The hot dog is an American icon, so it's no surprise that the United States has some of the best sausage and bun creations you'll ever taste. Whether you want a classic chili cheese, Coney, or Chicago dog, or something a little more adventurous, we've tracked down the best hot dog joint in every US 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.
Originally opening in Foley in 2016, Wacked Out Weiner can now be found in several Alabama locations, as well as in Florida and Texas. There's a dog for every appetite, with single, double, and triple combos on offer, and you can take your pick from dozens of toppings, including homemade chili, sauerkraut, and mac 'n' cheese. Customers consistently praise the friendly staff and tasty hot dogs.
Anchorage's International House of Hot Dogs is loved by locals thanks to some seriously creative gourmet dogs, such as the Asian – featuring spicy coleslaw and sriracha mayo – and the Frankenstein, a bacon wrapped beef dog piled high with toppings including cream cheese, pineapple, sautéed ham, and bacon. But the real specialty here is the Alaskan, a reindeer or buffalo Polish sausage, dressed with sautéed onions and the joint's secret chipotle sauce.
Gourmet hot dogs, craft beer, and house-made brioche doughnuts are the order of the day at Short Leash Hotdogs in Phoenix. There’s a long list of hot dogs to try, from all-beef and bratwurst to veggie and spicy link, most of which are unconventionally served in naan bread with a range of toppings. Customers love the Lady – a mix of sautéed onions, fried pickles, and chipotle cream cheese – and the Poutine Dog, smothered with French fries, cheese curds, and gravy.
Family-operated and consistently tasty, regulars just can't get enough of The Original ScoopDog's beef hot dogs. Favorites include The Atlanta Dog with homemade slaw and celery salt, and The Kansas City Dog with Swiss cheese and sauerkraut. Whatever you pick, finish your meal with the joint's famous frozen custard.
Pink's of Hollywood might be the more famous California institution, but it's Wurstküche that steals the show in the Golden State. With locations Downtown and in Venice, it's an LA staple thanks to its inventive sausages, excellent craft beer selection, and eclectic vibe. There are three separate sausage menus – classics, gourmet, and exotics – with plenty to choose from. If you're up for trying something different, the rattlesnake and rabbit dog with jalapeño peppers comes highly recommended.
Featured on Anthony Bourdain's hit show No Reservations among others, Denver's Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs has received plenty of attention. It also gets lots of praise from customers. The restaurant serves incredible hot dogs, including exotic options like ostrich, wild boar, rattlesnake and rabbit, buffalo, and reindeer. There's a selection of gourmet toppings to choose from, including The Desert, a mix of Harissa roasted cactus, Malaysian curry jam, scallions, cilantro, and onions.
With such an extensive hot dog menu, it's tough to choose at Riley's Hot Dog & Burger Gourmet. All of the hot 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 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 the friendly service, welcoming atmosphere and, of course, the food, Johnnie's Dog House has something for everyone, with dogs named after states and cities. As you're in the state, 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 the fact the dogs are named after sports teams. The most popular is the Miami Heat with beef chili, Cheddar, tomato, guacamole, jalapeño, and corn chips. For something out of the ordinary, the Florida Panthers, with grilled ham, sautéed peppers, sweet and sour sauce, and crispy noodles also comes highly recommended.
Top service, great value for money and, of course, tasty hot dogs all 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, BBQ sauce, grilled onions, and pineapple) and the Detroit Coney (a beef hot dog with chili, shredded cheese, and chopped onions).
Say aloha to one of the best hot dogs you'll ever try at Puka Dog. This Hawaiian-style hot dog is so-called after the unique bun which is baked with a hole running through the middle. Pick your dog (Polish or veggie), how hot you want the garlic lemon sauce and the type of relish (the mango is a big hit). People also go crazy for the locally-made Auntie Lilikoi Mustard.
There's no fuss or frills at Scotty's Hot Dogs, just really good hot dogs. At this Boise food truck, all dogs and toppings are cooked fresh to order by owner Brandon and, although the working hours and locations are pretty elusive (keep an eye on Facebook and Instagram), those who've had a Scotty hot dog say they're the best.
