When you think of iconic NYC foods, you may dream of bagels, pizza, bodega coffees…and even New York hot dogs. Although most iconically served out of red-and-yellow carts, the range of quality hot dogs stretches far and wide across our great city.
From dedicated hot dog joints to Venezuelan street food restaurants, we asked true New Yorkers where to get the best hot dogs in NYC, and the answers did not disappoint. Book mark these spots for next time you’re craving a dog topped in ketchup and mustard.
1. Nathan’s Famous, Coney Island
We start with arguably one of NYC’s most iconic hot dogs…Nathan’s Famous. The original location in Coney Island is a literal landmark and their hot dogs are the thing of dreams. Of course it’s home to the July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest, but it’s also open year-round selling their staples like the NY Cheesesteak Dog and Chili Cheese Dog. Learn more here.
Where: 1310 Surf Ave, Brooklyn
🚇: Coney Island-Stillwell Ave (D, F, N, Q)
2. Gray’s Papaya, Upper West Side
Since 1932, this beloved hot dog joint has been serving delicious hot dogs and tropical drinks. We recommend taking advantage of their signature “Recession Special,” which includes two hot dogs and a tropical drink. You can embellish them with relish, chili, cheese, sauerkraut, and more. Check out their full menu here.
Where: 2090 Broadway
🚇: 72nd St (1, 2, 3)
3. Crif Dogs, East Village
They’re “Frankly the Best”…at least that’s what Crif Dogs says. For over 20 years, this East Village staple has been serving creative dogs that “have their own unique personalities (just like New Yorkers).” Take menu highlights like the Everything Dog (Crif dog, cream cheese, scallions, everything bagel seasoning) and the Tsunami (Bacon-wrapped crif dog, diced pineapple, teriyaki, scallions) as an example! See their full menu here.
Where: 113 St Marks Pl
🚇: 1 Av (L)
4. Dog Day Afternoon, Windsor Terrace
This Secret NYC-approved hot dog joint is the brainchild of owners Joachim Boyle and Jarret Kerr who met over a decade ago working in the Brooklyn restaurant scene. Their main focus is on Chicago-style hot dogs, which come complete with diced onions, mustard, relish, a crunchy pickle spear, tomato, spicy sport peppers, a pinch of celery salt. Their Chili Cheese Dog and Polish Kielbasa Dog are pretty good too.
The interior space even has Chicago vinyls you can shop as well as a Pac-Man machine! Full menu here.
Where: 266 L, Prospect Park West, Brooklyn
🚇: 15 St – Prospect Park (F/G)
5. Kings of Kobe, Hell’s Kitchen
What started as a Manhattan pop-up in 2015, Kings of Kobe now proudly stands firm in Midtown where they serve a selection of elevated hot dogs and juicy hamburgers. Our favorites are the Frydom Fighter (bacon wrapped and fried hot dog, crispy onions, royal fry sauce) and Banh Mine (pickled carrots and cucumbers, sriracha mayo, thinly sliced jalapeños, cilantro), but everything is delicious. See full menu here.
Where: 650 W 42nd St
🚇: 42 St – Port Authority Bus Terminal (A, C, E)
6. Glizzy’s NYC, Williamsburg
This brand new hot dog counter in Brooklyn is serving the absolute best late-night franks. Open til 3 am on the weekends, Glizzy’s NYC is setting the wave for signature hot dogs in NYC. Some of their best-sellers include the Sean Paul (Jerked Smoked Brisket. Mike’s Hot Honey, Cole Slaw) and the Fuhgeddaboudit (Pizza Sauce, Garlic Bread Crumbs, Basil, Shredded Mozerella). When we say no one’s doing it like them…we mean it.
Where: 390 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn
🚇: Metropolitan Ave (G), Lorimer St (L)
7. Emmett’s, SoHo
Emmett’s in West Village is a hub for Chicago style food. And while their Chicago deep fish pizza often gets all the fame, their Chicago-Style Hot Dog is just as good! The Vienna Beef hot dog comes topped with pickle spear, sliced tomato, diced white onions, neon green relish, sport peppers, celery salt, and yellow mustard on a poppy seed bun. You can add chips, fries, or salad as well and make a meal. See full menu here.
Where: 50 MacDougal St
🚇: Spring St (C, E)
8. Schaller’s Stube Sausage Bar, Upper East Side
Known most for their authentic German style sausages and charcuterie, Schaller’s Stube Sausage Bar serves up different kind of wursts that are juicy, thick, and flavorful. From The Berlin Wall (1/2 lb kielbasa, triple bacon, melted Swiss, S&W Sauerkraut, S&W Dusseldorf Mustard) to the Pitmaster (beef weiner, Memphis barbecue onions, BBQ rub), these quality meats are the absolute real deal. They have all kinds of wursts too including beef, chicken, truffle, and so much more. See full menu here.
Where: 1652 2nd Ave
🚇: 86th St (4, 5, 6)
9. Katz’s Delicatessen, Lower East Side
Kat’z Delicatessen might be known for their iconic pastrami sandwich, but the hot dogs are equally as delicious at this old-fashioned deli. Grab an iconic Frankfurter beef hot dog or top it up with some chili and thank us later.
Where: 205 E Houston St
🚇: 2nd Avenue (F)
10. Rudy’s Bar & Grill, Midtown West
Rudy’s is one of New York’s most famous dive bars, and it’s because of their insanely cheap beers and hot dogs served with every pint! One you step through their historic doors, you’ll be delighted to an affordable beer menu, with pints starting at a mere $3! Get ready to eat…because every beer you purchase comes with a complimentary hot dog. It’s the best experience for a few bucks. Learn more here.
Where: 627 9th Avenue
🚇: 42 St – Port Authority Bus Terminal (A, C, E)
11. Santa Salsa, Bushwick
This Venezuelan street food spot in Bushwick serves a whole menu of hotdog concoctions that will always keep you on your toes! We always opt for their pictured above house special, the Santa Salsa Hotdog (kosher beef frank, bacon, fried cheese, avocado, onions, cabbage, chips, ketchup, mustard, Santa Salsa, and guasacaca) or the Perro Con Todo (kosher beef frank, onions, cabbage, chips, cheese, ketchup, mustard, and Santa Salsa). See full menu here.
Where: 234 Starr St, Brooklyn
🚇: Jefferson St (L)
12. Papaya King, Upper East Side
Beloved hot dog spot Papaya King just reopened a new location on the Upper East Side after trying to find a relocated home since April 2023. Right across the street from the old location, you can stop by now and enjoy all kinds of speciality frankfurters topped with fix-ins like coleslaw, chili, kraut, and so much more.
Where: 1535 3rd Avenue (between East 86th and 87th streets)
🚇: 86th St (4, 5, 6, Q)
13. Westville, Multiple Locations
With 8 different locations scattered around NYC, Westville’s tasty hot dogs are easy to track down…and you can order the “Hebrew Special” for $14 (2 hot dogs and a choice of fries, arugula and marinated red onion salad or a market side). Of course you can customize them to your heart’s desire with options ranging from grilled onions to chili to relish.
Where: Find your location here
🚇: Multiple stations