The Most Iconic Hot Dog Joint in Every State (It All Started With #32)

Whether you’re picking up a dirty water dog in New York or trying out a gourmet take on the classic, a good hot dog can hit the right spot.

Different regions around the U.S. may be known for their hot dog nuances (see Chicago), but every state has famed hot dog joints worth trying.

So hit the road and find hidden restaurant discounts along the way in search of the best franks each state has to offer.

Gus’s has been a classic in downtown Birmingham since its establishment in 1947.

Dozens of TripAdvisor reviews rave about their delicious takes on classics — like the regular dog, chili dog, slaw dog, and more. It’s a low-frills joint where visitors can score delicious dogs.

The International House of Hot Dogs takes inspiration from around the U.S. to offer gourmet dogs of all sorts.

Try the Hawaiian (slathered in ham, bacon, and pineapple BBQ sauce) or the Alaskan, which is made with Buffalo. You can find vegetarian options, too.

El Guero Canelo first began as a hot dog stand in the ‘90s and has since grown to include three restaurants in the area — but it’s still known for its classic, the Sonoran hot dog.

This particular take on the classic packs a dog into a large, fluffy bun and tops it with beans, tomatoes, onions, mustard, mayo, and jalapeño sauce.

A no-frills hot dog stand in North Little Rock, the Original ScoopDog is known by locals as a top spot to grab a delicious dog and satisfy your sweet tooth (they also serve frozen custard).

The menu includes a variety of dogs — including classic Chicago, Detroit, and New York styles.

Pink’s has been a staple in Hollywood since 1939 and keeps locals and visitors alike coming back with its incredible specials — aptly inspired by famous faces and films.

They offer all the hot dog joint classics plus specials like the “Emeril Lagasse Bam Dog” and the Lord of the Rings Dog (which is appropriately covered in onion rings).

Biker Jim’s is a staple in the Denver area and has grown so popular that you can now find the hot dogs in decked-out food carts, at Rockies Stadium, and online.

The restaurant offers a unique take on the classic American snack, with hot dogs made of an eclectic mix of meats like wild boar, elk, and ostrich.

Rawley’s offers a simple menu that packs in everything you could want from a hot dog joint.

It’s been a favorite in the Fairfield area since 1947 and has its own classics — the standard hot dog, chili cheese dogs, “the works,” or the famed “hot chihuahua,” which includes their homemade hot chili.

Dog House in New Castle has been a favorite for locals and visitors alike since 1952. The restaurant is famous for its foot-longs and even offers a hot dog-packed breakfast menu.

The roadside joint has stayed true to its roots, and guests can even dine at the original 1950s-era counter.

The original Coney Island Drive-Inn opened in Brooksville in 1960 and has grown to include several other locations throughout Florida.

The menu is stacked with an eclectic mix of dogs, including a gator dog, a Reuben dog, and, of course, “Norm’s Big Dog,” which includes loose meat, chili, cheese, slaw, and onion rings.

Family-owned and operated since 1928, The Varsity in Atlanta is known for much more than its hot dogs, which are a staple that keeps visitors coming back.

The Varsity offers all the classics you’d expect from a hot dog joint, like plain, chili cheese dogs, and slaw dogs, as well as a selection of burgers, chicken, and sides.

Hank’s Haute Dogs has a menu stacked with all your classics, like chili dogs and Chicago-style dogs, plus an eclectic mix of modern and locally inspired specialties.

Visitors to the Aloha State may want to check out the “Hawaiian” dog, which features Portuguese sausage, mango mustard, and pineapple relish.

In addition to its brews, Twisted District Brew Co. is known for its eclectic mix of hot dogs — like the Taco Dog topped with beer cheese and the Elk Hunter with jalapeno and cheddar sausage.

They even have a “yard dog,” a three-foot hot dog guests can adorn how they want (and hopefully share with friends).

