Top Picks: Every State’s Favorite Hotdog Across America

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The whisper of “hot dog” is enough to set tastebuds dancing, and it seems many share this sentiment. Hence, we’ve scoured every corner to bring you the upper crust of America’s hotdogs. Whether you’re a devout foodie or a casual snacker, prepare to have your appetite whetted and your curiosity piqued.

Alabama: The “Bama Slammer” at Sausage Shack

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In the heart of Alabama, the Sausage Shack serves the “Bama Slammer,” a hotdog as bold and spirited as the state itself. This beloved local spot rolls out a hearty portion of smoked sausage topped generously with tender pulled pork, crisp coleslaw, and a light drizzling of traditional Alabama white sauce.

Alaska: The Reindeer Dog at Tundra Dogs

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Alaska’s take on the hotdog is as primal as its terrains, with Tundra Dogs leading the pack. Their Reindeer Dog, a savory blend of reindeer meat and beef, is exquisitely grilled and served with sautéed onions and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Arizona: The Sonoran Dog at Desert Dawgs

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Arizona takes pride in the Sonoran Dog, a foodie’s delight featuring a bacon-wrapped hotdog cradled in a soft, warm bun, then garnished with beans, onions, tomatoes, and an assortment of flavorful sauces. Desert Dawgs in Phoenix crafts the quintessential hotdogs, celebrated for their complex flavors and texture contrasts.

Arkansas: The Razorback Dog at Little Rock Links

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The Razorback Dog stands out in Arkansas with its all-beef hotdog topped with crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and fried onions. Little Rock Links has mastered this creation, making it a must-try for its hearty, comforting aromatics, which represent the South’s spirit.

California: The California Dreamin’ Dog at Beach Buns

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California’s love for fresh, diverse notes shines through in the California Dreamin’ Dog offered by Beach Buns in Los Angeles. An all-natural beef frank, paired with avocado spread, crispy bacon, and a splash of lime cream, offers a delicious sensation.

Colorado: The Wild Boar Dog at Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs

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Denver has an unconventional hotdog that’s turning heads. Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs serves up the Wild Boar Dog – an adventure between buns. Its uniqueness comes from the rich, wild boar meat seasoned with cranberries and apricots for a sweet and toothsome finish.

Connecticut: The New Englander at Super Duper Weenie

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Fairfield is home to Super Duper Weenie, where the New Englander hotdog takes center stage. A delightful mix of sauerkraut, bacon, mustard, and sugary relish makes up this exceptional delicacy. What makes it memorable is the balance of flavors and the locally sourced ingredients.

Delaware: The Deerhead Special at Deerhead Hot Dogs

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In Wilmington, Deerhead Hot Dogs dishes out a hotdog that has remained a favorite for decades. The Deerhead Special is known for its unique chili sauce, a recipe that has been a closely guarded secret for years and is a piece of Delaware’s history.

Florida: The Toston Dog at Pincho Factory

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Miami’s Pincho Factory has a hotdog that swaps the traditional bun for two fried plantains: the Toston Dog. Several toppings rest over the crunchy, sweet foundation that complements the savory hotdog, and the masterstroke is the drizzle of mango sauce, an irresistible fusion of Cuban and American zests.

Georgia: The Chili Dog at Nu-Way Weiners

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Since 1916, Macon’s Nu-Way Weiners has been serving up a hotdog representing Georgia’s soul. The Chili Dog here is legendary, famous for its finely ground beef chili topping that’s spiced to perfection. It’s a simple yet profound reminder of the timeless appeal of well-prepared, comforting food.

Hawaii: “The Aloha Dog” at Honolulu Hotdogs

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Exotic and zesty, “The Aloha Dog” from Honolulu Hotdogs incorporates a pineapple and pork sausage crowned with a spicy mango relish and a dash of teriyaki sauce. Its saccharine, tangy, and savory notes make it a favorite, perfectly capturing Hawaii’s tropical vibe.

Idaho: “The Spud Dog” at Boise Bites

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Featuring a unique twist, Boise Bites presents “The Spud Dog,” where a vintage hotdog is cradled in a fluffy potato bun layered with crispy shoestring potatoes, cheddar, and a dollop of sour cream. It’s a nod to Idaho’s potato pride, offering a crunchy, creamy, and utterly comforting experience.

