Next time you’re craving a good ol’ hot dog, give your taste buds a treat at one of these classic dining joints.
They’re versatile. They’re cheap. They’re handheld. They’re a staple of the American summer diet. Hot dogs are perfect for backyard barbecues, ball games, and a quick lunch. Find your ideal dog at classic stands around the Hudson Valley, and top it with everything from sauerkraut to relish.
Dallas Hot Wieners
Kingston, Lake Katrine, Saugerties
For over eight decades, locals have found delicious solace in the straightforward at Dallas Hot Wieners. Try the Dallas hot wiener for a classic dog with mustard, onions, and secret sauce, or the slaw dog for a coleslaw-topped handheld. The eatery goes above and beyond just dogs, though. You can also order burgers, sandwiches, gyros, and—if you come in the a.m.—plenty to eat for breakfast.
The Dog Den
White Plains
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Housed in what was once an abandoned bus depot, this glizzy joint has a slightly upscale feel in that the presentation and atmosphere are quite aesthetically pleasing. The menu, sporting over 20 specialty hot dogs for your eating pleasure, includes crazy combinations like the Guac-Star Dog with guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, crispy bacon, and cilantro, and the Can-Jam, with shredded cheese and a heap of Spaghettios.
Famous Lunch
Troy
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These days, a buck won’t get you much. But a buck and fifty cents will get you the World Famous Hot Dog at Famous Lunch! Come with a few buddies and take advantage of the daily special, which includes four dogs and drinks for just $8. You may conclude your meal with a slice of pie—just $2.54—or the rice pudding. Since 1932, Famous Lunch has been a dependable establishment to eat cheaply, quickly, and deliciously.
Holydog
Middletown
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With a name like “Holydog,” anything less than perfection is, well, sacrilegious. The buns are toasted and lightly buttered, the weenies are cooked to perfection, the condiments are fresh, and—most importantly—the staff is personable. The eatery has your run-of-the-mill dogs alongside more eclectic menu options; ask for the “girlfriend treatment” for sweet, spicy, or chorizo sausage topped with peppers, onions, chili, cheese, pico de gallo, cilantro, and chipotle mayo.
Mark’s Hotdogs
Highland
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Described by one regular as a “virtuoso” of hot doggery, Mark’s food truck serves up staples of the East Coast glizzy canon: the New Yorker, with spicy mustard, cooked red onion, and sauerkraut, and the Coney Dog, slathered in chili sauce, cheese sauce, and raw onion. Diners can follow along on Mark’s socials for the chance to win the “Hotdog Lotto,” which grants each winner a free dog of their choosing.
Olde Tyme New York
Carmel
This veteran-owned operation in Putnam County serves your classic Sabrett all-beef dogs topped with your choosing of chili and cheese, ketchup, mustard, sauerkraut, relish, or red onions. To go with your satisfying lunch, Olde Tyme also offers homemade potato knishes and hot pretzels for the full New York City experience.
Pete’s Hot Dogs
Newburgh
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For over 90 years, Pete’s has stuck with the same business model: “Keep It Simple.” This family-owned and -operated eatery serves up quality, all-beef dogs with natural casing. Order the mustard and kraut hot dog to savor its classic goodness. Maybe even pile on extra toppings like bacon bits or jalapeno pepper slices. This no-frills restaurant is perfect for those of us who appreciate the little things in life.
Pippy’s Food Truck
Round Top
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Here’s another hot dog truck with an endearing family history. The owner describes her childhood memories of helping her grandmother and aunt operate their hot dog truck in the late ’70s—the trademark scent, the smiles on the faces of customers, and the value of a good day’s work. Pippy’s uses all-beef dogs with natural casings along with veggie dogs for herbivorous patrons. The menu at this food truck offers a range of specialty dogs.
Walter’s Hot Dog Stand
Mamaroneck, White Plains
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Walter’s dogs have earned national recognition and kept the restaurant in business for over a century. But, to say Walter’s is just a hot dog stand would be reductive. The eatery offers a culinary revue of some of the yummiest and most iconic American food. Along with your fries and signature blend hot dog—mind you, you’ll choose between single, double, or puffy (which comes with grilled potatoes on top)—you can enjoy a milkshake, float, egg cream, or any of the other decadent dessert options.