Chicago is known for its all-beef hot dogs served in a poppy seed bun and, despite plenty of vendors selling them, Portillo’s – a legendary hot dog joint that first opened in 1963 and now has over 70 locations across several states – is the place to go. It would be rude not to get the classic Portillo's Beef Hot Dog with mustard, relish, freshly chopped onions, sliced tomatoes, and pickles.
Claiming to be the oldest coney stand in America, Fort Wayne's Famous Coney Island Wiener Stand opened in 1914 and is still going strong. Its menu has barely changed in the last hundred years and customers love the classic coney dogs. A grilled sausage is served in a steamed bun with homemade coney sauce, mustard, and chopped onions. The joint is so popular that apparently around a million hot dogs are served here every year.
The Flying Wienie is a customer favorite not only in Cedar Rapids, but all of Iowa. It's loved for the generous portions, friendly service and, of course, sausages. People particularly rave about the Chicago Dog with relish, pickles, tomato, celery salt, mustard, and peppers, and the skin-on, hand-cut fries.
Customers can't praise Wiener Kitchen in Overland Park enough. Sausages are made in house and there's a wide variety of toppings. There are regular specials and inventive choices such as Chicken Apple – with a chicken wiener, strawberry jam, basil mayo, and toasted pecans – and the Bacon Sausage, which comes with country-style sausage gravy. The classic chili cheese Dog – with the joint's chorizo and black bean chili – is a real favorite though.
Although they recently closed their bricks 'n mortar spot, Red Top Dogs are still serving up tasty hot dogs to Louisville locals from their food truck. Choose from beef, wild boar, or veggie sausages, with creative toppings. There's Nirvana – a combo of roasted garlic cream cheese, jalapeños, fried onions, and jalapeño jelly – and customer favorite Black & Blue, with blue cheese spread, bourbon grilled onions, smoked bacon, and blackberry jam. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for locations.
With three locations in New Orleans, there's no excuse to miss Dat Dog when in Louisiana. There are more than a dozen special dogs on the menu, and both the sausages and the toppings vary from classic to out there (think alligator and crawfish sausages). Customers say you can't go wrong with anything you choose, and guests also appreciate the creative vegan and vegetarian options.
There's nothing but compliments for Simones' Hot Dog Stand from its customers, who say it's a Maine institution and has the best steamed hot dogs in the world. The bright red sausages come in a split-top bun, lobster roll-style (this is Maine after all) and friendly staff serve them however you like – loaded with meaty chili and melted cheese, or simply with onions, mustard, and ketchup.
Established in 2010, Stuggy's has become well-known for its quality all-beef, turkey, and vegan dogs which are served with creative toppings. The Crab Mac is the one that gets everyone talking, topped with mac 'n' cheese, lump crab, and a sprinkling of Old Bay, but don't sleep on the Bruce Lee either – it comes egg roll wrapped with Asian mustard, ginger slaw, and cilantro.
A Natick institution, Casey's 10-stool dining car has been serving customers since 1922. Today, people come to experience a slice of history and to try the famous steamed hot dogs. Locals and visitors alike love the spot and recommend the consistently-good “all around” hot dog, with relish, onions, and mustard. Customers call them 'awesome' and great value.
A hot dog in a steamed bun, coated in chili sauce and topped with mustard and onions – that's a classic Michigan coney dog. They're served across the state but you'll find the finest at American Coney Island – a legendary Detroit spot that's been family owned for over a century. Customers say the chili has a deep, rich, meaty flavor. Make sure to order a side of the chili cheese fries too.
If you like your food messy but finger-licking good, Uncle Franky's won't disappoint. The must-order is the Chicago Dog, which some people claim is the best outside of the Windy City. It's loaded with yellow mustard, a pickle spear, onion, Chicago-style green relish, tomatoes, pickled peppers, and the joint's secret seasoning. People praise the atmosphere and friendly staff too.
Two hot dog carts serving Winona, Small Time Hot Dogs’ menu ranges from a classic New York dog with sauerkraut and mustard to a Memphis dog with onion, slaw, and BBQ sauce. Catch their Big Rig truck and you can also try specialities like the Raging Cajun, covered in Cajun crawfish sauce. Locations are regularly posted on Facebook and, wherever you catch them, you can be sure of top service and quality dogs.