Illinois: “The Windy City Classic” at Chicago Char

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“The Windy City Classic” at Chicago Char reflects Chicago’s love of hotdogs. This all-beef hotdog comes on a poppy seed bun and is loaded with neon green relish, pickles, tomatoes, sport peppers, onions, and a dash of celery salt.

Indiana: “The Hoosier Dog” at Indy’s Finest

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Indy’s Finest prepares “The Hoosier Dog,” a delectable creation delivering a beef hotdog laden with Indiana sweet corn relish, bacon bits, and a creamy mayo-mustard sauce. A celebration of local palates, it combines honeyed, savory, and buttery elements for a truly satisfying morsel.

Iowa: The Corn Dog at Cozy Dog Drive-In

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Every trip through Iowa would be complete with a nod to the Corn Dog, and Cozy Dog Drive-In has a version that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Dipped in a sweet cornmeal batter and fried to a golden crisp, it features a crunchy outside with a juicy hotdog, giving a perfect balance of textures.

Kansas: The Z-Man Dog at Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que

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Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, a Kansas treasure, has the Z-Man Dog, a twist on their famous Z-Man sandwich. This beef frank is coated in smoked provolone, crispy onion rings, and a slathering of barbecue sauce, all stacked within a soft bun.

Kentucky: The Beer Cheese Dog at Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn

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Owensboro’s Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn presents the Beer Cheese Dog. Adorned with Kentucky’s cherished beer cheese, this adds a rich, velvety dimension that enhances the smokiness of the grilled dog. It is the region’s finest, paired with a warm bun and bourbon-infused pit sauce.

Louisiana: The Alligator Dog at Dat Dog

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Situated at the core of New Orleans, Dat Dog presents a variety of distinctive hotdogs, with the Alligator Dog being a notable highlight. It’s an adventurous, zingy, and appetizing mouthful made with succulent alligator sausage and topped with creole mustard.

Maine: The Red Snapper at W.A. Bean & Sons

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Bangor’s W.A. Bean & Sons is famous for its Red Snapper hotdogs, a Maine classic. These bright red franks snap with each nibble and are plated in a soft bun. Indigenous toppings like blueberry relish often accompany them, making it a Maine-eating experience.

Maryland: The Crab Mac ‘N Cheese Dog at Stuggy’s

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Baltimore’s Stuggy’s puts a Maryland twist on the traditional hotdog with their Crab Mac ‘N Cheese Dog. This indulgent creation features a beef hotdog covered in creamy mac ‘n cheese, a generous portion of Maryland crab meat, and a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning.

Massachusetts: The Fenway Frank at Fenway Park

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Boston’s iconic Fenway Frank, from the legendary Fenway Park, is boiled, roasted, and garnished with mustard and relish. It’s enjoyed by baseball fans and foodies alike, making it an indispensable part of the Massachusetts food scene.

Michigan: The Coney Dog at American Coney Island

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Detroit is famed for the Coney Dog, a delectable creation from American Coney Island. Smothered in chili sauce, mustard, and onions, Michigan’s beloved tradition reflects its rich cultural fabric.

Minnesota: The Jucy Lucy Dog at The Blue Door Pub

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Inspired by the famous Jucy Lucy burger, the Jucy Lucy Dog at The Blue Door Pub puts a Minnesota twist on the hotdog. It is stuffed with cheese that melts perfectly when seared and portioned on a toasted bun with pickles.

Mississippi: The Delta Dog at Doe’s Eat Place

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Within the vibrant heart of the Delta, Doe’s Eat Place introduces the Delta Dog, wrapped in bacon, deep-fried, and finished with coleslaw and a special Delta sauce. A crunchy, luscious, and peppery medley, this combination beautifully narrates the tale of Mississippi’s diverse culinary influences.

Missouri: The St. Louis Dog at Steve’s Hot Dogs

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St. Louis has its take on the hotdog, courtesy of Steve’s Hot Dogs. The St. Louis Dog is a smoky gem topped with barbecue sauce, shredded cheese, and crispy fried onions. It is a must-try for those seeking to experience Missouri’s grand cookout tradition.

