Hot dogs have become a quintessential American food, but the history of this sausage goes back centuries and overseas. Germany and Austria both lay claim as hot dog predecessors, with Frankfurt inventing the frankfurter in the late 1400s, and the people of Vienna (Wien, in German) originating the wienerwurst.
So how did it become popular in America? We have Nathan to thank for that. Yes, that Nathan, of Nathan’s Famous. Nathan Handwerker started his iconic stand on Coney Island in 1916, selling hot dogs at half the price of his competitors at just five cents. They became so legendary, President Roosevelt even served Nathan’s hot dogs to England’s King George VI.
Since then, many have put their own unique twist on the hot dog. The New York dog with sauerkraut and brown mustard. Chicago style featuring neon-green relish, sport peppers and more. Sonoran style wrapped in bacon and topped with garnishes. Even the deep-fried Korean variety with textured coatings and cheesy centers.
Hot dogs are an easy way to feed a crowd — just toss them on a grill to be perfectly charred and serve them up with a side of crunchy chips, potato or macaroni salad, crispy fries and your favorite fixings and you’ve got a meal. But your backyard isn’t the only place serving up delicious dogs.
These four Valley spots will allow you to get your fix without firing up the BBQ, and give you the chance to explore regional takes on the original favorite.
Korean Dogs and Breakfast
This locally owned restaurant is known for its hot, crispy battered corn dogs. There are six to choose from: a plain corn dog with panko coating; the classic dog with sugar, ketchup, mustard and the house-made spicy mayo; the krispy dog with a crisp rice coating and sprinkled with sugar; a churro dog coated in cinnamon sugar; the potato dog with crunchy potato cubes; and a hot Cheeto dog drizzled with spicy mayo for an extra kick. Each is filled with a choice of a beef hot dog, melted cheese or half-and-half.
3233 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix, Ariz. 85048 | @KoreanDogsBreakfast
Ted’s Hot Dogs
A tradition straight from Buffalo, New York, Ted’s Hot Dogs has been a staple in Tempe since 1983 and dishes out charcoal-grilled hot dogs with all the accompaniments. Choose from a variety of hot dogs and sausages and more than 25 toppings and sauces to create a nearly endless variety of bun-believable combinations. Ted’s Hot Dogs recently opened its second Arizona location on Germann Road just west of Gilbert Road in Chandler.
1755 E. Broadway Rd., Tempe, Ariz. 85282 | @TedsHotDogs
Portillo’s
It started as a tiny hot dog stand called The Dog House in Illinois in 1963 and has since transformed into a name synonymous with Chicago. Serving up the fully loaded Chicago-style hot dogs, Portillo’s piles its dogs high with mustard, relish, celery salt, chopped onions, sliced tomatoes, a pickle and sport peppers — no ketchup in sight. Choose from a regular or jumbo hot dog, plant-based garden dog or Polish sausage as the base.
7200 W. Ray Rd., Chandler, Ariz. 85226 | @PortillosHotDogs
Ghost Ranch
Ghost Ranch gives the beloved street food a gourmet upgrade with its take on the Sonoran Hot Dog. Available only on the lunch menu, this version starts with a bacon-wrapped Polish sausage, draped in melted Oaxaca cheese and topped with frijoles charros, fresh pico de gallo and tangy pickled onions, finished with a drizzle of serrano aioli for a little heat. It arrives with a side of frijoles charros and rice, turning a classic handheld favorite into a full, fork-and-knife worthy meal.
1006 E. Warner Rd., Tempe, Ariz. 85284 | @GhostRanch_AZ