Glizzies, Franks, Weiners, Dawgs,
whatever you call them, they are downright delicious. The Austin hot dog scene is getting hotter, just like these temps. And while we know Costco's hot dog reigns supreme, some of these local spots are concocting some glizzys that can't be missed. From classic dogs to Sonoran Style and Rhode Island Hot Wieners??? there's quite the variety. Since hot dogs are pretty much the official food of summer, it's the perfect time to go on a hot dog tour, using this guide to The Best Hot Dogs in Austin.
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photo via instagram
Locations Vary
Zee's Weiner System (what a name) is serving Rhode Island hot wieners. Not sure what that is? We weren't either, but pretty much it means they are served "all the way", topped with yellow mustard, system sauce (their version of a meat sauce/chili), white onion, and celery salt. They also feature different specials, so follow their instagram to see where they are popping up and what fun dogs they come up with!
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photo via instagram
2716 Guadalupe St
One of Houston's best hot dog trucks has made its way to Austin with their first brick-and-mortar. Mad Dogs serves halal hot dogs, ensuring that everything on the menu strictly adheres to Islamic dietary laws. The fun, flavorful toppings on their dogs are different from any other spot in town, like the Elote Dog topped with roasted cream corn, mayo, parm, cilantro, fresh Jalapeño, Tajin, and lime. Can't decide between one of their smash burgers or a hot dog? Try the Chopped Cheese Dog, that comes fully loaded with seasoned chopped ground beef, American cheese, diced onions, and chopped cheese sauce. Drooling yet? We haven't even mentioned the best part. They're open LATE - til 4am Friday and Saturday, and 3am every other day!
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photo via facebook
519 E 7th St
DittyDog's motto is "This Dog Will Change Your Life", and we can see why. Their hot dogs come fully loaded, with toppings you never thought would go together. They are drizzled and topped with cream cheese, honey-mayo, crunchy mix, caramelized onion, Asian ketchup, chipotle mustard, sriracha, and green sauce. You can choose to get all these toppings on a beef dog, veggie or vegan dog, or Bratwurst. You can also opt for something a little less adventurous like a bacon, cheese & ranch dog, or chili cheese dog. What are you waiting for, are you ready for a life-changing DittyDog?
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photo via instagram
5000 Burnet Rd
Okay y'all, there's a reason T-Locs was voted The Best Hot Dog in Texas by Food & Wine Magazine. This one is one of the best hot dogs we've ever had. "Sonoran Style" originally comes from Sonora, Mexico, and has now become a part of Arizona's food culture. In order to stick with the authenticity required for it to be considered Sonoran style, their top-notch buns are imported weekly from Tucson. You'll want to order the Sonora Hot Dog "Con Todo"; their bacon-wrapped hot dog topped with pinto beans, sauteed onions, raw onions, diced tomatoes, mayo, mustard, and jalapeno sauce, all inside that special, golden bun. While all of these toppings might sound intimidating, just trust us on this one.
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photo via instagram
1130 W 6th St
You might be wondering why we have a cocktail bar on a hot dog list, but if you've checked out Howard's Bar and Club you know about their Chicago Dog, featuring an all-beef frank, relish, dill pickle, tomato, spicy peppers, yellow mustard, celery salt, and a poppy seed bun. There's nothing like drinking a fancy cocktail and listening to some good music, all while holding a frank (we mean a hot dog, not the guy you're chatting up at the bar). Fun fact: they are now serving fries!
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photo via pool burger
2315 Lake Austin Blvd
Not everyone knows that Pool Burger has a selection of specialty menu items that are just as delicious as the burgers, including their take on a classic hot dog. The Pool Dog is an all-beef frank served on a buttered brioche bun, served with chopped onion and relish on the side, perfect for creating your ideal dog. After a long, hot day of swimming at Deep Eddy Pool, stop by for a delicious dog, one of their refreshing cocktails, and of course a large side of crinkle-cut fries. And if you want to keep your buzz going, go grab a drink next door at Deep Eddy Cabaret.
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photo via instagram
5111 Airport Blvd
Also typically known for their burgers, Jewboy Burgers has some damn good hot dogs. They have four doggys to choose from, including their signature selections The Classic Coney (pictured above) and The Mutt. The Classic Coney is an all-beef Hebrew National hot dog covered in Detroit chili, shredded cheddar cheese, mustard, and chopped red onion on a fresh potato bun. The Mutt switches things up a bit, giving you that Detroit chili on one side of the dog, while the other side is covered in their homeboy queso; talk about the best of both worlds. Make sure you get an order of their potato latkes with an extra side of that queso for dipping.
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photo via instagram
2401 E Cesar Chavez St
The hot dogs at La Barbecue are so good, they even opened up a food trailer dedicated to these house-made red wieners, the Red Rocket Wiener Wagon. While the wagon only pops up occasionally, you can find some hot dogs on the permanent menu at La Barbecue, including their Bobby Dawg and Chili Cheese Dawg.
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photo via instagram
1320 South Lamar Blvd
For an authentic Chicago-style dog, you'll want to go to Wrigleyville South Dogs & Beef. On their menu, you can find Vienna Beef hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, Maxwell Street Polish sausages, and some more class Texas grub like chili-cheese dogs and Frito pie. They even have a vegan Chicago dog, so no one has to miss out.
photo via facebook
2108 S Lamar Blvd
Black Sheep Lodge is a fave of Austinites, known for their daily drink specials and classic bar food menu. They have three hot dogs on their menu, the Black Sheepdog (jumbo, all-beef frank with onion and relish on the side), Chicago Dog (jumbo dog with yellow mustard, pickle spear, sport peppers, onions, tomatoes, Chicago-style relish, and celery salt), and the Chili Cheese Dog (frank smothered in cheddar cheese and homemade chili). Be sure to check if they have any dog specials, and you might catch a Chili-Mac Queso Hot Dog or Mac & Cheese Dog with Bacon and Spicy Fritos (pictured above).
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photo via instagram
12010 Menchaca Rd
All the way from Chicago, Midway Dogs is serving original Chicago dogs and other Windy City classics. As far as dogs go, they offer a variety, including Big Daddy Dogs, Chicago hot dogs, vegan dogs, and even corn dogs! Stop by their location at The Backwood Bar in South Austin for some drinks, live music, and a Midway Dog.
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More Dogs:
7710 N FM 620
3200 Greenlawn Blvd, Round Rock
Currently doing pop-ups
11301 Lakeline Blvd #124
730 W Stassney Ln
1133 E 11th St
1806 E 12th St
Various Locations
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