Summer means baseball and hot dogs. But you don’t have to hit your local stadium to get a taste of frankfurter excellence.
These hot dog joints – the greatest of all time (or GOATs) in the sausage world, if you will – have been drawing crowds for decades, and in some cases, more than a century.
Whether you call them wieners, rippers, red hots, franks or dogs, these joints don’t mess with success. Original “secret” recipes are still being served at all of them. How’s that for a home run?
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Blackies
Cheshire, Conn., opened in 1928
Fans beeline to this Cheshire hot dog joint for its unique hot pepper relish – a secret family recipe that has made it to the International Space Station! The peppers are picked locally and then bottled fresh and served as a topper for one of Blackie’s naturally cased pork and beef hot dogs, made exclusively for them by a local butcher. Its iconic red building has been maintained by the current generation, as are a few quirks: Blackie’s does not serve french fries – just potato chips – and is closed on Fridays.
Casey’s Diner
Natick, Mass., opened in 1890
Opened in 1890 and now run by the fourth generation of the same family, this classic 10-stool diner is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The menu is full of diner staples, but diehards come for the natural-cased franks, which are steamed and then served in a bun from Casey’s original 132-year-old copper bun steamer. Have yours “all-around,” which is served with mustard, relish and onions. Add a root beer float and you can’t get any more old-school than that.
Hiram’s Roadstand
Fort Lee, N.J., opened in 1932
The Garden State is known for its rippers – pork and beef hot dogs, deep-fried until they rip open. The late chef and author Anthony Bourdain got his rippers at this bustling spot, popular with locals and adventurous foodies alike, many of whom learned about Hiram’s from an episode of Bourdain’s “Parts Unknown.” The dogs are large and plump, served on a toasted roll and delivered in a cardboard box. Order one well done, topped with cheese or smothered in chili with a side of excellent onion rings and a cold birch beer on tap. Cash only.
Olneyville New York System
Providence and Cranston, R.I., opened in 1946
Rhode Islanders are fierce about their wieners (don’t call them hot dogs or ask for ketchup!). One of the best-known in the state is served at this family-owned spot, named a James Beard American Classic in 2014. Purists order theirs “all the way,” a beef, pork and veal wiener served off the grill in a steamed bun with mustard, onions, celery salt and Olneyville’s signature meat sauce. (You can buy the spice packet and make your own at home.) Wash ‘em down with another Rhode Island mainstay: coffee milk, a blend of coffee syrup and milk.
Walter’s Hot Dog Stand
Mamaroneck, N.Y., opened in 1919
Fans line up in all seasons under the distinctive green pagoda at this nationally recognized 104-year-old hot spot, now run by the fourth generation of the Warrington family. They’re waiting for Walter’s beef, veal and pork dogs, split down the middle and grilled in a secret sauce, then served on a toasted bun. Get it plain or topped with the signature mustard – a blend of mustard seeds, spices and relish. But don’t get just one! Walter’s also sells ready-to-cook hot dogs and mustard on Goldbelly.
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- Heid’s of Liverpool – Heid’s has been serving up Hofmann hot dogs in Central New York since 1917 with an array of toppings including relish, chili, and even mushrooms. Bring home a jar of their proprietary Heid’s mustard.
- Hot Dog Johnny’s – In business since 1948, this iconic roadside stop in Belvidere, N.J., serves up dogs fried in peanut oil that fans pair with a frosty mug of birch beer. Look for the giant hot dog on the roof.
- Baba’s The Original New York System – It’s a toss-up on who has the better Rhode Island wiener, Olneyville or Baba’s, so let’s just say it’s eater’s choice. Opened in 1927, Baba’s is one of the state’s oldest wiener joints.
Who do you think makes the greatest hot dog of all time? Share your favorite hot dog joints in the comments.
Featured image: Hiram’s Roadstand
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Flo’s hot dogs Rte 1 Cape Neddick Maine are terrific!
Jimmy Buffs, Newark N,J,
I thought Jack’s Hot Dogs In North Adams, MA would be included! Now run by Jack’s grandson and great grandson, it has been supplying the area for over 100 years. A great deal for the price! We stop in this little hole in the wall often!
Don’t forget Tom’s Long Hot Dogs just off I-91 on Route 5 in Whately, Massachusetts!
RUTTS HUT, CLIFTON NJ
I’m astounded that you didn’t list Rutt’s Hut, which has been serving it’s famous hot dogs in Clifton, N.J. for decades. Every other review about the best hot dog joints that I’ve read always rates them as #1 along with the original Nathan’s. You can Google this. People travel there from all over the east coast. I’m a foodie who lives on Long Island and still make the two hour trip occasionally. The millions of people who’ve eaten there for eons will not appreciate the article. It would be tantamount to generating a list of America’s GOAT skyscrapers, which leaves out The Empire State Building.