It’s not easy to pick the top dog (pun intended) in Chicago, given the city is famed for its hot dog style — but Superdawg has been a staple in the area since 1948, and it’s easy to see why.

If you do pop by, the classic Chicago-style Superdawg is the obvious choice, but there are plenty of other sandwiches and sides to choose from as well (like the Superonionchips).

Since 1914, Fort Wayne’s Famous Coney Island has kept its classic menu pretty much the same over the past century-plus.

It’s full of simple delights — like classic Coney Island hot dogs, cheeseburgers, cups of chili, and fountain sodas — and you really can’t beat the prices ($1.95 for the Coney Island dog).

A no-frills joint where you know you’ll get a delicious dog, the Flying Wienie in Cedar Rapids offers a great selection of Chicago-style dishes.

The Chicago hot dog is a fan favorite, obviously, but the Wienie is also known for Italian beef sandwiches, gyros, and their bargain “double play” meal (two hot dogs, fries, and a drink).

This may not technically be a hot dog joint, but if you can trust the many, many raving Yelp reviews, Fritz’s knows how to do meats (including hot dogs) right.

Visitors can stop in and grab a hot dog or specialty sausage — or go crazy and try their bacon-wrapped hot dog BLT — for lunch any day of the week.

As the name suggests, Lonnie’s offers Chicago classics — and there are hundreds of reviews on Yelp to back up the claim that they truly are the “best” the area has to offer.

Lonnie’s offers a handful of delicious dogs named after streets in Chicago, plus a selection of Italian beef sandwiches, Polish sausages, burgers, and more.

Dat Dog has three locations throughout New Orleans — and visitors to each of them can expect the delectable “haute dogs” the joint has become famous for.

From classics like the “Basic Beefy” to NOLA-inspired varieties like the “Crawfish Special” or the “Fiesta Dog,” Dat Dog has a dog for visitors of all sorts.

This roadside hot dog joint in Cape Neddick is known for its steamed hot dogs and famous relish. Visitors have been coming from far and wide to grab a bite at Flo’s since it opened in 1959.

Attman’s Delicatessen has two locations — Baltimore and Potomac —and has been serving up delicious Jewish deli classics since 1915.

While the menu has plenty of other amazing options, Attman’s is also known for its deli dogs, which come piled high with meats like corned beef, salami, and pastrami.

The menu is simple at Jack’s — and it’s that simplicity and devotion to tradition that makes it great. The much-loved hot dog restaurant opened in 1917 and continues to be a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Plus, you can’t beat the price: $1.95 for a hot dog and less than a dollar extra if you want to add kraut, cheese, chili, and more.

The American Coney Island has been a staple in downtown Detroit since its founding in 1917. The menu is simple and delicious, and you can even take home a Coney Island hot dog kit.

True to its roots (the restaurant was founded by a Greek immigrant), the menu also includes some classics like gyro, grilled chicken pita, and Greek salads.

The Wienery’s menu is stacked with an eclectic mix of diner foods — but it's the vast selection of hot dogs that really make it shine.

They offer dogs in classic styles from cities around the U.S., plus some in-house specialties like the Tasmanian Devil dog, which is covered in the “hottest chili … as hot as you want it.”

Small Time Dogs is not actually a hot dog joint, but two trucks that service central Mississippi. Red hot enthusiasts can follow where the trucks will be on their Facebook page.

The carts offer several specialty dogs, like the Raging Cajun and the Buffalo Wing Dog, and classic Southern comfort foods like po boy and pulled pork BBQ.

Steve’s hot dogs are legendary in the St. Louis area. They offer the classics, including a St. Louis dog and others like a chili dog and Chicago-style dog.

They’ve also got plenty of specialty dogs — like the Gorilla Mac & Cheese Dog and the Backyard BBQ Dog — and serve beer and cocktails as well.

Located at the base of Big Sky Resort, Yeti Dogs offers an incredible selection of all beef franks, eclectic topping options, delicious ice cream, and brews.

