8 Restaurant Chains Serving Hot Dogs Chefs Actually Recommend
Are you ready to rethink what makes a hot dog truly great? Chefs across America have shared their favorite chains, showing that delicious hot dogs aren’t confined to backyard grills. These picks stand out for quality, creativity, and nostalgia. Dive into this gallery: “8 Restaurant Chains Serving Hot Dogs Chefs Actually Recommend,” and discover why these dogs keep chefs coming back.
1. Shake Shack
Chefs agree: Shake Shack serves a masterful hot dog. Their 100% Vienna Beef franks are split and griddled to a crispy exterior and juicy bite. The Classic Dog pairs perfectly with buttery potato buns, and seasonal toppings like cheese or cherry peppers add a modern twist. Starting as a humble NYC cart, Shake Shack continues to raise the bar on quick-serve franks.
2. Portillo’s
If you crave Chicago flavor, Portillo’s is your go-to. Chefs hail its authentic Vienna Beef dogs on steamed poppyseed buns, topped with neon relish, sport peppers, celery salt, and tomatoes—never ketchup. Since 1963, Portillo’s has upheld its tradition of quality and flavor, making every bite a ticket to the Windy City’s iconic street food culture.
3. Five Guys
At Five Guys, every all-beef dog is split and grilled to lock in flavor and caramelization. Chefs love that you can customize endlessly with toppings like grilled onions and bacon. While their burgers steal headlines, food pros appreciate Five Guys for crafting consistently juicy, satisfying hot dogs that invite you to make every bite your own.
4. Skyline Chili
Skyline Chili isn’t just a hot dog; it’s a Cincinnati institution. Chefs praise the Cheese Coney’s juicy frank drowned in spiced chili, sharp yellow mustard, onions, and mounds of cheddar. Its unique recipe and messy charm make it a regional treasure worth every bite. One taste here and you understand why it’s a beloved comfort classic.
5. Haus Dogs
Dog Haus redefines what a hot dog can be using premium Creekstone Angus beef and sweet King’s Hawaiian buns. Chefs admire their inventive toppings like smoked bacon, pickled peppers, and basil aioli that elevate flavor from simple to sophisticated. It’s a destination for traditionalists and flavor adventurers alike blending comfort with culinary creativity.
6. Costco Food Court
Costco’s food court dog is legendary for a reason. A quarter-pound all-beef frank with a soft sesame bun, sold at the same low price for decades, offers incredible value and nostalgia. Chefs and fans alike praise it for simplicity done right. Millions are sold yearly, proving you don’t have to be fancy to be the best-loved hot dog in America.
7. Wienerschnitzel
Wienerschnitzel’s playful menu is chef-endorsed thanks to bold creations like the Junkyard Dog, topped with chili, cheese, fries, onions, and mustard. The chain’s over-the-top approach means no topping is off-limits, delivering a fun, flavor-packed experience that keeps hot dog lovers coming back for its wild, no-judgment attitude.
8. Sonic Drive-In
Sonic makes the hot dog a star with its expertly toasted buns and juicy franks. Their All-American and Chili Cheese dogs earn praise for balancing traditional flavor with affordability. Known for drive-in nostalgia, Sonic treats the hot dog like the main event, turning classic Americana fast food into an experience both nostalgic and satisfying.