Yes, Rutt’s Hut is the very best. It’s famous not only here in the USA but as far away as Japan. A friend from Japan came to visit me when I was living in northern NJ and when I asked where he wanted to go for dinner, his choice was Rutt’s Hut. He had seen it in a Japanese TV documentary. Once there, he said it was worth the trip.
The best hot dogs in my opinion are at Tex Barry’s Coney Island hot dogs in Attleboro Mass….there meat sauce is the best around
Sylvia’s Hot Dogs on International Dr in Windsor CT since 2009
CONEY ISLAND Worcester, MA!! Come on, how could you leave this place out. Since 1918. Best in New England!!
I have been going there over 50 years and I am a rookie!!
Best Chili dogs by far. Steamed buns. Order the dogs with the works.
Flos on Rt. 1 in southern Maine is incredible. They have been selling since I think for over 75 years. The small eater only sells hot dogs chips and soda. That’s it! If you’re tall, like myself, you won’t even to able to stand up fully inside. A homemade relish (you’ve never had a relish like this) and mayo is what most people order (a must try). It you can also get the traditional mustard, relish, onions as well. Don’t even try to order ketchup. So popular in fact that most days around the lunch hour you have to wait up to 30 minutes to get your dogs or weiners.
George’s Coney Island in Worcester, MA.
and
Hot Dog Annie’s in Leicester, MA.
How could you not mention Elliott’s Hot Dogs in Lowell, MA or Sullivan’s on Castle Island? Both have been around forever and have loyal legions willing to drive to them.
Glenwood
Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT
The Hot Grill in Clifton, NJ serves Texas Weiners which are worth the trip! Been going there for years! The place is clean and has quick and friendly service!
Hot Grill Clifton. NJ Texas Weinger is the best of the best. The perfect dog with mustard, onion, and chili. My mouth is watering.
2nd is Rutt’s Hut Clifton. Order their ripper and a Marcus (Yoo-hoo) to drink. It has been there since my parents were kids in the 40’s.
Finally! Someone who knows what a GREAT hot dog is!!!
Fort Wayne’s Famous Coney Island
https://www.fortwaynesfamousconeyisland.com/
Lee’s Hot Dog Stand, Baldwinville, MA
The BEST hot dogs are in Stratford!!! THE CRICKET!!!!!!!!!! Long dog with the works can’t be beat!!!!!
When talking about hotdogs you must mention “Flo’s” Route 1 York Maine.
Absolutely. I have tried many places including a couple on the list. Flos the is bomb! Definitely should be included.
No doubt Flos is the best . Typical hot wiener dogs can’t compare in my opinion
Surely you’ve heard of Teo’s Hot Dogs in Pittsfield. Voted one of the best in the Berkshires.
Jimmy John’s in Thornbury Pa….long time establishment…children enjoy the trains. OR nothing better than a good old NY City hot dog cart frankfurter.
Jimmy Buff’s in Kenilworth, NJ; nothing even comes close
Weaned at Jimmy Buffs in Irvington NJ as a young kid
How can you leave out Nick’s Nest on Rt. 5 in Holyoke MA? Been selling hot dogs since since 1921! Along with home made beans and popcorn they are the best. And they have a lever and cable system to open the door for you when you come in!
My thoughts exactly! Nicks Nest also has a soft serve around back. The lever and pulley system is cool!
Since The Great Depression, people have lined up at famous Simco’s on the Bridge Mattapan, MA
Windmill Hot Dogs or Max’s Hot Dogs!
Really? No Nathan’s in Coney Island( not the franchises) or Pink’s in LA for chili dogs??
Yes! Nathan’s is the GOAT!!
You simply can’t do this type of ranking without including or mentioning the CHICAGO DOGS. They are the best!
Speed’s Hotdog Wagon in Newmarket Square Boston! 1/2 lb beef dogs marinated, smoked and then grilled, with grilled bun.
Sadly, Gregg, the owner passed away. I hope someone can pick up the reigns. Outside of the states, Icelandic Hotdog Stand in Reykjavic. They’re made with lamb. Try one with Icelandic mustard and onions! Worth a trip!
Larry Joe’s New England Fire Pit in Mendon, MA serves up the hot dogs the same way as Speed’s. I think he got the recipe from the family.
Super Dooper Weinie Hands down the best in Ct, best dogs, homemade toppings, fresh cut French fries. Place is always busy, and the generous application of toppings make these dogs not only the best dressed but very satisfying.
Yesss! Love Super Duper, plus their french fries are superb.
You left out Rutts Hut in Clifton NJ
It’s been there since the 1920’s.
