Is there a better hotdog?

[Uniballer]

Sahlen's

[Netherworld]

Hebrew National. Only hot dog I'll eat anymore.

[adamthesmythe]

Hebrew National. They answer to a higher authority.

[physics911]

As several others have pointed out, Chicago is the hot dog capital, at least for me. I was a regular at Portillo's, but the pinnacle was going to Hot Doug's while it was still open (long since closed), and getting some crazy combinations (with a 2-hour wait in line outside the building). I still make Chicago dogs to this day, even though I've moved away, and Hebrew National is my typical go-to.

[MrNarwhal]

Perhaps not what you meant, but Ikea's Korvmoj veggie dogs taste pretty good and arguably satisfy the title of a "better" hotdog. Not as much protein since these are true veggie dogs not soy meat substitute.

https://www.ikea.com/global/en/newsroom ... me-190211/ (I don't see the product on the US website but I was able to buy them in-store at the Ikea in my US metro.)

[UNCHEEL]

"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."

Don't get me wrong, I love a good dog, but in Philly it's just a question of Pat's or Geno's. (World famous cheesesteaks for the rest of you.)

[PugetSoundguy]

This has been an excellent discussion of candidates for second-best hot dog and I definitely would like to try some (or most) of those discussed above.

The best of course is a natural-casing Koegel Vienna made in Michigan. Koegel's is headquartered in Flint and they have been making hot dogs forever. Koegel hot dogs unfortunately are not available in stores nationwide, but they are so popular among those who grew up with them that Koegel's sends a big refrigerated truck across the nation to supply people like me. We got a big supply of their hot dogs and other products when the truck was last in the Seattle area. Google "Koegel's on the Road" for their schedule. Extra points if you get their Flint Coney topping to make Coney Island Dogs. Just add mustard and raw onions. Yum!

[Orange44]

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.

I agree. Legendary.

[LilyFleur]

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.

Good to know! We mostly have our Costco items delivered nowadays, but I have some sort of check from them that needs to be redeemed in person. The Costco warehouses near me have become extremely crowded, and it's just not a very pleasant experience anymore.

The hot dog could make the trip more palatable.

[EdNorton]

Eisenburg hot dogs are excellent.

If traveling through Toledo, stop at Tony Packo's for a great hot dog, very interesting autographs.

[four7s]

Neuskies….from a family owned farm in Wisconsin.

[yatesd]

I'm from PA Dutch area and we have great variations of sausages and other unique concepts like Lebanon Bologna.

https://www.seltzerssmokehousemeats.com

That said, one of the things I like about Aldi and Lidl is their German twist on many food items. Good quality hot dog options from Germany at a reasonable price.

[Hot Sauce]

What are hot dogs made out of?

[cheesepep]

There is a Youtube short that I watched earlier comparing Costco's $1.63 hotdog (with tax) against Five Guys' $7.50 hotdog. Needless to say, the Costco hotdog won.

[Mishigami]

This has been an excellent discussion of candidates for second-best hot dog and I definitely would like to try some (or most) of those discussed above.

The best of course is a natural-casing Koegel Vienna made in Michigan. Koegel's is headquartered in Flint and they have been making hot dogs forever. Koegel hot dogs unfortunately are not available in stores nationwide, but they are so popular among those who grew up with them that Koegel's sends a big refrigerated truck across the nation to supply people like me. We got a big supply of their hot dogs and other products when the truck was last in the Seattle area. Google "Koegel's on the Road" for their schedule. Extra points if you get their Flint Coney topping to make Coney Island Dogs. Just add mustard and raw onions. Yum!

Listen to PugetSoundGuy. He knows things. A true connoisseur of tubular meats. Koegel's Viennas are fantastic, and luckily I can get them at every grocery store and coney joint in my area.

His chili choice is sacrilegious though. Detroit-style is where it's at.

[Random Musings]

This has been an excellent discussion of candidates for second-best hot dog and I definitely would like to try some (or most) of those discussed above.

