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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Download Now!More of the Best Hot Dogs To Try
- 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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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.