Grabbing a hot dog is a must when visiting New York City. We’re talking about the classic all-beef frank, boiled and tucked into a soft, steamed white bun with a heap of sauerkraut and a good squirt of brown mustard on top. The NYC hot dog, a tradition brought by European immigrants, was popularized in Coney Island by Charles Feltman and later by Nathan Handwerker of Nathan’s Famous in 1916. Nathan’s also started the famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, a July 4th tradition that draws huge crowds and is pretty much the Super Bowl of hot dog culture. But not all wieners are created equally. We decided to come up with a list of foodies’ best hot dogs in NYC.
Curious about where to find the most delicious franks in the city? StudyFinds dove into recommendations from food enthusiasts across eight different websites to find the top seven best hot dogs in New York City. Is Nathan’s still the king of the bun? Keep reading for the answer! And let us know your favorite frank in the comments.
The List: Best Hot Dogs In NYC, Rated by Foodies
1. Nathan’s Famous
Yes! Nathan’s remains the gold standard for hot dogs in NYC and is the first on our list! The flagship store in Coney Island, with its original subway tiles and iconic sign, still serves up perfection with every dawg. According to Timeout, there is something new — a curbside clam bar, similar to the one the restaurant had in the ’50s. Be sure to include the “sinus-clearing horseradish” with your order.
Their website proudly proclaims their iconic hot dog a “thing of dreams,” and with over a century of history, who are we to argue? One bite of this legendary frank and you might just understand the hype. Nathan’s Famous has branched out across the United States and even internationally, with restaurants in 17 states and 15 countries, explains Secret NYC. Sure, they offer creative options like the NY Cheesesteak dog or the Chili Cheese Dog to tempt your taste buds. But sometimes, the classics reign supreme.
Let’s face it, a fiver won’t get you much these days, especially not a Nathan’s Famous hot dog. Back in 1916, that was all it took to snag one of these legendary franks, according to The Lombardy. They also highlight the exciting “new additions” to the menu. So, go for the classic Nathan’s experience, or get adventurous and try one of their innovative hot dog creations.
2. Katz’s deli
Another famous spot to wolf down a perfect hot dog is Katz’s Deli on the Lower East Side. The frankfurter is “lightly charred with natural casing,” giving way to aflavorful interior, describes The Lombardy. But that’s just the first act! Then comes the supporting cast of toppings, each playing a vital role in the overall deliciousness. A tangy layer of mustard adds a welcome kick, while the sauerkraut brings a delightful “crispy acid” that cuts through the richness of the hot dog.
Katz’s Deli is a New York institution, legendary for its towering pastrami sandwiches and bustling atmosphere. But nestled within the heart of the deli is a glorious grill station, beckoning with the promise of juicy, all-beef franks, The Infatuation says. For a mere $5 (practically unheard of in NYC!), you can snag yourself a kosher hot dog that’ll leave you wanting nothing more.
The true star of the show here is the snap. Off The Mrkt raves about the casing around the dog, which provides a satisfying “snap” with every bite. It’s a textural delight that elevates the all-beef frank to new heights.
3. Crif Dogs
If you like creativity, this East Village staple is the perfect place to order a hot dog. According to Secret NYC, each frank has a personality, like the Everything Dog, which comes with the dog, cream cheese, scallions, and everything bagel seasoning. If you like more of a sweet-savory option, consider the Tsunami dog wrapped in bacon and topped with diced pineapple, teriyaki, and scallions.
Crif Dogs is not only a fabulous hot dog joint, but a popular speakeasy too, Off The Mrkt raves. Give the correct password by picking up the phone in the telephone booth, and you’ll be granted entrance to the “Please Don’t Tell” (PDT) speakeasy. So fun!
These dogs are great for lunch or after a bar crawl at 2 a.m. Food Network loves the Morning Jersey version of the classic Frank. It’s wrapped in Taylor ham, fried, then covered with melted cheese and a fried egg. The sky’s the limit!
