Is there a better hotdog?

[bikefish]

Wegman's opened near me and I gave these a try > https://hofmannsausage.com/products/hot ... -grillers/ Boy they are fantastic. After eating Oscar Meyer and Ball Park, I didn't realize the simple pleasure of a good hotdog.

[mrmass]

I shop at Wegmans too I don't buy hotdogs too much but when I do its Kayem. They're very tasty.

https://www.kayem.com/our-products/

[jebmke]

If there is an Amish market in the area, look for their "grillers" or if you can find a decent German market, Brats

[MP173]

I was a hot dog snob at one time (and about 50 pounds ago).

My sales territory was Chicago (still is) and I ate hot dogs frequently for lunch. Chicago has very good hot dogs, Vienna Beef now, but years ago the Best Kosher brand and a couple of local smaller brands were also excellent.

I refuse to eat store brand hot dogs, unless it is Vienna, Nathans, or the Costco brand. Huge difference between those and OM, BP or others. HUGE.

Love the taste of a hot dog with a pickle spear, sport peppers, and mustard.

Ed

[bobn60014]

"Is there a better hotdog?"

Yes. Look for Vienna Beef Franks, a Chicago original. Also, their Polish sausage is excellent.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vienna_Beef

[Triple digit golfer]

I was a hot dog snob at one time (and about 50 pounds ago).

My sales territory was Chicago (still is) and I ate hot dogs frequently for lunch. Chicago has very good hot dogs, Vienna Beef now, but years ago the Best Kosher brand and a couple of local smaller brands were also excellent.

I refuse to eat store brand hot dogs, unless it is Vienna, Nathans, or the Costco brand. Huge difference between those and OM, BP or others. HUGE.

Love the taste of a hot dog with a pickle spear, sport peppers, and mustard.

Ed

Born and raised lifelong Chicagoan (now suburbs) here. Best's Kosher are by far my favorite I've ever had.

I'm not a big hot dog guy, but going to White Sox games and eating a Best's Kosher with grilled onions sure was a treat. Vienna Beef are fantastic as well.

[LilyFleur]

I was a hot dog snob at one time (and about 50 pounds ago).

My sales territory was Chicago (still is) and I ate hot dogs frequently for lunch. Chicago has very good hot dogs, Vienna Beef now, but years ago the Best Kosher brand and a couple of local smaller brands were also excellent.

I refuse to eat store brand hot dogs, unless it is Vienna, Nathans, or the Costco brand. Huge difference between those and OM, BP or others. HUGE.

Love the taste of a hot dog with a pickle spear, sport peppers, and mustard.

Ed

Oh, my, now I'm hungry. I love a hot dog with lots of mustard and onions! I was quite sad when Costco got rid of their onion dispenser.

And rarely, I have them like my mom made them, with the hot dog cooked in sauerkraut on the stove, whilst toasting two freshly-baked slices of white bread spread with Kerrygold butter and then some mustard. Assembling it and eating it all warm and wonderful, right away.

Did you lose 50 pounds or gain 50 pounds?

[welldone]

Oh, my, now I'm hungry. I love a hot dog with lots of mustard and onions! I was quite sad when Costco got rid of their onion dispenser.

Costco still has onion for their hotdogs, just ask at the counter. They now offer onion in individual portions.

[bikefish]

I was a hot dog snob at one time (and about 50 pounds ago).

My sales territory was Chicago (still is) and I ate hot dogs frequently for lunch. Chicago has very good hot dogs, Vienna Beef now, but years ago the Best Kosher brand and a couple of local smaller brands were also excellent.

I refuse to eat store brand hot dogs, unless it is Vienna, Nathans, or the Costco brand. Huge difference between those and OM, BP or others. HUGE.

Love the taste of a hot dog with a pickle spear, sport peppers, and mustard.

Ed

I forgot about Chicago-style hotdogs. The prep with the relish, pickle spear, sport pepper, and mustard is a creative genius.

[InvisibleAerobar]

Wegman's opened near me and I gave these a try > https://hofmannsausage.com/products/hot ... -grillers/ Boy they are fantastic. After eating Oscar Meyer and Ball Park, I didn't realize the simple pleasure of a good hotdog.

Is it blasphemous to say none of the above and instead opt for a bratwurst in a bun?

I swore off hotdogs for the longest time, but having a bratwurst in a bun has gotten me interested again (even though I forgo the bun most of the time).

"Is there a better hotdog?"

Yes. Look for Vienna Beef Franks, a Chicago original. Also, their Polish sausage is excellent.

Wien is German for Vienna. Alas Wiener is a sausage from Vienna. A Frankfurter (shortened to "Frank") is the name given to a sausage popularized by a native of Frankfurt who settled in Vienna.

