Best bets for hot dogs
Photo credit: Tony Jerome | 1. Nathan's skinless beef franks were the top pick by a substantial margin. Tasters praised their texture, color, spice and "nice snap." 16-ounce package (8 dogs), $4.29.
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Few foods offer more bang for the bite than the all-American hot dog.
Long Islanders seeking frank fulfillment can discover a world of variety out here.
You can bite into dogs with an ethnic accent at Latin eateries in both Nassau and Suffolk, where toppings may include pineapple, avocado and jalapenos. And it's hard to resist a kosher deli Hebrew National that's striped with mustard, piled with sauerkraut.
There are stands and trucks selling wieners dressed up with chili or heaped with onions. And, in the Hamptons, you'll find Kobe beef dogs costing as much as some lobsters.
Admittedly, franks aren't health fare, but as an occasional treat, they're hard to beat. Many an epicure will confess to pulling over to a roadside stand or truck, lured by the prospect of the first bite and all the spicy juices.
So get out the Rolaids and let the quest begin.
TRUCKS
The Hot Dawg Truck, Dibblee Drive (near Lowe's), Garden City, hotdawgtruck.com .
Rod Ewart, brawny and tattooed, worked as a bouncer and a bartender before buying this truck and building himself a solid reputation in the hot dog world (he's also a competitive barbecuer). You can get either a boiled Sabretts or grilled Boar's Head dog, choosing from an inventive array of toppings. Ewart is known for his spicy onions and cooks about 80 pounds of them at a time. His biggest-selling "gourmet" dog is the Hong Kong Phooey, anointed with pineapple, bacon, teriyaki and chives. $1.50 to $2.50.
Hot Dog Truck, North Service Road, Long Island Expressway, between exits 62 and 61.
A Sabrett umbrella is the only name visible on this truck, whose chili and cheese dog on a fresh bun makes for a hearty bargain lunch. $1.50.
STANDS
All American Hamburger, 4286 Merrick Rd., Massapequa, 516-798-9574.
At this much-loved stand, there's more than just the namesake specialty. Hot dogs are simply grilled on rollers and served on warmed buns. Toppings include mustard, sauerkraut, chopped onions and cheese. $1.75.
Bonanza Stand, 25 Shore Ave., Oyster Bay, 516-922-7796.
The Bonanza family (yes, really) owns this aptly named century-old landmark, a popular spot in summer. Don't miss the Bonanza special, an all-beef frank with mustard, ketchup, sauerkraut, relish, chili and cheese, with the option of jalapeños. Cool down with some homemade Italian ice, another specialty here. Hot dogs, $1.70 to $2.10.
J.B. Dawgs, 16 Split Rock Rd., Syosset, 516-802-5690.
This colorful outdoor stand (with picnic table seating) steams Sabrett dogs in either regular or foot-long sizes. The real story, though, is the toppings, with such varieties as the Chicago dog crowned with diced onion, yellow mustard, green relish, a tomato wedge, a pickle spear, celery salt and sport peppers on a poppy seed bun, and the Buffalo dog, topped with shredded lettuce, Bleu cheese and Buffalo wing sauce. $2.25 to $3.25.
The Shack, 1 Stony Hollow Rd., Centerport, 631-754-8989.
It's a challenge finding a picnic table at this summer stand where the all-beef dogs may be had with sauerkraut, onion sauce, grilled onions, raw onions, Cheddar sauce and chili in any combination. Pass the Altoids. $2.25 to $2.50.
INFORMAL / INDOORS
American Roadside Burger,
80 E. Main St., Smithtown, 631-382-9500 and 337 New York Ave., Huntington, 631-935-0300.
These nostalgia-themed burger joints split Sabrett frankfurters down the middle before grilling and serving them on toasted potato buns. Good eating, for sure. $2.98 to $3.74
Five Guys Famous Burgers & Fries, 3947 Hempstead Tpke., Levittown, 516-796-1237.