4. Dog Day Afternoon
If you want a Chicago dog in New York City, this is the place to find it! The “kitschy” shop even keeps a Vienna beef diagram near the register, so you can make sure what you get is the real deal, The Infatuation writes. You can’t go wrong with the poppyseed bun which is soft and full of flavor. Yes, it was named after the Al Pacino movie with the same name!
5. Schaller’s Stube Sausage Bar
If you want a German twist to your frank, this iconic butcher and grocery store on the Upper East Side has some of the best sausages in town. At the takeout window, you can experience a juicy and well-seasoned brat on a chewy pretzel bun, says The Infatuation. Sign us up!
Their secret weapon? A menu that bursts with creative twists on the classic recipe, adds Off The Mrkt. Indulge in the “Currywurst,” a flavor explosion featuring a decadent curry ketchup and a sprinkle of fragrant curry powder. Feeling like a trip to Southeast Asia? The “Saigon Special” might be your perfect match, boasting a refreshing daikon-carrot slaw and a spicy sriracha aioli that will tantalize your taste buds. Or, if you’re looking for something a touch more sophisticated, the “Bougie Brat” is there to answer your call. Truffle oil, prosciutto, and crumbled goat cheese elevate this hot dog to gourmet status, proving that street food can be just as luxurious as a fancy restaurant meal.
Feeling like a hot dog purist, and craving the quintessential New York street food experience? Then look no further than Schaller’s Stube’s, a legend among local hot dog slingers, according to Female Foodie. This no-frills hot dog stand might not win any awards for ambience, but when it comes to pure, delicious hot dogs, it’s in a league of its own.
6. Kings of Kobe
This Midtown gem that started as a pop-up in 2015 and has become a haven for adventurous hot dog lovers, writes Secret NYC. Their motto? “Everything is delicious,” and with a menu that reads like a culinary adventure story, it’s hard to disagree. Craving a taste of pure indulgence? The “Frydom Fighter” is your battle cry. This bad boy comes loaded with a bacon-wrapped, deep-fried hot dog, crispy onions for an addictive crunch, and a “royal fry sauce” fit for a king (or queen) of flavor town.
Here, every bite is an ode to quality. They craft their hot dogs, ensuring a “wholesome and delicious” experience in every mouthful, as Female Foodie adds. The result? Hot dogs that transcend the ordinary, bursting with juicy flavor that will have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about this classic street food. Feeling like a taste bud adventure? The “Chili Project” might be your perfect match.
Their creations as “more on the gourmet side,” and with one bite, you’ll understand exactly what that means, explains Mashed. These aren’t your average franks. Kings of Kobe crafts their hot dogs using all-natural American Wagyu beef. Wagyu, for the uninitiated, is the holy grail of meats, renowned for its incredible marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Imagine a hot dog that’s not just juicy, it’s luxuriously so, with each bite bursting with rich, beefy flavor. The original location on West 42nd Street is a haven for adventurous eaters, and they’ve recently opened a new outpost in Jersey City.
7. Gray’s Papaya
Sometimes you just crave a classic New York experience, a hot dog that’s stood the test of time and satisfied countless hungry patrons. That’s where Gray’s Papaya comes in, our final stop on this delicious journey. Gray’s is a New York institution that’s been serving up juicy franks since 1916, writes Secret NYC. Their claim to fame? The legendary “Recession Special” – a budget-friendly combo that teams two hot dogs with tropical drinks, the perfect pick-me-up for a day of exploring the city.
For under $3, you can snag a “crisp, griddled Sabrett dog on a traditional bun” nestled alongside tangy sauerkraut and crunchy onions, Food Network says. It’s a classic New York hot dog experience, bursting with flavor and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank. Even if you’ve never set foot in New York City, there’s a good chance you’ve virtually munched on a Gray’s Papaya hot dog. Its bright yellow umbrellas have served as a backdrop for countless movies and TV shows, including “Sex and the City.”
Planning a picnic in the park or feeding a hungry crew after a day of exploring? Mashed raves about Gray’s budget-friendly options. A 12-pack of hot dogs will only set you back $30, making it a delicious and affordable way to satisfy a whole bunch of hungry mouths.
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