I'm afraid the original is either the Wiener or the Frankfurter, with whatever made in Chicago drawing heavy inspirations from either or both.

[barnaclebob]

Whatever hot dogs the vendors sell outside the bars late night in Seattle are pretty darn good. Cream cheese, onions, and jalapenos.

Anyone know what the price is up to now? Last time I got one was several+ years ago for $5.

[nisiprius]

Pearl hot dogs are our go-to. I don't know how wide their distribution is. They are humongous, a quarter of a pound apiece (and unlike hamburgers, don't shrink much in cooking). (At least, those are the size we buy). The casing is spectacular. The filling is great, you can enjoy eating them without condiments.

[lazydavid]

Wegman's opened near me and I gave these a try > https://hofmannsausage.com/products/hot ... -grillers/ Boy they are fantastic. After eating Oscar Meyer and Ball Park, I didn't realize the simple pleasure of a good hotdog.

These aren't really hot dogs in the traditional sense, they're more of a white German sausage called a Weiswurst, which was originally popularized in the US by Zweigle's of Rochester, NY--where Wegman's is headquartered. They refer to them as "White Hots", to distinguish them from the "Red Hots", or Frankfurters, that they also make. I do agree they're delicious.

But even as traditional hot dogs go, Oscar Meyer and Ball Park are....not good. I stick with Vienna, Nathan's, Best Kosher, Hebrew National, and a couple of boutique brands.

[260chrisb]

I was a hot dog snob at one time (and about 50 pounds ago).

My sales territory was Chicago (still is) and I ate hot dogs frequently for lunch. Chicago has very good hot dogs, Vienna Beef now, but years ago the Best Kosher brand and a couple of local smaller brands were also excellent.

I refuse to eat store brand hot dogs, unless it is Vienna, Nathans, or the Costco brand. Huge difference between those and OM, BP or others. HUGE.

Love the taste of a hot dog with a pickle spear, sport peppers, and mustard.

Ed

I forgot about Chicago-style hotdogs. The prep with the relish, pickle spear, sport pepper, and mustard is a creative genius.

That does it; I'm cooking dogs this weekend. All this Chicago hot dog talk reminded me of The Sports Corner across from Wrigley Field back in the '80s and '90s. They served them just as you describe but with tomato wedges, ketchup, and celery salt on a poppy seed bun! I'll never forget how good they were and I try my best to recreate them anytime I get the craving for hotdogs. My favorite Chicago hotdog brand is by far Kelly Eisenberg. They make tremendous hotdogs and their jalapeno cheddar dogs are unbeatable. Man I'm getting hungry!

[FreddyC]

This is a great thread - one to bookmark and consult when shopping. Have not heard of most of these brands - wonder if they are available nationwide.

I usually go with Boars Head, Trader Joe’s uncured, Costco, or Hebrew National. Will go with Nathan’s or Sabrett also, but won’t buy any other brands like ballpark, etc.

[CoAndy]

I like Nathan's and must admit the Costco dogs are pretty tasty as well. Actually, almost everything I have ever bought at Costco is pretty tasty.

[RudyS]

Hebrew National "regular" (full fat) dogs are great. But I prefer not to have that much fat. They have a low fat dog, but it's pretty tasteless. Not easy to find, but they also have a "reduced fat" version that's pretty good.

[rockstar]

I had really good ones in Iceland. Maybe it was because it was cold. But I definitely recommend going there for the hot dogs.

[Dabeachi]

Best hot dog for me is the Mexican hot dog. Tacos get too much credit as THE Mexican food. People have neglected the Mexican hot dog for too long. I live near the border and had never heard of them until moving here. They're called The Sonoran hot dog. It consists of a hot dog that is wrapped in bacon and grilled, served on a bolillo-style hot dog bun, and topped with pinto beans, onions, tomatoes, and a variety of additional condiments, often including mayonnaise, mustard, and jalapeño salsa.

I have seen folks selling them out on the streets after major events: concerts or sports. I've also seen them hanging around outside of bars. If I catch a whiff of one in the air, I'm tracking that scent and getting a hot dog

[beernutz]

Conecuh Big Chief

https://conecuhsausage.com/product-category/hot-dogs/

[Afty]

Pearl hot dogs are our go-to. I don't know how wide their distribution is. They are humongous, a quarter of a pound apiece (and unlike hamburgers, don't shrink much in cooking). (At least, those are the size we buy). The casing is spectacular. The filling is great, you can enjoy eating them without condiments.

Was going to say the same thing! Pearl hot dogs have a natural casing and are delicious. I used to eat them when I lived in Boston, but don’t think they are available in California where I live now.

