Offering a large selection of hot dogs, Wacked Out Weiner can be found in Gulf Shores and other locations in Alabama, plus in states like Florida and Louisiana. There's no right or wrong way to have a Wacked Out Weiner hot dog – take your pick from myriad toppings and dog combos. Options include homemade chilli, sauerkraut and mac 'n' cheese. Customers consistently praise the friendly staff and tasty hot dogs.

International House of Hot Dogs is loved by Anchorage locals thanks to the easily customisable options and wide range of dogs and toppings. But there's one must-order: the speciality here is the reindeer 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 this hot dog restaurant in Phoenix. There’s a long list of hot dogs to try, from all-beef and bratwurst to veggie and spicy link, which are unconventionally served in naan bread with a range of toppings. Now open for takeout, customers love the Oliver hot dog – a mix of sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and thousand island dressing – 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. Favourites 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.

While Pink's of Hollywood is a famous California institution, it's Wurstküche that steals the show in the Golden State. It remains an LA staple thanks to its inventive sausages, excellent craft beer selection and eclectic vibe. With three separate sausage menus – classics, gourmet and exotics – there's plenty to choose from. If you're up for trying something a bit different, the rattlesnake and rabbit dog with jalapeño peppers comes highly recommended.

Featured on Anthony Bourdain's hit show No Reservations, Travel Channel's Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern and Food Network's The Best Thing I Ever Ate, 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 made from beef, pork, elk, buffalo and reindeer.

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, lovely atmosphere and, of course, the hot dogs, Johnnie's 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, chilli, 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 chilli, 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 The Original Hot Dog Factory a customer favourite. 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 chilli, shredded cheese and chopped onions).

Say aloha to one of the best hot dogs you'll ever try. This Hawaiian-style hot dog is called a puka dog, 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 type of relish (the mango is a big hit). People also go crazy for the locally-made Auntie Lilikoi Mustard. While the original location is temporarily closed, Puka Dogs are available at Brennecke's Beach Broiler just down the road.

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 (Brandon posts them on Facebook and Twitter), those who've had a Scotty hot dog absolutely love it.

Chicago is known for its all-beef hot dogs served in a poppy seed bun. And despite plenty of vendors selling them, Portillo’s 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 in a poppy seed bun.

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Claiming to be the oldest coney stand in America, Fort Wayne's Famous Coney Island Wiener Stand opened in 1913 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, open for takeout only, is a customer favourite 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. It's hard to choose a favourite dog but the Chili Cheese Dog with a Wagyu frankfurter, chorizo and black bean chilli, Cheddar and hot sauce is a winner. Friendly service is the cherry on top.

Red Top in Louisville has a great atmosphere and serves all-beef and wild game sausages, including wild boar, venison and bison, with creative toppings. There's Nirvana – a combo of roasted garlic cream cheese, jalapeños, fried onions and jalapeño jam – and the customer favourite Black & Blue, with blue cheese spread, grilled onions, smoked bacon and local blackberry jam-packed onto your choice of sausage.

With three locations in New Orleans, there's no excuse to miss Dat Dog when in Louisiana. There are more than a dozen speciality dogs on the menu, and both the sausages and the toppings vary from classic to out there (think alligator and crawfish sausages). But customers say you can't go wrong with anything you choose. Guests also love the vegan and vegetarian options like the Italian Dog with aubergine, red wine, garlic and fennel.

There's nothing but compliments for Simones' Hot Dog Stand from its customers – they 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 chilli 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 Bob Marley and the Crab Mac and Cheese hot dogs are standout menu choices. The former comes with Caribbean slaw, jerk chicken and homemade mango mayo, and the latter is topped with mac 'n' cheese, lump crab and a sprinkling of Old Bay.

Casey's 10-stool dining car has been serving customers since 1922 and people still come today 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 hot dog “all around”, with relish, onions and mustard. While you can't go inside the diner for now, there is a takeout window or you can have your meal delivered to your car. Customers are encouraged to phone and order ahead.

A hot dog in a steamed bun, coated in chilli 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 – customers say the chilli has a deep, rich, meaty flavour. Make sure to order a side of the chilli cheese fries too.

If you like your food messy but finger-licking good, Uncle Frank's won't disappoint. The must-order is the Chicago Dog which 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. Locations are regularly posted on Facebook and Twitter but wherever you catch them, you can be sure of top service and quality dogs.

The name of this hot dog joint is a giveaway to its Irish pub atmosphere. The menu at O'Doggy's includes all-beef dogs served with everything from chilli 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, the hot dogs are all 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. There are the traditional all-beef and turkey dogs as well as vegan dogs and veggie bratwursts. More adventurous eaters might want to try the elk dog, the spicy Nebraska bison or customer favourite CinnaDog – a jumbo beef dog served in a cinnamon roll bun and topped with beef chilli, 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 flavours, like the Banh Mi with bacon, banh mi slaw, herb blend and sriracha aioli. The customer favourite is the Angry Kimchi with spicy pork bulgogi, Asian slaw, jalapeños and fiery aioli. Service is consistently outstanding too.

A New Hampshire favourite, Gilley's is a retro diner within an old tram cart, serving burgers, hot dogs and poutine. The recipient of various local awards, usually Gilley's comes alive late at night when hungry customers flock here for steamed or grilled dogs, but currently they're only offering window service for takeout. Get the Chili Dog for something with a bit of a kick.

