America's tastiest hot dogs you'll wish you could get in the UK

Top dogs

It’s fair to say that America loves its hot dogs, and we're not just talking about plain sausages in bread. The variety of hot dogs on offer – classic chilli cheese, Coney dogs, Seattle dogs, Puka Dogs – is mind-boggling. Here, we've done the hard work and ranked the top hot dog joints from all over the USA, from hole-in-the-wall spots to hip places whipping up mouth-watering combos.

Read on as we count down to the best hot dog restaurant in the US.

We've based our ranking on the enduring popularity of each restaurant in its place of origin and beyond, and on the opinions of our well-travelled (and well-fed) team. The list is unavoidably subjective.​

57. American Coney Island, Detroit, Michigan

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. They also do a mean Coney dog next door at Lafayette, and the two joints have been rivals for decades.

56. Yocco's, Allentown, Pennsylvania

At Yocco's, hot dogs are cooked 'well done', meaning the outside is caramelised to bring out the spices and flavours within the sausage. It's then served in a steamed bun with mustard, onions and Yocco's secret chilli sauce. The joint has been going since 1922 and now has six locations around the Lehigh Valley. Customers say you can't argue with the quality, and many locals have been coming here since childhood.

55. City Dogs, Richmond, Virginia

City Dogs has been slinging dogs since 2008 and offers diners the chance to travel the US without ever leaving Virginia – each of the hot dogs on the extensive menu is inspired by a famous recipe from an American city or state. The Chicago-style dog is always going to be popular, but when in Richmond, you should probably order the Richmond Original. It's served 'all the way', with chilli, mustard and onions.

54. Nathan's Famous, New York City, New York

The story behind Nathan's Famous hot dogs is almost as famous as the joint itself. If you haven't heard it before, it involves the young Nathan Handwerker setting up a hot dog stand in Coney Island in 1916. He started selling his special dogs for a nickel... and never looked back. These days, Nathan's Famous is perhaps just as well known for the hot dog eating contest it holds every year, and, despite a redesign in 2020, hot dogs are still the heart and soul of the business.

53. Stuggy's, Baltimore, Maryland

Established in 2010, Stuggy's has become known for its quality all-beef, wagyu, turkey and vegan dogs served with creative toppings. The Frank Zappa and Crab Mac N Cheese hot dogs are standout menu choices. The former comes stuffed with cheese and wrapped in bacon, and the latter is topped with mac ’n’ cheese, lump crab and a sprinkling of Old Bay seasoning. Burgers and sandwiches also round out the menu.

52. Johnnie's Dog House & Chicken Shack, Wilmington, Delaware

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 and welcoming atmosphere, this place has something for everyone. The dogs are named after states and cities, and as you're in Wilmington, try The Delaware Destroyer. It's 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.

51. Ben's Chili Bowl, Washington DC

Ben's Chili Bowl has been serving the grateful citizens of Washington DC since 1958, and the decor has barely changed in all that time. The most popular item on the menu is the famous 'half smoke'. The dog is a mixture of pork and beef, and it's served in a steamed bun with, theoretically, whatever you like on top. But if you're going to do it right, go for mustard, onions and the house chilli sauce. The restaurant got a whole new bunch of fans in 2024, after the joint featured in season seven of Netflix show Somebody Feed Phil.

50. Gilley's Diner, Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Gilley's Diner is a true one-of-a-kind restaurant. It was originally a lunch cart built in 1940 by Massachusetts' Worcester Diner Co. Only five of these carts were constructed and Gilley's is the only one still in operation. It's not surprising, then, that the menu – as well as the seating – is limited. But there are four dogs available to hungry customers, with toppings including beans, sauerkraut and chilli.

49. Johnny J's Diner, Casper, Wyoming

Johnny J's Diner lures its customers 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 until night. As for the hot dogs, they're sourced from the famous Nathan's and come in three classic varieties: plain, cheese or chilli. What more do you want?

48. Jack's Cosmic Dogs, Mt Pleasant, South Carolina

For classic, consistently good hot dogs, look no further than Jack's Cosmic Dogs, owned by local businessman Jack Hurley. The Classic Cosmic Dog is the must-order item, made with 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.

47. Gray's Papaya, New York City, New York

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 is no debating the quality of the Gray's Papaya dog. The menu is small but mighty, with hot dog lovers given a few select options for their toppings: ketchup, mustard, sauerkraut, onions, relish, chilli or cheese. There's a breakfast menu and drinks, too, but the star of the show is the dog.

46. Urban Hotdog Company, Albuquerque, New Mexico

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, spicy Italian sausage – they've got it all. Local publication Albuquerque The Magazine has named it the best hot dog joint in the area six times! Don't forget to order the superb fried Onion Strings with chipotle mayo to go with your dog.

