Hot Dog Joints
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Hot Dog Joints |
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Affectionately referred to as HDJs, there are certain parts of the country that stand out as sanctuaries to the frankfurter. Virtual Meccas to those who are wise in the way of the wienie...
Detroit, Michigan - with its "Coney Island" hot dogs (bearing little in common with hot dogs actually served at Coney Island in New York).
New York with their love of the Sabrett hot dogs and the distinctive yellow and blue umbrellas of their push carts...
Chicago, Illinois - and the well-known, and loved "Chicago Style "hot dog.
Since it's impossible for anyone to document all the HDJs in America, I'm not even going to try. I'm just going to document the "well known" ones, the ones I've been to, or the ones I want to go to...
I'm going to start with Maryland - because that's where I live - and I've already done the research. (I expect this order to change... Eventually...)
The Baltimore City Paper runs a "Best of Baltimore" review. Several of the HDJs below were culled from this review...
- Attman's Authentic New York Delicatessen - 1019 E. Lombard Street - Baltimore, MD 21202 ~ (410) 563-2666
2009 and 2005 winner of Baltimore's Best Hot Dog
- Zack's - 8923 Old Harford Road - Parkville, MD 21234 ~ (410) 665-9939 [Review]
2008 and 2007 winner of Baltimore's Best Hot Dog
- Pulaski Liquor Emporium and Dog House Tavern - 6425 Pulaski Highway - Baltimore, MD 21205 ~ (410) 483-7500
2006 winner of Baltimore's Best Hog Dog
- The Dog House - 617 Fallsway - Baltimore, MD 21202 ~ (410) 685-7269 [Review]
2003 winner of Baltimore's Best Hot Dog
- G&A Restaurant - 3802 Eastern Avenue - Baltimore, MD 21224 ~ (410) 276-9422 [Review]
2002 winner of Baltimore's Best Hot Dog
- Ann's Dari-Creme - 7918 Ritchie Highway - Glen Burnie, MD 21061 ~ (410) 761-1231
- Polock Johnny's - 3212 Washington Boulevard - Baltimore, MD 21230 ~ (410) 644-5997
- Konstant’s Hot Dogs - Lexington Market - 400 W. Lexington Street - Baltimore, MD 21201 ~ (410) 685-4422
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Coney Island and Curtis'
Famous Weiners Since 1918 35 North Liberty Street Cumberland, MD 21502 (301) 777-0380
These guys have been around since 1918, but if "Holly" Moore (HollyEats.com) hadn't written up this place I wouldn't have known that it existed... [Review]
On a random Google search I found another review in the Maryland Life e-zine: Consider the Wiener: Cumberland Maryland's Curtis' Famous Weiners
Weenie World - 1099 Merritt Boulevard - Dundalk, MD 21222 ~ (410) 284-9495 They serve a Berk's dog (Reading, PA) with buns from H&S Bakery in Baltimore, MD - this place is, literally, walking distance from my house.

