South Dakota: Philly Ted’s Cheezsteaks
> City: Rapid City
It might be named for another all-American culinary specialty, but Philly Ted’s is a popular stop for wiener-lovers, too, for dogs from the iconic Nathan’s, ideally ordered with chili and (cheese) “whiz” repurposed from those cheesesteaks.
Tennessee: Miss Griffin’s Footlong Hot Dogs
> City: Chattanooga
This Chattanooga favorite grew out of a hot dog stand opened by Willie Mae Griffin in 1939. It is said that she only knew how to make dogs one way: nestle a steamed foot-long wiener into a steamed bun and top it with mustard, hot sauce, onions, and secret-recipe relish. According to the restaurant website “She didn’t ask how you wanted your dog made, but only how many.” Patrons can customize their own dogs, and there are eight standard preparations, including the M.O.C.S. (mustard, onions, chili, and slaw) and the Miss Griffin original.
24/7 Tempo
Texas: Hot Dogs, Wings, Etc.
> City: Bryan
This Brazos Valley standby, in business for more than 30 years, is best-known for its chili cheese dog. The all-beef choices include a few other variations on the classic, and quarter-pound franks are also available. Then there’s the Big Foot — a half-pound wiener with chili, American and cheddar cheese, jalapeños, onions, mustard, and relish.
Utah: J Dawgs
> City: Lehi
One of nine Utah locations — all offering “dawgs, chips, drinks, good times” — this place serves grilled all-beef franks and Polish sausages with a choice of standard condiments plus a house-made sauce. It’s all very simple, but as one Yelp reviewer put it “I love when a restaurant does one thing and does it right.”
Vermont: Al’s French Frys
> City: South Burlington
For almost 75 years, this local institution — given a James Beard America’s Classic Award in 2010 — has been serving burgers, chicken, and dogs in an old-style diner atmosphere. The ideal order: a chili dog with a side of Al’s excellent “frys,” with our without cheese and/or gravy.
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