The Best Place To Get A Hot Dog In Every State

If you're ever offered something described as "a thin casing made of animal intestine piped full of processed meat," chances are you're turning the opposite direction and running as fast as possible. But, if that same person (whoever the heck they are) offers you a "hot dog," chances are you're gladly accepting. The funny thing is that both are exactly the same.

Hot dogs are so simple, yet so much creativity can go into them. They're easy to eat on the run, and although doctors would advise to consume them sparingly, they are too darn delicious. Whether it's a cheap dirty-water dog from a bustling city vendor or one topped with expensive ingredients that'll set you back a few bucks, wherever you go in the country you can find that one hot dog spot with rave reviews from everyone who visits. Gather the family, hop in the car, and take a massive trip around America so you can eat at the greatest hot dog spot in every state!

You've likely heard of the International House of Pancakes, but did you know International Houses didn't stop with flapjacks? The residents of Anchorage are more than familiar with this, and that's why they hit up IHOH when a craving hits. Especially if you're craving a reindeer hot dog.

That's right. All year round they offer customers a hot dog called the "Alaskan" that has a reindeer weenie, sauteed onions, and a secret chipotle sauce for an extra kick. Not that into eating Rudolph? They have a bunch of other amazing options, as well.

When a craving for a hot dog really hits — and we mean really strikes your belly like a viper — nothing chases off that venomous appetite quite like a footlong frankfurter to make you feel like a culinary king. That's why the top stop in Lonoke, Arkansas is Tidwell's Dairy Bar.

Order up that footlong with "everything." That one word gets you chili, onions, slaw, mustard, and the state's famous cheese dip. Food writer Kat Robinson described the cheesy goodness as a Velveeta type of cheese sauce with pureed tomato. 

Rattlesnake isn't an animal you see on many menus. In fact, you can likely count on one hand how many places in the country serve it. Well, Denver's Biker Jim's is one of them, but it's only a fraction of the incredible frank flavors they offer. You're gonna want to pencil this place into your itinerary ASAP.

You might not like the look of snakes, but the taste of a rattle frank might change your mind. Be warned that both the rattlesnake and rabbit frank isn't always available, but you can always delve into amazing other choices like Jack-A-Lope and Ostrich.

Just because a place isn't decked out with tons of lights and vibrant signage doesn't mean it's not worth traveling to. Case in point: This little roadhouse counter off a highway in New Castle that serves up franks on hoagie rolls for a unique, but incredibly tasty, take on the hot dog game.

It's great for people who want to feel like they're eating a sandwich but also want a hot dog, as well. There are all sorts of toppings to choose from, so dazzle your dog up with whatever your little heart desires!

"What'll ya have?" is the important question you're asked when you roll up to The Varsity. This Atlanta staple isn't just known for serving up great food; it's the world's largest hot dog stand. And, to make sure you do things right when you go, get a huge scoop of chili on that frank.

They don't hold back one bit when you want a chili dog, and your appetite will thank them after that first bite. But, if you're not trying to order something as heavy as chili, they have fresh slaw and cheese, as well.

Anywhere you go, state fairs aren't exactly known for their light and healthy cuisine. In fact, fairs are the kind of place you can find ridiculous concoctions that'll send every cardiologist running for the hills in fear. At the Idaho State Fair, that concoction is the Tater Pig, or Tater Pig depending on who you ask.

It's basically a loaded baked potato with a hole drilled into the middle where a hot dog is carefully nestled. Yea, it's pretty insane stuff. How to eat it can prove tricky. Do you use a fork and knife or just unleash your inner savage and use your fists? The choice is all yours.

New York isn't the only place with a Coney Island. In Fort Wayne, you get to enjoy a different Coney Island energy, but one that still has the great tasting boardwalk food. When you're there, the only frank you need to order to experience the island properly is the aptly named Coney Island Hot Dog with mustard, Coney sauce, and chopped onions.

Fans on Trip Advisor praise Coney Island not just for its hot dogs and the tasty chili that tops them, but the restaurant's nostalgic (even if it's a bit cramped inside) appeal. 

If a company is going to have the word "superior" in their name, they better well mean it. You can't throw that term around loosely, and luckily the people at Fritz's in Leawood don't. They're just a small butcher shop, but they know what people want when it comes to hot dogs.