- Power Dogs - 621 E. Pratt Street - Baltimore, MD 21202 ~ (410) 385-1962
I have yet to visit this establishment, but word through the grapevine is that "it ain't all that" - but... I'll make up my own mind, thank you!
- Lorelei's Hotdogs - 7327 Wye Avenue - Jessup, MD 20794-9459 ~ (410) 799-0188
I called Lorelei's phone number June 11, 2009 and it was answered by a different business. Stay tuned!
- Wiener World - 1202 E. Patrick Street, #1C - Frederick MD 21701-3167 - (301) 360-0550
- Chili Man Wieners - 18 Allegheny Avenue - Towson, MD 21204 - (410) 321-7710
Apparently having recently opened (October 2009) this HDJ is less than four miles from my office... Review forthcoming!
- Pink's
709 N. La Brea Avenue Los Angeles, Ca 90038-3338 (323) 931-4223
- Carney's Restaurant
8351 W. Sunset Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90069 (323) 654-8300
- Papoo's Hot Dog Show
4300 W. Riverside Drive Burbank, CA 91505 (818) 846-1511
- Blackie's Hotdog Stand
2200 Waterbury Road Cheshire, CT 06410 (203) 699-1819
- Capital Lunch
510 Main Street New Britain, CT 06615 (860) 229-8237
- Danny's Drive-In
940 Ferry Boulevard Stratford, CT 06614-6016 (203) 378-6728
- Doogie's
2525 Berlin Turnpike Newington, CT 06455 (860) 666-1944
- Guida's
484 Meriden Road Middlefield, CT 06455 (860) 349-9039
- Mr. Mac's Canteen
838 Main Street Monroe, CT (203) 459-9595
- Swanky Frank's
182 Connecticut Avenue Norwalk, CT 06854-1962 (203) 838-8969
- Rawley's Drive-In
1886 Post Road Fairfield CT 06824 (203) 259-9023
- Super Duper Weenie
306 Black Rock Turnpike Fairfield, CT 06825 (203) 334-DOGS [3647]
- Top Dog's
Route 66, Portland CT 06480 (near High Street) (860) 267-8437
- Famous Uncle Al's Hot Dogs
71 Newtown Road Danbury, CT 06810-6258
- Hot Dog Heaven
101 East Sunrise Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304 (954) 523-7100
- Coney Island Drive Inn
1112 E. Jefferson Street Brooksvegas, FL 34601 (352) 796-9141 Their online menu says they serve a dog with "Coney Sauce". Hmmm... I wonder what type of "Coney Sauce", but... Y'gotta watch out for these guys... <Elitist Hot Dog Snob> They offer ketchup as a condiment for their hot dogs! </Elitist Hot Dog Snob>
- Beach Doggie Dog
1207 Estero Boulevard Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 (239) 463-0216 ~ fax: (239) 463-2260

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Some friends sent me this picture from the road... But they didn't tell me if they stopped...
Or if it was any good - if they did stop.... |
| And I found this one out on the Internet... |
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- Redondo's LLC "Hawaiian Winners"
94-140 Leokane Street Waipahu, HI 96797 (808) 671-5444 ~ fax (808) 676-7009
Michigan is home of the "Coney Island" style of restaurant. (Did I hear someone say Coney Island is in New York? Well, it is... Now siddown...)
You'll hear the town of Flint, Michigan closely associated with the "Coney Island".
Detroit, too, has quite a few Coney Islands. Two of the most colorful being American Coney Island & Lafayette Coney Island. Both on Lafayette Boulevard, both right next door to each other and both owned by brothers! I've got links to both of 'em below - go check out their history...
A "Coney Island" hot dog is one served with "Coney Island" sauce, mustard & onions.
Doesn't sound too impressive, does it? Well... It's all in the sauce. At the bottom on this page I've plagiarized several recipes for Coney Island sauce, but in a nutshell, (or perhaps a hot dog bun?), Coney Island sauce is a dry (not soupy) bean-less chili. I've also heard it referred to as "Greek Spaghetti Sauce".
But... Wait a second... If that is a "Coney Island" dog, what is a "Texas Hot Weiner"?
Well... A "Texas Hot Weiner" is - at least originally - from Patterson, New Jersey. If there are any other differences... I'm not sure I know what they are...
But I plan to find out, so stay tuned...!
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American Coney Island 118 W. Lafayette Boulevard Detroit, MI 48226 (313) 964-8198
[12.02.2009] I just received a "Coney Kit" from American Coney Island - with a personally signed letter from Grace Keros, the 3rd generation
Keros to own this HDJ.
(Okay... I admit... she probably personally signs all of the letters that accompany their Coney Kits.
She just strikes me as that sort of person)
[12.14.2009] And you're in luck! I just finished my review... (with pictures!)
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- Lafayette Coney Island [Roadfood.com Review]
118 W. Lafayette Boulevard Detroit, MI 48226 (313) 964-8198
- Todoroff's Original Coney Island
1200 West Parnall Road Jackson, Michigan 49201–7012 (517) 841-1000
- Leo's Coney Island
2100 Woodward Avenue Detroit, MI 48201-3470 (313) 471-2888
- National Coney Island
27947 Groesbeck Roseville, MI 48066 (586) 771-7744 ~ fax (586) 771-9578
- Gillie's Coney Island
6524 N. Dort Highway Mt. Morris, MI 48458-2559 (810) 686-1200
- Leo's Coney Island
The Stassinopoulos brothers, Leo & Peter opened their first diner - the Southfield Souvlaki Coney Island - in 1972. In 1982 they opened their second restaurant in Farmington. Soon after that, they changed the name to Leo's Coney Island. Last time I checked they had over 40 restaurants.
- Angelo's Coney Island
1807 N Franklin Avenue, Suite 101 Flint, MI 48506 (810) 577-5310 ~ fax (810) 233-3860
- Athens Coney Island
32657 Woodward Avenue Royal Oak, MI 48073 (248) 549-1488
- Greek Islands Coney Restaurant
221 Hamilton Row Birmingham, MI 48009 (248) 646-1222
- George's Senate Coney Island Restaurant
39430 Dun Rovin Drive Northville, MI 48168 (734) 927-1126
- National Coney Island, Inc.
27947 Groesbeck Roseville, MI 48066 (586) 771-7744 fax ~ (586) 771-9578
- Gus's Coney Island
50899 Gratiot Avenue New Baltimore, MI 48051 (586) 598-4848
- Alpha Coney Island
7049 Dexter Ann Arbor Road Dexter, MI 48130-8568 (734) 424-0900
- Opa! Opa! Coney Island
17445 Hamilton Avenue Allen Park, MI 48101 (313) 359-2700
- Village Coney Island
22443 Michigan Avenue Dearborn, MI 48124 (313) 561-4700
- Kerby's Koney Island
These guys have a bunch of stores...
New Jersey seems to have a lot of "famous" HDJs. Or maybe it's just that the folks in New Jersey are more "vocal" (on the Internet, at least) about their love of their "home town" hot dog joints...
- Rutt's Hut
417 River Road Clifton, NJ 07014 (973) 779-8615

