Pleasant Valley, NY: Hot Dog at Pam’s Bun N Run
This is an easy to miss side of the road hot dog cart but you’ll be hard pressed to find a better one in upstate NY. Perfectly cooked with that nice snap when you bite it. A popular pull over in the summer!
New York City: Bacon Cheddar Dog at Bark Hot Dogs
Just like the Pickle dog here, the bun was nice and buttery, and the dog itself has that great snap to it. The cheese however on this was kind of grainy in texture, and a little too processed tasting.
New York City: The Pickly Dog at Bark Hot Dogs
Great dog with that perfect snap when you bite through it. Good buttery bun as well and the housemade pickles had nice flavor.
New York City: Ito at Asia Dog
I love a “fancy” hot dog, and this one was very creative topped with a nice spicy curried apple.
Poughkeepsie, NY: Surprise Me at Soul Dog
Exactly what the name says, they surprised me with toppings. No idea what is on this but it was delicious and just a bit spicy!
New York City: Hot dog at Nathans Famous Coney Island
While I do say the Chicago dog reigns supreme, this is still a solid tasty hot dog!
Chicago: Buffalo Sausage at Chicago’s Dog House
So falling in ranking somewhere between Hot Doug’s, and Franks N Dawgs on the Chicago fancy hot dog scale, is Chicago’s Dog House. This one had very tasty and spicy Buffalo sausage, topped with Mole Chihuahua cheese.
Chicago: Nawlins Dog at Franks and Dawgs
Not quite as good as Hot Dougs, but great place none the less. Delicious Andouille sausage, with polenta battered okra, and fried shrimp.
Chicago: The Foie Gras and Sauternes Duck Sausage with Truffle Aioli, Foie Gras Mousse and Fleur de Sel
Hands down the richest thing I have ever eaten, delicious, but so so so much rich flavor.
Chicago: Smoked Yak Sausage with Bacon-Garlic Mayonnaise and Smoked Cumin Gouda Cheese at Hot Dougs
Ok this place is unbelievably good. The block and a half long line you are pretty much guaranteed to encounter is well worth waiting in. The sausage on this one was delicious, just the right amount of spice, and the bacon garlic mayonnaise added amazing flavor.
I didn’t have enough money for all that I wanted to order (cash only here) and the owner just threw in the amazing duck fat fries I wanted anyway, an amazingly cool guy. This place is a MUST try in Chicago.
Chicago: Char Dog at The Wieners Circle
If you want a Chicago style hot dog, this is the place to get one in my opinion, so so delicious! Be ready for an experience here…especially late at night
*Note: I know many might not consider a hot dog a sandwich, but it is. In fact, it was called a “hot dog sandwich” in it’s early days I recently learned. SO, more of these too come on this blog!
Chicago: The Belly Dog at Belly Shack
I know technically this is called a hot dog BUT it is beyond that, on different bread, and much more in sandwich territory with it’s many ingredients. This is a must try if in Chicago and you have to get it with their amazing fries as well!
