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Your guide to the perfect West Virginia hot dog

You haven’t had the full West Virginia experience until you’ve sunk your teeth into a traditional West Virginian hot dog. This hot dog is piled high with chili , slaw , mustard , and onions . The unique combination of ingredients has been eaten in this state for decades:

Unlike your tradition chili chock-full of beans, meat, and veggies, West Virginia hot dog chili – or sauce as some call it – is a strictly meaty mixture. One of the most famous hot dog chilis in the state is Custard Stand Chili . This famous chili can be found at one of the five Custard Stand Chili restaurants, in over one of 200  stores in the state, or you can purchase it from their website. This chili is so special it was even featured on the popular ABC show  Shark Tank !

This chilled cabbage concoction is a staple to the West Virginia dog. With so many variations of coleslaw, it can be hard to decide which is best on your hot dog. One of the more unique slaws in the area comes from Chum’s Hotdogs in Marmet. Home to the yellow slaw , Chum’s slaw is sweeter than most. Try it for yourself today!

The hot dog isn’t complete with out the yellow mustard! While this yellow condiment may seem odd paired with chili and slaw, it is the glue that hold the dog together. Super Weenie, located in Charleston, puts a spicy twist to the traditional mustard recipe. This curry mustard, referred to as super mustard , adds the perfect amount of spice to this unique dog.

The sprinkle of chopped onions means the West Virginia dog is complete. This tart vegetable adds the perfect amount of crunch to every bite. Looking for home-grown onions? Look no further than The Purple Onion , located in Capitol Market . This locally owned grocery store prides itself offering it customers the best locally grown produce.

West Virginia Hot Dog Festival

Try one or try them all! Taking place Saturday, July 28, in Huntington, this festival is a hot dog lover’s haven. This annual event brings together many famous hot dog vendors from across the state for the day-long festival that is filled with live music and entertainment. All proceeds from the festival go to Hoops Family Children’s Hospital at Cabell Huntington Hospital to help the region’s children who are in treatment for cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. For more information about this upcoming festival visit their website here !

Where to find a signature West Virginia dog

• Bob’s Hotdogs, Belington

The Corner Shop Diner , Bramwell

Jim’s Drive In , Lewisburg

Stuart’s Hot Dawg & Smokehouse , Alderson

Morrison’s Drive Inn , Logan

• Sam’s Hotdog Stand, locations all across the state

Who makes your favorite West Virginia hot dog?

This post was last updated on August 3, 2020

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A Connecticut Hot Dog Tour

last updated: January 2024

Filmmaker Mark Kotlinski not long ago discovered that Connecticut is a hot dog paradise. In his film, A Connecticut Hot Dog Tour , he documents his mouth-watering road trip to some of Connecticut’s very best hot dog stands. From steam to grilled, and even deep-fried, and including house specialties and local hot dog culture, A Connecticut Hot Dog Tour is an entertaining examination of a true American favorite. And now it’s time to go grab a dog of your own at:

Rawley’s Drive-In, Fairfield

Rawley’s is famous for their bacon topped Hot Dog with “The Works.”

Glenwood Drive-In, Hamden

Glenwood Drive-In is known for their famous charcoal grilled hot dogs.

Frankie's, West Haven

Try their famous foot long hot dog.

Blackie’s Hot Dog Stand, Cheshire

Can't leave without trying some of their famous hot relish.

Capitol Lunch, New Britain

Get a hot dog with the works and their famous meat sauce.

Super Duper Weenie, Fairfield

Try one of their many specialties, The New Englander with their homemade hot relish.

Top Dog Hot Dog, Portland

Check out this cool, hot dog shaped trailer and the must-have spicy Cajun Dog.

Jake’s Diggity Dogs, New Haven

A perfect spot for late-night hot dog cravings, get foot-long hot dogs with your choice of 34 different toppings. 

Riley's Hot Dog, New Britain

Born from family recipes, bringing about an innovative and enjoyable dining experience for hot dog enthusiasts and hamburger connoisseurs alike.

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A Tour of Michigan's Coney Island Hot Dogs in Detroit, Flint, and Jackson

Nobody's exactly sure where the Coney Island hot dog originated. Some claim that Greek immigrants visited Coney Island in Brooklyn before moving on to the rest of the country, where they eventually came up with the distinct chili sauce that tops these dogs. What I do know is that no other state has embraced this variation on the chili dog more than Michigan.

The most distinctive feature of Coney Island dog is the sauce, which is a non-bean chili-like concoction. As Hawk Krall explained in his post about the subject, the sauce is "rich, deep, yet mildly spiced and intensely meaty sauce—made with things like beef hearts and kidneys..." That said, few places make it precisely the same way, and the sauce's consistency varies wildly as you travel across the state. It is standard to top the sauce with mustard and diced onions.

The other defining element of a Coney Island is the hot dog. While chili dogs around the Midwest often use skinny skinless wieners, the best Coney joints use a larger natural casing dog. My favorite hot dog comes from Koegel's, a Flint-based company that makes a great beef and pork blend that is smoked.

While you'll find Coney dogs all over the state, three cities seem to take the dish more seriously than others. Detroit is the center of the state's Coney culture, and when driving around town you're likely to see more Coney joints than gas stations. Flint has a style of sauce all its own, which is drier and meatier. Not to be outdone, residents in Jackson claim the Coney dog was actually invented there, and this year is actually the 100th anniversary of the town's first Coney shop.

The Coney sauce you'll find it Detroit is soupier than it tends to be elsewhere, so don't be embarrassed if you need a knife and fork to eat your Coney dog. The two most famous Coney Island shops in Detroit have been sitting side by side since 1917. American Coney Island was opened up by Gust Keros, a Greek immigrant who went to Detroit looking for work, shining shoes before opening his shop. Shortly after opening, he brought his brother stateside, who opened Lafayette Coney Island directly next door. The brothers used different chili recipes and, until very recently , served different hot dogs, basically requiring residents and visitors alike to try both and pick a side.

American Coney Island seems to be the more favored of the two—they've been on countless shows, won numerous competitions, and also have a bustling location in Las Vegas. Having been to both shops in the same day, I'd say it's hard to pick a winner. I appreciated the look and feel at Lafayette more, but liked the fact American used the right amount of sauce—I didn't have to worry about staining my shirt.

Both now serve a plump natural casing hot dogs from Dearborn Sausage Co. , though a number of other places in town use Koegel's, which is a Flint based hot dog company that makes a mean natural casing wiener.

One of the better Coney atmospheres is inside Duly's Place , which was recently featured on Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown series. In the morning, you'll find the narrow restaurant packed with people from all different walks of life. Unfortunately, they use bland skinless wieners that aren't up to par with other local favorites.

