Best Hot Dogs in New York (2025)

A Lower East Side legend since 1888, Katz’s grills natural-casing beef franks with that signature snap. While crowds chase pastrami, locals head straight to the hot dog counter—regularly praised by Eater NY and longtime critics.

The last remaining Gray’s still anchors the Upper West Side with griddled franks and tropical drinks. Frequently cited by Eater NY and local food writers, it remains a quintessential late-night New York experience.

Papaya King Finally Reopens on the Upper East Side | Eater NY

I've followed the long, dramatic saga of this 90-year-old hot dog institution: after being saved from extinction last spring, it finally reopened on Saturday at 206 East 86th Street on the Upper East Side. The owners had briefly planned to relocate across the street to 1535 Third Avenue, but that plan faltered amid legal trouble in January 2024 when the landlord sued Sajid “Sid” Sohail for $4.4 million; Sohail, who remains involved in the latest iteration, ultimately ditched that space and found a new alternative. Founded by Constantine “Gus” Poulos in 1932 and later purchased by Wayne Rosenbaum around 2010 — who vowed, “Papaya King will be here for another 178 years” — the chain once had outposts in Downtown Brooklyn, the East Village, the Roosevelt Mall on Long Island, and locations in California and Pennsylvania, though only the Upper East Side remains. (The story was updated on July 8, 2024 to correct the new address.) - Emma Orlow

An East Village original known for deep-fried franks, bacon wraps, and creative toppings, with late hours and a cult following. Featured in Eater NY’s hot dog guide and loved by local critics.

Schaller's Stube Sausage Bar - Review - Upper East Side - New York - The Infatuation

German butcher and grocery Schaller & Weber has been operating on the Upper East Side since 1937. Nowadays, they have a takeout window next to the shop called Schaller’s Stube where you can pick up a currywurst, a half-pound kielbasa, or something more adventurous like a buffalo chicken brat with ranch, blue cheese, and celery leaves. Their sausage creations are inventive and delicious, and the pretzel buns are a very nice touch. Grab a po'boy-inspired brat with crisp cajun slaw or a red hot frank with hot honey, and eat your fantastic hand-held food at an indoor counter or a table on the sidewalk. - Bryan Kim

This butcher’s counter serves house-made dogs like the Big Fred—garlicky, juicy, and built for mustard and onions. Eater NY recommends it, and the shop’s sourcing from upstate farms keeps things proudly local.

A Flatiron saloon dating to 1892 where the frankfurter and chili dog are part of the city’s bar-food canon. A favorite of historians and regulars alike, with the menu’s dogs even noted on broadcast segments.

Greenpoint’s modern Jewish deli keeps an excellent all-beef dog and a beloved two-dogs-and-a-drink deal. Featured in Eater NY’s hot dog roundup and celebrated by food media for its smart revivalist spirit.

A tiny Windsor Terrace fixture doing textbook Chicago dogs, Italian beef, and community hospitality. The Infatuation and Brooklyn Magazine both cheer its accuracy, neighborhood feel, and playful retro touches.

Seasonal and beachy on the Rockaway Boardwalk, Rippers grills Meat Hook franks with serious snap. Its crew’s roots and Eater NY coverage underscore the spot’s role in modern Rockaway food culture.

A Queens daytime institution for crisp natural-casing dogs, serving locals for decades. Included on Eater NY’s NYC hot dog map, with current hours corroborated by recent listings and customer reports.

Riverdale’s 1953 kosher deli still grills frankfurters with classic sides like knishes and latkes. Recognized by NYC’s official tourism site and local press for enduring neighborhood roots and quality.