45. The Original Hot Dog Factory, various locations, Georgia

Top service, great value for money and tasty hot dogs combine to make Georgia-born chain 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, barbecue sauce, grilled onions and pineapple) and the Detroit Coney (a beef hot dog with chilli, shredded cheese and chopped onions). There are also branches in Alabama, Arizona, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas.

44. Uncle Franky's, Minneapolis, Minnesota

If you like your food messy but finger-licking good, Uncle Franky'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. Other dogs take inspiration from across the country, including the Coney Island Chili Dog and Carolina Slaw Dog.

43. Dog Haus, Sandy, Utah

This Utah franchise of gourmet hot dog chain Dog Haus wins hands down for the best dog in the state, with its generously dressed sausages and signature all-beef hot dogs. The joint never disappoints, even winning over hot dog sceptics. Don't miss the Old Town, with smoked bacon, caramelised onions, chipotle aioli, pickled jalapeños and Cotija cheese.

42. Rutt's Hut, Clifton, New Jersey

Rutt's Hut has made several notable TV appearances, including on the Food Network and the Travel Channel. It's known for its deep-fried hot dogs called 'rippers' because the casings used to split during the deep-frying process when the place first started trading in 1928. Customers love the joint and suggest ordering a side of chilli to cover the dog.

41. Portillo's, Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is known for its all-beef hot dogs served in poppy seed buns. And while plenty of vendors sell them, Portillo’s is the place to go to get the real deal. It would almost be rude not to get the classic Jumbo Hot Dog with mustard, relish, chopped onions, sliced ripe tomato, sport peppers and pickles in that delicious steamed bun. Chicago natives call this combo of toppings 'dragging the dog through the garden'.

40. Casey's Diner, Natick, Massachusetts

Casey's 10-stool dining car has been serving customers since 1922, and people still come by today to experience a slice of history. The joint is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, after all. But the biggest draw is the famous steamed hot dogs. Locals and visitors recommend the hot dog 'all around', with relish, onions and mustard.

39. Walter's Hot Dogs, Westchester, New York

Any conversation about the best hot dogs in the United States wouldn't feel complete without mentioning Walter's Hot Dogs in Westchester, New York. The joint has been slinging dogs since 1919, and the restaurant does things decidedly its own way. Walter's dogs are an unusual mix of beef, pork and veal and they're cut down the centre, before being grilled in a secret sauce and served in a bun topped with another secret mustard blend. The cherry on top is that the restaurant is now a registered historical landmark.

38. Dat Dog, New Orleans, Louisiana

With three locations in New Orleans, there's no excuse to miss Dat Dog when in Louisiana. There are nine house-special dogs on the menu, including everything from classic Chicago-style dogs to more obscure alligator and crawfish dogs. Customers say you can't go wrong with anything. Guests also love the vegan and vegetarian options such as the Vegan Banger, with vegan-friendly bratwurst, sauerkraut, dill relish, onions, tomatoes and mustard.

37. Superdawg Drive-In, Chicago, Illinois

The Superdawg Drive-In proudly proclaims that its proprietary dog is not a wiener or a red hot or a frankfurter. It is simply a Superdawg. The all-pork creation is served on a poppy seed bun with mustard, piccalilli, dill pickles, Spanish onions and a hot pepper. Why not go for a side of Superfries as well? The family-owned joint has been delighting customers since 1948, when carhops used to come out to vehicles to take orders. The best part? The giant hot dog structures on top of the restaurant!

36. Puka Dog, Koloa, Hawaii

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 that's baked with a hole running through the middle. Pick your dog (Polish or veggie), how hot you want the garlic lemon sauce (either mild, spicy, hot or lava), your choice of relish (the mango is a big hit) and finish it off with mustard or ketchup. Word of advice: people go crazy for Aunty Lilikoi's Hawaiian Mustard.

35. Lafayette Coney Island, Detroit, Michigan

Which joint is better: Lafayette Coney Island or American Coney Island? Customers have been asking themselves the same question for decades. Fortunately, the two restaurants are so close to each other that trying a dog from both establishments has become something of a Detroit must-do. The answer to the dog dilemma ultimately comes down to personal taste, but there's no doubting that Lafayette Coney Island serves something special.

34. Chet's Dairy Freeze, Muskogee, Oklahoma

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, chilli, or both. Fans say the chilli cheese dog is the way to go. One customer loves them so much he ate 25 in under an hour. Try beating that record and you could snag yourself a T-shirt, plus some serious respect from the regulars.