The best of course is a natural-casing Koegel Vienna made in Michigan. Koegel's is headquartered in Flint and they have been making hot dogs forever. Koegel hot dogs unfortunately are not available in stores nationwide, but they are so popular among those who grew up with them that Koegel's sends a big refrigerated truck across the nation to supply people like me. We got a big supply of their hot dogs and other products when the truck was last in the Seattle area. Google "Koegel's on the Road" for their schedule. Extra points if you get their Flint Coney topping to make Coney Island Dogs. Just add mustard and raw onions. Yum!

Listen to PugetSoundGuy. He knows things. A true connoisseur of tubular meats. Koegel's Viennas are fantastic, and luckily I can get them at every grocery store and coney joint in my area.

His chili choice is sacrilegious though. Detroit-style is where it's at.

If they ever come by my area, I'll give it a try. Typically, we just get Hebrew National. At Costco, get their hot dog every once in a while.

RM

[growfolio]

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.

Our family favorite (after multiple taste tests) was the Trader Joe's uncured beef hot dogs. We don't care for the smooth texture of some brands, and the TJs version had a great combo of ingredients, flavor, texture, and price. They've sadly been discontinued.

[AllMostThere]

Here in SE MI, my family enjoys hotdogs from - Costco, Kowalski, and Koegel. We use the Costco packaged hotdogs when entertaining larger crowds, mostly as when purchased, you need to buy three large packages. My preferred method of preparation for Costco dogs is 1 minute in Instant Pot using strainer to keep off the bottom along with 1/2 cup of water to steam the dogs. Then let pressure decay naturally. Cooked to perfection every time. Reheat can occur on grill, air fryer or even microwave. I don't recommend the Instant Pot for the Koegel or Kowalski natural casing dogs as they split and make a mess, so we use the grill or air fryer.

[theplayer11]

What are hot dogs made out of?

carcinogens, processed meats are as bad for you as cigarettes or asbestos. No thanks

[Doom&Gloom]

What are hot dogs made out of?

Yummy goodness.

[lazydavid]

carcinogens, processed meats are as bad for you as cigarettes or asbestos. No thanks

Party pooper.

Realistically, one would likely never develop cancer from hot dogs, because the sheer number that would have to be consumed to get to that point--we're talking dozens per day, every day for years--would kill you from sodium intake or obesity LONG before you had a chance to develop tumors. It's a bit like water poisoning. Yes, if you want to be pedantic it CAN kill you. But it won't unless you're determined enough. Have either in moderation, and even dieticians say it's ok.

Yummy goodness.

Much better answer.

[MP173]

I am back with more hot dog experiences.

As I stated early in this thread, I am a hot dog snob. For 34 years I have been in sales in Chicago area, mostly work at home today, but during the 90's thru about 2015 I was in Chicago about 3-4x a week. I was 50 pounds heavier then than now. Chicago had (has) great lunch food, primarily sandwiches such as hot dogs, Italian Beefs (now famous thru The Bear TV show), Italian sausage, Polish Sausage (the best is a Maxwell Street), and of course Italian Subs at local delis such as Bari, D'Amato Bakery (next door and now a rival as Bari stopped using their coal baked bread), and Fiori's before they retired.

Oh, the food...and typically lunch was $5- $8.

Back to hot dogs...
Best Kosher was excellent until they closed their plant on Pershing Avenue in the 2000's. They had a lunch special in which a 1/4 pounder was $2.00. A meal in itself. Vienna was (and is) still a customer of mine and their dogs were good, but not as good as Best Kosher. The bonus was their discounted product, typically "blemished". I would regularly get a big pack of hot dogs, with 20 of the 1/4 pounders for $5.00. Lunch time would find people lined up out the door for a hot dog.


I mentioned a couple of smaller brands...I had Kelley Eisenburg in mind, but couldnt recall name. Thanks to the poster who recalled them. they are still in business. I did a little work with them in the 90's and was impressed with their hot dogs. The owner told me their niche (at that time) was gas stations (which had the rollers for hot dogs, sausages, etc). They also have corned beef. Their hot dogs were excellent, but difficult for me to find in a retail setting.

My favorite hot dog stand...Fatso's Last Stand - 2258 W. Chicago Avenue in the Ukrainian District. My son lives close by and when we go to a Hawks game, we always go to Fatso's for pregame meal....well not always but quite often. What sets Fatso's apart is their french fries....blanched. Incredible crispy texture and flavor.

