Hot Dogs in New York
In New York, the simple dog reigns supreme. A hot dog in the Big Apple is traditionally topped with a spicy brown mustard and either sauerkraut or onions sautéed with tomato paste.
Many variations are named after regions other than the one in which they are popular. With so many establishments offering hot dogs in New York City, it can be overwhelming figuring out where the best hot dogs are. Well, have no fear because the Female Foodie team has done the heavy lifting, scouring all over the city to find the best of the best. Take a look at this guide the next time you’re in the mood for an incredible hot dog in Manhattan.
This diner is known for their massive 15-Bite All Beef-Frankfurter. Between its length and weight, it could easily feed two people. It also comes with fries and a side salad. In a city with a seemingly unlimited number of cheap dog options, New York also flexes in creative and quality hot dogs too.
At St. Marks staple, snacks are more accessible than ever since this place opened a second outpost in Williamsburg. Known for its adventurous items, Crif Dogs allows eaters to customize their own creations, ensuring crushed cravings, every time.
Hot Dogs in the United States
In Rhode Island, a distinctly local product and preparation had evolved among Providence’s Greek community by the early 1940s. This preparation popularized within the state and the "wieners" served by New York Systems today bear little resemblance to the traditional Coney Island hot dog.
Hot Dog Consumption and Records
Joey Chestnut holds the world record for the most hot dogs eaten at 73. That’s equivalent to about 16 pounds, or as much as 42 billiard balls! Chestnut consumed over 12,000 calories in less than 10 minutes when he set the record in 2013.
Americans spent more than $8.3 billion on hot dogs and sausages in US Supermarkets in 2022. Los Angeles residents consume more hot dogs than any other city, about 30 million pounds, beating out New York and Dallas. The southern United States eats the bulk of all hot dogs each year, more than any other region of the country.
Per capita, West Virginians down 481 hot dogs a year. Despite West Virginia’s numbers, Illinois is called the "hot dog capital of America."
Hot Dogs in Various States
California, known for Hot Dog stands like Pink’s in Los Angeles, offers various types of hot dogs and sells around 2,000 hot dogs a day. Los Angeles residents consume over 95 million hot dogs, surpassing Baltimore/Washington and New York.
The Atlanta restaurant Original Hot Dog Factory features a specialty dog called the BLT, a bacon-wrapped beef dog with all the fixings. Stuggy’s in Baltimore serves favorites like the Crab Mac dog, topped with homemade mac n’ cheese, crab meat, and Old Bay seasoning.
Hot Dogs Across Different Regions
In the Midwest, the South, and West Coast, hot dogs are often combined with grilled cheese, a treat that melds the buttery essence of two classics.
Hot Dog Origins and Popularity
Around 1870, a German immigrant named Charles Feltman opened the first hot dog stand in Coney Island. The hot dog has roots in the mid-1800s when German butcher immigrants in the United States began selling sausages, some resembling the dachshund breed. Moreover, hot dog consumption surged in popularity on Coney Island between 1870-1920.
Greek immigrants who settled in New Castle in the early 20th century brought with them chili dogs. This preparation has persisted and is a staple in the area.
Miscellaneous Hot Dog Facts
Slaw Dogs made their debut in West Virginia in the early 1920s. During the Great Depression, this hot dog variation gained popularity due to its affordability. In some cases, slaw is served on top of the dog.