I prefer Hamtramck Coney Island , which has all the hot dogs and sauce on display in the front windows. Plus, there's counter-top seating and a longtime employee to serve you. It's like stepping into a time warp.

Flint, Michigan

Flint has its own Coney culture that continues to thrive despite not-so-great economic times. They also have their own sauce that is much drier—it looks almost like a loose-meat blend. The sauce is said to be made with regular ground beef and hearts, along with a secret mix of spices. I slightly prefer this style because I feel like it's more intense and less of a mess.

Many of Flint's Coney makers purchase the sauce from a local place called Abbott's Meats . This blend was created by a Macedonian immigrant named Sam Brayan in 1919, who also teamed up with Koegel Meats to make the hot dog that they still make in Flint today. It's still the hot dog of choice for most joints in the city.

Over at Angelo's Coney Island , they've been making their own secret sauce blend since opening in 1949. Like other Flint-style sauces, it's thicker, but it's also extra beefy. I think it feels more unique than most of the Detroit-style dogs. Angelo's also uses Koegel hot dogs, which are always a good choice. Angelo's claims to be the best Coney Island in the state, and I think they make a good case.

If you're feeling adventurous you can try their signature hard shell coney with cheese, which is exactly what it sounds like. Believe it or not I actually liked it. The wiener fit perfectly inside the taco shell, and when topped with coney sauce, onions, and cheese, tasted like a satisfying hybrid of the two.

Jackson, Michigan

We end in Jackson, where George Todoroff claims to have have invited the Coney dog in 1914 when he opened Jackson Coney Island . It's hard to know if that's is true, but the restaurant is the oldest continuously running Coney joint around. The sauce is on the drier side, closer to the kind you'll find in Flint. It's a solid Coney, if not quite great—most of that is down to the hot dog, which is small and skinless, so it's missing the snap.

I'm a bigger fan of Virginia Coney Island , which is nearby. Once again, the hot dog is skinless, but the sauce is a little meatier and more substantial on the Virginia dog.

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• 13 Hottest Restaurants in the Triangle, April 2024
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• 13 Hottest Restaurants in Charlotte, April 2024

Tour North Carolina’s Old School Hot Dog Stands

Carolina style all the way

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The kids are out of school, the beach traffic is relentless, and the humidity is reaching shirt-soaking levels in Charleston. It’s summer in the Lowcountry, and sometimes you need to escape the chaos of the heat. There’s almost no other food more associated with summer than the hot dog.

Across North Carolina are a series of family owned hot dog joints in operation for decades. Stretching from the Outer Banks to the Piedmont, these places are serving hot dogs with chili, mustard, onions, and slaw with a side of nostalgia. Hit the road, grab a couple neon red dogs, a Cheerwine, and take in a century of culinary and cultural history. Bring cash — most of these places still run the cash register like they did 50 years ago.

The Trolly Stop

Wrightsville beach classic The Trolly Stop first opened its doors in 1976. It’s changed owners a few times in the following 40 years, but it’s still serving up classic hotdogs in split top buns. Five different sausages to choose from include the New York City favorite Sabrett, a beef and pork dog called The Trolly, a smoked sausage, a turkey dog and, if it’s your thing, a veggie dog. Choose from 12 preconceived topping combinations like the classic Carolina (mustard, onions, chili, and slaw) or the Nuclear with jalapenos, melted cheese, and deli mustard. Of if you’d rather concoct your own, pile on any of their house-made toppings.

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Paul’s Place

Just north of Wilmington, at the intersection of Highway 117 and Old Blossom Ferry Road in Rocky Point sits a freestanding, stark white building with bold red lettering announcing Paul’s Place Famous Hot Dogs. Founded in 1928 by the Paul family as an Esso station that also sold barbecue and fried chicken, eventually hot dogs made it to the menu. During World War II, when meat was rationed, Beverly Paul came up with a sweet relish to substitute for chili. Described by Beverly's son David, who now runs the place, as a mix between rich barbecue sauce and sweet relish. It’s what they’re famous for and it is bottled and sold in grocery stores across the South. Instead of a typical Carolina dog with chili, mustard and onions, Paul’s swaps out the chili for their famous relish on the “all the way” dog.

The restaurant bucks the regional trend and doesn’t serve the dyed-red hot dogs typical to Eastern NC. The gas pumps are long gone and hot dogs are the business now. According to a recent short film on Paul’s, “Relish our Dogs”, they serve 8,000 hot dogs a week in the busy summer months. On Saturdays, Paul’s hosts a giant “lawn sale,” and Sundays are “hot dog hoedowns” with live music and rotating guest musicians.

Bill’s Hot Dog Stand

If you were to pick a place that is the quintessential hot dog stand, Bill’s would be it. A small space in a building with a brick facade and red awnings feels transported from early last century, because it is. Founded in 1928, Bill’s moved once in 1938 and has been at the same Gladden Street location ever since. Bill’s serves hot dogs and that is it. Condiments are limited to mustard, onions, and a special spicy meatless off-white chili sauce.

North Carolina has a thing about Bright Red hot dogs. Almost all the neon red wieners you find are the Bright Leaf brand from Carolina Packers in Smithfield, NC. Bills takes these red dogs and fries them slightly crispy. They’re then slapped in a steamed bun and covered with that chile sauce and onions and wrapped in wax paper. Add a soft drink and some chips and take them to go. There is no seating at Bill’s. You’ll probably have to wait in a line, but it will be worth it.

Capt’n Franks Hot Dogs

Capt’n Franks is a Kitty Hawk favorite of beach locals and weary tourist parents looking to feed their sandy kids. Opened by Harvey Hess in 1975, and still run by Harvey Jr. and the third, Capt’n Franks is an Outer Banks landmark of casual food to match the summer carefree beach mentality. Constantly packed with sandy, salt-crusted beach goers and tourists fresh off the Wright brother’s monument tour, Capt’n Franks is the classic hot dog stand.

Originally built in a somewhat remote part of the island surrounded by sand dunes, “progress” now sits it in the middle of condos, a shopping center, and beach houses. It serves Oscar Mayer wieners and a signature recipe natural casing “snap dog” for those that like a little bite to their dog. You can get a classic Carolina dog here, but they call it a Chicago. Good luck figuring that out. You’re on vacation so live a little, and get the Junkyard, loaded with “the works” or the spicy Mad Dog with chili, hot pepper relish and more peppers. Grab extra napkins. If you’re not in the mood for hot dogs (then why are you reading this) — Capt’n Franks serves some of the best steamed or fried shrimp on the OBX.

Dick’s Hot Dog Stand #1

Sitting on the corner of Nash and Pearson streets is a Wilson, NC, institution. Dick’s Hot Dog Stand has slung wieners for 96 years. Dick’s stands out amongst the brick ranchers, wrap-around porches, and tree-lined streets with signs proclaiming “Wilson’s Famous Landmark”, “Since 1921” and “Enjoyed by Millions”. Started by Greek immigrant Socrates Dick Giliarmis, it is now run by his son Lee and grandson “Soc” Socrates.

