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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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!