[Django Ii]

Wegman's opened near me and I gave these a try > https://hofmannsausage.com/products/hot ... -grillers/ Boy they are fantastic. After eating Oscar Meyer and Ball Park, I didn't realize the simple pleasure of a good hotdog.

Another fan of Hofmann, but prefer their German Franks over the Snappy Grillers.

[GAAP]

Wegman's opened near me and I gave these a try > https://hofmannsausage.com/products/hot ... -grillers/ Boy they are fantastic. After eating Oscar Meyer and Ball Park, I didn't realize the simple pleasure of a good hotdog.

Probably countless local varieties depending upon where you live. I wouldn't buy or eat either Oscar Meyer or Ball Park.

[Paullmas]

If there is an Amish market in the area, look for their "grillers" or if you can find a decent German market, Brats

+1 Brats.

Or go to a butcher and get some good smoked kielbasa

[Horologium]

Love the taste of a hot dog with a pickle spear, sport peppers, and mustard.

Ed

What, no ketchup?

[bobn60014]

Love the taste of a hot dog with a pickle spear, sport peppers, and mustard.

Ed

What, no ketchup?

NEVER ketchup!

Want to have fun and be totally humiliated? Go to Weiners Circle on Clark in Chicago and ask for ketchup. You'll be yelled at with full expletives and, if you talk back, get ready for even more. Best to go at night, it's great entertainment.

[PoppyA]

Kind: We like Sabretts hot dogs.

Style: Dirty water hot dog (New York City pushcart. Mustard & onions)
Slaw dog (hot dog with coleslaw. I like ketchup on it too)
Ripper (deep fried till it rips open)

[notBobToo]

Best hot dog for me is the Mexican hot dog. Tacos get too much credit as THE Mexican food. People have neglected the Mexican hot dog for too long. I live near the border and had never heard of them until moving here. They're called The Sonoran hot dog. It consists of a hot dog that is wrapped in bacon and grilled, served on a bolillo-style hot dog bun, and topped with pinto beans, onions, tomatoes, and a variety of additional condiments, often including mayonnaise, mustard, and jalapeño salsa.

I have seen folks selling them out on the streets after major events: concerts or sports. I've also seen them hanging around outside of bars. If I catch a whiff of one in the air, I'm tracking that scent and getting a hot dog

I spent some time in Longmont (Colorado) in the 90s. During the summer on Friday evening, two (I think they were) cousins would set up their stand and sell Sonoran dogs. Fantastic! Thank goodness they served them in a cardboard paper food tray.

[ResearchMed]

Nathan's!
Full stop.



RM

[nisiprius]

Pearl hot dogs are our go-to. I don't know how wide their distribution is. They are humongous, a quarter of a pound apiece (and unlike hamburgers, don't shrink much in cooking). (At least, those are the size we buy). The casing is spectacular. The filling is great, you can enjoy eating them without condiments.

Was going to say the same thing! Pearl hot dogs have a natural casing and are delicious. I used to eat them when I lived in Boston, but don’t think they are available in California where I live now.

Needless to say they can be ordered over the Internet, but it's a minimum ten-pound order etc. Their "store finder" map is below. And to tell the honest truth, they're great hot dogs but they are not life-changing or anything.

[eddot98]

Back in the late 1970’s when I lived by myself near Poughkeepsie, NY, I would occasionally eat no nitrate hot dogs from Karl Ehmers butcher shop. They were probably some sort of sausage, as opposed to being a true hot dog. I haven’t had a hot dog since moving away from there in 1982 and, frankly, I don’t miss the agita. (I also rarely eat bacon and never eat Bologna.)

[Horologium]

Love the taste of a hot dog with a pickle spear, sport peppers, and mustard.

Ed

What, no ketchup?

NEVER ketchup!

Want to have fun and be totally humiliated? Go to Weiners Circle on Clark in Chicago and ask for ketchup. You'll be yelled at with full expletives and, if you talk back, get ready for even more. Best to go at night, it's great entertainment.

There is a hotdog place near us that has a sign on the counter: "This is Chicago. We don't put ketchup on hot dogs. So don't even ask!"

[makeitcount]

Suggest stopping by your local butcher's shop to see what they make in house. Ours makes the best dogs I've ever had.

[bogles the mind]

I find the cooking method more important than the dog. Open wood fire, slight char.

[CC1E]

Lots of excellent regional hot dog makers in the NY/NJ/CT area. My favorite is Hummel Bros in New Haven. Naturals casings are a must.

I’m always amazed that most of the country eats ballpark dogs shrink wrapped with that nasty hotdog water.