The Yeti Dog is a go-to with mustard, “yeti sauce,” sweet relish, kraut, and onion. The hot dog restaurant does close for the shoulder season, though, between summer and ski season.

FlyDogz is a no-frills joint in Lincoln that offers a great selection of dogs, from classic beef franks to elk bratwurst and even a vegan brat.

If you want to dress up your dog, FlyDogz has plenty of options — like their “Redeye,” which is topped with Fritos, or the “FlyPie,” which packs in all your favorite pizza toppings.

The idea behind Windy City Beefs N Dogs, which has two locations in Vegas, is that the owner (a Chicago native) didn’t want to have to fly home every time they wanted a Chicago dog.

The restaurant offers your classic Windy City hot dogs, excellent combo deals, Italian beef sandwiches, Polish sausages, and more.

Gilley’s Diner has been a Portsmouth staple since the 1940s, slinging classic American grub in a time-capsule setting. Their menu is a straightforward affair, focusing on juicy burgers, steamed hot dogs, and crispy fries. 

It’s the kind of place where you can grab a quick bite or linger over a late-night feast. With its no-frills charm and unwavering dedication to comfort food, Gilley’s has earned a loyal following among locals and visitors alike.

Hot Dog’s Johnny’s has been a staple in northern New Jersey since 1944. Visitors come from far and wide to snack on their simple yet delicious dogs and fries and sip on frosted birch beer.

They also have amazing merch — and while Hot Dog Johnny’s may technically be located in Belvidere, NJ, it’s funnier to say Buttzville (so all of the merch says Buttzville).

The Dog House is a classic hot dog joint with an added bonus of servers who walk up to your car to take your order.

They’re known for delicious hot dogs and corn dogs — but may perhaps be the most well-known for being featured on “Breaking Bad.”

Nathan’s Famous in Coney Island may be the most well-known hot dog joint in the country. It was one of the first, and half the hot dog joints on this list offer Coney Island-style dogs.

Established back in 1916, the original Nathan’s hot dog building is still right outside of the Coney Island subway station, and there’s a restaurant inside still cranking out delicious franks and fries.

Since 2008, Sup Dogs has garnered a reputation as a great spot to grab a delicious (and cheap) hot dog combo and a drink.

With locations in Greenville and Chapel Hill, Sup Dogs offers all your classic dogs, as well as their own specialties — like a “Western Dog,” “Firehouse Dog,” and “Sweet Dog.”

The DogMahal DogHouse is known for its stacked signature dogs.

Try the “Fightin’ Hawk,” topped with taco meat, cheese, onions, and green chilis, or the “Hobo A Go Go,” topped with BBQ beans, mustard, bacon, and tater stix. In addition to amazing food, DogMahal also sells vinyl, comics, and toys.

Tony Packo’s first opened in Toledo in 1932, amid the Great Depression, and has become legendary in the area.

They’re known for delicious Hungarian dogs (the founder was the son of Hungarian immigrants), but the menu is also stacked with other delights — like pierogies, fried pickles, and more.

When you go to this iconic spot, it's definitely worth it to try everything on the menu. A smart money move might be to use one of the best cash back credit cards to make the most of your money and earn back some.

For decades, Coney I-Lander has brought delicious dogs to the Tulsa area. There are now seven I-Lander’s throughout Oklahoma, including several throughout Tulsa.

The menu is simple: grilled dogs covered in their famed chili (a family recipe), mustard, onions, and cheese, plus tamales, Frito pies, and more.

Roake’s, a hot dog joint with locations in Portland and Milwaukie, keeps it simple — and has garnered a loyal following of locals and visitors alike since opening its doors in 1937.

The menu features classics like a long or short Coney, plump dog, jalapeño cheese dog, and an array of delicious burgers, fries, chili, and more.

Yocco’s has been a staple in Lehigh Valley since it opened its doors in 1922.

