The Best Places For Footlong & Specialty Hot Dogs In Western New York

We know they're terrible for us, but is there anything better than a perfectly char-grilled hot dog on a summer afternoon?

Nobody does hot dogs like we do in Western New York. It's true. If you've ever ordered a hot dog anywhere else in the country, you know you can't get them with that salty pop of the casing like you do here. Whether you like Sahlen's or Wardynski's, we've got the best hot dogs in Western New York.

The toppings are important

I know there are people out there who believe ketchup has no place on a hot dog. The only thing they'll put on it is mustard. But I disagree. I want everything on mine. Put the ketchup, mustard, relish, onions, texas sauce, chili, and cheese on there. Give me all of it.

The way it's cooked is even more important

There are a lot of ways to cook a hot dog. Some are definitely superior to others. You could boil it. But I'm not sure why you would.

The best way to do it is over a hot charcoal grill. Get those coals just right and keep them the right distance from the grill. Then just wait for your natural casing hot dog to pop open to tell you it's ready. It's ok to leave them on just a little while longer if you like them a little more well-done. But this is the best way to do them.

Don't sleep on the air fryer for doing hot dogs at home either. I've found that they do a good job.  You can throw them in the oven, or under the broiler, or in a pinch, you can just throw them in a pan.

But if you're looking for a specialty hot dog like a footlong, then you should definitely go out for one.  Get the whole experience. Sit outside on a bench while you eat it. Get all the toppings you want.

Here are the best places to go for specialty dogs this summer.