It seems people either love hot dogs or hate them. They either have a cult following or people are completely repulsed by them.
For those of us who are fans of tubular meats, however, National Hot Dog Day reminds us that we are not alone. But of course, we already knew that. Where two or more hot dogs are gathered, friendship shall be also.
Here’s a list of places to get your red-hot fix:
This Uptown staple got its start in 1996, back when they only served four versions of hot dogs and two flavors of their famous “mother’s recipe” custard. Now, offering 10 dog options and over 50 custard flavors, the quirky shop manages to keep their faithful crowd pleased. Whatever hot dog you order, be sure to add the celery salt (sitting in a shaker at the end of the counter) for the tastiest experience.
What’s good: The Lonesome Dog doesn’t play around with any tricky toppings. Ketchup and mustard line the top of the link placed inside the fresh, poppy seed bun.
What’s crazy: The Junkyard Dog is for the brave-tongued. A spicy Polish sausage is dusted with cayenne pepper.
What’s classic: The Chicago Dog is a major player on any dog joint’s menu. Here it’s no exception. Mustard, relish, tomatoes, pickle, sport peppers, and celery salt all play a part for the quintessential link.
Claiming some of the best in Big D, Brian Luscher stands by a fusion of Texan and Chicago-style dogs to reel in the groupies. The location adds to the authenticity of the joint, as you can munch on a hot dog while simultaneously listening to all of the hustle and bustle that Deep Ellum has to offer. And what pairs perfectly with a red-hot? Their cold beer on tap. I think we just found a reason to make the lunch break a little longer.
What’s good: The Commerce Street Polish is named after the inaugural location of Luscher’s. The frank lives up to standards with smoked all-beef kielbasa, grilled onions, “prepared” mustard, pickled sport peppers all on a pain au lait poppy seed bun.
What’s crazy: The B.O.B. is an acronym for what I can only imagine means “Breakfast On a Bun.” If you’ve never tried a breakfast hotdog before, I promise you’re not the only one. Here, country breakfast sausage is topped with an over-easy vital farms egg, American cheese, Texas Pete hot sauce, and placed in a toasted seeded bun.
What’s classic: Luscher’s Post Oak Red Hot is the establishment’s namesake. On a pork and beef smoked frank and a pain au lait poppy seed bun rests piccalilli, white onions, tomatoes, pickled sport pepper and spicy brown mustard.
Claiming to have begun serving dogs in New York since 1879, the Hoffman name sticks like glue to the now-franchised business. Here, you can pick either a German frank or a kielbasa to adhere to any one of their 14 options. Warning: everything on the menu is named “dog,” so don’t mess it up and order a “sea dog” thinking you’ll get sausage. (It’s a fish sandwich).
What’s good: The Bavarian Dog incorporates all things Bavaria. That is, if Bavaria was made entirely of pretzel mash, dill pickles, and mustard.
What’s crazy: The Sweet and Smokey Dog stays true to its name by utilizing maple glaze, smoked Gouda pimento spread, and chopped bacon.
What’s classic: It was hard to pass up “The Classic Dog” for this selection, but I happen to think The Chili Cheese Dog should get some credit here. Who doesn’t love meat topped with more meat, cheese and beans?
They’re not messing around when they call these franks “gourmet.” The swanky look and the elaborate menu at Samson’s will make any customer do a double take to make sure they’ve considered all their options. To make the experience even harder, they offer the option to build your own dog. Block out a whole night, people.
What’s good: The Smokers Delight. It’s a smoked brat with chili, guacamole, cheddar and smoked chipotle sauce. Cough cough.
What’s crazy: The Chuck It. A turkey dog is topped with mac ‘n cheese, mashed potatoes, chicken chili, Asian slaw and goat cheese on a pretzel bun. Excuse me?
What’s classic: An all-beef weenie topped with anything your choice. Dream away.
This tiny shack in the middle of a strip mall parking lot has been serving up quality Chicago-style dogs for the past 13 years. This place is so good, in fact, that Brian Luscher has made it a point to endorse the stand himself. And until someone helps out owner Yon Kim, The Dog Stop will close in September. Get it while it’s hot!
What’s good: The Texas Dog features a soft poppy seed bun with a Vienna beef dog topped with yellow mustard, neon green relish, sliced jalapenos, and celery salt.
What’s crazy: The fact that these dogs won’t be here in September
What’s classic: The Maxwell Street Dog. A Polish dog is cooked on the griddle, placed in a mustard-covered poppy seed bun, and covered with grilled onions with a dill pickle spear.
Just for fun, here’s where you can find a mash-up of two of my favorite foods. They’re serving up a hot dog doughnut. Seriously Hot. Dog. Doughnut.