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Opened in 1928, Rutt's Hut is a New Jersey institution. Their dogs are deep fried to four degrees of doneness: "In and Outer" (just warmed up - for the tourists), "Ripper" (fried until the skin rips), "Weller" (well done) & "Cremator" (extremely well done - as in cracked, blistered, hard and shriveled). They're famous for their homemade "relish". Rumor has it that the "secret" ingredients are cabbage and carrots. Apparently, it's a lot better than it sounds!
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- Jimmy Buff's
354 Route 10 West & River Road East Hanover, NJ 07017 (877) 9HOTDOG ~ (973) 463-0099 ~ fax: (973) 463-0196 This four-restaurant chain claims to have invented the "italian-style" hot dog (A/K/A Newark dog) [Review]

The Hot Grill - Some say The Hot Grill sells the "archetypal" (their word!) Texas Weiner 669 Lexington Avenue Clifton, NJ 07011 (973) 772-6000 ~ fax: (973) 772-3588 Their "signature" hot dog is the "Texas Weiner"
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- J & G Texas Wiener
238 North Avenue Dunellen, NJ 08812 (732) 968-4343 ~ (732) 752-2882 John Sagi (The Gourmet Chili Dog) documented his visit there on April 4, 2009 on Roadfood.com.
WindMill 856 Route 70 (Junction of Routes 88 & 70) Brick, NJ 08724 (732) 458-7774 WindMill has eight locations. Check out their web site for the rest...
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- Texas Wiener
100 Watchung Avenue Plainfield, NJ 07060-1210 (908) 756-5480
- Boulevard Drinks
48 Journal Square Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 656-1855
- Charlie’s Pool Room
1122 East Boulevard Phillipsburg, NJ 08865-4498 (908) 454-1364

