May 19, 2005

Mmmmm, Hot Dogs . . .

by Cliopatria

If you happen to be near Maine, and if you like hot dogs, (and if you don't like hot dogs, what kind of human being are you, anyway? And why are you reading this blog? Freak.) this sounds like one of the greatest places on earth.

Which brings up today's question: What are the greatest hot dogs or hot dog places in America (or elsewhere, but I don't want to hear about no beret-wearing, baguette encased faux-dog)?

Here is a start:

If you are making your own, you will never do better than Hebrew National, and especially their big, beefy dinner frank. But what fun is making your own?

When I lived in Athens (the one in Ohio), my apartment complex was in dangerous proximity to Larry's Dawg House. God bless you, Larry.

I can always go for a Lucky Dog when I am in New Orleans. They are not actually"good" if by"good" you mean"tasty" or"enjoyable" or"sanitary" or"handed to you by people who have showered lately," but when in the French Quarter . . .

Two words:"Fenway Frank." Nuff said.

The late, great"Willie's" in Williamstown, Massachusetts had the greatest mini-dogs ever. I would sell Tom's son into child labor for just one of them right now (and their burgers were damned good too).

I also ought to point out that chili dogs won the New England Patriots three Super Bowls, as our regular readers know. None will ever be more special than the (Arlington, Virginia) Hard Times Cafe-fueled title run in that first Super Bowl season of 2001-2002.

I'm sure others will come to me. Your turn. Oh -- and as Ohio University's Distinguished Professor (and native Texan) Charlie Alexander avers, hot dogs must be eaten with mustard.

(Today's Post also has a piece comparing North Carolina's East v. West barbecue, though it really ought to also include the great mustard-based sauce debate.)

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More Comments:

Derek Charles Catsam - 5/24/2005

Don --
Leaving out Ben's Chili Bowl is an unconscionable ommission on my part.
i have not had a Five Guys dog. guess where you're taking me next time I'm in DC?
You reap what you sow . . .
dc

Don Graves - 5/24/2005

Let me give a shout out from the city with "taxation without representation". For any lover of good dogs, there are two placed in DC that are absolute musts. One is a greasy joint called Five Guys that has recently expanded to to overwhelming demand to 5 or 6 stores regionally. Five Guys splits their dogs and fries them up in the grease from the dogs and the burgers and the fixin's. In addition to the dogs, they have fresh peanuts that you can shell while waiting for your food.

The best, by far, is Ben's Chili Bowl (as seen on Oprah and loved by Bill Cosby). You haven't lived until you've eaten a chili dog or chili burger from Ben's! I might also add the karma of a Ben's dog has let to some successful victories for New England sports teams (or at least that's what Derek thinks).

Derek Charles Catsam - 5/21/2005

Interesting that we'll eat hotdogs served from the most bizarre ad hoc conveyances. Would you ever order a steak froma guy who pulled his car up to the curb (ok, so Tom and I would, but still . . .)?

dc

Derek Charles Catsam - 5/21/2005

Tom --
Thanks for that, though i am out of the Bertmans and so now i want to cry.
I can second Chris' pink hot dogs comment -- South Africans do sausage (boerewors is the biggie) well, but hot dogs? Not so much.
dc

Van L. Hayhow - 5/21/2005

There is an ancient cart that parks near city hall in Providence every night call haven brothers. Everyone, from Senators and Governors on down has eaten there. Also, there used to be a Rhode Island brand called Saugy that was out of this world but spicy. I am not sure if they are still in business. They had to sell the factory and were trying to relocate.

chris l pettit - 5/20/2005

...talk about the make up of a hot dog? Half the excitement is not knowing what it is made of...

TO continue the South Africa theme...the "hot dogs" here are neon pink, as is the baloney...scary stuff...colors not found in nature...

I prefer hot english mustard myself...with carmelised onions, relish, ketchup (why do they only have tomato sauce here?), kraut if it is around...obviously i need a REAL BIG bun and a shirt that I am ready to wash anyway...

CP

Tom Bruscino - 5/20/2005

Derek's been waiting for it, I'm sure, but this discussion is a fraud without talking about the greatest mustard in the world. It is known to fans as Cleveland Stadium Mustard, because that's where they served it, but its real name is Bertman's Ballpark Mustard. If you can manage to find a bottle--it is readily available in Cleveland-area stores--I highly recommend it. (There is a knockoff called Stadium Mustard that is not bad but not the real thing.) You could have ground-up lips and assholes jammed in a casing and served on a stale bun (i.e.: a hotdog), and as long as it's covered in Bertman's, it will be delicious.

Derek Charles Catsam - 5/20/2005

Three cheers for boerewors, and three cheers for braiis!

chris l pettit - 5/20/2005

I might as well throw in the good old South African treat...although you will probably call it more sausage than hot dog. But for braaiing (you can keep your bar b q), nothing beats them and a nice cold Winhoek or Castle milk Stout. I must say, South Africans do the whole outdoor cookout better than just about anyone.

So three cheers for Boerwors...plus they come in so many different varieties...beef, ostrich, springbok...

CP

Steven Heise - 5/20/2005

I saw it a couple of times during my visit, but didn't go. Is it worth it?

Derek Charles Catsam - 5/19/2005

Yup -- despite having had a nice, plump hebrew National dog last night, I think that the odds are good that I'll have at least one dog today. Mmmmmm, nitrates . . .
Have never had Tony Packo's. Must add it to the itinerary.
dc

Derek Charles Catsam - 5/19/2005

Tootle never took me to Frank's. Damn him! i cannot complain too much though -- I did get to sample the Pismo Beach clam chowder in a bread bowl as well as the tri-tip at the summer street fair as a result of his stewardship.
dc

Derek Charles Catsam - 5/19/2005

I must admit, though, that when it comes to culinary delights at Fenway, it all has to start with sausages with peppers and onions. That is the smell that captivates generations of visitors to kenmore Square and the Fens. There is also a "Sausage Guy" not far f4rom government center that sells the same sausages.
dc

Robert Wisler - 5/19/2005

Being from Toledo, of course I have to say Tony Packo's. http://www.tonypackos.com/
Good stuff. I'm actually getting heart burn just thinking about them. Well, looks like dinner plans just changed...

Greg Robinson - 5/19/2005

Frank's Hot Dogs in San Luis Obispo is very good with specials every day of the week that suit the student's budget. Dodger Dogs, as much as it pains me to admit it, are also very good and can be bought in stores and prepared at home. The Dodgers suck though.

AJ Fucile - 5/19/2005

When I went to Coney Island last summer, all everyone could talk about were Nathan's dogs. They were good, but I'd have to say Fenway Franks, as you mentioned, are better.