Dick’s isn’t big. There are five or six mustard yellow and lime green booths and a similar number of tables. If you’re flying solo, you can grab a seat at the counter on one of a few screw top stools. The walls are covered with faded photos of athletes, actors, and musicians who have eaten there, and “Mr. Frank,” an anthropomorphized plywood hot dog with white hat and gloves, greets customers as they walk in. Spend a lunch at Dick’s and you’ll quickly recognize it is the local’s place for business lunches, family gatherings, and post-sports re-fuels. Hotdogs, burgers, some Greek-inspired offerings like gyros, a few sandwiches, and some sides fill out the menu.

The Dick’s famous hot dog is topped with chili, mustard, and onions. The housemade chili is dry and mild and pairs well with the vinegar tang of yellow mustard. The hot dogs are fatter and shorter than typical bun length and are grilled and served in soft bun. Make sure to speak to Lee when visiting — he’s as much an institution as the restaurant.

Jones Lunch

How do you stand out in a crowded field of Eastern NC hot dog joints that serve Bright Leaf red dogs? The way you cook them. In 1958, William Jones bought an old restaurant and turned it into Jones’s. The restaurant moved once but the method of cooking those red Bright Leaf hot dogs has remained the same. The dogs are slow cooked in a blend of oils and water, dropped into a sturdy bun, and topped with Steven’s chili from Smithfield, NC. The same town where Carolina Packers makes Bright Leafs. William’s grandson Burr and his wife Crystal are the current owners of Jones. They’re not looking to change the winning recipe of Jones Lunch. Still serving up hot dogs like his grandfather in a family friendly, small town atmosphere cafe.

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Shorty’s Famous Hot Dogs

It’s rare to find a 100-year-old restaurant, but Shorty’s is one of them. Opened in 1916, it’s no shock that Shorty’s is the oldest business in Wake Forest. Founded by H.E. Joyner, the business has stayed in the family and now, third- and fourth-generation Joyners, Bill and Chris are serving up hot dogs to the hungry masses. Rumor is that Shorty’s was one of Arnold Palmer’s favorite restaurants, which he frequented while attending school at Wake Forest (this was before Wake moved to Winston-Salem, NC). He even had his 80th Birthday party there.

Originally a movie theatre, Shorty’s converted to a pool hall when another theatre opened in town and still has a back room with pool tables. Up front is an old school diner feel with booths and a counter with screw top stools. Like many similar decades (or in this case century) old hot dog joints, the walls are covered in nostalgia. This includes an old menu board when hot dogs were 15 cents, BLTs were 25 cents, and sardines and crackers were 25 cents. Shorty’s serves Jesse Jones pork and chicken wieners.

Dogs are dyed a glowing red similar to the Bright Leafs from Carolina Packers. The menu also offer Nathan’s all beef dogs, if that’s your preference. Shorty’s grills the dogs and serves them in a soft steamed bun. Like most places, you can get it Carolina style with mustard, onions and its house-made chili or you can build your own.

The Roast Grill

Serving “JUST HOT DOGS and “GLASS BOTTLE COKES” since 1940, The Roast Grill is a must-stop-in hot dog joint in downtown Raleigh. A sign outside hanging from the weathered olive green building advertises “HOT WIENERS”. It’s a tiny place with a few tables and a 12 seat counter that stretches the length of the restaurant. Covered in the familiar nostalgia from decades of existence, there’s also plenty of local team, NC State, fandom. Owner “Hot Dog George” Poniros’ grandparents emigrated from Greece in the 1920’s.They opened the Roast Grill in 1940, and George took over from his grandmother Mrs. Mary Charles when she retired.

A warning on the website says: “***A WORD OF**WARNING***!!---WE DO NOT SERVE: French Fries, Potato Chips, Ketchup, Cheese, Kraut, Pickles, Relish, Mayonnaise! ...we feel them to be terribly unnecessary and truly demeaning to the passions of a great hot dog connoisseur!”

And they mean it. You can get chili, mustard, onions, or slaw. Do not ask for ketchup. Signs tacked to the wall warn against it, and George is dead serious about how he serves a hot dog. The dogs are cooked on a small flat top a little larger than an album cover. Supposedly it’s the original grill from 1940. The dogs are cooked to whatever level of char or burnt you want. Light to black. Their motto is “We burn ‘em for you!”. George has the wieners shipped in from Michigan. They are a 90/10 beef/pork blend. Served in a toasted bun with their house chili made from George’s grandfather’s recipe — a recipe older than the restaurant. The only exception to the” hot dogs only” rule are Mrs. Charles’ house-made baklava and pound cake. Get there early because there’s almost always a line out the door.

Ashworth Drugs

Getting a hot dog at Ashworth Drugs is a throwback to the days when soda fountains were a favored gathering spot. Ashworth Drugs has been opened since Easter Monday, 1957, after the Ashworth family purchased the Henry Adams pharmacy. It still has the feel of a 1950s soda fountain with a long service counter and high backed vinyl stools.

The menu includes soda fountain staples like egg, tuna, and chicken salad sandwiches, pimento cheese, and club sandwiches, but hot dogs are their best seller. Ashworth serves the familiar bright red hot dogs that are almost ubiquitous to eastern North Carolina. It run specials on Wednesday and Saturday when two hot dogs are $3.00 and on Friday, two hot dogs, chips, and a soda are $5.00. Hard to find a deal like that anywhere.

Zack’s Hotdogs

Another long-standing hot dog joint founded by Greek immigrants, Zack’s has been serving hot dogs to Burlington, NC, patrons for almost 90 years. Zack Touloupas came to the United States in 1912 and eventually ended up in North Carolina in the 1920s. He purchased the Alamance County Hot Weiner Lunch hot dog stand in 1928. In 1977, the business moved to its current location at the corner of Davis and Worth Streets.

Today, Zack Touloupas, named for his grandfather, runs the business. Often referred to as the most popular restaurant in Burlington, Zack’s can serve up to 2000 hot dogs on a busy day. The kitchen takes pride in its speed. From order to walking out the door can be as quick as under a minute.

The most expensive thing on the menu is under $5.50 and hot dogs are just $1.61. Fast, cheap, and good. Like many of these long-operating hot dog joints Zack’s serves its hot dogs Carolina style. Mustard, onions, house-made chili from Zack Sr.’s recipe, and slaw. The hot dogs are Curtis Franks from Curtis Packing in nearby Greensboro. If you need to branch out you can get the pedantically odd named cheese dog which is a block of cheese on a bun, no wieners. Or get the popular “Combination” which is a slice of cheese in a bun with a wiener and topped with chili. Spice it up with some hot sauce made from Zack Sr.’s recipe. Tables are first come first serve, so be prepared to snag one as soon as you get there.