- Dickie Dee’s Pizza
Specializing in the "Italian Hot Dog " - (pizza bread, sautéed peppers & onions, and sliced potatoes - NOT French Fries!) 380 Bloomfield Avenue Newark, NJ 07107 (973) 483-9396
- Father & Son Luncheonette
902 W. Saint Georges Avenue Linden, NJ 07036 (908) 486-9596
- Goomba's
1424 Morris Avenue Union, NJ 07083 908-688-7500 The information about Goomba's was "liberated" from the "Hey Where Are All Our Hotdoggers, All States are welcome" thread on:  John Fox gave it a glowing review
- Goffle Grill - specializing in the "Texas Weiner"
1140 Goffle Road Hawthorne, NJ 07508 (973) 423-0881 ~ fax (973) 423-3345
- Hiram's Roadstand - featuring Thumann's hot dogs
1345 Palisade Avenue Fort Lee, NJ 07024 (201) 592-9602
- Hot Dog Heaven
176 Kinderkamack Road Emerson, NJ 07630 (201) 261-0073
- Johnny and Hanges - specializing in the "Texas Weiner"
23-20 Maple Avenue Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 (201) 791-9060
- Libby’s Lunch
98 McBride Avenue Paterson, NJ 07501-2660 (973) 278-8718
- Pappy's Diner
315 Union Boulevard Totoway, NJ 07512 (973) 595-1701
- Duffy's Famous Riverside Grill
855 River Street Paterson, NJ 07524 (973) 357-8100 According to Hot Dog Hunt, Duffy's offers customers a choice of a Sabrett's or a Thumann's hot dog. 
- Amazing Hot Dog
148-A Bloomfield Avenue Verona, NJ 07044 (973) 433-3073
- Danny's Dogs
100 River Drive Garfield, NJ 07026 (973) 249-8700
- Max's Hot Dogs
25 Matilda Terrace Long Branch, NJ 07740-5699 (732) 571-0248 A favorite with the beach crowd...
- Cousin Roy's Dairy & Dogs
11 McKinley Avenue Dumont, NJ 07628-2909 (201) 338-4860
- The Hotdog Place
49 West Church Street Bergenfield, NJ 07621-1773 (201) 244-0500
- The Hot Dog House, Inc.
510 State Route 17 Carlstadt, NJ 07072-1706 (201) 935-5803
- Mr. Dee's Hot Dogs
3 Johnson Lane Parlin, NJ 08859 (732) 525-8300
- Galloping Hill
325 Chestnut Street Union, NJ 07083-9425 (908) 686-2683
Like New Jersey-ites (Can I say "New Jersey-ite"?), New Yorkers love their dogs...
Papaya King Papaya King Frankfurters Are Tastier Than Filet Mignon This chain has three locations in New York City and one in Clifton, NJ. Check out the history page on their web site.
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Opened in 1931 by Gus Poulos (a Greek immigrant) "Hawaiian Tropical Drinks, Inc.". New Yorkers began to refer to him as "The Papaya King" so in the 1960's he changed the name permanently.
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- Gray's Papaya (their web site isn't quite ready for "prime time" yet)
2090 Broadway, #1 New York, NY 10023 (212) 799-0243 Katherine Pushkar & Jocelyn Guest did an informal comparison between Gray's Papaya, Papaya King (the original!) & Papaya Dog. According to them, Gray's Papaya has the best dog [Link]
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Opened in 1972, Nicholas A. B. Gray copied his store's "concept" from Papaya King. I'm trying to find out what the "story behind the story" is. Stay tuned!
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- Crif Dogs
113 Saint Marks Place New York, NY 10009 (212) 614-2728
- Ted's Hot Dogs
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Ted's was started by Greek immigrant Theodore Spiro "Ted" Liaros in 1927 in a tool shed - having upgraded from a horse-drawn hot dog cart - near Buffalo's newly finished "Peace Bridge". Ted's web site has an interesting historic timeline - go check it out!
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Yocco's Someone actually created a page on Wikipedia for Yocco's 16 East Minor Street Emmaus, PA 18049 (610) 928-3100
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Yocco's gets its name from the "local" (Pennsylvania Dutch) pronunciation of the owner's last name - "Iacocca"
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The Famous Hot Weiner (Yes, that's how they spell it...) 101 Broadway Hanover, PA 17331 (717) 637-1282 ~ fax (717) 637-8366 They have a second location at 160 Dart Drive in Hanover, PA
Texas Hot Weiner Lunch 38 Carlisle Street Hanover, PA 17332 (717) 637-7075 [Reviews]
Laskaris 6 W Market Street Lewistown, PA 17044 (717) 248-8480 [Reviews] |
 Move your mouse over the sketch to see a photo of the place... |
On a recent motorcycle trip to Renovo, Pennsylvania with a group from GL1800Riders.com, we stopped at Laskaris when passing through Lewistown. It's an "old school" HDJ - old Vulcan grill right in the window. They've been around since 1921. Sam has owned the place for the last 16 years. They serve the traditional "Texas hot weiner" - Berks hot dog, mustard, mild meat chile & lots of fresh nicely chopped onions. |
Coney Island Texas Lunch (A/K/A "Coney Island") Opened in 1924 by "Steve" Karampilas (yes, another Greek immigrant) 100 Cedar Avenue Scranton, PA 18503 (570) 961-8288
Coney Island Lunch 515 Lackawanna Avenue Scranton, PA 18503 (570) 961-9004 ~ fax (570) 207-9489
Johnnie's Dog House 446 Green Hill Lane, Suite 201 Berwyn, PA 19312 Johnnie's Dog House is a chain - I plan on calling them to try to get some more history and find out where their original location was... The address I included is their corporate headquarters. They remind me a bit of Zack's - a Maryland chain. They offer a dog called "Baltimore's Best", but it includes coleslaw & bacon. The most common interpretation of a "Baltimore-style" hot dog is one wrapped in bologna and griddle fried. And their "Jersey Style" dog (grilled potatoes, peppers & onions) is frequently referred to as an "Italian-style" dog (when served on "pizza bread").
- Weenie Beenie
2680 S Shirlington RoadArlington, VA 22206 (703) 671-6661 The dcist has a review and brief history of "Weenie Beenie" written May 19, 2006.
- Hillbilly Hot Dogs
6951 Ohio River Road Lesage, WV (304) 762-2458 This "chain" has 3 locations: Lesage, Huntington & Lavalette, West Virginia...
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Hot Dog Makers
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Hot Dog Makers |
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There are roughly five gazillion, six hundred thousand whole-lotta, five hundred and seven hot dog manufacturers in this great country of ours.
From the huge conglomerates like [Sara Lee Corporation], maker of...
...to the Mom and Pop shops like...
Binkert's

