Eat + Drink Eat + Drink

Best Hot Dogs in Austin: 9 Spots for Doggone Good Eats

Hot dogs might be simple, but doggone it, they sure are tasty. Whether you want to grab a frank to enjoy at your kid’s baseball game or are looking to dig into a Chicago-style dog, hot dogs make for a quick and yummy meal. 

With simple ingredients like a bun, frankfurter, and condiments you could go anywhere to find a hotdog — but below you’ll find the best options for Austin. Here’s your guide to the best hot dogs in Austin, Texas. You’ll find Chicago-style and Tucson-style dogs as well as spots with homemade sausage for a unique dining experience.

Where To Get the Best Hot Dogs in Austin

best hot dogs in austin: young boy eating a hot dog

It’s no secret that Austin likes to put its own spin on classic culinary favorites. Thus, it’s no surprise that you’ll find fun innovative takes on the traditional hot dog on this list. In addition to Austin fusion favorites, you’ll also find classic hot dogs wrapped in bacon and can’t-miss options like chili cheese dogs. From street food trailers offering dogs loaded with sauerkraut and relish to dine-in spots that put fun ingredients in the mix, there’s a tasty hot dog in Austin for you. Read on to find out where to get the best hot dogs in Austin.

1. DittyDog

DittyDog encapsulates the innovation and imagination that makes Austin’s culinary scene so unique. With two locations in downtown Austin, this hot dog cart serves up beef, pork and vegan hot dogs piled high with delicious toppings. They come fully loaded unless you ask otherwise. The toppings include cream cheese, honey-mayo, crunchy mix, caramelized onions, Asian ketchup, chipotle mustard, sriracha, and green sauce. Trust us, it might sound weird, but it’s worth getting fully loaded.

2. Black Sheep Lodge

Home to some of the best burgers in Austin, Black Sheep Lodge also offers three mouth-watering hot dogs to choose from. Try the Black Sheepdog featuring a jumbo all-beef frank with onions and relish on the side or try the chili cheese dog crafted with their homemade chili. The Chicago dog can’t be missed with its jumbo all-beef dog, yellow mustard, sport peppers, pickle spears, onions, tomatoes, Chicago-style relish, and celery salt.

3. Domo Alley-Gato Tatsu-ya

Like DittyDog, Domo Alley-Gato Tatsu-ya puts its own spin on the hot dog. Here, the dogs have a distinct Japanese influence. Try the Kare Ban Ban Dog which features a teriyaki beef frank with domo kare chili on a fried brioche bun. Grab a side of spicy edamame and don’t miss their craft cocktails that will knock your socks off.

4. Mission Dogs

Another experimental hot dog spot, Mission Dogs offers five different hot dogs including their classic bacon-wrapped option. Located at 1702 E Cesar Chavez St, their dogs feature a distinctly Asian flair that you can’t get anywhere else. Try the Jeepney, a bacon-wrapped hot dog topped with sweet and sour green papaya, ginger, red pepper, and garlic as well as spicy plantain ketchup. We also love the Kim Dog Il featuring kimchi and creamy sesame miso sauce.

5. DelRay Cafe

DelRay Cafe is a Detroit-style food truck known for its mouth-watering Coney dogs. These dogs are topped with chili, mustard, and onions. They also offer some of the best wings in Austin and be sure to pair your hot dog with one of their cold beers or craft whiskeys.

6. T-Loc’s Sonora Hot Dogs

T-Loc’s is a food trailer on Burnet Road serving up Tucson-style — aka Sonoran — hot dogs. These dogs are wrapped in juicy bacon and topped with caramelized onions, pinto beans, jalapeno sauce, and tomatoes. The steamed buns are imported from Tucson for an authentic experience. Choose from all beef dogs and veggie wieners and don’t miss their Asada fries.

7. Glory Hole Hot Dogs

Don’t let the name put you off, Glory Hole Hot Dogs offers some of the best darn dogs in town. Usually located on Rainey Street, it’s the perfect spot for some late-night grub. They serve several fully loaded dogs with fun ingredients like ramen and mac n cheese. Make sure to check their Facebook page for updates as they were closed during the pandemic and were searching for a new location.

8. Evil Wiener

Evil Wiener is a mobile hot dog stand offering delicious dogs “from the depths of hell”. The wiener wagon offers a changing menu of franks including one of our all-time favs: The Purple People Eater. It’s a beef wiener wrapped in bacon and topped with purple slaw, pickled jalapeno relish, and drizzled with hot sauce.

9. Wrigleyville South Dogs & Beef

Wrigleyville South Dogs & Beef takes your taste buds around the world with Vienna beef Chicago dogs, Maxwell Street polish sausage, and Italian beef sandwiches. We love the Rodeo Dog at this eatery. It’s a Vienna beef dog served on a steamed poppy seed bun and topped with tangy BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and sport peppers.

Stuff Your Face

hot dogs with cheese, mayo, and mustard

In Austin, it’s easy to get your hands on some of the best bangers, franks, and dogs. From fast food trucks that serve classic hot dogs and corndogs to artisanal dogs with unique ingredients, Austin delivers the goods.

Looking to dine your way around Austin? We’ve got you covered. At ATX Guides, you’ll find guides to the best foods in Austin. From the best Mexican food — like burritos, queso, and tacos — to Austin restaurants that specialize in fine dining, there’s something for every taste. After indulging in delicious hot dogs, hamburgers, and other fare, don’t forget to snag some sweet desserts. For that, check out our guides to the best ice cream and the best dessert spots in town.

Author
Erika Marty
Erika Marty

Erika is an avid traveler who has been to more than 60 countries where she finds food, activities, and hidden locales for touring like a local. When she’s not writing, she enjoys mountain biking, hiking, and planning her next adventure.

Learn more about Erika