Montana: The Bison Dog at The Burger Dive

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Smoked bison sausage forms the base, draped with huckleberry barbecue glaze, which adds a dulcet and tangy contrast to the famous Burger Dive’s Bison Dog. Crispy onions garnish this hotdog, leading your palate on a toothsome voyage that captures the spirit of Montana.

Nebraska: The Reuben Dog at Crescent Moon

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Omaha introduces the Reuben Dog, a homage to the age-old Reuben sandwich. Crescent Moon wraps a juicy hotdog in Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and thousand island dressing; all cradled in a warm bun. With each morsel, patrons enjoy savory, tangy, and satiny flavors.

Nevada: The Chilli Cheese Dog at Buldogis

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Las Vegas sparkles with Buldogis’ Chili Cheese Dog, a beef frank generously ladled with homemade chili and melted cheddar, then dressed with onions and a sprinkle of mustard. A decadent feast, this creation mirrors the city’s vibrant energy.

New Hampshire: The Loaded Dog at Gilley’s PM Lunch

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Portsmouth’s Gilley’s PM Lunch makes waves with the Loaded Dog. Piled high with bacon, cheese, onions, and relish, the gourmet masterpiece is a complex mixture of textures and tastes. It’s a salute to the straightforward, no-frills approach to food that New Hampshire is known for.

New Jersey: The Italian Hot Dog at Jimmy Buff’s

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Encased in pizza bread, Jimmy Buff’s Italian Hot Dog merges Italian-American essences with the iconic hotdog. Laden with peppers, onions, and fried potatoes, this hearty meal pays tribute to New Jersey’s grand Italian heritage of interweaving comfort food with a touch of nostalgia.

New Mexico: The Green Chile Dog at Santa Fe Bite

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Santa Fe Bite offers a hotdog that’s a fiery tribute to New Mexico’s beloved green chile. The Green Chile Dog is a savory synthesis of heat and meat blanketed in rich, spicy green chile sauce and melted cheese.

New York: The Classic New York Dog at Gray’s Papaya

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Gray’s Papaya cooks up the quintessential New York Dog, a minimalist work of art. As iconic as the city’s skyline, this hotdog is a quick, tasty, and classic snack representing New York life’s hustle and bustle.

North Carolina: The Slaw Dog at Pulliam’s Barbecue

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Operating out of Winston-Salem, Pulliam’s Barbecue presents the Slaw Dog, a North Carolina delicacy. The tangy, sweetened slaw complements the smokiness of the flame-grilled dog, creating an enticing combination that reflects the citizens’ love for pit roasting and slaw.

North Dakota: The Bison Dog at DogMahal DogHaus

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In Grand Forks, DogMahal DogHaus crafts a Bison Dog that pays homage to North Dakota’s ranching heritage. The lean, succulent sausage is made from native-bred bison and covered with unique condiments like blueberry ketchup. It’s an innovative take on time-honored American fare.

Ohio: The Cleveland Polish Boy at Seti’s Polish Boys

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Cleveland’s Seti’s Polish Boys puts a creative spin on the hotdog with the Cleveland Polish Boy. This kielbasa sausage sits snug in a bun, buried under a heap of french fries, coleslaw, and grill sauce. It’s a messy, indulgent, and utterly satisfying dish.

Oklahoma: The Onion Burger Dog at Sid’s Diner

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El Reno presents an intriguing twist on domestic cuisine with Sid’s Diner’s Onion Burger Dog, which ingeniously combines the flavors of a traditional Oklahoma onion burger with a hotdog. Served with a heap of caramelized onions on top, it marries the savory sweetness of onions with the juicy snap of a hotdog.

Oregon: The Vegan Dog at Next Level Burger

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Conscious eating takes center stage in Portland with the Vegan Dog from Next Level Burger. In keeping with Oregon’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive food options, this entirely plant-based hotdog, set out with various organic toppings, challenges the conventional hotdog paradigm.

Pennsylvania: The Philly Dog at Texas Wieners

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Philadelphia’s Texas Wieners introduces the Philly Dog, a hotdog that pays homage to the culinary icons. Philadelphia cream cheese, sautéed onions, and peppers come together over a grilled frank, merging the iconic elements of a Philly cheesesteak with the straightforward delight of a flame-kissed hotdog.