Yum Yum Better Ice Cream and Hot Dogs

Vying for the oldest, continually running hot dog joint in North Carolina, Yum Yum Better Ice Cream and Hot Dogs began business in Greensboro in 1906 when Wisdom Brown Aydelette served ice cream and peanuts from a push cart.

Now located at 1219 Spring Garden St., on the edge of UNC-Greensboro, Yum Yum has long been a favorite of students and locals. There’s a full-fledged ice cream production facility in the back. All the ice cream served is made in house. The hot dogs are Bright Leaf “red dogs,” and they’re served steamed to glowing red with soft steamed buns. Get them all the way with house-made chili and slaw, mustard, and onions.

Kermit’s Hot Dog House

Not named after a green frog, Kermit’s is an enduring Winston-Salem hot dog paragon. Kermit Williams opened for business in 1966 a block down the street from its current location on Thomasville road. Kermit’s is now run by his son Buster and business partner Paul Church. The “new” location is in an old A&W drive-in restaurant that offers curbside service to this day.

Drive up, pick a spot under the canopy, turn on the parking lights, and a carhop will be out to take an order post-haste. If eating in the car isn’t your thing, there’s seating inside the 1950’s red, white, and blue color schemed throwback building. Kermit’s serves breakfast and has hamburgers on the menu, but you are here for the hot dogs.. Confusingly, Kermit’s lists their dogs under “sandwiches,” but we’ll let that slide. Following the traditions of North Carolina wiener institutions, get one all the way and you get mustard, chili, onions, and slaw. There’s also a cheese dog with “Kermit’s famous” pimento cheese spread.

J.S. Pulliam Barbecue

Way out on Walkerstown Road, past the small regional airport in Winston-Salem is J.S. Pulliams Barbecue. Visitors can go for the barbecue, but hot dogs are the reason people go to Pulliams. Open for more than a century (a sign on the building says 1910), Pulliams does business from an old black and white striped shack with a huge Cheerwine sign over the front door. Inside the walls are covered in an archive of NASCAR souvenirs and memorabilia. NASCAR, barbecue, bright red hotdogs and Cheerwine? It doesn’t get more North Carolina than that.

The red dogs are griddled to a slight char on a flat top and served in a buttery, golden, griddled bun. Get one all the way (you know this by now: chili, mustard, onions and slaw) and eat it standing over the counter or take it outside and eat in a small grove of old tree stumps. Pulliams mild chili and homemade white slaw are great but you might want to spice it up a bit. Texas Pete hot sauce is ever-present in North Carolina restaurants (it’s made 2 miles away on Indiana Avenue in Winston-Salem).

Not finding Texas Pete in a NC barbecue or hot dog joint is a rare experience. But Pulliams has their own hot sauce labeled “Big Ed’s,” and it’s worth adding for a kick. It comes in mild or extremely hot. Give the extremely hot a go. Make sure to grab an ice cold glass-bottled Cheerwine from the cooler.

Green’s Lunch

The neon sign in the window at Green’s Lunch proclaims, “Charlotte’s Best Hot Dogs.” It may be right, as Green’s is consistently voted best in town. One claim it definitely owns is Charlotte’s longest-running restaurant. Robert Green purchased an old 12-seat lunch counter in Charlotte’s Fourth Ward in 1926, and it has slung wieners in downtown Charlotte for the last 90 years. The restaurant has changed hands a few times and eventually ended up under the management of proprietor Phillip Katopodis.

Katopodis’ daughter Joanna Sikiotis now runs Green’s in the shadow of Charlotte’s skyscrapers. A relic of old Charlotte when the roads were dirt is still holding on. Serving boiled dogs nestled in steamed buns, Green’s breaks the NC tradition by offering ketchup, sauerkraut and pickle relish as toppings in addition to house-made chili and slaw, mustard, and onions..

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The Ultimate Guide to the Famous Icelandic Hot Dog

• What's So Special About the Icelandic Hot Dog?

Main Ingredients of Hot Dogs in Iceland

How to cook icelandic hot dogs, toppings and condiments to put on hot dogs in iceland, history of pylsur, where to buy icelandic hot dogs, baejarins beztu pylsur, how much is a hot dog in iceland, tips for ordering hot dogs in iceland, pair your hot dog with all toppings and condiments, know your order before queueing, be patient with the long lines, buy during non-peak hours, famous personalities who have tried the hot dog in iceland.

Discover the famous hot dog of Iceland. Learn everything you need to know about its history, its main ingredients, and the best condiments to pair with it. Find out how and where to buy this delicious meal, including the world-famous Baejarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog stand.

Beyond its breathtaking natural attractions, Iceland is known for its rich food culture. The country's unique cuisine, primarily associated with lamb and fish, draws thousands of travelers annually.

However, not all signature dishes of Iceland are friendly to everyone's taste buds. For example, you might encounter local food you may not be accustomed to, like hakarl , a flavorful fermented shark with a pungent ammonia-like odor that you may enjoy or dislike intensely.

Fortunately, there's one food in Iceland that every local and tourist loves to eat: the Icelandic hot dog. If you've known hot dogs as just cheap junk food with a bland taste, you're in for a treat when you try them in Iceland. Considered one of the best in the world, the Icelandic hot dog is something you shouldn't miss.

But what's the hype for Icelandic hot dogs all about? In this article, we'll try to find out what makes this food particularly unique to Iceland and where you can sample it on your next visit.

What's So Special About the Icelandic Hot Dog?

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Caitlin . No edits made.

The Icelandic hot dog, locally known as pylsa or pulsa, is a popular go-to food in Iceland. Despite being a cheap street food, it is one of the symbols of Icelandic food culture with a "cult status" amongst locals and foreign travelers.

Unlike its counterparts in other countries and cultures, the hot dog of Iceland is well celebrated in the country. It's not just a quick and easy meal you can buy on the streets but an authentic culinary experience made from high-quality and healthier ingredients.

If you've visited Iceland in the past, the popularity of this local food might not come as a shock to you. You might even be one of the many who enjoyed your first bite after queueing in long lines to buy it.

However, if you're planning your first visit, you probably think it's bizarre why a hot dog gets to be in the front center of the cuisine conversation from all the food you can pick in this island country. Then pair this up with countless blogs and lengthy articles (like this one) hyping it up and listing it as one of the top must-try food in Iceland.

Are you setting yourself up for disappointment due to the overwhelming word of mouth? Will it just turn out to be a tourist trap?

To help us understand how special the Icelandic hot dog is, we'll discuss the different factors that differentiate it from its counterparts. Below, you'll learn about its main ingredients and composition, unique toppings, price, ways of cooking, and the best places to sample it.