Gonnella Baking at one time was a big provider of buns to these types of locations and Gonnella was a customer of mine. Their VP Marketing and Sales told me there were 1800 hot dog/beef stands in the Greater Chicago area...he would know.

I have eaten at Tony Packo in Toledo...it was ok, but didnt measure up to Chicago.

The Detroit hot dog, actually a coney dog is very good.

One of the most unique and tasty hot dogs was deep fried. Not many do it that way, but it is a treat.

Bobak's had great sausages and hot dogs until Stan and his brother couldnt get along. They ended up in litigation with each other. The Bobak brand is still around. They had an incredible deli and Polish Market on Archer Ave near Cicero Ave.

Today I dont eat nearly as many hot dogs but am a huge fan of the Costco special. Also when our church's Mens Group has its annual garage sale, I man the grill and serve hot dogs (Costco) to people...no charge, donation accepted. I always get compliments...the secret is to grill on a Weber with charcoal.

Regarding other brands, particularly Nathan's and other NYC based...I come in peace. Those are really good but food is often an emotional consumption (or at least it is for me). I am partial the Chicago based dog.

That being said, I must admit my favorite Chicago sandwich is an Italian Beef....hot and wet (giardinara and dipped) but that is another story.

One final thought on hot dogs..."all beef" only.

Ed

[PugetSoundguy]

This has been an excellent discussion of candidates for second-best hot dog and I definitely would like to try some (or most) of those discussed above.

The best of course is a natural-casing Koegel Vienna made in Michigan. Koegel's is headquartered in Flint and they have been making hot dogs forever. Koegel hot dogs unfortunately are not available in stores nationwide, but they are so popular among those who grew up with them that Koegel's sends a big refrigerated truck across the nation to supply people like me. We got a big supply of their hot dogs and other products when the truck was last in the Seattle area. Google "Koegel's on the Road" for their schedule. Extra points if you get their Flint Coney topping to make Coney Island Dogs. Just add mustard and raw onions. Yum!

Listen to PugetSoundGuy. He knows things. A true connoisseur of tubular meats. Koegel's Viennas are fantastic, and luckily I can get them at every grocery store and coney joint in my area.

His chili choice is sacrilegious though. Detroit-style is where it's at.

Ha! Yes, Detroit-style is excellent and I will never turn one down. I feel some geographic loyalty to Flint-style since I grew up 30 miles north in Saginaw.

And last week I was in Michigan for college visits with my son. We had a coney with fries at Leo's (a chain, but a good one) in East Lansing. Fantastic!

Next question: American or Lafayette in downtown Detroit? When I was a newspaper carrier for the Detroit Free Press eons ago, they would award us trips to places like San Francisco and New York if we sold enough new subscriptions. Anyway, the day before the flight, they would bus the "out state" carriers (like me from Saginaw) to Detroit. Straight from the Greyhound station, they would walk us to Lafayette for a coney dinner courtesy of the Free Press circulation department. Perfect for young teenagers!

[Mishigami]

Ha! Yes, Detroit-style is excellent and I will never turn one down. I feel some geographic loyalty to Flint-style since I grew up 30 miles north in Saginaw.

And last week I was in Michigan for college visits with my son. We had a coney with fries at Leo's (a chain, but a good one) in East Lansing. Fantastic!

Next question: American or Lafayette in downtown Detroit? When I was a newspaper carrier for the Detroit Free Press eons ago, they would award us trips to places like San Francisco and New York if we sold enough new subscriptions. Anyway, the day before the flight, they would bus the "out state" carriers (like me from Saginaw) to Detroit. Straight from the Greyhound station, they would walk us to Lafayette for a coney dinner courtesy of the Free Press circulation department. Perfect for young teenagers!

Lafayette, for me, but these are fine margins. And with 500 or so diners serving coney's in the metro area, one was never far away.

Should your son make the correct choice and attend MSU, try Sparty's Coney Island in the Frandor shopping area on your next visit. They serve both Flint and Detroit (Koegel's naturally). As I live nearby, and in your honor, I shall sample your hometown dog on my next (appropriately rare, these days) visit.

Love the Free Press story!

Cheers,
Fellow Ex-Carrier

[CenTexan]

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.

