The Best Hot Dogs in New York City
New York is world famous for its hot dogs. They're in almost every film, and they're on almost every block. While you can always stop at a Sabrett street cart (there are hundreds throughout Manhattan), we prefer these gourmet hot dog spots.
Crif Dogs
Why you should visit: Since 2001, Crif Dogs has earned legions of fans thanks to its creative toppings. The standards—mustard, ketchup, sauerkraut, relish, onions—are free, but go crazy and add chili, pineapple, avocado, jalapeños, baked beans and more to your dog.
What you should order: The menu includes a classic, all-beef frankfurter ($2.50)—but go for the Crif Dog ($2.75), which is handmade with naturally smoked beef and pork. Vegetarians can enjoy the Veggie Special ($5), a veggie dog loaded with onions, tomaco, cucumber and jalapeños.
Special tip: Crif Dogs is open until 2am on weekdays and 4am on weekends, making it perfect spot for a post-bar snack. Or, if you’re just heading out, stop in to carb-up before heading to PDT, the adjacent cocktail bar.
Crif Dogs: 113 St. Marks Pl. 212-614-2728
Ditch Plains
Why you should visit: Can’t make it to Montauk this summer? Ditch Plains—named after the beach in Montauk—brings a comfortable, beach-style hangout to Manhattan, all while serving oysters, lobster, and, of course, hot dogs.
What you should order: The Ditch Dog ($12) piled high with mac and cheese.
Special tip: Ditch Plains’ speciality cocktails—44 North Huckleberry Vodka and fresh lemonade ($13), for example—are perfect for summer, but their diverse and affordable menu of half bottles of wine should not be overlooked.
Ditch Plains: 29 Bedford St., 212-633-0202
DBGB Kitchen & Bar
Why you should visit: Singapore-born chef Nicholas Tang helms the kitchen at Daniel Boulud’s DBGB Kitchen and Bar, whose name is a playful nod to CBGB—the once-iconic, now-shuttered punk rock bar on the Bowery. That acronym is where the similarities end, though. DBGB is a brasserie with some of the best French comfort food in town.
What you should order: The DBGB Dog ($10) with sauteed onion, mustard, ketchup, Boulud’s signature “299” pickle relish, frisée and radish.
Special tip: Visit during happy hour, Sunday through Thursday from 5-7pm, for $1 oysters and $7 drinks before digging into a DBGB Dog.
DBGB Kitchen & Bar: 299 Bowery, 212-933-5300
Honorable Mention: Katz’s Delicatessen
Why you should visit: There’s nothing gourmet about it, but Katz’s Delicatessen is a Manhattan institution.
What you should order: True to form, the frankfurter ($3.95) at Katz’s has no frills. The all-beef dog is seasoned with garlic, salt and paprika, topped with mustard and sauerkraut, and served on a soft bun.
Special tip: The 1989 movie When Harry Met Sally was filed at Katz’s. Sit where actors Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan sat—a sign above the table where filming took place reads: Where Harry Met Sally.
Katz’s Delicatessen: 205 E. Houston St., 212-254-2246