Photo from Flickr, Creative Commons, by travelwayoflife . No edits made.

The most distinct feature of Iceland's hot dog dish is its taste that emanates from its main ingredients. Its meat and spices are mostly locally sourced, with a blend particularly unique to Iceland.

The main ingredients of Iceland's hot dogs are lamb, beef, and pork. These three types of meat are mixed in a specific ratio, giving them savory and flavorful characteristics. The proportion of lamb, pork, and beef depends on the store or stand you're buying from, but they're not far from each other.

Sheep meat or lamb is the secret ingredient to the Icelandic sausage, unlike the typical hot dog elsewhere, which uses just plain pork or beef.

It's important to note that the Icelandic sheep is one of the purest domesticated breeds of sheep in the world. They graze on lush countryside farmlands and enjoy cruelty-free and hormone-free environments. This setup ensures their meat is organic, high quality, and healthy (for a hot dog!). 

There are many different ways to prepare or cook an Icelandic hot dog. Although the preparation is not entirely different from how you cook other sausages, the pylsur still has a distinctive touch.

The popular ways to cook the hot dog are boiling or grilling for around five minutes. The key is to cook the hot dog until it's firm to the touch and gives you that iconic "snap" when biting into it. If you cook it for too long, the sausage casing (or "skin") can rupture, which can turn the hot dog inside out. If that happens, it's still edible but it ruins the texture.  Regardless of the method, overcooking should be avoided to retain the juicy and savory taste of the snack.

Boiling water is the most common method of cooking this Icelandic delicacy. After boiling the water, remove it from the fire or stove before placing and simmering the hot dog.

Boiling the hot dog technique ensures you're not overcooking the food while retaining its original flavors.

You may even experiment with using different spices or adding beers or ale to the water, but that's for more advanced hot dog eaters.

Conversely, grilling and frying are your best options if you prefer your hot dog with more crispiness on the outer layer.

Photo from  Small-Group 3-Hour Traditional Icelandic Food Tour in Reykjavik .

Although you can eat the hot dog without anything because it's already packed with flavors, adding some toppings and buns is ideal. Pairing it up with your favorite condiments will elevate the overall taste and complete your food trip in Iceland.

If you want the complete experience, you can request all these toppings on your hot dog. However, you're also free to choose the only toppings and condiments you prefer.

There's nothing quite like eating hot dogs with steamed buns. Its warm, fluffy, and sweet taste complements the delightful flavors of pylsa while making a great base to hold other toppings and condiments.

You can also enjoy a more satisfying or fuller meal with hot dog buns. Apart from the protein and fats the Icelandic hot dog provides, the buns offer additional nutrients like carbohydrates.

Fried and Fresh Onions

Not everyone appreciates the strong taste and smell of onions, but they remain excellent toppings for hot dogs and sausages.

Fresh onions add a fresh and juicy element that balances the hot dog's saltiness and the sauces' sweetness. Its crunchy texture also contrasts with the bun's softness, which can improve your eating experience.

Meanwhile, fried onions provide a sweeter taste and crispier texture when caramelized. Besides being standard toppings on hot dogs, fried onions are common in burgers, sandwiches, and other snacks.

Ketchup is among the most popular condiments for all sausages in different countries, including Iceland. Its sweet and tangy flavors from its main ingredients, apples and tomatoes, enhance the overall tastiness of pylsur.

In addition, adding ketchup on top of the Icelandic hot dog is quick and easy. It usually comes in a bottle or a refillable squeeze tube. You can pick this condiment if you're in a rush or don't want strongly flavored toppings.

Photo from  Appetizing 3-Hour Food And Beer Walk Tour Around Reykjavik's Local Food Destinations .

Icelandic Mustard or Pylsusinnep

The sweet brown mustard, locally known as pylsusinnep, is a condiment for hot dogs in Iceland that you shouldn't miss. Although mustards did not originate from the Nordic country, Iceland has its original take on the sauce that locals and foreign travelers have used for decades.

Pylsusinnep has a distinct brownish color because of brown mustard seeds. There are other Icelandic mustards with more yellowish and golden colors because they use more yellow mustard seeds.

Regardless of the color, pylsusinnep is known for its delectable sweet and slightly spicy taste. Like ketchup, the mustard sauce for hot dogs is convenient to apply or use because it comes in a squeeze bottle. You can even put them in patterns like zigzag, spiral, or straight lines.

Remoulade Sauce

Remoulade, a mayonnaise-based condiment, is another sauce to include on your Icelandic hot dog order. The creamy texture of this sauce is almost similar to mustard or ketchup but has a more noticeable taste.

Besides mayonnaise, remoulade infuses mustard, capers, pickles, herbs, and spices like turmeric, garlic, and paprika. The overflowing combination of ingredients makes a great addition to the savory taste of pylsur.

Pylsur may not be officially the national dish of Iceland, but many people consider it a hallmark of the country's cuisine. On top of being inexpensive and delicious, its colorful history makes it essential to the culture of Iceland even today.

Sausages of varying kinds have been popular in Iceland for a long time, and the Icelandic "bjúga" sausage has been eaten in Iceland since the Viking era.

However, putting sausage on a piece of bread with condiments and calling it a hot dog is something that has its origins in the early 20th century and came to Iceland via Denmark.

Because there was a lack of pig farming in Iceland during that time, but a lot of sheep, they started experimenting with using lamb meat in the hot dog with good results.

To start with, the hot dogs were served not on bread, but in a piece of paper. But in 1948, when restrictions on wheat production ceased, they started serving hot dogs in hot dog buns.

Iceland has produced local hot dogs and sausages since the early 1900s, with Slaturfelag Sudurlands leading the way. Also known as SS, Slaturfelag Sudurlands is the country's largest abattoir and remains the biggest pylsa producer today, with an 80% market share.

However, it wasn't until 1937 that hot dogs found their footing in the local food culture. Baejarins Beztu Pylsur opened this year and became the country's first hot dog stand. Since then, numerous hot dog stands have popped up in Reykjavik and other towns in Iceland.

Icelandic hot dogs are widely accessible in the country, particularly in Reykjavik, the capital city. You can easily find hot dog stands on the city's busiest streets, including the downtown area, Laugavegur shopping street , and even near the harbor.

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Tiia Monto . No edits made.

Apart from hot dog stands, you can buy hot dogs in supermarkets, convenience stores, and restaurants. In supermarkets, you can buy ready-to-cook packs of pylsur that you can cook in your accommodation or bring when joining multi-day tours in Iceland . However, you need to buy the buns and condiments separately.

If you plan to sample Icelandic hot dogs in restaurants and cafes, you can buy them as a snack or an entree. You can even get gourmet meals and fancier dishes with sausages as the main ingredient. They also offer more toppings and flavors, but they all cost more.