The place does everything from ribs to smoked sausages, so even if you go and decide a hot dog isn't tops on your list, you'll surely find something delicious waiting for you. One fan said that after their hot dog lunch they walked out with $30 worth of sausages. Sounds like our kinda place!

When you're pursuing the great state of Louisiana and a craving for hot dogs suddenly strikes, look no further than Dat Dog in New Orleans. Even if you're not close by, make the schlep to try out some truly unique creations well worth the venture.

Have you ever wanted to try alligator but never knew where? Well, Dat Dog has you covered. They also serve up franks made of crawfish and duck, so go crazy. Plus, the list of toppings they have is wild, with things like blackberry sauce, blue cheese, and crawfish etouffee.

Maryland is known for their crabs, so you better believe the people at Stuggy's in Baltimore make sure to give anyone who wants a hot dog the option to also get a healthy dose of fresh crab meat added on top. Or, a bunch of other awesome ingredients.

If you're looking for that crustacean flavor, the Crab Mac And Cheese Hot Dog is the way to go. But, other options like the Bob Marley Hot Dog (Caribbean slaw, jerk chicken, and mango mayo) or the Bruce Lee Hot Dog (egg roll-wrapped frank with sesame ginger slaw, spicy Chinese mustard, cilantro, and green onion) are equally fantastic options.

If you want to venture to yet another Coney Island our wonderful country offers, head to Detroit for the most patriotic version: American Coney Island! The place has been nestled in the same location for over 100 years, and the Greek influence it brings to the hot dogs is why people return again and again.

Decades ago when the place opened, the Keros family developed a secret chili-sauce recipe that took center stage in every bite. Make sure you do not miss out on this amazing condiment by ordering the "American Special": A frank topped with ground beef, mustard, onions, and that tantalizing chili sauce.

Do not let this name fool you. It might say "small time," but the flavors packed into their specialty dogs are nothing short of huge. Food trucks seem to be all the rage now, and this one is certainly worth your attention.

If you're feeling like a little flavor of the ocean with your frank, order up the Raging Cajun doused in Cajun crawfish sauce. Or, you could always get fancy with the French Onion Dog: a weiner slathered in French onion dip, potato sticks, and a pickle. They pop up around the state, so following them on social media is your best bet to find this tasty hot dog truck. 

If you're looking for a great frank in downtown Billings, Montana and see this place, don't let the name dissuade you from going. Yes, they serve a darn good burger, but they also sling some awesome franks, as well.

Take, for example, the "Mazatlan" Mexican dog. This champion frank makes all the right moves with bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole, and chipotle mayonnaise. Yea, you're gonna want to order up a second round after you finish. And maybe even a third, you glutton.

Fans of Korean food might see this name and think, "Hmm. That's awfully close to 'bulgogi,'" and they'd be on the right track with that thinking. This Las Vegas place is chock-full of Korean flavors to scratch the itch of anyone craving both a frank and Korean barbecue.

If you want to keep things super Korean, order up the Bulgogi frank topped with bulgogi meat, Asian slaw, green onions, sesame seeds, and housemade bulgogi aioli. Or, get really adventurous with the Angry Kimchi: freshly prepared kimchi, spicy pork bulgogi, jalapenos, and fiery aioli.

No, this isn't the guy who sings "Margaritaville." That's Jimmy Buffet. This Jimmy Buff's was established in 1932 in West Orange, and they serve up Italian-style hot dogs, which are slightly different in look but just as tasty as the rest.

Instead of regular hot dog buns, these franks are served in a half-moon-shaped bun and then loaded with mustard, peppers, onions, and fried potatoes. It's one hefty handful, but at Jimmy Buff's they thankfully don't know any other way to serve them.

When looking for the top frank in New York, it might seem natural to head to Coney Island. The Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest is held there, after all. However, just outside of Utica (a long way off from Coney Island) stands a dairy bar that dishes out awesome dogs every day to a huge group of eager patrons.

There are no specialty dogs here. Just your standard frank-in-bun options with some good ol' fixings to slather on top. Ask for the Hot Dog Mexi ATW to get the potpourri of mustard, relish, kraut, pickles, chili, and cheese.