The name of this hot dog joint – which has both a restaurant and a food truck – is a giveaway to its Irish pub atmosphere. The menu at O'Doggy's includes all-beef dogs served with everything from chili and cheese to pineapple and Fritos. There are bratwursts and vegetarian options too. Customers particularly love the jalapeño popper dog with cream cheese, bacon pieces and, of course, jalapeños.
While it might look like an unassuming hole-in-the-wall, Mr. Hot Dogs is anything but – in fact, it's a real gem of a place. People say the place serves the best hot dogs they've ever had. Made from Montana beef and buffalo, all the options are superb, but it's the Butte Dog that stands out, dressed with bacon, blue cheese, onion, mozzarella, and tangy steak sauce.
Family-owned and operated, FlyDogz claim to have the best gourmet hot dogs in town and it's clear to see why. As well as traditional all-beef and turkey dogs, as well as vegan dogs and veggie bratwursts, there are more adventurous options like elk dog, spicy Nebraska bison, or customer favorite CinnaDog – a jumbo beef dog served in a cinnamon roll bun and topped with beef chili, shredded cheese, jalapeños, bacon, sour cream, and a side of cream cheese frosting.
There's just one place to go for hot dogs in Nevada and it's Buldogis Gourmet Hot Dogs in Las Vegas. The name is a play on the traditional Korean beef dish bulgogi and lots of the menu items are inspired by Korean and Vietnamese flavors, like the Banh Mi with bacon, banh mi slaw, herb blend, and sriracha aioli. The customer favorite is the Angry Kimchi with spicy pork bulgogi, Asian slaw, jalapeños, and fiery aioli.
Established in 1912 and a New Hampshire favorite, Gilley's is a tiny retro diner within an old tram cart, serving burgers, hot dogs, and poutine. The recipient of various local awards, Gilley's comes alive late at night when hungry customers flock here for steamed or grilled dogs. Get the Chili Dog for something with a bit of a kick.
Known for its deep-fried hot dogs – called rippers because the casings split during the deep-frying process – Rutt's Hut has made several notable TV appearances, from the Food Network to the Travel Channel. Customers love the joint too and suggest ordering a side of chili to cover the dog. The relish, made from a secret blend of mustard and spices, is almost as legendary as the dogs here.
Serving some of America's most creative hot dogs, the Urban Hotdog Company has a menu long enough to please everyone. Potato-wrapped sausage, spicy Italian sausage, Guinness-soaked bratwurst – they've got it all. Don't forget to order the superb fried onion strings with chipotle mayo to go with your dog.
Now a country-wide chain, Nathan's Famous had humble beginnings. Set up in 1916 by Polish immigrant Nathan Handwerker, the original Nathan's in Coney Island remains one of the most popular and famous places on the New York City food map. No wonder, as it gets glowing reviews for its friendly staff, fast service, and mind-blowing hot dogs. We think it's best to keep it simple with mustard and a pickle.
Like your hot dogs with a bit of ketchup? It's too bad if you've come to The Roast Grill because owner George Poniros serves just one thing and one thing only – a sausage, perfectly grilled to a slight char, covered in chili or slaw (or both) and that's it. Don't ask for mayo, cheese, or fries because you won't get those either. He must be doing something right because it gets a big thumbs up from 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 somewhat of a local legend. First opened in 2000, the seasonal joint in Mentor is only open in spring and summer, but it's worth making a detour for when it is. A customer favorite is the Chicago, with dill pickle, relish, and onions, while 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. You won't find fancy creations here, just hot dogs served plain, with cheese, chili or both. The chili cheese dog is the way to go. One customer loves them so much he ate 25 in under an hour. Try beating the record and you can snag yourself a t-shirt, plus some serious respect from the regulars.
Victory Dogs is a firm Medford favorite, with customers flocking to this hot dog stand from all over Oregon and beyond. It's not unusual to see a lengthy line waiting to sample the excellent dogs piled high with toppings – here, it's all about extra meat 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, Curry Dog, and Reuben Dog – a play on the traditional sauerkraut and mustard sandwich.
At Yocco's, hot dogs are cooked 'well done', meaning the outside is caramelized to bring out the spices and flavors within the sausage, then served in a steamed bun with mustard, onions, and Yocco's secret chili sauce. The joint has been going since 1922 and now has six locations across the Lehigh Valley. Customers say you can't argue with the quality, and many locals have been coming here since childhood.