...in Rosedale (Baltimore), Maryland.
I have no idea of how many manufacturers I will be able to document, but... Here goes:
My "home" state of Maryland is a little bit embarrassing with their lack of a good quality hot dog manufacturer. Sure, we have Esskay, but I said "good quality". And... Esskay brand hasn't been manufactured in Baltimore for years...
The "ESS" in Esskay was founded in 1858 by German immigrant & butcher William Schluderberg
"KAY" joined "ESS" in a 1919 merger (Thomas J. Kurdle, pork packer)
For a while, they were known as Schluderberg-Kurdle, Co. (Get it? S-K... Ess-Kay... Esskay... Simple, right?)
The main plant on 3800 East Baltimore Street was built between 1919 & 1920 with several additions in the late 1950's.
Esskay was still operating a slaughter house as late as 1966.
Esskay was acquired by Smithfield Foods in 1985 and was closed by Smithfield in 1992.
On April 12, 2000, Smithfield donated the 13-acre site of the old Esskay plant to the Essex Community College Foundation - which they turned into an industrial park.
- Esskay
8422 Bellona Lane, Suite 200 Baltimore, MD 21204 (800) 638-7350 ~ (410) 823-2100 fax ~ (410) 823-3058
- Binkert's
8805 Philadelphia Road Rosedale, MD 21237 (410) 687-5959 fax ~ (410) 687-5023

German Master Butcher Egon Binkert opened Binkert's in 1964. Since 2000, Binkert's has been run by Lothar & Sonya Weber (Egon's daughter).
Monday, August 4, 2008 - There was an electrical fire at Binkert's that started above a freezer in their production area and spread to the attic. The fire damage to the roof and the water damage caused by the fire fighting effort closed them down until renovations were completed several months later on October 10, 2008.
Here are some articles about Binkert's
- Saag's Specialty Meats
1799 Factor Avenue San Leandro, CA 94577-5668 (510) 352-8000 ~ (800)352-7224
- Square-H Brands, Inc. - Maker of Hoffy® brand
2731 South Soto Street Los Angeles, CA 90023 (323) 267-4600 Hoffy manufactures a hot dog specifically for Pink's in Los Angeles, CA
- Miller's [Miller Packing Company]
1122 Industrial Way (P.O. Box 1390) Lodi, CA 95241 (209) 339-2310 ~ (800) 624-2328
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 Boar's Head 1819 Main Street, Suite 800 Sarasota, Florida 34236 (941) 955-0994
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- David Berg - Premium Beef Franks - Since 1860
2501 N. Damen Avenue Chicago, IL 60647 (773) 489-4711
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| In 1993 Vienna Beef bought David Berg. At some time after that, OSI (Aurora, IL) took over David Berg. Harry L. Stern wrote a two-part article (Nur Senf) which provides some history of the David Berg Sausage Company |
- Best's Kosher - As of January 2009, Sara Lee will no longer be manufacturing Best's Kosher, Sinai Kosher or Shofar and Wilno products
1000 W Pershing Road Chicago, IL 60609-1426 (773) 650-6330
- Allen Brothers, Inc. - The Great Steakhouse Steaks
3737 South Halsted Street Chicago, Illinois 60609-1689 (800) 957-0111
- Crawford Sausage - Since 1925
2310 S. Pulaski Road Chicago, IL 60623 (773) 277-3095, (866) 65 DAISY ~ fax (773) 277-7749
- Red Hot Chicago
4649 W. Armitage Avenue Chicago, IL 60639 (312) 829-3434, (800) 249-5226