Oh come on. You can not leave out Simone’s in Lewiston ME. the best!
We gotta vote for George’s Coney Island in Worcester, MA
I thought I knew what a hot dog was until I went there! We’ve never found anything better.
“Two Up w/Cheese, a pickle, beans, and a chocolate milk!”
How about Coney Island in Worcester, Ma.? Great place, hasn’t changed in years!
Sorry but if these hot dogs aren’t Hummels hot dogs, I’m not eating them. Dino’s in North Haven or wherever Hummels hot dogs are served.
Can you buy Hummels in the supermarket or grocery store? I think a friend had them and I couldn’t remember the brand. Thanks for reminding me!
What is the matter with you people? The BEST, GOAT hotdog (aka Michigan) comes from Clare & Carl’s in Plattsburgh NY!!!
Rutt’s Hut in Clifton, NJ makes the best hot dogs called Rippers. Worth the trip.
The Dog Den in White Plains, while a newcomer, has any kind of topping you can think of for their delicious dogs which are free to anyone over 7′ 1″ inch. I’m still trying to get to that height. Meanwhile, your creativity will be challenged and you will be rewarded with a dog to remember.
This might be a little out of the way but, I will never like an American hot dog again – thank you Anthony Bourdain!!!!!
Cervejaria Gazela (Hot Dogs)
Porto, Portugal
Gazela on Travessa Cimo de Vila is where Bourdain had the cachorrinhos, the hot dogs with a spicy sauce and cheese. This isn’t the only place in Porto where you can get a cachorro, but it’s definitely one of the most popular. If you want to try a hot dog like in that episode (travels Unknown) this is the place to go.
Address: Travessa Cimo de Vila 4-10, 4000-171 Porto
Everyone’s got a favorite. Maybe you don’t know about Superduperweenie in Fairfield CT? Dozen or more franks or red hots on the board with house dressed versions that include house made red sauce onions and very good fries. It’s up there with Hiram’s and in my book beats Walter’s, which is kind of the only game in town. Unless you hit the Sabrett store across from the New Rochelle train station. ;-). Taste just like they are right off the cart in Manhattan.
Flo’s hot dogs, 1359 US-1 Cape Neddick Maine. Perfectly steamed dogs in a pillowy soft new England style rolls with a homemade relish that is just fantastic. Take out and cash only. open Thursday-Sunday 11am to 3.
Try with and without chili sauce at Newest Lunch in Schenectady, NY since ?
Ate ‘em by the dozens 50+ years ago.
Elliots Hot Dogs Lowell Massachusetts!
Excuse me! How could Rawley’s in Fairfield, Connecticut be omitted? This esteemed establishment has served the best dogs, hamburgers and milkshakes since 1947. Right on the Post Road and only a couple of minutes off of I-95 this classic with its great food and friendly staff is not to be missed.
Walter’s Hot Dogs in Mamaroneck is a favorite of mine. Their blend of meats and the way they’re split and grilled really satisfy my hot dog craving, particularly with their mustard. I always like to fill up a couple of little containers of mustard to take home.
You missed Hot Dog Tommy’s, Cape May New Jersey. One of the best hot dog places on the east coast. Their toppings are to live for and so many vegan alternatives. And if that weren’t enough, Bruce Carlino, the chief dream catcher is a phenom and a genuinely wonderful man.
you forgot RUTTS HUT CLIFTON, N.J.
Another great Jersey joint is Rutts Hut in Clifton. It has gotten recognition as the best in the country. You have to try the unique relish they make in house.
Sorry to say you missed the BEST hot dog place. Stratford, Connecticut’s Cricket Car Hop (https://cricketcarhop.com/) is a Fairfield County legend. Situated across from the Sikorsky airport you can get the famous long dogs with the works – including their special spicy pepper relish and watch the planes come and go. It’s a little slice of heaven not far from Long Island Sound. They were gone for a while- and by popular demand they reopened several years ago and have been doing the same food they were made famous for in the first place!
I also consider Cricket Car Hop in Stratford CT the best! Great location near the beautiful salt marshes with a view of planes coming and going at Sikorsky Memorial Airport. Also offer extra long hot dogs with the “works”!
No hot dog list is complete w/o a mention of Nathan’s Famous at their original Coney Island location….
NICK’S CHAR PIT, 22 Middletown Ave., North Haven, CT 203-776-0853
Not only great foot long Hot Dogs, but Great burgers, french fries and onion rings, as well as other delectable seafood. Can’t go wrong!
3 local and very famous spots in southern CT are the Cricket in Stratford (long dog with the works and special hot sauce is the best), The Windmill in Bridgeport (get the works with their own special chili) and Rawleys in Fairfield.