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Hot dog, frank, weiner, Coney, red hot, white hot– whatever you call them, New York State has the best hot dog variations you’ll ever meat. Trek to the countryside mountains of Plattsburgh to indulge in the history of the “Michigan” or venture downstate to enjoy a Nathan’s Famous as you walk the boardwalk on Coney Island. No matter what part of New York you’re in, these spots will “make you want a hot dog real bad.” (Thanks, Jennifer Coolidge)
Adirondacks
Clare & Carls Hot Dog Stand
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Venture to Plattsburgh for an authentic “Michigan” hot dog, where the delicacy is said to have originated. Since 1942, Clare & Carls has been a North Country staple, known for their steamed all-beef hot dog on a steamed bun topped with their homemade meat sauce. Adding to the experience, when you pull up to the iconic roadside spot you’ll be greeted by carside service!
While in town:
Capital-Saratoga
Gus’s Hot Dogs
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The Capital District is well-known for its devotion to the “mini dog”, and while there are quite a few locations serving up these savory sausages (Hot Dog Charlies, Famous Lunch, First Prize Mike’s) there’s no place quite like Gus’s. This top spot in Watervliet serves up 4-inch franks plain or with “the works” (mustard, chopped onion, and meat sauce).
While in town:
Catskills
Don’t be fooled by the name, Mama’s Boy Burgers is coming in hot (white hot, specifically) with their dogs. Savor the flavors of their legendary White Hots (a blend of beef, veal, and pork that tastes like a bratwurst), footlong German franks, white chili dogs, and more. Wash it all down with a creamy shake (using locally-made ice cream).
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Chautauqua-Allegheny
Johnny’s Lunch
Take a jaunt over to Jamestown where Johnny’s Lunch is grilling up their famous “Johnny’s Hots.” Taste for yourself why their world famous homemade Texas hot sauce has kept crowds coming back for more than 85 years.
While in town:
Central NY
Heid’s
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The place to chow down on an iconic Hofmann frank or Coney is Heid’s of Liverpool. Since 1917, this joint has been delighting appetites with the “Hofmann Frank”, a traditional German-style frankfurter made with beef, pork, and veal, and the “Hofmann Coney”, a zesty flavored Coney made with pork and veal. Their delicious dogs have earned them recognition from Food & Wine, Condé Nast Traveler, Food Network, The Travel Channel, and countless ‘Best Hot Dog’ lists nationwide.
While in town:
Finger Lakes
Dogtown
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dogTown is top-dog when it comes to Finger Lakes franks, earning the accolade of “one of the top 10 hot dog joints in America” by Foursquare. Their perfect recipe starts with a locally-sourced bun, filled with a local Zweigle’s German Frank, finished off with any combination of 18 unique varieties of toppings. Offering both a “meaty” and “veggie” menu, no matter your dietary preference you’ll find something to enjoy. Try the Hawaiian Poi, which includes grilled pineapple, bacon, and BBQ sauce, or the Veggie Coyote, which includes cilantro-lime sour cream, salsa, melted cheddar, and jalapeños.
While in town:
Greater Niagara
Ted’s Hot Dogs
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With eight locations scattered throughout the area, Ted’s Hot Dogs is a culinary landmark of the Greater Niagara region. The charcoal broiled hot dogs cooked to perfection have been satiating palettes since 1927. Choose from an all-beef Sahlen’s dog, veggie dog, skinless dog, or up the ante with a footlong dog!
While in town:
Hudson Valley
Holydog
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Receiving high marks for its “no-frills” approach and top-notch taste, Holydog in Middletown has cemented itself as a must-try spot in the Hudson Valley. There are nearly a dozen ways to order your dog, including specialty options like the “Girlfriend Treatment”, which is spicy chorizo, peppers, onions, chili, cheese, pico de gallo, cilantro, and chipotle mayo, or the “Chicago Dog”, which includes mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickles, and celery salt.
While in town:
Long Island
Rock City Dogs
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Featuring nine hot dog concoctions on the menu at any given time, plus the option of vegan dogs, Rock City Dogs has craftily curated a combination of rock & roll and hot dogs. Rock on with a Zeppelin Dog, which is a beer battered-fried dog, housemade raspberry jam, whipped cream cheese, sage green salad, truffle-honey, and freeze-dried raspberry. Electrify your tastebuds with the Korn Dog, including house cornmeal batter, special sauce, and chives. And of course, you can groove to a calendar filled with live music while you dine.
While in town:
NYC
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Hot dogs and New York City– the perfect pair. With hundreds of places to get a hot dog throughout all five boroughs, it’s tough to pick a favorite. Roam Manhattan’s 840-acre Central Park and grab a hot dog from any of the stands while soaking in the serenity of nature amidst the bustling metropolis.
If you find yourself in Brooklyn, Nathan’s is a household name for a reason. Since 1916 they’ve been serving up their famous dogs, and of course hosting the 4th of July hot dog eating contest. While you’re on Coney Island, take a spin (preferably before you’ve eaten) on any of the thrill rides at Luna Park in Coney Island. Or catch a ball game with the Brooklyn Cyclones.
Take a trek to Queens where you can try out the culinary craze Korean corn dog. Ugly Donuts & Corn Dogs offers more than a dozen different kinds of corn dogs, including the “dynamic ugdog”, a corn dog covered in a special homemade Korean sweet and spicy sauce, topped with peanuts and parsley, or the “premium pizza ugdog”, a corn dog filled with mozzarella cheese, topped with pizza sauce, basil pesto, and garlic powder.
Thousand Islands-Seaway
Rudy’s Lakeside
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There’s no greater way to relish a hot dog than lakeside! Dine al fresco with a view of Lake Ontario at Rudy’s Lakeside. Order your hot dog plain or with their signature “Homemade Texas Hot Sauce”, a spicy meat sauce accompanied by raw onions and mustard.
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