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 mouth-watering 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 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 homemade chili, sauerkraut, and mac 'n' cheese. Customers consistently praise the friendly staff and tasty hot dogs.
The International House of Hot Dogs is an Anchorage staple, thanks to its legion of local fans. The menu is customizable, with diners able to choose from a wide range of dogs and toppings. Sausage-wise, there are beef, buffalo, chicken, or veggie dogs, but the specialty is the reindeer Polish sausage, dressed with sautéed onions and the joint's secret chipotle sauce.
Gourmet hot dogs and house-made brioche donuts are the main attractions at this 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. The menu is helpfully color-coded to highlight classic dogs and the more out-there creations. The Bear falls into the latter camp: a dog with peanut butter, smoked Gouda, bacon, barbecue sauce, and Cracker Jacks.
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 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.
Wurstküche is the top dog for hot dogs in California. With locations Downtown and in 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.
Denver's Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs turned heads after appearing on shows like Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations, the Travel Channel's Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, and Food Network's The Best Thing I Ever Ate. People who've checked the joint out as a result have been blown away. The restaurant serves mouth-watering hot dogs made from a choice of beef, pork, boar, veal, reindeer, ostrich, rattlesnake, and rabbit (depending on availability). The go-to topping is cream cheese and caramelized onions.
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.
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 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 popular is the Marlin with a fried egg, sweet plantains, onions, banana peppers, and barbecue sauce. Customers also go mad for the Mac, which is loaded with mac 'n' cheese, Parmesan, and garlic croutons. It's a cheese-lovers 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, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, 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 actually inserted into a hole that's baked through the middle of the bun. Customers choose between Polish or veggie dogs, pick how hot they want their accompanying garlic lemon sauce, and then choose the type of relish they fancy. The 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 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.
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.'
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 honor. One of Gianna's favorite 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.
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 homemade 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. 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 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, with creative toppings. There's the Louisville – a combo of Cheddar beer cheese, Coney sauce, and organic yellow mustard – and the Germantown with Cheddar, bourbon grilled onions, apple bacon sauerkraut, and bourbon 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 nine 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, with vegan-friendly bratwurst, sauerkraut, dill relish, onions, tomatoes, and mustard.
Simones' Hot Dog Stand is a local institution that has been serving the good people of Maine for 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 that have just the right amount of 'snap' when you bite into them. Locals and visitors alike say you should order the dog 'all around,' with relish, onions, and mustard.
A classic Michigan Coney dog comes in a steamed bun, covered in chili sauce, and topped with mustard and onions. They're served across the state, but you'll find the finest at American Coney Island. Fans say the chili is especially good, with plenty of rich, meaty flavor. If you're in town, you could also drop into Lafayette, next door to American Coney Island. The two joints have been rivals for decades and once you've tasted both, you too can join the debate over who serves the best Coney dog.
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 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 their Big Rig truck and you can try specialties 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.
The name of this hot dog joint gives you an idea about its Irish pub atmosphere. But the menu at O'Doggy's is filled with American classics. It includes all-beef dogs served with everything from chili and cheese to pineapple and Fritos. There are bratwursts and vegetarian options too. And for those who just can't decide what they want, there's the 'Triple Dog Dare Sampler.' It's one dog, made your choice of three ways.
Yeti Dogs is located right by the incredible Big Sky Resort and surrounded by its breathtaking scenery. What better spot to enjoy chowing 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.
At Willie Dogs, the philosophy is simple. Local bread and local produce are used to make really, really tasty hot dogs. The sausages are handmade in natural casings and offered up in three ways. The classic is good, and the Chili Willie, smothered in chili 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.
If you've only got time to visit one place for hot dogs in Nevada, make it Buldogis Gourmet Hot Dogs in Las Vegas. The name is based on the traditional Korean beef dish, bulgogi, and sets up a menu inspired by Korean and Vietnamese flavors. The Banh Mi is bacon, banh mi slaw, a herb blend, and sriracha aioli, and the Gang Nam 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 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, 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 deep-fried hot dogs called rippers because the casings used to crack and split during the deep-frying 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 the 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, Guinness-soaked bratwurst – 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.
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 it's a top-rated joint with customers.
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 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 appearing in 2000, the seasonal joint in Mentor is only open through spring and summer, but is well worth waiting for. 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. 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 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.
Victory Dogs is a firm Medford favorite, 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. 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, 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. It's 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 around 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, are a Rhode Island specialty. So, what better place to sample them than at the James Beard America's Classic award–winner Olneyville New York System in Providence? The restaurant can trace its history to the 1930s, when the founders first introduced Rhode Island to the hot wiener served with celery salt, mustard, meat sauce, and onions. There are burgers and sandwiches on the menu, but the hot dogs are the star 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, while the more adventurous can add chili and cheese. It's a local institution and very popular with families.
Once a bricks-and-mortar spot, now a traveling 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.
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, 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 dog treat. 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 the generously dressed, 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 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. The sausage is served topped with yellow mustard, homemade chili, and chopped red onions, and customers say it's perfect. You may have seen them on Man v. Food.
Travel the US without leaving Virginia at City Dogs! Here, each of the hot dogs on its extensive menu is inspired by a famous recipe from an American city or state, so the Miami-style dog comes with salsa and cheese, while the Louisville hot dog comes complete with Jim Beam-caramelized onions. 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 Seatle 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 dog and that basically makes them salads, right?
If you're worried about having trouble finding Hillbilly Hot Dogs in Lesage, don't. You can't miss the giant hot dog structure that sits at the roadside. This eccentric decor 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 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 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, or chili. What more do you want?
Now discover where to find other American comfort food classics in your state
Last updated by Luke Paton.