Posted on December 8th, 2022.

These places have the highest ratings and best reviews.

Sweet Dog in Miami, Florida, is known for its unique hot dogs, all creatively based on sports teams.

Fauxmaha Hot Dogs in Omaha, Nebraska, are a local favorite despite only serving vegan dogs.

The hot dog has taken on many different forms across the country — from the famous Chicago-style hot dog to the Sonoran in the Southwest. And while people can't seem to agree on whether or not it's a sandwich, everyone can agree that the hot dog is the pinnacle of traditional American cuisine.

To discover the most amazing hot dogs across the country, we consulted Yelp for findings based on restaurants with hot dogs that had the highest ratings and best reviews. 

Read on to see where in your state you'll find the very best hot dogs.

ALABAMA: Hot Diggity Dogs in Birmingham

While this Alabama spot features traditional hot dogs, people rave about their tofu dogs. The restaurant also offers tater tots, fries, and amazing poutine.

ALASKA: International House of Hot Dogs in Anchorage

Customers are attracted to this Anchorage restaurant because of its customizable orders and wide range of options: from reindeer sausages and soy dogs, to Polish sausages and bratwurst, to name a few.

ARIZONA: Wild Dogs in Benson

This family-owned restaurant comes highly recommended for its quaint interior, kind owners, and delicious dogs.

ARKANSAS: The Original ScoopDog in North Little Rock

Family-operated and consistently tasty, customers appreciate this place for its all-beef hot dogs and delicious custard for dessert.

CALIFORNIA: Happy Dog Hot Dogs in Santa Cruz

Happy Dog Hot Dogs has sausages ranging from Polish to Bavarian, and delicious sides like organic sauerkraut.

COLORADO: Harley's: A Hot Dog Revolution in Littleton

This unassuming restaurant is hidden in the corner of a strip mall, but for those who find it, it quickly becomes a favorite spot. Not only do they have fun names for their hot dogs — from Spicy Buddha to Death Vader — everything is made fresh, and the owner is inviting and helpful.

CONNECTICUT: Riley's Hot Dog & Burger Gourmet in New Britain

Customers love Riley's because it can be a quick lunch or a nice dinner. The menu includes an extensive list of hot dog options, including toppings like mac and cheese and Jalapeno poppers. In addition, they have natural cut fries with an aioli sauce that Yelpers rave about.

DELAWARE: Top Dog Grill in Bethany Beach

Top Dog Grill has many unique options and sauces, such as a Philly Dog on a pretzel roll, and the Top Dog Grill peach hot sauce. They also have plenty of vegan options.

FLORIDA: Sweet Dogs in Miami

Customers swear by this hot dog joint in Miami that has tasty menu options that are all creatively based on sports teams. The Dolphins Hot Dog, for example, has ham, bacon, mozzarella, and pineapple. As an added perk, each hot dog comes with a fun-sized candy.

GEORGIA: Sly's Sliders and Fries in Savannah

Sly's Sliders and Fries is known for their cute but delicious hot dogs, all made in a "slider" size that allows customers to sample several menu items at once.

HAWAII: Big Island Top Dogs in Hilo

Customers love Big Island Top Dogs' super creative links: they even have a hot dog topped with Cap'n Crunch.

IDAHO: Messy's Burgers in Spirit Lake

Despite the name, people rave about the hot dogs at Messy's Burgers. Their milkshakes are must-trys, too.

ILLINOIS: Firehouse Dogs in Schaumburg

A Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef frankfurter on a poppy seed bun, usually topped with chopped white onions, sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle, and tomatoes. Firehouse Dogs' version of the local delicacy is spot-on.

INDIANA: Coney Island Wiener Stand in Fort Wayne

This spot has become a staple in Fort Wayne for its simple and delicious hot dogs and great service. The food is served quickly, the hot dogs are straightforward, and the secret Coney sauce is a must.

IOWA: The Flying Wienie in Cedar Rapids

Visitors claim that the The Flying Wienie has a charming interior, extensive menu, and generous portions. Their Chicago dog and hand-cut fries are local favorites.

