Love a good hot dog? You’re not alone. Americans consume 818 hot dogs every second in the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Found at baseball games, on street carts, at eating contests, the hot dog holds a special place in our national consciousness. Houston has no shortage of places that serve reliably good franks. To commemorate National Hot Dog Day on July 23, here are five to get you started.
Good Dog
The food truck turned brick-and-mortar restaurant with locations in the Heights and Montrose won’t disappoint. With their locally sourced dogs, homemade condiments and cool vibe, Good Dog is a favorite among locals. Try their most popular dog, the Ol’ Zapata, which is loaded with bacon, muenster cheese, caramelized onions, tomatoes, jalapeño relish, homemade ketchup and mayonnaise. If you prefer something simpler, go for the New Yorker, which is dressed with beer braised sauerkraut and whole grain mustard. Read more
Moon Tower Inn
Head over to this East End brewpub for the casual vibe, the beer and the wieners. Moon Tower Inn specializes in wild game meat franks — think rabbit, elk, duck, boar, and more — served with your choice of toppings and sauces, such as sambal mayo and porter kraut. Try the lamb or wild boar dog and wash it all down with one of Moon Tower’s 66 beers on tap. Oh, yes, and keep in mind that all seating is outdoors. Read more
Happy Fatz
This hot dog joint and bakery serves all-beef Hebrew National franks with delicious toppings in a quaint little Heights bungalow. Try the Texas chili dog, served Shiner Bock chili, onions, melted cheddar and Fritos, or the Slaw Dog Millionaire, with Coleslaw, bacon, red cabbage and celery salt. If you have room, pick out one of their desserts before you head out. Meal complete. Read more
Yoyo’s Hot Dogs
If you’re out in Rice Village on a weekend night, get a taste of this cart’s popular hot dogs. Yoyo’s (5555 Morningside Dr.) has earned a loyal local following for its all beef hot dogs loaded with tasty toppings. Their “All The Way” hot dog packs some flavor, dressed in warm cream cheese, spicy mustard, curry ketchup, honey mayo, Sriracha, peppers, and grilled and fried onions. Be prepared to wait in line but know that it’s worth it. Open Fridays and Saturdays from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Read more
Sammy’s Wild Game Grill
Pheasant with cognac, venison with red wine and blueberries, duck with apple brandy, and lamb merguez are just a few of the sausage offerings you’ll find at Sammy’s Wild Game Grill. The Washington Avenue restaurant was established with the idea of introducing people to wild game meats in a familiar form. Pick your favorite frank and make it your own with their selection of toppings and tasty sauces, such as habanero ketchup, cajun remoulade and cilantro aioli. Bonus: It has a drive thru. Read more