Chefs reveal the top hot dog chains in America.
Americans love hot dogs. From backyard barbecues, birthday parties and baseball games, hot dogs are a beloved staple and a huge part of American culture. They are readily available on menus across the US, but not all hot dogs are of equal quality. Some chains do it better than others and Eat This, Not That! asked chefs to share their six best spots.
Portillo’s
Portillo’s is a Chicago-based chain that delivers Chicago street food at the level of a national chain without losing its identity. They now operate 70+ locations nationwide and continue to expand beyond the Midwest and it’s way to Matt Jost, Executive Chef at Culinary Food Solutions. “This group of restaurants has been around for a long time and has maintained the quality of food since it started in 1963 in Villa Park,” he said.
Wienerschnitzel
As the largest hot dog chain in the world, Wienerschnitzel has its process down to a science. “Despite the German-inspired name, this California-born place serves an American hot dog,” says Corrie Duffy, chef and food blogger at Corrie Cooks. “Their chili cheese dog is a go-to for many fans because it features a quick case and the perfect meat-to-bun ratio. Their signature chili recipe brings everything together in a classic, mouth-watering mess.”
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Founded in 2002, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers delivers made-to-order comfort food like 100% Vienna Beef hot dogs that are “easy and delicious,” says Chef Corrie. He explains, “The chain kicks it up a notch with a toasted split bun, Texas toast-style that adds a buttery, crisp contrast to the juicy frank. By combining both the dog and the bun, Freddy’s creates a caramelized edge that deepens the flavor while keeping the texture simple yet satisfying. Chef Corrie orders the hearty chili version, if you order the cheese dog, he says, “cheese melted butter, and onions for a rich, filling meal.”
Shake the shack
Shake Shack may be known for its fresh and tasty burgers, but Vienna’s hot dogs should not be overlooked.” This series enhances the flavor by butterfly-grilling and griddle-burning both the hot dog and the bun, creating a caramelized crust that adds depth to every bite,” says Chef Corrie. “It’s served on a toasted potato bun that’s soft, slightly sweet, and firm enough to hold up without falling apart.”
Five Boys
At Five Guys, the hot dog stands out because it follows the same philosophy of “simple ingredients, high heat, made-to-order” as their burgers, but with some special techniques that give it a different texture and taste. “The inside of the bun is lightly toasted on the grill, which adds a warm, buttery texture to the delicious frank. The result is a simple yet flavorful hot dog that can be customized with many toppings, though it can be messy depending on how it’s made.”
IA&W
IA&W has been in the hot dog game for over a century, and the experience shows. According to Chef Corrie, “Their whole beef dog packs a delicious punch that feels totally classic.” He explains, “The bun is clean and airy, even though it comes toasted. While a little time in the pub might take the bun to another level, the quality of the hot dog itself is usually enough to keep people coming back.”
Heather Newgen
Heather Newgen has twenty years of experience reporting and writing about health, fitness, entertainment and travel. Heather currently freelances for several publications. Read more about Heather
