There's no better American tradition than a hot dog. With so many regional differences, every hot dog is a statement about where it's from. And if you want something better than what you can grill up at home, check out one of the top 20 hot dog stands across the country.
Indianapolis
It's easy to drive past Garcia’s Hot Dogs stand, located on the east side of Indianapolis. The modest stand may not look like much from the outside, but the long lines give away that it is something special. Try the Chicago dog — just make sure you have both hands ready.
Baltimore
Baltimore is more famous for crab cakes than hot dogs, but Stuggy’s will change your mind. Open since 2010, Stuggy’s has turned hot dogs on their head. Try their Crab Mac n Cheese or the Bruce Lee, a hot dog wrapped in an egg roll.
Denver
If you want something besides a standard beef or pork hot dog, head to Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs. They carry ostrich, rattlesnake and rabbit, as well as wild boar hot dogs. But you can also try more standard fare, like chicken, Southwest buffalo, and even a vegan hot dog.
Las Vegas
If you want your hot dogs with a Korean twist, head to Buldogis Gourmet Hot Dogs in Las Vegas. They offer the Bulgogi dog, made with beef bulgogi and Asian slaw or the Angry Kimchi, which includes spicy kimchi and spicy pork bulgogi.
Tuscon, Arizona
While other stands on this list exclusively focus on hot dogs, El Guero Canelo also includes Mexican favorites. But if you go here, you have to try the Chuco dog, which includes jalapeños, diced tomatoes and more.
Anchorage, Alaska
If you ever find yourself in Anchorage, take a detour to the International House of Hot Dogs & Goodies. They offer a variety of specialty dogs, including a Hawaiian with pineapple, ham and BBQ sauce, and an Alaskan dog, made with reindeer.
Louisville, Kentucky
In a city known for building baseball bats, it makes sense that Louisville is also home to a famous hot dog stand: Red Top Gourmet Hot Dogs. If you stop by, try the Wagyu 4/1, served on a soft pretzel roll.
Miami
Hot dogs aren’t the star of the menu at El Mago de las Fritas. Instead, they’re an underrated attraction. If you love a lot of extra meat on your dog, try the Confundoggy, served with pulled pork, ham and swiss, or Mago's Meaty Dog, which includes ham croquetas.
Seattle
Seattle is known for being a hipster enclave, but there’s nothing pretentious about Matt's Famous Chili Dogs. Around since 1992, this eatery focuses on serving basic hot dogs, like a Chicago Dog or Chili Dog. But you can also try the Veggie Sausage, a Seattle Dog (with grilled onions and cream cheese) or the Southern Slaw Dog, with onion, chili and coleslaw.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Restaurants featured on TV shows often get a bad rap, but that’s not the case for the Dog House Drive In, located in Albuquerque, the home turf of "Breaking Bad." Here, you’ll find classic hot dog options, as well as other diner staples.
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Many people think about New York’s Coney Island when they imagine a coney dog, but that's how hot dogs are often referred to in the Midwest. Fort Wayne's Famous Coney Island Wiener Stand
https://www.fortwaynesfamousconeyisland.com/
is famous for its coney dogs, served with mustard, coney sauce and onions.
River Grove, Illinois
Just outside of the heart of Chicago is Gene & Jude's, known to most locals in the area for serving the best hot dogs. Nothing is fancy here — but you’ll find the best example of a simple Chicago Dog. Makes sense for a place that’s been around since 1946.
Koloa, Hawaii
These hot dogs are complemented by one of four types of garlic lemon sauce and one of six tropical relishes, including mango relish, star fruit relish and, of course, pineapple relish at Puka Dog. Choose from a Polish or veggie dog to start.
Cheshire, Connecticut
When you think of hot dogs, the state of Connecticut doesn't immediately come to mind. But if you’re in the area, stop by Blackie’s. They have a hot pepper relish that will instantly sear itself in your brain.
San Diego
San Diego is more famous for its fish tacos. However, that’s not the case at Barrio Dogg. Their dogs bring a Chicano flavor to hot dogs, with toppings like cilantro, habanero peppers and salsa.
North Little Rock, Arkansas
The all-beef hot dogs at Original ScoopDog are served a variety of ways. If you want to stay local, try the Sooey Dog which comes with BBQ sauce. But you can also find other styles, like the Chicago Dog, Detroit Dog, or Kansas City dog.
Milwaukee
The Dairy State is the perfect place to try a hot dog, especially at Milwaukee’s The Vanguard. Our suggestion? Try the Milwaukee Dog, with cheese curds, cheddar cheese and surprisingly, cheese whiz, or the Pittsburgh Dog, with vinegar slaw, fries and ranch dressing.
New Orleans
The Nawlins flavor is alive and well at Dat Dog in New Orleans. We recommend the Crawfish Special, served with crawfish sausage, creole mustard and crawfish etouffee. You can go in another direction and pick the Rougarou, made with alligator sausage.
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Knoxville, Tennessee
Outrageous dogs are the standard at D&B's Hot Dogs Burgers and Ice Cream in Knoxville. It’s hard to choose just one of these dogs, but we love the Hawt, which is served with chili, jalapenos, sour cream and Monterey jack cheese.
Worcester, Massachusetts
If you want a new take on a hot dog, look elsewhere. George’s Coney Island Hot Dogs is the best place to get a basic hot dog. The most exciting topping you can add is chili sauce — just the way we like it.
Hungry for more? Check out our round-up of the best hot dog stands across the U.S.