Hot wieners, also known as New York System dogs (just don't call them hot dogs), are a Rhode Island specialty and award-winning Olneyville New York System – which has locations in Providence and Cranston – is the place to try them. The classic hot wiener topping is celery salt, mustard, onions, and meat sauce, and the Olyneyville wiener sauce is legendary.
For classic, consistently good hot dogs, look no further than Jack's Cosmic Dogs, owned by local businessman and hot dog aficionado Jack Hurley. The must-order is the Blue Galactic, which comes with chili, cheese, blue cheese coleslaw, and Jack's Cosmic Mustard. The smiley staff and kitsch decor complete the experience – it's a local institution and very popular with families.
Once a bricks 'n' mortar spot, now a traveling food truck, Hungry Dog does excellent dogs, plus burgers and delciious shakes. People are impressed by the great service and quality beef hot dogs with fresh buns. A particular highlight is the constantly changing specials. Previous creations have included a Nacho Dog, topped with taco meat, cheese sauce, and corn chips.
Friends Daniel and Bruce opened Knoxville's D & B's together after struggling to find a decent hot dog elsewhere. There's no danger of that anymore, as these dogs are incredible. Go for classic, old-school dogs or pimped-up options like the Wagon, with bacon, chili, fried potatoes, sour cream, onions, and cheese. Customers also rate the fast service.
Not your ordinary hot dog stand, T-Loc's serves Sonora hot dogs, originally from the Mexican state of Sonora and now ubiquitous in Arizona. To bring an authentic taste of the Sonoran dog to Texas, the special buns are flown in weekly from Tucson. The bolillo bread – Mexican white bread similar to a baguette – is filled with a bacon-wrapped dog and a variety of toppings, including beans, jalapeño sauce, mustard, and tomatoes. Customers can't get enough, calling them 'mind-blowing'.
This Utah franchise of gourmet hot dog chain Dog Haus wins hands down for the best in the state, with their generously dressed sausages and signature all-beef hot dogs. The joint never disappoints, even winning over hot dog skeptics. 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 great place for huge breakfasts and top-notch sandwiches. Handy's Lunch is also famous for one particular hot dog – The Texas Hot Dog. The sausage is served topped with yellow mustard, homemade chili, and chopped red onions, and customers say it's perfect.
Once a chain of fast food restaurants, now just one Weenie Beenie location remains. Come here for the nostalgia and stay for the exceptional half-smokes. A delicacy in DC and the surrounding area, it's a coarsely ground meat sausage that's smoked and served under a thick layer of chili.
To try a classic Seattle-style dog with cream cheese, head to Al's Gourmet Sausage. But the real go-to spot in Washington right now is Cycle Dogs, a vegetarian and vegan hot dog spot that began life as a food truck in the beer garden of Peddler Brewing Co and is now a hip bricks 'n' mortar joint. Customers say the Eloté – a frankfurter with grilled street corn, mayo, cayenne pepper, green onion, and lime – is the one to order.
You can't miss Hillbilly Hot Dogs in Lesage, thanks to the giant hot dog sculpture that sits roadside. The hospitality is warm, the decor is eclectic and the dogs are exceptional, making this a must-visit pit stop. People love the extensive menu, with options like Scott's Man on Fire with habanero sauce and the Ala Cheesy Beefy Weenie with American cheese, nacho cheese, bacon, mac 'n' cheese, and chili sauce.
Cool but casual joint The Vanguard is an embodiment of Milwaukee – chilled out, unpretentious and hard not to love. People like the variety of sausage options, including bratwurst, Cheddarwurst, Italian, and red chorizo, plus veggie and vegan options. Whatever you choose, we recommend getting it Milwaukee style (of course), with cheese curds, Cheddar, and Cheez Whiz. There have mouth-watering specials, too.
This regional chain, around since 1982, might be named after a burger, but it's the hot dogs you'll want to eat here. There are classic combos like sausages with mustard or sauerkraut, but customers are especially fond of the chili cheese dogs, made with all-beef or Polish sausage and topped with secret-recipe chili sauce and a slice of American cheese.