On the other hand, you can also buy this popular snack from hot dog stands and convenience stores outside Reykjavik, such as in Keflavik and Akureyri. Additionally, most gas stations in different villages and towns sell it. If you're on a road trip in Iceland and need to refill gas, don't forget to grab a hot dog in a bun.

Photo from Flickr, Creative Commons, by Comdor . No edits made. 

There are numerous hot dog stands in Iceland, but nothing is as popular as the Baejarins Beztu Pylsur. This small chain of hot dog stands has maintained an iconic reputation among locals and tourists since it began operating in 1937.

Like the typical Icelandic pylsa, Baejarins' products contain lamb, beef, and pork. The best thing about ordering from this food stand is its complete selection of toppings and condiments. 

In addition to the buns, your hot dog comes with mustard, remoulade, and ketchup. You can also request fresh and fried onions for a tastier snack.

If you want every available topping and sauce on your hot dog, you can just say "eina med ollu," which means "one with everything."

Photo from Flickr, Creative Commons, by Studio Sarah Lou. No edits made.

In 2006, British news media, The Guardian, listed the food business as one of the best food stalls in Europe . It's only fitting because the shop's name translates to "the town's best hot dogs" in English.

Baejarins Beztu has nine locations in Iceland, with seven stands in Greater Reykjavik Area and two in Keflavik. The main shop lies on Tryggvagata Street in downtown Reykjavik, near the city harbor and the beautiful Harpa concert hall .

Each Baejarins stall has different opening and closing times, but they mainly open around 9:00 to 11:00 in the morning and close around 19:00 to 22:00 PM. The main shop near the harbor has longer opening hours running from 9:00 to 1:00 AM on weekdays and 9:00 to 6:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.

There is no fixed price for Icelandic hot dogs because it varies depending on the establishment and location.

On average, expect to pay between 3 to 5 USD (400 to 600 ISK). This price range mainly applies to Baejarins Beztu and hot dog stands in Reykjavik. This amount can increase or become cheaper depending on where you order and the add-ons you want.

In particular, expect to pay cheaper when you buy from gas stations and more expensive if you order from restaurants or cafes.

Regardless of where you buy them, the Icelandic hot dog or pylsa is one of the cheapest food you can buy in the country. Fortunately, although it's relatively inexpensive, it remains delicious and satisfying.

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by cjuneau . No edits made.

To help you get the best experience in sampling the famous hot dog in Iceland, here are a few tips you should consider.

If it's your first time eating a hot dog in Iceland, ordering one with all the condiments and toppings is recommended. You're only getting half the flavors if you buy the sausage and the buns with ketchup.

To order everything like the locals, just say "eina med ollu, takk" to the cook or server at the hot dog stand. Ordering this gets you a hot dog with remoulade, onions, ketchup, and pylsusinnep.

Before heading to a hot dog stand, it would be best to have a little research to save you some time. It will allow you to place or say your order right away when you get your turn. This can also benefit other customers waiting because the line can move quickly.

You can decide beforehand if you want a plain sausage or one with toppings and sauces. Some hot dog stands also offer drinks such as soda and chocolate milk.

Some hot dog stands in Iceland, particularly the famous Baejarins Beztu Pylsur, can get crowded daily. Icelanders and visitors from different countries brave the long lines just to buy this simple yet tasty snack.

When you see a long queue when you order, don't worry, as the line moves quickly. You also have different food places besides Baejarins, including Vikinga Pylsur, Reykjavik Sausage Company, and Pylsuvagninn Laugardal.

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Vogler . No edits made.

If you want to skip the long lines as much as possible, your best option is to buy during non-peak hours. 

Some stores can get crowded during opening hours around 9:00 AM as many people grab their meals. Likewise, dinnertime, around 6 to 8 PM, attracts many customers, so expect the queue to be longer.

Off-peak hours to order are mid-afternoon and late at night, so you should consider buying during these periods.

Even global personalities are not exempt from the popularity of Iceland's hot dogs. There have been many celebrities who made it into the national news after sampling a pylsa.

The most prominent is former US President Bill Clinton, who sampled the snack in 2004. Clinton visited the Baejarins Beztu Pylsur and tried the hot dog with mustard as the only condiment. Subsequently, this combination order became known as "The Clinton."

Over the years, celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Gordon Ramsay, James Hetfield of Metallica, Charlie Sheen, and author John Green have also tried this delicious snack and had some good things to say about its taste.

We hope this guide provides you with essential information about Icelandic hot dogs. May the tips we laid out give you an excellent experience of ordering and eating this snack.

What's your favorite feature of pylsur? Do you want to eat them again on your next visit to Iceland? Let us know in the comments below about your stories of tasting the famous hot dogs of Iceland for the first time.

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The original hot dog bicycle crawl

What is tour de franks.

The Tour de Franks is an annual bicycle tour of hot dog joints and festivities in Chicago & NYC. The ride is not intended to be challenging – it’s just a great way to see the city, meet fun people, and naturally sample a variety of delicious hot dogs & sausages. Join fellow enthusiasts on their trek across the city in search of the perfect encased meat on a bun!

On hold for the moment, stay tuned!

The TDF team is considering another ride for 2020, please hop on our email list below for further notice!

Who’s Hungry?

Enter your information below and we’ll contact you with updates for the next foot long adventure, get saucy on social, keep up on all the hot(dog) gossip and news, frequently asked questions.

Do you provide bicycles or safety equipment?

No, we do not. You are responsible for your own transportation, and we recommend bringing safety equipment such as a helmet and knee-pads. Tour De Franks is not responsible in any way for your safety or the mechanical soundness of your bicycle.

Will there be people drinking alcohol?

This is not a bar crawl, it’s a hot dog tour. We do not condone riding a bike under the influence.

Is there an age limit?

No, but anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Can I put ketchup on my hot dog(s)?

How do I check in?

We will have a registration table at the first stop. Please bring an ID that matches the name you used to purchase the ticket. We will have a list of ticket purchasers at will call.

Can I buy a ticket when I arrive?

Yes, but there is no guarantee we will have enough swag and maps for people that don’t purchase tickets in advance. It will be first come, first served.

What if my friend bought my ticket?

Your friend will have a set number of wristbands for the crawl, just meet up with them when you arrive to check in.

Can my kids come with?

Yes, but it’s 100% up to their parents to ensure their safety and transportation.

How fast is the ride?

Not fast, it’s a casual pace.

What if I get lost?

Riders will get a map at check in with a list of stops and approximate times.

What if I get a flat tire or my bike breaks?

Tour De Franks is not responsible for your transportation, but there might be fellow riders willing to help you out.

Is this a bike race?

NOT AT ALL. This is not a race, and any racing will not be tolerated. If you are riding recklessly, you will be asked to leave the group.

