Best Hot Dog Spots in Washington, DC
You don’t have to be a political underdog to know where to find the best hot dog in Washington, DC. It turns out that the nation’s capital is also a hot dog capital. Summertime just screams hot dogs and we’re here to help you find the best. Get ready to cast for your vote for chili, relish, mustard, and other fixings. Here’s your look at the eight best hot dog spots in Washington, DC.
Ben’s Chili Bowl
1213 U Street Northwest, Washington, DC
(202) 667-0909
This is DC’s celebrity hot dog spot! You may have seen photos of President Barack Obama, Anthony Bourdain, and other well-known figures spanning the worlds of culinary culture and politics tucking into some steaming dogs here. The eatery is also a popular stop for people visiting the nearby National Museum of African American History and Culture. Ben’s serves up chili with different levels of spiciness to ensure that your hot dog is always perfect. There’s even a vegan chili! The banana pudding is the secret gem at Ben’s.
Nim Ali
2000 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC
(202) 506-2460
Were you looking for amazing hot dogs just down the road from the White House? Nim Ali serves up a menu full of traditional Guatemalan goodies that includes street hot dogs! Known as shucos, these dogs are plump, delicious, and loaded with incredibly flavorful toppings. The chorizo shuco is the standout at Nim Ali. You also can’t go wrong with the hot dog with sausage, grilled onions, avocados, and crispy cabbage. In fact, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed a hot dog without these amazing flavors and rich textures. Don’t forget to order a side of plátanos! This top hot dog spot in Washington, DC is conveniently tucked away in West End Market.
Meats and Foods
247 Florida Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC
(202) 505-1384
This Washington, DC meat shop gets right to the point with meaty sandwiches, burgers, and sausage dogs! Meats and Foods is already pretty famous for its hearty all-day breakfast sandwiches. However, it’s also beloved for its links. Locals are devoted to the Meats and Foods Halfsmoke sandwich made with spicy pork and beef sausage with grilled onions, brown mustard, chili, and cheese on a potato bun. You’re definitely going to want to wash yours down with the half-n-half drink made with fresh lemonade and iced tea.
Dog Haus Biergarten Dupont
1837 M Street Northwest, Washington, DC
(202) 836-6000
You haven’t really had a hot dog until you’ve had a Haus dog! This vibrant eatery offers seven signature hot dogs that go wild with toppings. For example, the Cowboy made with smoked bacon, cheddar sauce, crispy onions, and BBQ is one that hits the spot every time. The Chili Idol made with Haus chili, cheddar sauce, and onions is another pleaser. If you’re dining with someone who isn’t a dog fan, the burgers, chicken, burritos, and craft beer should be enough to make this a great restaurant pick for everyone. The Haus shakes also really bring down the house!
Catalyst Hot Dog
(202) 567-1838
Catalyst brought the New Jersey hot dog to Washington! This beloved hot dog spot is located inside Denizens Brewing Company at Riverdale Park. There’s also a roving cart that can be seen all around town. The Capital Dog made with mambo sauce and raw onions offers a clean, on-point flavor. The All the Way Dog brings things to the next level with Texas chili sauce, brown mustard, and raw onions. If you prefer a classic, the A La Rutts made with sweet or hot relish is the obvious pick!
Sami’s Hot Dog Cart
770 Maryland Avenue Southwest, Washington, DC
Sami’s brings things back to the way hot dog carts used to be back in the 80s and 90s. Its location right in front of the Federal Aviation Administration building and Hancock Park has helped to make Sami’s an iconic spot to grab a hot dog in Washington, DC. Patrons who zip over on their lunch breaks love the friendly service and customizable dogs. Yes, you’ll probably be served by Sami when you place your order. The best part is that you’ll get an incredibly satisfying chili dog for a great price.
HalfSmoke
651 Florida Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC
(202) 986-2079
HalfSmoke has an incredible menu that will take care of you from brunch through happy hour. One of the standouts on the menu is the homemade pigs in a blanket plate served with mustard. You can even get these petite dogs served up alongside your favorite comfort foods when you order the No Judgment Platter featuring pigs in a blanket, mozzarella sticks, mini corn dogs, tater tots, and mac and cheese bites. The drink menu at HalfSmoke is one of the best in the district.
Z Burger
641 Indiana Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC
(202) 220-0000
Z Burger serves up an A+ hot dog! The no-frills dog menu here lets you take your pick with a cheese dog, bacon dog, or bacon-cheese dog. Complete your meal with fresh-cut potatoes and onion rings! Of course, you won’t want to skip the 75 flavors of handspun shakes and malts that put Z Burger on the map.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Washington, DC page, here!
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