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Known for its deep-fried hot dogs called rippers because of the casings splitting 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 chilli to cover the dog. Rutt's Hut is currently only open for pick-up and takeout.

Serving some of America's most creative hot dogs the Urban Hotdog Company has a menu long enough to please everyone. Potato-wrapped sausage, Polish 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, Nathan's is now 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 chilli or slaw (or both) and that's it. Don't ask for mayo, cheese or fries because you won't get those either. He's 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, green chilli and salsa verde or the epic Chester Fester which is topped with a mountain of Cheetos.

Often named among the best hot dogs in Ohio, these long dogs in Mentor are somewhat of a local legend. First opened in 2000, the seasonal joint usually closes mid-September but this year they'll be open until November so you have plenty of time still to go down and grab one of their tasty dogs and a portion of exceptional fresh-cut fries. Customers' favourite is the Chicago with dill pickle, relish and onions, while the Hawaiian with grilled pineapple and mozzarella is a close second.

Diamond Dawgs ticks all the right boxes – great atmosphere, top-quality food, variety of toppings and good prices. Highlights include the Batting Cajun with andouille sausage, popcorn shrimp, okra and remoulade, and the Wonderboy Dawg – a unique Cap'n Crunch corn dog. Got room for dessert? Definitely get the deep-fried Oreos too.

Victory Dogs is a firm Medford favourite, with customers flocking to this hot dog stand from all over Oregon and beyond. It's not unusual to see a lengthy queue waiting to sample the excellent dogs piled high with toppings. There are more than 40 items on the menu and customers say that you can't go wrong with any of the offerings. But if we had to pick out a few favourites, they'd be the Philly 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 caramelised (leaving the unsuspecting customer thinking it might be burned) to bring out the spices and flavours within the sausage. The joint has been going since 1922 and you just can't argue with quality that's stood the test of time and gets top reviews from locals who have been coming here since childhood.

Hot wieners, also known as New York System dogs, are a Rhode Island speciality and what better place to sample them than at the James Beard America's Classic award-winner Olneyville New York System in Providence. It's the original place to try a hot wiener and toppings are an interesting cross between those of classic Chicago and Detroit hot dogs, with celery salt, mustard, meat sauce and onions. The joint is open daily for takeout.

For classic, consistently good hot dogs, look no further than Jack's Cosmic Dogs, owned by local businessman Jack Hurley. The must-order is the Morph Slaw Dog. It's made with homemade sweet mustard and house special slaw, which has a bit of a kick from the added blue cheese. The smiley staff and kitsch decor complete the experience – it's a local institution and very popular with families. 

A low-key place with only a couple of bar stools, Hungry Dog does excellent dogs, plus burgers, shakes and a selection of sides. 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, and a Hawaii 5-0 Dog with homemade pulled pork, spicy crushed pineapple and Jack Daniel's sauce.

This hot dog place does exactly what it says in the name – hot dogs, burgers and ice cream. But what incredible hot dogs they are. Go for classic, old-school dogs or pimped-up options like the Covered Wagon with bacon, chilli, fried potatoes, sour cream, onions and cheese. People rate the fast service and while it has a strong local following, reviewers come from miles around.

Not your ordinary hot dog stand, T-Loc's serves Tucson Local hot dogs, originally from the Mexican state of Sonora. The joint aims to bring an authentic taste of the Sonoran dog to Texas and the special buns are flown in all the way from Tucson weekly. The bolillo bread – Mexican white bread similar to a baguette – is filled with a sausage and a variety of toppings, including beans, jalapeño sauce, mustard and tomatoes. It certainly gets some of the most enthusiastic reviews we've come across.

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 and even converts those who usually don't like hot dogs. Don't miss the Pineapple Express – a bacon-wrapped dog with ginger glaze, pineapple, pickled jalapeños and crispy onions.

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 has earned this diner special recognition. The sausage is served topped with yellow mustard, homemade chilli and chopped red onions – it's an absolute customer favourite. It's currently open for curbside pick-up and takeout only.

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 chilli.

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 stand in the beer garden of Peddler Brewing Co. Customers say it's more than just a food truck and a destination in itself. The Eloté – a frankfurter with grilled street corn, mayo, cayenne pepper, green onion and lime – is a favourite.

You won't have trouble finding Hillbilly Hot Dogs in Lesage – you can't miss the giant hot dog sign that sits roadside. It's not just a gimmick though, people love the extensive and inventive hot dog menu with dishes 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 chilli sauce. The hospitality is warm and the decor is eclectic which cements the joint as a must-visit pit stop. 

Cool but casual, The Vanguard is an embodiment of Milwaukee – chilled out, unpretentious and great. People like the variety of sausage options, but you're in Wisconsin after all so there's just one thing to order – the city's namesake dog. It's a classic sausage served in a fresh roll, topped with cheese curds, Cheddar and Cheez Whiz. 

The regional chain, that's been around since 1982, might be named after a burger, but make no mistake – it's the hot dogs you'll want to eat here. There are classic combos like sausages with just mustard or sauerkraut but customers are especially fond of the chilli cheese dogs, made with all-beef or Polish sausage and topped with secret-recipe chilli sauce and a slice of American cheese. 

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