- W.A. Beans & Sons - Quality Meats from Maine
229 Bomarc Road Bangor ME 04401 (800) 649-1958 ~ fax (207) 990-4211

- Koegel's
3400 W Bristol Road Flint, MI 48507 (810) 238-3685 Koegel's also sells what appears to be as authentic a "Coney Island" chili sauce as is available over the Internet! 
- Kowalski Sausauge Co.
9405 Joseph Campau Street Hamtramck, MI 48212 (313) 871-9060


- Abbott's Meat, Inc.
3623 Blackington Avenue Flint, MI 48532 (810) 232-7128 I've heard Abbott's mentioned several times, so I went out and found their web site. Problem is - I don't know whether they're a "brick and mortar" HDJ, or just a provisioner. And if only a provisioner, do they sell hot dogs? Or just the "Flint Style Coney Sauce" listed on their web site?
- Schweigert Foods
702 E. 13th Street Albert Lea, MN 56007 (507) 377-2526 ~ fax (507) 377-6692
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Schweigert Foods was a division of Willow Brook Foods. On March 31, 2008, Cargill Value Added Meats (CVAM) acquired certain assets of Willow Brook Foods including Schweigert Foods. The good news is that - as of the time of the acquisition - CVAM planned to continue operation of Schweigert Foods in Albert Lea, MN. [Article]
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- Wimmer's Meats
126 West Grant Street West Point, NE 68788 (800) 358-0761 - (402) 372-2437 - fax (402) 372-5659

- Sabrett [Marathon Enterprises, Inc.]
9 Smith Street Englewood, NJ 07631-4607 (201) 935-3330 ~ fax (201) 935-5693

- Thumann's
670 Dell Road Carlstadt, NJ 07072 (201) 935-3636

- Lutz's Pork Store Inc. [German Valley Foods, LLC] - New York Times Article
1055 Stuyvesant Avenue Union, NJ 07083 (908) 688-1373 Patrick Stasolla, Owner

- Union Pork Store
2702 Morris Avenue Union, NJ 07083 (908) 688-2628

- Best's [Best Provision Co., Inc.]
144 Avon Avenue Newark, NJ 07108 (973) 242-5000 - (800) 631-4466 ~ fax (973) 648-0041

