20 Best Hot Dogs in New York
New York, the city that never sleeps, has a vibrant food scene, and at the heart of it lies one of America’s favorite street foods – the hot dog. Join me on a journey through the bustling streets of the Big Apple as we explore the 20 best hot dogs that this city has to offer.
Get ready for a mouth-watering adventure filled with flavors, history, and a dash of New York humor!
Historical Journey of Hot Dogs in New York
To truly appreciate the best hot dogs in New York, let’s start with a quick dive into history. Hot dogs have been an integral part of New York’s street food culture since the late 19th century.
Immigrants brought the tradition from Europe, and it quickly became a staple. From Coney Island to the busy streets of Manhattan, hot dog vendors became an iconic symbol of the city.
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20 Best Hot Dogs in New York
Sure! Here are some results for the 20 best hot dogs in New York:
Classic Cones:
- Nathan’s Famous (Coney Island): A pilgrimage for any hot dog enthusiast. Grab a Nathan’s dog (preferably with sauerkraut and mustard) while feeling the Coney Island vibes.
- Gray’s Papaya (Upper West Side): Nostalgia in a snap! These all-beef dogs are perfect for a quick and satisfying fix, especially with their famous Recession Special (two dogs and a drink).
- Papaya King (Multiple Locations): Another NYC hot dog legend, Papaya King offers classic franks alongside delicious papaya drinks for a refreshing combo.
Gourmet Grub:
- Crif Dogs (East Village): Unleash your inner “Crif Dog aficionado” with their creative gourmet dogs, like the “Everything Dog” and the “Tsunami.”
- Schaller’s Stube Sausage Bar (Upper East Side): This German-inspired haven takes sausages to new heights, with unique casings, flavorful toppings, and even kangaroo and alligator dogs for the adventurous!
- Emmett’s (NoHo): Known for their “haute dogs,” Emmett’s elevates the hot dog game with premium ingredients and inventive creations like the “Lobster Dog” and the “Mac & Cheese Dog.”
Beyond the Bun:
- Two Hands Corn Dogs (Multiple Locations): Forget the flimsy fairground offerings! Two Hands offers gourmet corn dogs made with high-quality sausage and creative toppings like kimchi and sriracha mayo.
- Kings of Kobe (Hell’s Kitchen): Indulge in luxury with Kobe beef hot dogs, Wagyu sausage rolls, and other decadent options fit for a king (or queen!).
- Tony Dragon’s Grille (Upper East Side): This upscale eatery boasts a “Million Dollar Dog” filled with black truffles and foie gras, for those seeking the ultimate hot dog splurge.
Global Twist:
- Los Chilangos (Multiple Locations): Mexican street food meets NYC! Try their “Sonoran Dog” wrapped in bacon and topped with an array of Mexican goodies.
- Korilla BBQ (Multiple Locations): Korean corn dogs get a gourmet makeover with unique glazes, toppings, and even a “Ramen Dog” filled with cheese and ramen noodles.
Hidden Gems:
- John’s Famous Hot Dogs (Midtown): A no-frills joint serving up classic NYC-style dogs since 1926. Don’t miss their homemade chili sauce!
- Hot Dogs Point (Midtown): This tiny stand packs a punch with their delicious and affordable hot dogs, piled high with all the classic toppings.
- Frankies Dogs On The Go (Grand Central Terminal): Grab a quick and satisfying dog before your train journey, with gluten-free options available too.
Bonus Bites:
- Shake Shack (Multiple Locations): While known for their burgers, Shake Shack’s Shack-cago Dog deserves a shoutout, with its Vienna beef, sport peppers, and poppy seed bun.
- Katz’s Delicatessen (Lower East Side): No NYC food tour is complete without a classic Katz’s hot dog. Pair it with some pastrami for the ultimate meaty experience.
For the Vegan/Vegetarian:
- Superiority Burger (East Village): Beyond Meat dogs take center stage here, with creative toppings and delicious vegan sides.
- Urban Vegan Kitchen (Chelsea): Their seitan hot dog comes wrapped in a pretzel bun and loaded with flavorful toppings, satisfying even the most dedicated meat-eater.
Beyond Manhattan:
- Dickson’s Farmstand Meats (Chelsea Market): This butcher shop also serves incredible hot dogs made with their own grass-fed beef, for a taste of farm-to-table goodness.
- Nathan’s Famous (Multiple Locations): Yes, they deserve another mention! Head to their original Coney Island location for the quintessential NYC hot dog experience.
Hot Dog Festivals and Events
New York doesn’t just serve hot dogs; it celebrates them. Join the city’s vibrant hot dog festivals and events to indulge in this iconic street food.
Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest
This is the most famous hot dog eating contest in the world, and it takes place every year on Coney Island on July 4th. While it’s not a festival, it’s a major event for hot dog lovers.
Smorgasburg
This popular food market has a variety of vendors selling hot dogs from all over the world, including classic styles, gourmet creations, and vegetarian options. There are Smorgasburg markets in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan at different times of the year.
NYC Hot Dog Stands
New York City is home to some of the best hot dog stands in the country, like Gray’s Papaya, Papaya King, and Nathan’s Famous. These stands are open year-round and serve up classic New York-style hot dogs.
Crafting the Perfect Hot Dog at Home
Feeling adventurous? Bring the New York hot dog experience to your kitchen. Here’s a simple recipe to craft the perfect hot dog at home.
DIY New York Style Hot Dogs
Ingredients:
- High-quality beef franks
- New York-style hot dog buns
- Yellow mustard
- Onion sauce
- Sauerkraut
- Relish
- Chopped onions
Instructions:
- Grill or boil the franks until they have that irresistible snap.
- Toast the buns for that perfect crunch.
- Layer on the yellow mustard, onion sauce, sauerkraut, relish, and chopped onions.
- Enjoy your homemade New York-style hot dog!
The Vegan and Health-Conscious Options
For those looking for a healthier or plant-based option, New York has you covered. Even in the land of meaty franks, there are delightful alternatives.
Beyond Sausage at Crif Dogs
Location: East Village
Crif Dogs offers a vegan twist with their Beyond Sausage dog. Savor the taste of a classic New York hot dog without the meat.
Organic Hot Dogs at The Organic Grill
Location: East Village
The Organic Grill caters to health-conscious hot dog lovers with organic and vegan hot dog options. It’s a guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Conclusion
In the concrete jungle where dreams are made, hot dogs hold a special place in every New Yorker’s heart.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite from a street vendor or enjoying a gourmet creation at a trendy restaurant, the hot dog culture in New York is as diverse as the city itself.
So, the next time you find yourself strolling through the streets, follow the aroma of sizzling franks – it might just lead you to the best hot dog you’ve ever tasted.
