man v. Food.
You can travel the US without leaving Virginia at City Dogs. Each of the hot dogs on its extensive menu is inspired by a famous recipe from an American city or state – the Miami-style dog comes with salsa and cheese, and the Honolulu hot dog comes with barbecue sauce, pineapple chunks, and cheese. But when in Richmond, you should probably order the Richmond Original. It's served 'all the way,' with chili, mustard, and onions. The joint has been slinging dogs since 2008.
Dog in the Park proudly proclaims that it's the home of the original Seattle Dog. And really, if you're in the city, it's the one dog you ought to try. The Seattle dog is served with cream cheese and grilled vegetables – and, while that might sound a little odd, it's actually delicious. Hungry customers also have the option to add grilled cabbage to the top of their dog. That basically makes it a salad, right?
Worried about having trouble finding Hillbilly Hot Dogs in Lesage? Don't be. You can't miss the giant hot dog structure that sits at the roadside. This eccentric design is mirrored inside the restaurant, and customers can't get enough of it. Fans also love the extensive and inventive hot dog menu, with dishes such as the Hillbilly Dog (a deep-fried dog, chili, mustard, and onions), and the Thundering Herd Dog, which comes with habanero sauce, nacho cheese, chili, jalapeños, onions, and slaw.
The Vanguard is an embodiment of Milwaukee – chilled out, unpretentious, and great. People like the variety of sausage options, with the menu split into three sections: classics, sausage by the city, and styled sausages. When you're in Wisconsin, you have to order the city's namesake dog. The Milwaukee is a house-made sausage served in a fresh roll, topped with cheese curds, Cheddar, and Cheez Whiz.
Johnny J's Diner lures its customers in with the promise of good food, large portions, and decent prices, and it rarely fails to deliver. The joint is a retro lover's fever dream inside and out, and it serves scratch-made food from morning ‘til night. As for the hot dogs, they're sourced from the famous Nathan's and come in three classic varieties: plain, cheese, and chili. What more could you want?
Now discover where to find other American comfort food classics in your state
Last updated by Lottie Woodrow.