At least you have a reason to go! (just kidding)

[oxothuk]

If you’re ever in Boulder CO you should try Mustard’s Last Stand. They serve Vienna Beef hotdogs and they have awesome fries.

[pshonore]

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.

Natural casings (which I think are lamb intestines, pigs are used for sausage) are the best. Still quite a few sellers in Southern New England. They just have a nice crunch but hot dogs are getting expensive ($5/lb) just like everything else.

[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.

At least you have a reason to go! (just kidding)

What a disaster! Haven't gone in years. I refuse to blow money and drive an hour for terrible products. I can get good hot dogs at any one of five grocery stores within two miles of my house!

[theplayer11]

carcinogens, processed meats are as bad for you as cigarettes or asbestos. No thanks

Party pooper.

Realistically, one would likely never develop cancer from hot dogs, because the sheer number that would have to be consumed to get to that point--we're talking dozens per day, every day for years--would kill you from sodium intake or obesity LONG before you had a chance to develop tumors. It's a bit like water poisoning. Yes, if you want to be pedantic it CAN kill you. But it won't unless you're determined enough. Have either in moderation, and even dieticians say it's ok.

Yummy goodness.

Much better answer.

not what research shows. sorry, not being a party pooper, just don’t like consuming things that are harmful to my body. Processed meats are terrible for you.

[AlohaBill]

After my CABG surgery in 2021, I was put on restricted diet: little salt, fat, carbs, sugar, meat protein. Among the worst foods I could eat were potato chips, hamburgers, fried clams and hot dogs! I’ve been eating meat free dogs, but they’re gross. My wife bought some Nathan’s hot dogs and I split them down the middle. They really are very salty and the fat content is also kind of gross now. It costs me over $1,000 to get fried clams in San Diego (I bring my middle son and his wife on Alaska air). I miss hot dogs and hamburgers.

[biscuit5]

Do Smoky Links 'count' as a hot dog?



When we were kids these were absolutely awesome.

Bought a pack more recently and not even remotely in the same ballpark (no pun intended)

[ItzaHoot]

Start with Nathan's for easiest availability, then for better flavor and texture go for any of the Kosher hot dogs such as Hebres National or Sabrett's. Not really a hot dog but Conechu hickory smoked sausage or Aldi has some tasty brats.

If you're in the Tampa Bay area definitely check out Mel's. I think they've been around since oby Dick was a minnow and have Chicago style dogs on a poppy seed bun, complete with the glowing green pickle relish you seldom see outside of Chicago.

As far as value is concerned, Sam's Club has a decent hot dog with a 30 oz. soda combo for $1.38 and Costco has a hot dog and 20 oz. soda combo for $1.50. Also, Sam's typically has sauerkraut available on the side ant no additional charge.

[oragne lovre]

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 am chuckling when I read your mentioning Costco hot dogs. I think it's really good. My wife thinks I like it just because it's cheaper

[bikefish]

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)

Found Sabrett hotdogs in the grocery store. Excellent choice. I also purchased the Sabrett Onion in Sauce. Excellent combo!! I love all the suggestions folks have made.

[Alex Frakt]

If you live near a central European deli (Polish, German, Czech, etc), stop in. They will have all sorts of hot dog shaped sausages that are probably better than anything you will find in the grocery store.

[malabargold]

Snake River Farms hotdogs

We make Vancouver style Japadogs with them

[Cruise]

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

Reindeer meat?

[bendix]

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.

I find the idea of a white sausage in a hot dog a complete misunderstanding. That´s not how it´s supposed to be. And I only see two delicious and desirable options.

a) ALDI has an imported bratwurst which fried properly (e.g. coated in oil and air fried) is yummy on a bun with mustard, albeit a little saltier than I think it needs to be.

b) Costco has these grass-fed sausages from the Grand Teton area, e.g. the Polish ones or if you live more in the South they also sell them with cheddar and jalapeno. They´re decent for a hot dog sausage and dont need much condiment to be flavorful.

[sungold]

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

I can back this up. Awesome dogs there. Maybe it was because the trip was fantastic also. As for what's in them... recall all those sheep and lamb roaming around....

[Van]

Smokies by Oscar Mayer. Not the little ones, but the hot dog size.