KANSAS: Wiener Kitchen in Overland Park

Customers adore Wiener Kitchen for their modern takes on traditional dogs — like the Korean BBQ dog.

KENTUCKY: Sky Bridge Station in Pine Ridge

Sky Bridge Station's location makes it a perfect place to stop after a hike or spending a day out in nature. They have delicious hot dogs, a great local beer selection, and a laid back atmosphere.

LOUISIANA: Frankie's Dawg House in Baton Rouge

Not only is Frankie's a fun, dog-friendly hang out spot with a spacious patio, they have unique hot dogs ranging from gator meat to lobster.

MAINE: Dunton's Doghouse in Boothbay Harbor

Dunton's Doghouse hot dogs are particularly delicious because they're served in grilled and buttered buns. The menu has a long list of tasty, no-frills options, as well as plenty of fresh seafood.

MARYLAND: Haute Dog Carte in Baltimore

This hot dog spot has long lines no matter the season, and for good reason. The hot dogs here are huge, and served in a hollowed out bun with all the fixings inside.

MASSACHUSETTS: Snappy Dogs in Hopkinton

This beloved hot dog cart has a simple menu with straightforward options, but its delicious food, friendly staff, and cute exterior make it a favorite among locals and passersby.

MICHIGAN: Bill's Drive-In in Ypsilanti

Bill's Drive-In has been a staple in Ypsilanti for a long time, with the go-to order for patrons being their famous chili dogs. In addition, they have amazing root beer that customers say is the best they've ever had.

MINNESOTA: Sydney's Frozen Custard in Grand Marais

Between the excellent Chicago-style hot dogs and the gorgeous rooftop dining view of Lake Superior, this spot is a must-try for anyone in the area. They also have delicious pizza and custard.

MISSISSIPPI: Dis and Dem Hattiesburg in Hattiesburg

Customers love these hot dogs for their Southern flair — a local fave is the crayfish dog.

MISSOURI: Dogs 'n Frys in Saint Louis

With about 20 different options for hot dogs as well as fries, you're bound to find something you like at this Saint Louis staple, though many point to the O-Mazing Grace dog with turkey bacon, caramelized onions, and sweet BBQ sauce as a favorite.

MONTANA: Mr Hot Dogs in Butte

This unassuming little hot dog joint claims to serve "100% Montana beef and Buffalo hot dogs." It also serves delicious pizza.

NEBRASKA: Fauxmaha Hot Dogs in Omaha

This spot serves nothing but vegan hot dogs, which most people say are surprisingly like the real deal, both in taste and texture.

NEVADA: Dirt Dog in Las Vegas

With locations in California and Nevada, Dirt Dog claims that its bacon wrapped hot dog is "The Official Hot Dog of Los Angeles," and that "it's the best dog you'll ever have."

NEW HAMPSHIRE: Gilley's in Portsmouth

Gilley's is an adorable, nostalgia-inducing little diner with an original 1940s interior that serves steamed hot dogs and traditional diner eats that people love.

NEW JERSEY: Steve's Burgers in Garfield

The menu is short, and no-frills, but dedicated to fresh ingredients and quality.

NEW MEXICO: JAM-ing Hot Dogs & More in Alamogordo

If you're looking for a delicious, jumbo-sized hot dog, JAM-ing Hot Dogs & More is the place. Their chili is homemade, their service is friendly, and they have a variety of classic dogs such as the Chicago-style dog and the Sonoran.

NEW YORK: Holydog in Middletown

Customers rave that the hot dogs at this beloved hot dog spot are the best they've ever had. The menu is creative and has plenty of room for customizing; you can either order one of their combinations or create your own.

One of the most popular orders is the "Girlfriend Treatment" dog, with onions, sausage, cheese, and special sauce.

NORTH CAROLINA: Chili Man in Charlotte

Chili Man (named for the hilarious owner, who goes by this moniker) has been named the best hot dog in America — and it's a hot dog cart in a busy Charlotte business district.

