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Best hot dogs in Boston and beyond, according to restaurant owners and employees
Whether you like a classic frank with just mustard and onions, or you enjoy a creative take on the hot dog, these chefs will point you in the right direction in Boston and beyond.
Call it a frank, a sausage, even a “glizzy” — whatever you name it, the time is now for a hot dog in Greater Boston.
Here are the facts: July is National Hot Dog Month, and Boston loves hot dogs so much that it consistently ranks as a top-consuming city of both hot dogs and sausage, according to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council.
Bostonians are also serious about their hot dogs. Some frank on a white bread bun with a drizzle of ketchup won’t cut it — and for many folks I’ve spoken to, ketchup as a condiment is quite controversial.
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And as I wrote about last year, Boston’s hot dog scene is even becoming more quirky. No longer are the days of a few standard topping options, when chefs are putting crispy mozzarella, mint, or even caviar on top of franks.
Whether you’re a mustard and onions person, experimental, or you even like the contentious ketchup-only hot dog, we’re all on the same side of the aisle here: Team Hot Dog, especially in the summer months.
I asked some hot dog experts and chefs where they go for Boston’s best hot dogs, and how they prefer their hot dogs. All the below-mentioned chefs, owners, and managers serve a hot dog — either a special or a continuous menu item — at their restaurant. So, basically, they know their way around a hot dog.
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Here are their recommendations and advice to make 2025 the best hot dog summer yet.
Where to get the best hot dogs
Trina’s Starlite
“I love how creative and fun Trina’s Starlite hot dogs are. It is classic yet fun and when paired with the vibe there it just makes everything perfect. I love their specials but the starlite style hot dog with their aioli always gets me. It is just simply delicious.” –Boong Boonnak, Merai and Mahaniyom
3 Beacon St., Somerville
Lincoln Tavern & Restaurant
“I like to go to Lincoln Tavern & Restaurant that’s right here in Southie for their Wiener Wednesdays. It’s always fun outside of the box creations usually based on different parts of the country, like Chicago or Denver, which is cool to try.” –Chris Lane, Sullivan’s Castle Island
425 W. Broadway, South Boston
Merai
“[Merai’s] house Krawpa-style dog really elevates this humble bar hot dog to wurst glory. It is seared beautifully and gives the wurst a symphonic snap as you take the first bite. The juicy meaty elixir that flows from that bite, completely assaults your senses and sends you into wienie bliss. Then POW! You are hit with a rich, yolky mayo, pops of basil and chili with a tender buttery crisp bite of the bun.” –Scott Jensen, The Quiet Few and Small Victories
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“The Merai hotdog is just pure indulgence from start to finish. It’s so savory, so juicy, and it’s the perfect snack to pair with their amazing cocktails.” –Emma Hollander, Trina’s Starlite Lounge
14 Harvard St., Brookline
Cafe Polonia
“I would be remiss to not mention Cafe Polonia here. Now it’s not a traditional ‘hot dog’ per se, but it is something far better. Kielbasa! Whether it’s in a roll with sauerkraut, mustard, and [caramelized onions], or just a half ring on a platter with mashed potatoes, peppers, onions, and all the trimmings, you cannot go wrong.” –Scott Jensen, The Quiet Few and Small Victories
611 Dorchester Ave., South Boston
TD Garden
“I am a huge fan of the hot dogs at TD Garden, usually while watching the Bruins. Hot dogs are hot, and the buns are soft and warm. Then there are raw onions and three types of mustard [for toppings].” –Chris Campbell, Troquet on South
100 Legends Way, West End
George’s Coney Island
“With certainty, I can confirm that I have had hundreds of samples [of hot dogs] over the years. George’s Coney Island in Worcester [is a favorite]. I personally love all hot dogs — and truth be told, I definitely stray to ‘cheaper’ hot dogs fairly often because I truly do enjoy them. It’s a standalone icon, similar to the Statue of Liberty.” –David Littlefield, The Sausage Guy
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158 Southbridge St., Worcester
What experts say makes a perfect hot dog
Mustard and onions only. –Chris Campbell, Troquet on South
A Pearl or Pig Rock sausage, and never ketchup as the only topping. –Scott Jensen, The Quiet Few and Small Victories
On a split top roll, with mustard, relish, ketchup, and freshly-chopped onions. –David Littlefield, The Sausage Guy
On a classic potato bun, with spicy mustard, onions, and extra relish. –Emma Hollander, Trina’s Starlite Lounge
On a New England-style roll, topped with ketchup and onions or chili and cheese. –Chris Lane, Sullivan’s Castle Island
A nice crunch, on a brioche bun, topped with a special mayonnaise or mustard. –Boong Boonnak, Merai and Mahaniyom
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