[mfswatz9]

This discussion has inspired me. Tonight I'm having Nathan's hot dogs that were on sale with no beans chili and raw onions! Can't wait! For a bonus, I made potato salad to go with them.

[UpperNwGuy]

This discussion inspired me to stop by the hot dog section of Wegmans this morning. I bought a package of Zweigle's Whites (from Rochester). I had one for lunch with mustard and sauerkraut, and it was good. I had tried Sahlen's (from Buffalo) a few months ago, and I definitely prefer Zweigle's.

My next two purchases will be Hofmann's (from Syracuse), Smith's (from Erie, PA), and Wardynski (also from Buffalo). I also plan to try Zweigle's Reds. I am definitely liking the hot dogs from this area.

[gips]

I am back with more hot dog experiences.

As I stated early in this thread, I am a hot dog snob.

I was a consultant and many of our clients were a drive a drive to nj. At some point I became aware of the hollyeats website (holly has since passed and the website is now full of ads but the content is still available if you keep scrolling) and found his Jersey dog page: https://www.hollyeats.com/jerseydogs/

I decided to try all the places holly recommended. My favorite is rutts hut:
https://www.hollyeats.com/rutthut/ where they deep fry the dogs to different levels of crispness.

Unique to nj (to my knowledge) is the Italian style hot dog found at jimmy buffs, where they pack a sausage, hot dog (or two), potatoes, onions and peppers into an Italian bread roll:

https://www.hollyeats.com/jimmybuffs/

Another favorite is Libby’s for Texas wieners, invented in Patterson nj:
https://www.hollyeats.com/libbyslunch/

Sadly, some of the places closed before I could get to them but happily, I’ve been to all the places on holly’s list.

Best,
PS I lost about 25 pounds after I stopped working

[Dead Man Walking]

The best hotdogs are all beef; consequently, Kosher hotdogs are usually better than garden variety hotdogs that often contain a mixture of pork, beef, and chicken. Vienna Beef hotdogs are not available in our local markets, but are served at a Freddy’s near me. Freddy’s chili dogs aren’t very good, but a plain Vienna Beef hotdog with mustard, onions, and dill relish is great. I buy Nathan’s or Hebrew National beef hotdogs.

DMW

[snackdog]

The best hotdogs are all beef; consequently, Kosher hotdogs are usually better than garden variety hotdogs that often contain a mixture of pork, beef, and chicken. Vienna Beef hotdogs are not available in our local markets, but are served at a Freddy’s near me. Freddy’s chili dogs aren’t very good, but a plain Vienna Beef hotdog with mustard, onions, and dill relish is great. I buy Nathan’s or Hebrew National beef hotdogs.

DMW

Hebrew National had the Costco account until they raised prices and lost it. Now Costco makes their own wieners, larger than HN, and from USDA Choice (or better) beef.

[mkc]

Ripper (deep fried till it rips open)

Rutt's Hut in Clifton, NJ! My father's favorite when he was a "yout"

[dknightd]

We currently use Johnsonville beef brats as our hot dogs. They are not too bad.

[lazydavid]

We currently use Johnsonville beef brats as our hot dogs. They are not too bad.

I just wish Johnsonville didn't feel the need to put corn syrup in everything they make. Doesn't appear to be a ton in those beef brats, but it's basically the second ingredient in their "original recipe" breakfast sausage.

[dknightd]

I just wish Johnsonville didn't feel the need to put corn syrup in everything they make.

For a while I tried making my own hot dogs and breakfast sausage. But then I got lazy. The price of being lazy is corn syrup and other things I'd rather not eat. I guess I have decided sometimes being lazy is OK.

[lazydavid]

I just wish Johnsonville didn't feel the need to put corn syrup in everything they make.

For a while I tried making my own hot dogs and breakfast sausage. But then I got lazy. The price of being lazy is corn syrup and other things I'd rather not eat. I guess I have decided sometimes being lazy is OK.

I agree that sometimes being lazy is ok. But it's just as easy for me to for example grab the Bob Evans sausage--which has no sugar of any kind in it--in lieu of the Johnsonville right next to it. Likewise for hotdogs, though none are exactly healthy, some brands have far fewer objectionable ingredients than others.