Whether you love a traditional dog or opt for the vegetarian option, here are spots around town serving up their own spin on the cookout classic.
Daddy’s Dogs, Locations vary
From grilled corn and cotija cheese (Eloté dog) to mac and cheese (Mac Daddy dog), there are toppings for every taste.
Nash Dogs, Locations vary
Order a specialty dog or build your own. If you choose the latter, be sure to ask for crushed potato chips on top.
Cori’s DogHouse, 401 S. Mt. Juliet Rd., Mt. Juliet
Forget the lobster — hot dogs are what are truly meant for buttered New England rolls. You can find 30+ state and city-themed dogs here. Pro tip: Sub any hot dog for a veggie dog.
I Dream of Weenie, 1021 Russell St., Ste. 105
Hot dogs are the new brunch. On Sundays, order specialty dogs with hashbrown casserole, eggs Benedict, and French toast. Plus, check the board for daily specials.
Mason’s Hot Dogs, 740 Thompson Ln.
Map out your cravings with ~15 hot dogs inspired by flavors from across the US, including North Dakota sauerkraut, Oregon veggie sausage, and Chicago-style dogs.
Varallo’s, 239 4th Ave. N.
Top your hot dog with history: Vallaro’s uses the same chili recipe it served up in 1907.
Mr. J’s Original, 45 Hermitage Ave.
Whether you go for the chili cheese or bacon dog, this griddled duo packs in housemade chili, bacon, and classic toppings.
Joyland, Locations vary
Although the local chain is best known for burgers, Joyland’s take on the Chicago dog piles on a Vienna beef frank, mustard, relish, onion, tomato, sport peppers, a pickle spear, and celery salt on a poppy seed bun.
312 Pizza Company, 371 Monroe St.
Pair fresh-cut fries with a Wrigley Dog, chili-cheese, or veggie option — available on its own or in a two-for-$16 combo.
The Pharmacy, Locations vary
Choose from house-made kielbasa, bratwurst, ginger-tinged jagerwurst, and other sausages — served with kraut and horseradish mustard or beer mustard.
Hugh-Baby’s, Locations vary
This fast-casual burger joint offers four types of hot dogs — and no stop is complete without hand-cut fries and a shake. We’ve got our sights set on the Pickwick Dog, which pays homage to pitmaster Pat Martin’s Tennessee hometown.
Von Elrod’s Beer Hall & Kitchen, 1004 4th Ave. N.
Come for the beer, stay for the bratwurst. Pair any of the 38 beers on tap with Von Elrod’s classic bratwurst or the sausage sampler.
Double Dogs, 1807 21st Ave. S.
If you’re craving a hot dog but your friends aren’t on board, Double Dogs features a loaded menu that also includes five hot dog options.
Sausfries, Locations vary
The truck serving up Latin street food offers six types of dogs. We suggest grabbing one topped with applewood bacon like the Bull-dog or La Perra.