The first-rate Hebrew National hot dog is split before being grilled, making for extra bronzed and crusted surfaces; underneath, it's all spicy juiciness. Sybarites can get a bacon cheese dog. $2.89 to $4.09
Nathan's Famous, 229 Broadhollow Rd., Farmingdale, 631-293-6302 and various locations (nathansfamous.com).
The Coney Island classic is now a mega-chain, but the hot dogs still offer old-fashioned satisfaction. Top them with a zigzag of mustard, some relish and sauerkraut - or nothing at all. $2.69.
Pit Stop, 1706 Sunrise Hwy., Merrick, 516-223-7799.
The hot dog at this friendly roadside eatery is just a Sabrett grilled on a roller. Sometimes, that's all you need. Have yours plain or with chili and cheese. $2.25 to $3.75
San Antonio Bakery, 174 Rockaway Ave., Valley Stream, 516-568-0075.
A well-kept Valley Stream secret is this Chilean bakery- cafe where co-owners Elizabeth and Ruben Guzman serve the completo: A beef hot dog is nestled into a just-baked bun and crowned with sauerkraut, chopped tomatoes, mashed avocado and a squiggle of mayonnaise. Additional mustard and picante sauce come on the side. The result is irresistible - and only $3.50.
KOSHER
The kosher franks served at these delis are grilled so that they make an audible snap when bitten. Be careful not to burn your mouth on the garlicky juices that issue forth:
Pastrami King, 196 Merrick Rd., Merrick, 516-377-4300. $3.25
Kensington Deli, 27A Middle Neck Rd., Great Neck, 516-487-2410. $3.
Zan's Kosher Delicatessen Restaurant & Caterer, 135 Alexander Ave., Lake Grove, 631-979-8770. $2.99
Lido Kosher Deli, 641 Park Ave., Long Beach, 516-431-4411. $2.50
Ben's Kosher Delicatessen & Restaurant, $3.25
• 59 Old Country Rd., Carle Place, 516-742-3354
•7971 Jericho Tpke., Woodbury, 516-496-4236
•140 Wheatley Plaza, Greenvale, 516-621-3340
• 933 Atlantic Ave., Baldwin, 516-868-2072.
SIT-DOWN SERVICE
La Brasa, 426 Hawkins Ave., Lake Ronkonkoma, 631-467-3278.
Perros calientes (literally, "hot dogs") are a Colombian specialty made from a combination of beef and pork and spices. They're plump and well grilled, served on large sesame rolls and crowned with any number of toppings. A "mixto" has minced chicken and chorizo spooned on top; a "Hawaiiano" features pineapple, lettuce, ketchup, mayo, mustard and jalapeño. A hot dog aficionado will want to try at least one. $3.50-$6.50.
Frank-E-Footer, 268 Rte. 109, East Farmingdale, 631-390-8508.
Brand new to the frank scene is this structure (is it a truck? a stand?) where dogs are the main event, naked or with any number of toppings. You can get a gyro or a knish, as well.
RESTAURANT HAUTE
The Laundry, 341 Pantigo Rd., East Hampton, 631-324-3199.
Say hello to the Hamptons' most extravagant frank, which, at $25, enters its third season. Chef Andrew Engle says it's the fattiness that makes the foot-long so good. It comes on a bun with nothing more than pickles, mustard and ketchup on the side.
Love Lane Kitchen, 240 Love Lane, Mattituck, 631-298-8989.
At this informal North Fork spot, chef-owner Danny Avella serves up a plump Kobe beef hot dog Chicago-style, with yellow mustard, sweet India relish, chopped tomato, chopped onion, dill pickle, hot peppers and a sprinkle of celery salt. It's rich eating at $12.
Rein Bar & Bistro, Garden City Hotel, 45 Seventh St., Garden City, 516-877-9385.
Chef Steven De Bruyn's Kobe beef corn dog comes with house-made curry ketchup, whole-grain mustard and pickle relish. It's $16.
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