While hot dogs definitely hit differently during the summer holidays, some Dallas-area restaurants don’t need an excuse and are grilling up quality weenies year-round. Whether it’s a classic chili cheese dog enjoyed at a ballpark, a Japanese interpretation of the dish or one food truck’s mission to establish an official “Texas-style hot dog,” just reading about these spots will make you want a hot dog real bad.
Here are 12 of our favorite places to grab a hot dog in Dallas.
Angry Dog
2726 Commerce St. We’re kicking this list off with a local institution and not just because it comes first alphabetically. Angry Dog has served Deep Ellum for over a quarter century and excels as a sports bar, a spot to grab a drink after a show and a fine restaurant you don’t really need a reason to go to. As the name implies, hot dogs are a fixture here. The titular dish is buried in mustard, chili, grilled red onions and cheddar cheese. If that sounds a little overwhelming, the Plain Dog is served as advertised with a pickle on the side and several add-on options.Cowtown Dogs
234 S. Riverfront Blvd. The bad news is that this food truck is open only on Thursdays. Owner Matthew Toback launched Cowtown Dogs with the goal of upping Dallas’ weenie game with an official “Texas-style hot dog.” What makes a hotdog “Texas-style?” Sloppy Eddie chili, grilled jalapeño, mustard and sweet onions, according to Cowtown Dogs. If that’s not your cup of tea (or your bun of meat), you can go for a different dog, a burger or Frito pie.Dairy-Ette
9785 Ferguson RoadIf you’re looking to have a nostalgic, Americana-esque hot dog experience, this spot is for you. Built in 1956 and barely altered since, Dairy-Ette is an old-fashioned diner where you can have a seat at the bar on a vinyl swivel chair and enjoy a classic hot dog (plain, chili and chili cheese) with an ice cream soda. Some people may find the feeling that the Archie Comics gang could barge in at any time unsettling, but Dairy-Ette’s longevity indicates that those people are in the minority.Del’s Charcoal Burgers
110 S. McKinney St., RichardsonDel’s is acclaimed for its burgers, which made our list of the Best Burgers in Dallas. It’s safe to assume that if the burgers are great, the hot dogs must be pretty good too. The hot dogs at Del’s are split down the middle, served on a burger bun and can be loaded with cheese, onions, chili and hickory sauce. Nothing too complicated, just the way the average hot dog enthusiast probably likes it.Dog Haus
Multiple LocationsDog Haus’ website describes it as “the absolute würst.” With an ample selection of hot dogs, from bratwurst to chili dogs to vegan substitutes, we’re inclined to agree. And in celebration of National Hot Dog Day on July 17, Dog Haus’ rewards members will receive a free Haus Dog at participating locations.Globe Life Field
734 Stadium Drive, ArlingtonPer our research, hot dogs originated in Germany over 500 years ago. But per our feelings, they sprung into existence at the same moment as baseball stadiums, and the two have been linked ever since. Concession stand snacks can get pricey, but selections like the new Ranchero Chile Relleno Dawg (an Angus beef frank stuffed with queso and topped with bacon, roasted banana peppers and grilled onions) is worth all 16 of those dollars.Herby’s Burgers
2109 S. Edgefield Ave.This fairly new restaurant in Oak Cliff has quickly made a name for itself on the strength of its burgers, and rightfully so. But next time you stop by Herby's, you should try one of their underrated hot dogs as well. The Herb Dog is topped with grilled onions and a signature sauce, and the plain Lil Dog is available for kids or picky adults. Elevate the experience by playing some thematic music on the jukebox. Do they have “Who Let the Dogs Out?” If not, someone needs to look into that.Hunky’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers
2930 Cedar Springs Road321 N. Bishop Ave.Hunky's, a quirky duo of diners in Bishop Arts and Oak Lawn, has a wide selection of all the junk food you could ever want, including three different hot dogs. All of them have the word “Hunky” in the title, but the selections boil down to “plain,” “cheese” and “chili cheese.” This trio really is the chocolate, vanilla and strawberry of hot dogs. The hot dogs are one part of the reason we named Hunky's one of the best places to eat while stoned.