33. Yeti Dogs, Big Sky, Montana

You couldn't ask for a more beautiful location in which to enjoy a hot dog than this – Yeti Dogs is right by the incredible Big Sky Resort and surrounded by all of its breathtaking scenery. But none of that would really matter if the dogs didn't taste right. Luckily, the Yeti Dog doesn't disappoint. It's loaded with mustard, a zesty mayo, sweet relish, sauerkraut and onions.

32. The Roast Grill, Raleigh, North Carolina

Like your hot dogs with a bit of ketchup? That's too bad if you've come to The Roast Grill. 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 served in a bun. Don't ask for mayo, cheese, or fries, because you won't get them, either. He's doing something right, because the spot gets a big thumbs-up from customers.

31. Dog in the Park, Seattle, Washington

Dog in the Park proudly proclaims that it is the home of the original Seattle Dog. And really, if you're in the city, there's only one dog you want to try. The Seattle Dog is served with cream cheese and grilled vegetables. 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 dogs and that basically makes them salads, right?

30. The Vanguard, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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 so there's just one thing to order: the city's namesake dog. The Milwaukee is a classic sausage served in a fresh roll, topped with cheese curds, Cheddar and Cheez Whiz.

29. Gene & Jude's, River Grove, Illinois

The menu at Gene & Jude's is pretty straightforward. You can have a hot dog with fries or a double dog with fries. The only other option is a corn roll tamale (or a side of fries). The joint proudly offers no seats, no ketchup and absolutely no frills. But that's why people love it. Gene & Jude's has been an Illinois institution since 1946, and it shows no signs of loosening its hold over its hot dog–mad customers. Why would it, when the dogs are this good?

28. Wurstküche, Los Angeles, California

Wurstküche steals the show in the Golden State. It remains an LA staple thanks to its inventive sausages 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 & Rabbit Dog with jalapeño peppers is highly recommended. There are also no fewer than five mustards to choose from.

27. Fort Wayne's Famous Coney Island Wiener Stand, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Claiming to be the oldest Coney stand in the States, Fort Wayne's Famous Coney Island Wiener Stand opened in 1914. Its menu has barely changed in the past hundred years or so 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 it serves around 900,000 hot dogs every year.

26. Olneyville New York System, Providence, Rhode Island

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

25. Short Leash Hotdogs & Rollover Doughnuts, Phoenix, Arizona

Gourmet hot dogs 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, and they're unconventionally served in naan bread with a range of toppings. Customers love the Oliver hot dog, which is a mix of sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing, and the Poutine Dog, smothered with French fries, cheese curds and gravy.

24. Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs, Denver, Colorado

Denver's Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs featured on Anthony Bourdain's hit TV show No Reservations, Travel Channel's Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern and Food Network's The Best Thing I Ever Ate. It also gets lots of praise from regular customers! The restaurant serves incredible hot dogs made from beef, pork, boar, veal, reindeer, ostrich, rattlesnake and rabbit (depending on availability). The classic topping is cream cheese and caramelised onions.

23. Small Time Hot Dogs, Winona, Mississippi

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 their Big Rig truck and you can try specialities such as the Raging Cajun, covered in Cajun crawfish sauce. Locations are regularly posted on Facebook and, wherever you find them, you can be sure of top service and quality dogs.

22. O'Doggy's, Rolla, Missouri

The name of this hot dog joint gives away 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.

21. Dog Daze, Walpole, New Hampshire

In 2024, the New Hampshire television station WMUR9 asked its viewers to vote for their favourite hot dog joints in the state. The winner? Dog Daze, a cash-only food truck in Walpole. But even though its facade 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. Adventurous foodies could try the Walpole, complete with baked beans, bacon and maple syrup, or the Asher, with peanut butter, marshmallow fluff and chocolate sauce.

20. Gianna's Italian Beef, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

When customers enter Gianna's Italian Beef, a picture of the owner's daughter, Gianna, welcomes them into the restaurant. Gianna sadly passed away at four years old, and her parents opened this comforting diner in her honour. One of Gianna's favourite foods had been a Vienna beef hot dog with a pickle spear and mustard, and this is now the highlight of the menu. You can also toast Gianna with an Italian Beef or even get an Italian Beef–hot dog combo.

19. The Original ScoopDog, North Little Rock, Arkansas

Regulars can't get enough of The Original ScoopDog's consistently tasty beef hot dogs. Favourites at this family-operated joint 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 one of the restaurant's famous, freshly made frozen custard treats. The frozen custard cake is especially eye-catching.