- Kocher's Continental Specialty Meats, Inc.
634 Bergen Boulevard Ridgefield, NJ 07657 (201) 945-7086
- Abeles & Heymann
3498 3rd Avenue Bronx, NY 10456 (718) 589-0100
- Brooklyn Pork Store [Landi's Pork Store]
5909 Avenue N, Brooklyn, NY 11234 ~ (718) 763-3230 I don't think they sell hot dogs... This is just one of those places that got sucked up by the vacuum of my hot dog research... I think someone on RogueFood.com mentioned them...
- Empire National Kosher Provisions
123 Grand Street Brooklyn, NY 11211-4123 (718) 384-7400
- Ferris Stahl-Meyer Packing Corp.
1560 Boone Ave Bronx, NY 10460 (718) 328-0059
- Hartmann's Old World Sausage
1256 Clinton Ave N Rochester, NY 14621 (585) 266-4960 - (800) 373-6476 ~ fax (585) 266-3817
- Hebrew National - A subsidiary of ConAgra Foods
History:
- 1905: The "Hebrew National Sausage Factory" was founded in the Lower East Side of Manhattan
- 1928: The Hebrew National Sausage Factory was purchase by Romanian immigrant butcher Isadore Pinckowitz (A/K/A Isadore "Pines")
- 1935: Isadore's son Leonard took over the business
- Early 1960's: The company moved to Maspeth, Queens and changed the name to Hebrew National Kosher Foods, Inc
- 1965: They originated their famous slogan: "We Answer to a Higher Authority"
- 1968: Riviana Foods bought Hebrew National and for the next 12 years no Pines family members were holding the reins
- 1976: Colgate-Palmolive Company purchases Riviana Foods
- 1980: Isidore "Skip" Pines (Leonard's son) repurchased the company from Colgate-Palmolive ~ Hebrew National had come home...
- 1985: The company moved it's headquarters and distribution center to the Bronx
- 1986: The company established a meat processing plant in Indianapolis & in order to incorporate newly acquired brands, Hebrew National became known as National Foods.
- Hebrew National is now a brand of ConAgra Foods, Inc.
- Hofmann Sausage Co., Inc.
6196 Eastern Avenue Syracuse, NY 13211-2295 (315) 437-7257 ~ (800) 724-8410
- International Glatt Kosher
5600 1st Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11220-2550 (718) 491-2756
- Jubilat Provisions Inc.
608 5th Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11215 (718) 768-9676
- Karl Ehmer Inc.
63-35 Fresh Pond Road Ridgewood, NY 11385 (718) 456-8100 They have other locations in Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey, New York & Pennsylvania
- Nathan's Famous - Westbury, NY
- Sahlen's [Sahlen Packing Company, Inc.] - Official Hot Dog of the Buffalo Bills
318 Howard Street Buffalo, NY 14206 (716) 852-8677
- Schaller & Weber
22-35 46th St. Astoria, NY 11105 (718) 721-5480
- Wardynski's [F. Wardynski's & Sons, Inc.] - Finest Quality Meats
336 Peckham Street (P.O. Box 336) Buffalo, NY 14240-0336 (716) 854-6083
- Zweigle's - Distributed by SunSmith
651 Plymouth Ave N Rochester, NY 14608 (585) 546-1740
- Carolina Packers Home of Bright Leaf hot dogs
2999 South Brightleaf Boulevard Smithfield, NC 27577 (919) 934-2181, (800) 682-7675 ~ fax (919) 989-6794
- Brookside Foods
17212 Miles Avenue Cleveland, OH 44128 (216) 991-7600 ~ fax (216) 991-7739
- Dietz & Watson
5701 Tacony Street Philadelphia, PA 19135 (800) 333-1974 ~ fax (215) 831-8719
- Hatfield Quality Meats - Medford is now a part of Hatfield (Medford used to make the hot dogs for Yocco's in Foglesville, PA)
2700 Clemens Road Hatfield, PA 19440-0902 (215) 368-2500, (800) 523-5291 ~ fax (215) 368-3018
- Kunzler's
652 Manor Street Lancaster, PA 17604 (888) 586-9537 ~ fax (717) 390-2170
- Berks Packing Company Inc.
307-323 Bingaman Street Reading, PA 19602 (800) 882-3757
- Gutheinz Meats Inc
It appears that Coney Island Texas Lunch in Scranton, PA uses hot dogs from this company... 520 Cedar Avenue Scranton, PA 18505-1191 (570) 344-1191
- Denver Meats - Home of Hippey Hot Dogs
340 Railroad Street Denver, PA 17517 (717) 336-6577
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A friend of mine recently introduced me to Hippey Hot Dogs by way of a four-dog "care package" he sent me home with - following a Honda Goldwing "Ride-In" in the Catskill mountains (Cats-Cade)
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The Hippey hot dog is on the left. A skinless beef & pork 8-to-a-pound (I believe) dog - I was in the mood for a bacon/cheese dog... (A Sabrett 12/1 skinless beef frankfurter is on the right)
A good quality "small batch" hot dog, on the firm side and fairly mildly spiced.
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- Saugy Inc.
30 Cross Street Providence, RI 02904 (401) 640-1879 - (866) GO-SAUGY ~ fax 401-383-9374