Chili Man serves a variety of specialty hot dogs, like the Naco Dog (part hot dog, part nacho, part taco).

NORTH DAKOTA: DogMahal DogHaus in Grand Forks

Not only does this hot dog spot in Grand Forks offer fun toppings like Cheetos and bacon, the restaurant also sells collectibles, music, and comic books.

OHIO: O'Betty's Red Hot in Athens

Customers love this place for its classic hot dogs and cheese fries, but their vegan options are said to be so good that people can barely taste the difference.

OKLAHOMA: Anchor Down in Oklahoma City

Anchor Down is known for its gourmet corn dogs, made with their "OG mother batter."

OREGON: The Fried Onion in Portland

This NY-style hot dog cart in Oregon even lists a surcharge for Red Sox fans. Either way, their classic dogs are made with love, and it shows. Yelpers especially love their spicy Russian sauce.

PENNSYLVANIA: Lucky Louie's Beer & Wieners in Erie

Lucky Louie's Beer and Wieners is raved about for its cool atmosphere and great beer selection, along with its top quality hot dogs. Customers particularly enjoy the Booty Call Dog, which has pulled pork, slaw pickles, and BBQ sauce.

RHODE ISLAND: Gastros in Providence

Gastros is known for its amazing toasted and buttered buns and the snap of its high-quality sausages.

SOUTH CAROLINA: Fenway Grille & Ice Cream in North Myrtle Beach

Fenway Grille & Ice Cream is a perfect stop while enjoying a day at the beach, with classic hot dog options like chili dogs and Jersey dogs, a solid selection of traditional toppings, and efficient and friendly service.

SOUTH DAKOTA: B&G Milkyway in Sioux Falls

Thanks to tasty foot-long hot dogs and creamy milkshakes, customers say they're barely able to finish their meals here. The pretzel buns are a must-try.

TENNESSEE: D & B's Hot Dogs and Ice Cream in Knoxville

Customers love this hot dog joint for its perfect Texas Toast buns, and slew of creative toppings, like the Covered Wagon Dog topped with bacon, chili, and home fries. People also recommend the I'm Only One Man Dog, which features pulled pork and BBQ sauce.

TEXAS: T-Loc's Sonora Hot Dogs in Austin

Patrons here agree that the Sonoran hot dog is a must; it's topped with a not-too-spicy jalapeño sauce, and comes with a grilled and salted pepper on the side. Buns are "bolillo" bread — a Mexican white bread, similar to a baguette.

UTAH: J Dawgs in Provo

This mini-chain keeps its menu short but high-quality, with "all natural meat, a homemade sauce that's been in our family for a couple generations, and locally milled buns made fresh every single day."

VERMONT: Al's French Frys in South Burlington

Combined with their freshly fried, hand cut fries, Al's is the perfect place for a classic American lunch, and great for families.

VIRGINIA: Ray's Dog House in Portsmouth

Between great hot dogs and excellent customer service, locals go out of their way to make this a regular lunch stop.

WASHINGTON: Dandy Dogs in Bothell

Dandy's has beef hot dogs, Polish sausage, and Louisiana Red Hots, a rotating selection of brats, Italian sausages, and kielbasas, as well as over 20 toppings to choose from.

WEST VIRGINIA: Hillbilly Hot Dogs in Lesage

Hillbilly Hot Dogs, a quirky wooden cabin with two old school buses that's been around for over 17 years, has some unique creations that people keep coming back for, like the Pine-Applalachian Dog, which is topped with pineapple, or the Whazz UP Dog, which features a deep-dried wiener. There's also a 15-inch "Homewrecker" hot dog.

WISCONSIN: Hot Dog Avenue in Wisconsin Dells

Hot Dog Avenue is known for its delicious hot dogs served on steamed poppy seed buns, as well as their delectable cheese curds.

WYOMING: Hamburger Stand in Casper

This regional chain has been around since 1982, and is loved for its straightforward, high-quality menu featuring every American classic you can think of: from chili cheeseburgers to onion rings. 

Text and image source: Insider .