What do tickets include?

See ticketing page for all includes.

Is the ride handicap accessible?

It is up to the rider to asses their own capability to join the tour, we can’t guarantee all locations will be handicap accessible.

It’s a free country, can’t I just not buy a ticket and ride along? 

Sure, but that wouldn’t be very cool. You’ll also miss out on the cool swag and after party.

I purchased a ticket, but now I cant go. Can I get a refund?

There aren’t any refunds, please take the hot dog tour seriously.

Are tickets transferable?

Sorry, tickets are not transferable to other people, please take the hot dog tour seriously.

I saw tickets listed somewhere other than this page, is it legit?

Likely not, please contact us to be sure.

Who puts on this event?

Tour De Franks is organized by a small group of bicycle (and hot dog) enthusiasts.

What if it rains?

Bring rain gear! The Tour De Franks must go on! The ride is rain or shine.

I have a question about tickets, a special request, or something else…

Please contact us!

BE A PART OF HOT DOG HISTORY.

Tour de franks 2012, tour de franks 2014, tour de franks 2015, tour de franks 2017, sponsorship opportunities, we are currently looking for sponsors please contact us if you would like to get involved and  be a part of hot dog history. .

Contact Tour De Franks

All bites of mail will be answered in the order in which they are received..

You can even eat it naked if you want.

IMPORTANT: Participation in the Tour de Franks is wholly voluntary. The owner of this website is not responsible for organizing the ride for individual bikers. By submitting your name through the signup form, the mailing list form, or directly to the website owner you agree that you are responsible for any injury or damage to property as a result of following the provided route at any time.

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Attractions

Huntington area hot dog trail.

Welcome to the Huntington Area Hot Dog Trail – where the hunt for your favorite hot dog leads to some great prizes!

Whether you swear by sauce and slaw or prefer it plain, this trail will take you on a delicious journey of the American classic. 

Here’s How It Works

The Huntington Area Hot Dog Trail features nine local hot dog stands. Eat at any five of the participating hot dog stands and get your digital voucher validated and you’ll receive a novelty hot dog pin. But if you’re up for the challenge of trying all nine hot dog stands, you’ll be crowned a wiener and receive a hot dog t-shirt! Every purchase counts towards completing the trail, whether it’s a classic hot dog or a tasty side dish.

To participate, sign up below to access the digital vouchers for each hot dog stand. Don’t forget to have your vouchers validated with the site-specific password at each stop along the way! Upon qualifying, contact the Huntington Area CVB about your prizes. 

Be sure to request our free visitor guide or stop by the Visitors Center to discover more about the Huntington area while you’re here. With so many great things to do and see, you’ll want to make the most of your time in town. 

Remember to share your hot dog trail experience on social media using #HuntingtonHotDogTrail. And with every post on Facebook and Instagram, you’ll receive an extra entry into a monthly drawing! 

If this is your first time redeeming Huntington Hot Dog Trail digital vouchers, you will need to use the “Sign Up” link when prompted to login. A purchase must be made at each stop to qualify. One prize per completed passport.

How do I validate each stop on the Hot Dog Trail? Create your free Huntington Area Hot Dog Trail Account . Select the appropriate business then tap “Open.” Tap “Proceed.” Ask your server for their site-specific password and enter it. That’s it!

What are the hours of the Hot Dog Trail? Each business has its own hours of operation. Some are closed on certain days of the week. Please check business hours before visiting. We encourage you to call the restaurant if you are unsure.

Do I have to visit every stop on the Hot Dog Trail? In order to qualify for the Hot Dog Trail T-shirt, each stop on the passport must be validated by the restaurant . However, if you complete 5 stops on the HDT, you qualify for a free pin.

If I complete the Hot Dog Trail, do I get a pin and T-shirt? Yes! Unless you choose to only redeem one or the other.

My whole family completed one passport. Do we each get a prize? One completed passport can be redeemed for one pin and/or T-shirt.

How do I get my prizes? Send an email to – [email protected] – stating you have completed the Trail. We will verify your information then prizes can be picked up at the Visitors Center. Please wait for confirmation before attempting to pick up your prizes. The CVB can mail prizes to those who do not live locally. Please allow up to 7 business days for a response.

Can I be disqualified? All purchases must be validated by an employee at each hot dog stand. If we deem you have self-validated your entries, you will be disqualified and will not receive a prize.

Happening Around Huntington

Where to stay.

THE DAWG TOUR HOT DOGS

Eat what you love

The dawg tour hot dogs originated in 2014 out of a love for hot dogs. touring new england and visiting over 120 hot dog joints provided great insight to both quality and taste. this journey and passion for hot dogs inspired the start of something new. our mission is to serve a quality product at a decent price with excellent service. satisfy that craving at the dawg tour hot dogs. eat what you love.

FRESH, LOCALLY MADE HOT DOGS

We are committed to bringing you the freshest and most delicious hot dogs that you'll find anywhere. All of our dogs are made with a unique blend of pork and beef, and are sourced from the best local suppliers. With a juicy, mouthwatering flavor and satisfying snap these dogs are sure to tantalize your taste buds!

VARIETY OF TOPPINGS

Whether you’re in the mood for a classic or something more unique, we have you covered with our variety of toppings. From our famous Kitchen Sink dog (with everything on it), our Chili-Cheese dog or our Polish-style Kraut dog, you’ll find something to tantalize your taste buds. Come by and experience The Dawg Tour Hot Dog difference.

ICE COLD DRINKS AND CHIPS

In the mood for something more? Not only do we serve up delicious hot dogs, but we also have ice cold water, soda and special locally-made sodas plus a variety of chips. No matter what your craving is, we have something for everyone at The Dawg Tour Hot Dogs. Come visit us at the cart today and enjoy a quick, delicious meal.

THE PERFECT HOT DOG, EVERY TIME

TRY ONE OF OUR SPECIALTY HOT DOGS

We have a variety of scrumptious toppings that hit the spot and will make you say Damn Dawg!!

Our chili dog is the perfect balance of savory and spicy. Made with our signature chili with or without cheese, it's sure to be your new favorite. Or try the Polish dog with spicy mustard and sauerkraut, pucker up buttercup! Maybe onions are your jam? We have a Hot and Sweet Onion Sauce that will keep your tastebuds coming back for more.

We are available for events and parties

One of the best things about The Dawg Tour Hot Dogs is that we can take our cart on the road. Reach out to us if you have a corporate event, fundraising event, or backyard party. We would love to cater to your guests. Keep on eye on our Facebook page for where we will be next. See you at the brewery, your hometown fair or town social event. Have dogs will travel!