Yep, this place took the name of the epic building in India and put a spin on the name to let you know they serve up epic hot dogs. It's located right near the University of North Dakota, so you know if it's good enough for hungry college kids then it's good enough for you.

If you're trying to keep with the whole "dog" theme, get yourself the Dogma Arigato. It's a quarter-pound frank with sweet and spicy slaw on a toasted bun. Or, better yet, try the Hell Hound with peppers and a dousing of their extremely spicy dogma sauce.

It might sound like a funny name, but just know these people aren't joking around when it comes to food. Especially the hot wieners. Anyone in the Tulsa area has likely heard of this spot, and it even snagged a spot on People Magazine's "Best Hot Dogs In Every State" list.

So, what exactly swayed the folks at People to pick this joint? Well, as the list states, "For those in the know, the order is three Coney Dogs (chili, onions, shredded cheese) plus a dusting of cayenne pepper — but you have to ask for it."

The destination hot dog nirvana that is Brighton Hot Dog Shoppe isn't so much one place, but several, as it boasts 11 locations throughout Western Pennsylvania and Ohio. The go-to here is the classic chili and cheese dog, and while it highlights a menu that doesn't get too crazy with its toppings, it still brings the traditional spicy/creamy combo better than anywhere in the state.

Another reason people make the drive to their nearest Brighton location are the fresh-cut, crispy  fries, that explode with flavor in your mouth even if they're not covered in ... more chili.

If you need any proof that Jack's Cosmic Dogs is the spot to go when you're in the vicinity of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, all you have to do is look at the numerous awards and nominations they've garnered over the years.

Nearly all of the dogs have cosmic names like Krypto Kraut and Orbit City, but the Cosmic Dog with blue cheese slaw and sweet potato mustard is the real play. In fact, Food Network star Alton Brown even said they were the best dogs he ever ate!

Dyer's claim to fame is their burgers that are cooked in the same strained grease for over 100 years! This famous grease is teeming with flavor from meat over the years, but this Memphis burger joint also serves franks that are dropped in the same iconic oil, and they're just as good!

The toppings are standard, with each dog coming dressed in mustard, pickles, and onions. But, you can also get chili and cheese for an additional cost. It's that ageless grease though that gives each one a flavor like no other.

Provo may lack fraternity houses and bars boasting $4 liquor pitchers, but make no mistake it is still a college town. The home of Brigham Young University may be dry but that doesn't mean it's not still teeming with budget-constricted college kids looking for a great cheap meal, and many of them find it in the grill-marked goodness the is J. Dawgs.

The dogs here taste like they came fresh from the fire — charred nicely and topped with a secret barbecue sauce. And that unique flavor is why it's not only a hit at BYU, but also up the road in Salt Lake City and arch rival University of Utah.

Virginia is known for their ham, but in the small mountain town of Crozet lies Sam's Hot Dogs, a place serving up franks so tasty you forget all about the ham. Who needs ham anyways when you have footlong franks as an option?!

The rules at Sam's are simple: pick a regular-sized or footlong frank and then top it with mild or spicy chili, coleslaw, fresh onions, or any of the other ingredients they have available.

In this super PC culture we're all living in at the moment, it might feel rude to throw around the term "hillbilly." However, in Lesage, West Virginia, you can use that term all you want when you pull up to Hillbilly Hot Dogs!

They have an awesome selection to pick from, including their iconic Hillbilly Dog (deep-fried with chili sauce, mustard, and onions), Pizza Dog (pizza sauce, shredded cheese, fried pepperoni), and something called Stacy's Flu Shot (a bunch of jalapenos covered in chili sauce). Let your inner hillbilly out when you go. It feels great.

In the least densely-populated state in the Lower 48, it's unusual to find a large collection of anything sitting under one roof. But when it comes to hot dogs, at least, the Laramie burger-and-wing joint brings a variety of offerings you wouldn't expect.

Sure, you could order the quarter-pound beef frank in a traditional manner, covered with chili and cheese or diced peppers and relish. But if you're in Wyoming, you're there to be adventurous, right? Born in a Barn has graced its patrons with a number of inventive hot dogs over the years, such as the Delhi Dog, covered in mango chutney, bacon, green onions, and curry powder.