Their “Yocco's dogs,” well-done dogs on steamed buns with a secret chili sauce, mustard, and chopped onions, are a fan favorite. They have great sides, too, including fries, onion rings, and pierogies.

Family-owned and operated since they moved to their current location in Providence in 1953, Olneyville New York System has become a legend in the area.

The Stevens family also runs a second location in Cranston, and visitors can find their famous franks (known as “RI’s best hot wiener”) fries, burgers, and more at both.

Jack’s Cosmic Dogs is known for their vast selection of delicious franks — including their signature “Classic Cosmic Dog,” which includes blue cheese coleslaw and “Cosmic Mustard.”

There are plenty of other dogs to choose from at Jack’s, plus a build-your-own option and a tofu dog for veggie lovers.

The Prairie Dog has a large selection of hot dogs and other sandwiches inspired by the state’s rich history. While all the dogs on their menu sound delectable, given the area, visitors may want to consider the “Rushmore Rattler.”

This is a beef hot dog covered in brown mustard and sharp cheddar and garnished with a homemade jalapeño medley.

D & B’s was founded in 2014 by two buddies who decided the area needed some truly great hot dogs.

They’ve got all the classic dogs (basic, chili cheese, Chicago, etc.) on their menu, as well as some specialties like the “One Man,” a hot dog topped with pulled pork and BBQ sauce.

The first James Coney Island was opened in Houston in 1923 by two Greek brothers. Today, it has grown to include seven restaurants in the Houston area.

The menu includes a selection of classic Coneys as well as specialty gourmet hot dogs, classics inspired by other locals like Chicago and New York, plus a great selection of burgers and sides.

The idea behind J. Dawgs was cooked up in 2004 when the first simple hot dog shack was opened with a dedication to serving incredible dogs with the finest ingredients.

Now, the location in Provo is one of nine in the state that serves all-natural franks with delicious homemade sauce and fresh local buns every day.

Yes, it really is a bus. Since 1944, the crew behind Beansie’s has offered a delectable menu full of perfectly cooked dogs, Michigans (steamed dogs with meaty sauce), and fries.

But if you want to check out Beansie’s, you’ll have to do it between April and September since the bus is a seasonal thing.

Skeeter’s Hot Dogs first opened in 1925 (it was known as the E.N. Umberger Store then, for its founder). The dogs are simple and delicious, which has kept loyalists coming back for decades.

Guests can opt for the “Skeeterdog” with mustard, onion, and chili or try classics like the Slawdog, Cheesedog, The Works, or a handful of regional styles.

Since 1992, Matt’s has been known for their incredible dogs, burgers, fries, and shakes.

The menu has all the classics — like Seattle, Chicago, and New York dogs — and more unique varieties like a spicy Polish “Fire Dog” or a Chicago-style veggie sausage.

Stewart’s Hot Dogs was founded by the Mandt family in Huntington in 1932. They originally sold only Stewart’s root beer and popcorn, but that all changed when they added dogs to the menu.

Today, visitors come from far and wide to try their famed “original” hot dog, as well as their corn dogs, deep-fried dogs, bratwurst, chili sauce buns, and more.

Martino’s may be the most well-known for their hot dogs (and they’ve got all the classics), but they also serve delicious Italian beef sandwiches, homemade soups, bratwursts, and more.

The restaurant has been family-owned and operated since 1977 — and is widely hailed (on Yelp and beyond) as one of the best places to grab a dog in Milwaukee.

One great thing about the simplicity of hot dogs is you can get some of the best ones you’ve ever tasted from a cart or shack on the side of the road — that’s the deal with Phil’s.

Many online reviewers say you can get a perfectly cooked dog here. Phil’s also touts its delicious footlongs, Polish sausage, and Frito pies.

Even if you’re not a hot dog enthusiast per se, checking out famed local hot dog joints is a great (and cheap) way to spend an afternoon in your own state or when traveling through others.

It’s the ideal bargain road trip lunch, helping you stretch your restaurant budget while you enjoy an iconic taste of America.