FOLLLOW US ON FACEBOOK

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The Vienna Beef Factory Tour

Visiting the factory isn’t just the proverbial look at how the sausages are made, it’s a look at a piece of Chicago’s food history and one of its most lucrative industries today. The factory produces over 200 million hot dogs alone each year, not to mention millions more pounds of other meat products. The factory is also the largest consumer of dry ice in the Midwest. Getting into the tour isn’t easy. I called to book my tour in May and was finally offered a date in August. The tour is only conducted once a week (Wednesdays at 10am) and only accommodates six people at a time. The tour is given by Bob Schwartz , the senior Vice President, who not only has been with the company for over 40 years, he also authored the book “Never Put Ketchup on a Hot Dog.”

Before I arrived for the tour, I’d read over the somewhat intimidating list of rules posted on their webpage: no jewelry except plain wedding bands, no bare legs, no open toed shoes, no bags, no cellphones, no cameras. But once we began the tour, I understood exactly why those rules are in place.

Once we were properly kitted out, we entered the factory, which was, as promised, very cold. But surprisingly, though the first thing I saw was mounds and mounds of raw meat, it actually smelled quite pleasant. As we stood and watched, bone-in brisket made its way down a conveyor belt where a worker grabbed it and quickly and deftly cut out the trimmings, which continued down the belt, and then tossed the brisket over his shoulder to a waiting container. The brisket would be brined and cooked while the trimmings would be made into hot dogs and sausages. The men worked with lightning speed, using massive meat hoots to grab the brisket, and cutting out the trimmings with precision. The “no cameras and cellphones” rule became clear now. Given the sharp knives the men were working with, and the speed at which they worked, they didn’t need any distractions.

As we walked through the factory, I was struck how clean it seemed. While certain areas were slick with water, soap or dropping marinade and seasoning (hence, the  requirement to wear closed toe shoes), I never saw the meat or blood on the floor that I’d imagined.

Next we moved up to a large machine that was stirring the trimmings into a course mixture. The brisket trimmings would be mixed with bull meat – a higher protein, lower fat meat that was too tough on its own but gave the hot dogs just the right texture.  From there, the mix would be emulsified until it reached an almost peanut-butter like consistency and then different spices would be added depending on the type of hot dog or sausage it would become.

Some hot dogs came out skinless, others were wrapped in a natural casing. Down at the casing line we watched the workers, this time mostly women, carefully examine each sausage. Any one that was deemed not good enough was discarded. Later Bob would tell us that many of the line workers had sausages in their blood, so to speak. They’d worked the line for years, and were the children of people who had done the same. When the previous line manager left after 50 years, he made the new line manager – who had already been working there for 20 years – apprentice under him for another 5 years.

After racks upon racks of hot dogs and sausages were filled, they were moved to the smoker room to be cooked, and then sealed, packaged and shipped But before they made their way to consumers, each sausage made its way down a conveyor belt and through a metal detector. The tiniest metal shaving would set it off, and that batch would be discarded.  Now I understood the rule about no jewelry – why risk having a small metal piece somehow make its way into the meat?

As we lined up for our free hot dog and fries after the tour, I thought about what he said. I thought about the quality of the meat that I saw going into the hot dog mix with my own eyes (and not a lip or eyeball to be seen!). I thought about the carefully measured amounts of seasoning that followed a recipe that had been around for over 110 years. And I understood why it was considered an insult to the quality and craftsmanship of the dog to smother it in ketchup. So…I only used one packet this time.

What you need to know:

• Tours are offered Wednesdays at 10am and last about one hour. You’ll need to book at least 4-6 weeks in advance, especially if you have a larger group. Tours are limited to 6 people. There is no cost.
• Dress warm. The temperature in the factory hovers around 40 degrees so wear a sweater or light jacket. Remove any jewelry like bracelets, necklaces, and dangling earrings, and leave your cell phone and/or camera at home or in the car (or the receptionist will hold them for the hour).
• Wear nonslip shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. And come hungry, you’ll each get a free hot dog and fries after the tour.

Photos by swanksalot , Zol87 ,  Bill.Roehl

The Magnificent Connecticut Hot Dog Tour Makes For A Mouth-Watering Road Trip

Taylor Ellis

Taylor Ellis grew up in southern Connecticut. She is a social boss who has worked with several major sites and brands. Follow her at taylorellisblogger.com

More by this Author

When it comes to road trips, Connecticut’s hot dog tour definitely takes the bun! Our state is such a hub for hot dogs that filmmaker Mark Kotlinski documented his dining trip through Connecticut so he could share his incredible discoveries with the world! An American favorite, few stands are more frequented than those of the hot dog. So you definitely don’t want to miss these places! You can see the map here .

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Watch the preview for Kotlinski’s film “A Connecticut Hot Dog Tour,” and try not to drool!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Road Trip: Connecticut hot dog tour

Hot dogs may just be the quintessential american food of summer, and there is no shortage of classic hot dog joints in connecticut to grab a dog..

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Mar 30, 2023, 9:00 AM

Updated 392 days ago

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Moscow Metro Tour

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Description

Moscow metro private tours.

• 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
• 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
• Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

• Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
• Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
• Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
• Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
• Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
• Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
• Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
• If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
• Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
• Have fun time with a very friendly local;
• + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

• Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
• + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

• Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
• Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
• The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

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The wonders of Moscow metro

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• Preplanned tours
• Daytrips out of Moscow
• Themed tours
• Customized tours
• St. Petersburg

Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

What is the kremlin in russia?

The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.

Famed alt-rock band The Verve Pipe to headline main stage at Zelienople Horse Trading Days

The 3-day zelienople event includes an outdoor market, cornhole, a dog show, a hot-dog eating contest and other folksy fun.

ZELIENOPLE ― Dancing with who brought them, Zelienople Horse Trading Days organizers again have booked a famous late-1990s alt-rock band to serve as musical headliners for this year's festival.

The Verve Pipe, which topped the 1997 Modern Rock chart (and reached No. 5 on the Billboard 100) with "The Freshmen," will entertain at 8 p.m. July 20 on the ShuBrew Main Stage in downtown Zelienople.

General admission tickets to see the multi-platinum Michigan band are $30 and go on sale 10 a.m. Friday at horsetradingdays.com . An Early Entry option and VIP Packages also are available. The show is open to guests ages 18 and older.

Zelienople's homegrown rock trio This-That & The Other Thing will kick off the show.

The Verve Pipe will close out the 60th Annual Horse Trading Days, a three-day event also featuring a cornhole tournament, outdoor vendors markets, a dog show, a family fun-run, more live music and a hot dog eating contest. More details at horsetradingdays.com.

Last year, alt-rock band Eve 6, famed for the 1998 hit "Inside Out," headlined Zelienople Horse Trading Days.

More: Rock star Johnny Gioeli to sing; play 'Sonic The Hedgehog' at Hopewell arcade & museum

Scott Tady is entertainment editor at The Times and easy to reach at [email protected].