18. Scooter's World Famous Dawg House, Mentor, Ohio

The long dogs at Scooter's World Famous Dog House are something of a local legend. First launching 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 favourite is the Chicago, with dill pickle, relish and onions, while the Hawaiian with grilled pineapple and mozzarella is a close second.

17. Willie Dogs, Omaha, Nebraska

At Willie Dogs, the philosophy is simple. They use local bread and local produce to make really, really good hot dogs. The sausages are handmade in natural casings and offered in three ways. The classic is good, and the Chili Willie, smothered in chilli and cheese sauce, is even better. But the pick of the bunch has to be the Willie Way. Topped with brown sugar onions and Willie Good Sauce, it's an Omaha original.

16. Hungry Dog, Mitchell, South Dakota

Once a bricks-and-mortar spot, now a travelling food truck, Hungry Dog does excellent dogs and burgers and delicious 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. Keep an eye on its socials for locations and opening times.

15. Simones' Hot Dog Stand, Lewiston, Maine

There's nothing but compliments for Simones' Hot Dog Stand. Customers say it's a Maine institution that 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.

14. Red Top, Louisville, Kentucky

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

13. Hillbilly Hot Dogs, Lesage, West Virginia

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; people love the extensive and inventive hot dog menu, with dishes such as Scott's Man on Fire with fired-up 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.

12. Buldogis Gourmet Hot Dogs, Las Vegas, Nevada

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. The Banh Mi has bacon, banh mi slaw, a herb blend and sriracha aioli, and the Angry Kimchi comes with spicy pork bulgogi, Asian slaw, jalapeños and fiery aioli. Service is consistently outstanding too.

11. Scotty's Hot Dogs, Boise, Idaho

There's no fuss or frills at Scotty's Hot Dogs – just really, 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 they're the best. 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.

10. Wacked Out Weiner, Gulf Shores, Alabama

Having originally opened in Foley in 2016, Wacked Out Weiner can now be found in five 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 chilli, sauerkraut and mac ’n’ cheese. Customers consistently praise the friendly staff and tasty hot dogs.

9. D & B's Hot Dogs and Ice Cream, Knoxville, Tennessee

This hot dog place serves exactly what its name suggests: hot dogs and ice cream. Go for classic old-school dogs or tricked-out options such as the Wagon with bacon, chilli, fried potatoes, sour cream, onions and cheese. People rate the fast service, and while the joint has a strong local following, customers come from miles around. Oh, and the place does good burgers too.

8. Handy's Lunch, Burlington, Vermont

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 dish: The Texas Hot Dog. The sausage is served topped with yellow mustard, house-made chilli and chopped red onions and customers say it's perfect. You may have seen it on Man v. Food.

7. Riley's Hot Dog & Burger Gourmet, New Britain, Connecticut

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 with seasoned minced beef, taco sauce, lettuce, tomato and nacho chips.

6. Wiener Kitchen, Overland Park, Kansas

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 chilli cheese dog – with the joint's chorizo and black bean chilli – is a real favourite, though.

5. Sweet Dogs, Miami, Florida

A legend in Miami, Sweet Dogs is known for its outstanding service and for naming its dogs after sports teams. The most popular is the Miami Heat with beef chilli, Cheddar, tomato, guacamole, jalapeños 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.

4. DogMahal DogHaus, Grand Forks, North Dakota

You can browse vintage records before tucking into a mouth-watering 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 chillies and salsa verde, or the epic Chester Fester, which is topped with chilli, mac ’n’ cheese and a mountain of Cheetos.

3. Victory Dogs, Medford, Oregon

Victory Dogs is a firm Medford favourite, with customers flocking to this hot dog stand from all over Oregon. It's not unusual to see a lengthy line waiting to sample the excellent dogs piled high with toppings. Here, though, it's all about the extra meat on top of your dog. The menu is huge, and customers say you can't go wrong with any of the offerings. If we had to pick out a few favourites, they'd be the Bacon Dog, Curry Dog and Reuben Dog – a play on the traditional sauerkraut and mustard sandwich.

2. International House of Hot Dogs, Anchorage, Alaska

The International House of Hot Dogs is loved by Anchorage locals thanks to its easily customisable options and wide range of dogs and toppings. Customers can choose between beef, buffalo, chicken or veggie dogs, but there is one must-order here. The speciality is the reindeer Polish sausage, dressed with sautéed onions and the joint's secret chipotle sauce. The fries aren't bad, either.

1. T-Loc's Sonora Hot Dogs, Austin, Texas

Not your ordinary hot dog truck, T-Loc's aims to bring an authentic taste of the Sonoran dog to Texas. The special buns are flown in from Tucson every week, and 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.

Now discover where to find the best American comfort food classics in your state

Last updated by Luke Paton.