Rhode Island: The New York System Hot Wiener at Olneyville New York System

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Despite its name, New York System Hot Wiener is decidedly local. It has meat sauce, onions, mustard, and a sprinkle of celery salt. Providence’s Olneyville New York System’s bestseller is a late-night favorite, representing Rhode Island’s melting pot of epicurean influences in a bite-sized, seasoned package.

South Carolina: The Pimento Cheese Dog at Jack’s Cosmic Dogs

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Mount Pleasant’s Jack’s Cosmic Dogs serves the Pimento Cheese Dog, a southern classic reimagined generously slathered with homemade pimento, adding an opulent, tangy layer to the smoky frank. Paired with a soft, toasted bun, it’s a comforting meld of Southern charm and traditional American cuisine.

South Dakota: The Wild Game Dog at Independent Ale House

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Rapid City’s Independent Ale House tempts adventurous palates with the Wild Game Dog. Made from an indigenous game like elk or bison; it is coated in wild berry compote and a drizzle of spicy mustard. Delivering a taste of the exotic and familiar outback, it’s a celebration of South Dakota’s natural bounty, plated in a bun.

Tennessee: The Nashville Hot Chicken Dog at I Dream of Weenie

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I Dream of Weenie, located in East Nashville, celebrates regional undertones with its Nashville Hot Chicken Dog. A fiery creation that dresses the traditional hotdog with hot chicken seasoning, pickles, and creamy slaw, it captures the essence of Nashville’s famed hot chicken in every mouthful.

Texas: The Brisket Dog at Frank

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Austin’s frank introduces the Brisket Dog, a juicy hotdog submerged in tender, smoked brisket, barbecue sauce, and coleslaw. Uniting the BBQ legacy with the simplicity of street food, it stands as a hearty, resounding nod to Texas’s mouthwatering blend of smokiness and spice.

Utah: The Pastrami Dog at Feldman’s Deli

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Salt Lake City’s Feldman’s Deli brings a taste of New York to Utah with the Pastrami Dog. This lavishly adorned dog is topped with thinly sliced pastrami, Swiss cheese, and a dollop of mustard, combining the deli tones with the convenience of a hotdog. It’s a cross-cultural cookery bridge that resonates with locals and visitors.

Vermont: The Maple Dog at Beansie’s Bus

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Burlington’s Beansie’s Bus offers the Maple Dog, a sweet and zesty treat drizzled with native maple syrup, adding a uniquely saccharine flavor that compliments the salty frank. Layered with bacon bits and presented in a fluffy bun, it’s a captivating mix of Vermont’s most cherished tastes, proving that maple syrup belongs on more than just pancakes.

Virginia: The Half-Smoke at Ben’s Chili Bowl

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In the bustling streets of Washington, D.C., Ben’s Chili Bowl whips up the Half-Smoke, a smoky, fiery sausage that is half beef, half pork, and all delicious, roasted to perfection and smothered in Ben’s signature chili sauce. Placed on a warm, soft bun with onions and mustard, it’s a dish that fuses southern undertones with urban flair.

Washington: The Seattle Dog at Monster Dogs

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Seattle’s own Monster Dogs brings a Pacific Northwest twist to the standard hotdog with the Seattle Dog. This gastronomic magnum opus is split down the middle, sizzled, and generously dressed with cream cheese, sautéed onions, and jalapeños, offering a creamy, piquant kick.

West Virginia: The Slaw Dog at Hillbilly Hot Dogs

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Lesage’s Hillbilly Hot Dogs pays homage to West Virginia’s traditions, with the Slaw Dog blanketed in homemade coleslaw, chili, mustard, and onions. It’s a regional favorite that captures sweetness, spice, and everything excellent in one alluring package.

Wisconsin: The Bratwurst at State Street Brats

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Madison’s State Street Brats honors Wisconsin’s German heritage with its world-renowned Bratwurst. In a celebration of the people’s love for brats, beer, and good times, this hotdog alternative is a fresh, juicy bratwurst grilled to perfection and served on a bakery-fresh bun with sauerkraut and brown mustard.

Wyoming: The Buffalo Dog at The Bunkhouse

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Cheyenne’s The Bunkhouse offers an authentic taste of the West with the Buffalo Dog, made from lean, flavorful buffalo meat. Garnished with spicy chili and a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese, it’s a spin on the age-old hotdog that pays tribute to Wyoming’s rugged terrain and rich history.

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