Best hot dogs photo
(by John McDonnell)

Best hot dogs

Kathleen Hom and Justin Rude  |  Updated 12/01/2010

Hot dog stands dot the street corners, and of course there is Ben's. Here are other tempting options.

 
 
 
 
 

Galaxy Hut

Arlington, VA

Better known for its killer beer selection, live music and independent vibe, this small Clarendon bar also serves a mean dog. The all-beef or veggie dog is boiled in IPA and comes with sauerkraut or relish; or you can trick out your dogs with chili, cheese and onions, bacon (or veggie bacon) and melted cheddar, or just jalapenos. A fairly classic lineup in a wonderfully offbeat venue. $7 to $8.50 for two.

 
 
 
 
 

Johnny's Half Shell

Washington, DC

It's easy miss the listing for the Baltimore dog amid all the seafood items on the lunch menu. But Johnny's, with its charming decor reminiscent of the Cafe Americain of "Casablanca," offers an interesting spin on the classic weiner: Topped with blue cheese and with sauerkraut or translucent onions, the cross-hatched grilled dog is served on a toasted bun. $8.75.

 
 
 
 
 

Madhatter

Washington, DC

The dining room includes whimsical art featuring characters from "Alice in Wonderland" (not to mention a waiter who sports the Mad Hatter's garb), but the restaurant is serious about its Mad Dogs, offering nine versions of the weighty wurst. The dogs are boiled, then grilled and served on a toasted bun with a smattering of toppings. Standouts include the Cheshire dog, sporting applewood-smoked bacon and honey mustard, and the Wonderland dog, topped with creamy mac and cheese. $8.

 
 
 
 
 

The Passenger

Washington, DC

The decor of this establishment - exposed brick, battered booths and punk rock background music - makes it a go-to spot for late-night bar-hopping. After grabbing a cocktail, zoom past the menu's kimchi hot dog and chili-covered half-smoke and go for the slaw dog. The eatery tops dogs from Alexandria-based Red Apron Butchery with a lightly dressed slaw made from crinkled cabbage leaves and slivers of carrots. A sweet barbecue sauce is drizzled on top. And there's a nice surprise that you may discover only after biting in: crispy bacon entwines this wiener. $8.

 
 
 
 
 

PS 7's

Washington, DC

The warm brown walls and velvet seating in this restaurant invite guests to sit awhile before they chow down on PS 7's version of the Chicago dog, listed on the lunch menu. It features two house-made weiners on toasted buns, topped with romaine lettuce and a sweet and sour combo of green relish and stewed tomatoes. A dunk in the spicy brown mustard, served on the side, turns up the heat. $10.

 
 
 
 
 

Ann's Dari Creme

Glen Burnie, MD

Since 1951, this neighborhood joint has served footlongs (single or double) on soft sub rolls with the works: meaty chili, mustard and diced onions. Pull up a seat at the counter of this narrow restaurant and watch a handful of friendly employees man the grill and calmly navigate the whirlwind of customers without writing down a single order. Single, $2.95; double, $5.

 

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