[biscuit5]

If you like hot dogs, this should be on your travel itinerary next summer

https://www.hillbillyhotdogs.com/

In Lesage, WV. I have been there and it was good (and interesting).

Triple D episode on Hillbilly Hotdogs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KySLSYSTbcE&t

Something to do off the beaten path....

[TimDex]

I ate hot dogs occasionally but no more. I found a local meat supplier that does an out of this world Italian sweet sausage, four to the pound. They also do hot dogs but the sausage, as well as the rest of their pasture raised beef, pork and lamb … well, it’s a treasure. They are 8 o’clock ranch and they have a website and are on Facebook.
https://www.8oclockranch.com/contact-us/

[snackdog]

Since this is BH, we have to focus on the best Value for a hot dog, which is clearly CostCo. $1.50 for a massive all beef dog on a lovely bun with all the condiments and unlimited soda refills.

A Nathan's Famous basic dog will run you $5.99 plus $3.30 for a pop, so $9.29. For the same price (actually twenty-nine cents less), you could feed a family of SIX at Costco!

[Kenkat]

Bratwurst uber hotdog

[ResearchMed]

Since this is BH, we have to focus on the best Value for a hot dog, which is clearly CostCo. $1.50 for a massive all beef dog on a lovely bun with all the condiments and unlimited soda refills.

A Nathan's Famous basic dog will run you $5.99 plus $3.30 for a pop, so $9.29. For the same price (actually twenty-nine cents less), you could feed a family of SIX at Costco!

But when you've traveled *hours* for that Nathan's Famous... the cost isn't a big deal!

I have a friend who, many years ago, went to college in the Philadelphia area. He was a real Nathan's freak (many of us were, ahem).
Anyway, it turned out that whenever he took someone out on a first "real dinner date" (not just on campus), he would always take her to Nathan's. Yes, in NYC,
It really was a "thing" for him; he'd go other times, too.

It got to the point where if he asked someone out for that first "dinner date", when they got into his car (instead of starting to walk somewhere), his date would sometimes say, "Are we going to that hot dog place!??!"
Word had gotten out.

RM

[Doom&Gloom]

I find the cooking method more important than the dog. Open wood fire, slight char.

+1

But I was thinking that the trimmings are even more important. Chili, or hot dog relish, or Chicago dog trimmings, or slaw, etc.

One of my favorites was Rendezvous (the Memphis BBQ joint) slaw. It is a very spicy mustard based slaw that I have not been able to replicate from online recipes. Unfortunately my Kroger store quit carrying it

[PottedPlant]

Hofmann sausage. Boy they are fantastic.

Hoffman’s are excellent.

[andypanda]

"But I was thinking that the trimmings are even more important."

And location. They all taste better with a baseball game in front of them.

[BrooklynInvest]

They're called The Sonoran hot dog. It consists of a hot dog that is wrapped in bacon and grilled, served on a bolillo-style hot dog bun, and topped with pinto beans, onions, tomatoes, and a variety of additional condiments...

Thank you!!! This may be the greatest thing I've ever heard.

[lazydavid]

And location. They all taste better with a baseball game in front of them.

Hard disagree. The sour taste of boredom overpowers the flavor of even the best hot dog.

[ThisTime]

Thumann's!!!

[lthenderson]

Have any of you seen what goes into a hotdog? I once toured a place that makes "all natural" hotdogs with "no fillers" much like the advertisement for many of the hotdogs listed above. Yes it is all natural in the sense it came from the pig or cow but it certainly isn't appetizing to see mixed and squirted into natural casings.

A wise man once told me that hot dogs were nothing more than lips and a$%h$&$s. That wasn't far off the mark!

[Elsebet]

In the Erie, PA area we love Smith's: https://www.smithhotdogs.com/

[littlerfish]

https://www.usinger.com/deli/link-products.html

or

https://www.usinger.com/deli/bratwurst.html

[Broken Man 1999]

At home we eat Hebrew National or Nathan's hot dogs. Those (plus Costco) are the only brands I have experienced.

If around the Tampa area, especially near Busch Gardens, there is a great place for Chicago style dogs:

Mel's Hot Dogs has been open for 50+ years now, and was recently sold by the original owners. Vienna all beef dogs. Chicago style fixings. Wife had a hankering earlier this week, so she picked up some at Mel's.
https://melshotdogs.com/

Another place we frequent is a chain that originated near Chicago, Portillos. Larger menu than Mel's, same great Chicago style hot dogs, Vienna all beef.
https://www.portillos.com/

SIL is from Wisconsin, so any grilling we do as a family includes brats, usually Johnsonville. Publix has some good sausages for grilling, also.

Broken Man 1999