Where to get the Best New York Hot Dog

Every city has that one food that it's well known for and there's no doubt the New York Hot Dog is a signature staple for the city that never sleeps. Available for very low prices at local street food trucks, you can also enjoy with all the trimmings from famous hot dog joints, top-rated New York delis and even fine-dining restaurants.

The Best New York Hot Dog

The hot dog is a huge part of New York culture. In this post, we're going to explore the many, many different places you can get a hot dog in New York City, where to find the best for their price point and savour the different styles and flavours available along the way. Alternatively, book one of our New York food and drink experiences and savour the taste first hand.

Katz's Delicatessen

The site of that famous scene from When Harry Met Sally, Katz's is a New York institution, and for good reason. This Lower East Side no-frills eatery has been delighting visitors from New York and beyond for decades with its delicious traditional deli offerings. From corned beef and pastrami sandwiches to matzo ball soup and potato latkes, Katz's seems to do most items on their menu very, very well. The hot dog itself? A well-seasoned beef frankfurter, topped with mustard and tangy sauerkraut in a soft bun - what more could you want?

Gray's Papaya

Would it even be an article about New York hot dog's if we didn't mention Gray's Papaya? Named by the late Anthony Bourdain as one of his favourite places to eat in the entire world (and as we all know, he ate at a lot of beautiful places in his time), Gray's Papaya is perhaps the most famous hot dog joint on the planet. Famous for its wonderfully inexpensive dogs, a Frank with ketchup, mustard, sauerkraut, onions, relish will set you back a mere $2.95. While you're there, treat yourself to a deliciously refreshing tropical drink to wash it down.

Nathan's Famous

Another New York foodies landmark, Nathan's Famous in Brooklyn has been serving the neighbourhood mouth-wateringly tasty hot dogs and fries since 1916. Now an international chain, Nathan's serves up all-American modern classics like chilli cheese dogs, jalapeño cheese dogs and bacon cheese dogs. Also serving up burgers, loaded crinkle-cut fries and the iconic Philly cheesesteak, it's easy to see how Nathan's grew from the 5¢ stand that it used to be, into a worldwide name. Classic taste for a low price, you can't go wrong with Nathan's unpretentious and unassuming dogs.

Feltman's Kitchen

While it might not have quite the reputation of our previous names on this list, Feltman's has the ultimate claim to hot dog fame: they actually invented the hot dog. According to Feltman's, a German immigrant named Charles Feltman invented the hot dog in Coney Island back in 1867. Completely natural, 100% beef is seasoned with an old-world price blend, then smoked to perfection before being served on a fluffy bun with your choice of toppings.

John's Famous Hot Dogs

Now, as a rule, we mostly avoid visiting restaurants and food vendors in locations as iconic as Times Square. Off the beaten track is usually the best place to find fresh, cheap, delicious eats. But John's is different. In the same spot for over 40 years, John's serves classic Sabrett dogs with a variety of finely spiced and lovingly made toppings from a tiny cart on the side of the pavement. No-nonsense grub for no-nonsense prices? We're in.

Crif Dogs

Until now, most entries on this list have featured classic dogs that can be customised with your very own choice of classic toppings. Crif Dogs, however, in the East Village, serves creative and unique takes on the humble hot dog. From the Chihuahua, a bacon-wrapped dog with sour cream and avocado, to the Good Morning, a bacon-wrapped dog topped with a fried egg and American cheese, this upscale joint might be a little pricier than our previous mentions, but these unique flavour combinations and hearty portions make up for it if a fancier take on the traditional hot dog is what you're after.

Rudy's Bar & Grill

Open since 1919, and rumoured to be a speakeasy during the prohibition, this self-proclaimed dive bar is a homely affair frequented by a list of celebrities as long as your arm. Serving the likes of Al Capone, James Gandolfini and Paul McCartney, Rudy's prices are absolute steals. Where else in New York could you find a $7 Jameson pickleback, or a $5 shot and a beer deal? The best thing about Rudy's hot dogs? They're free. Yes, you read that right. With every purchase of a beer, you get a free hot dog. Are they the best hot dog in New York? Maybe not. But they're free, and the vibes at Rudy's are unmatched.

Brooklyn Diner

Looking for a bigger bite? Try the Brooklyn Diner. With two locations on 57th Street and 43rd Street, the Brooklyn Diner serves up an array of classic diner dishes. Their hot dog, though, is a real winner. Aptly named the '15-bite Frankfurter' this huge sausage is served with classic French fries and handmade juniper sauerkraut.

Where to get the best New York hot dog?

By booking a street food tour in New York, you'll soon find where to purchase the very best New York hot dogs available. Not only that but with our delicious New York food and drink experiences, a knowledgable tour guide will be able to take you there to sample for yourself.