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The following is an excerpt from the Saugy home page...
Alphonse Saugy opened Saugy Provisions in 1869 on the corner of Canal and Smith Streets in Providence, RI. Leo McCaughey, grandfather of the current owner, started working at Saugy in 1914 (age 12) driving a horse-drawn delivery wagon. Leo later became a salesman for the company, then President & CEO. During World War II Alphonse Saugy closed the plant - because he couldn't get the quality of meat he wanted his products. June 7, 1944 - Leo McCaughey, Adam Leips & Ludo Spangenberger reopened Saugy. 1971 - Saugy moved from Canal Street to 30 Cross Street in Providence (Leo McCaughey was born at 20 Cross Street). Mary O'Brien (unknown relation to the McCaughey family) at 34 - decided to expand the business by distributing out of state - and developing new product lines (e.g. sauerkraut relish & hot mustard).
FYI - Saugy's bratwurst are nicknamed "Buckies"
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- Little Rhody Brand Franksfurts
5 Day Street Johnston, RI 02919 (401) 831-0815 Little Rhody makes the hot dogs used at Rhode Island's "Olneyville New York System" HDJ. Look for their "NYS Wieners (Natural Casing)".
- Wholesome Foods - It looks like these guys may make Esskay, Hatfield, Mash and other products
986 South Ox Road Edinburg, VA 22824 (800) 723-6637 ~ (540) 984-8219

Odds 'n' End
I guess I'll put anything that doesn't fit anywhere else down here...
Let Us Now Praise Famous Hot Dogs : Hugh Merwin - November 29, 2007 - Gothamist
Kings of the Road : Jane & Michael Stern - May 25, 2004 - Connecticut Magazine
The Best Hot Dogs in New York City : Robin Raisfeld & Rob Patronite - May 21, 2005 - New York Magazine
America's Best Hot Dogs : Bret Stetka, MSN City Guides
Texas Hot Weiners (Texas Weiners, or Texas Wieners) : from Barry Popik's web site [August 09, 2006]
John Sagi (TheGourmetChiliDog.com) has documented a couple "hot dog runs" in New Jersey:
Baristanet.com: Papaya King Comes to Clifton
Hot Dogs With Bite : Washington Post, Dan Zak [07/01/07]
GOTTA EAT THIS: TOP DOGS : from Michael Lippman's blog "EAT DRINK or DIE"
The Great Chicago Hot Dog : from Craig "Meathead" Goldwyn's "AmazingRibs.com" web site
Detroit, Michigan & the "Coney Island" Dog!
While the rest of the world must be content with a mere "chili dog"; thanks to the imagination of Constantine "Gust" Keros (a Greek shepherd who immigrated to Detroit - via Coney Island - in 1903) the good people of Detroit, Michigan have been blessed with the "Coney Island" 'dog.
Just what is the difference between a chili dog and a Coney Island dog, one might ask?
Outside of Detroit, one might receive nothing more than a quizzical look, a shrug of the shoulders... and a hardy "Hiyo, Silver!"
(Whoops... Sorry..)
- Coney Island-style hot dog
Native to Detroit, MI, a "Coney Island" style hot dog is served with "Coney Island" sauce - a dry (not soupy), bean-less, chili-type sauce - fresh, chopped sweet onions and yellow mustard.
Urban legend has it that Constantine "Gust" Keros originated this particular "presentation" when he opened the American Coney Island restaurant on Detoit's Lafayette Boulevard in 1917. He immigrated to Detroit from Greece in 1903. Apparently, he was inspired by a hot dog he'd been served at New York's Coney Island. He substituted "chili sauce" for the Coney Island's traditional sauerkraut - and thus was born the "Coney Island"!
American Coney Island features a hot dog from:
Lafayette Coney Island features a hot dog from:
Koegel sells Coney Island chili sauce
- Koegel Meats
3400 W. Bristol Road Flint, MI 48507 (810) 238-3685
Maxwell Street Polish - (the following excerpt was "borrowed" from the [Urban Dictionary] the information seems to be mirrored here [Maxwell Street Polish] on Wikipedia)
A "Maxwell Street Polish" consists of a grilled all-beef Polish sausage topped with grilled onions and yellow mustard and the optional sport peppers, on a bun. The sandwich was first created by Jimmy Stefanovic, a Macedonian immigrant, who took over his aunt and uncle's hot-dog stand (now Jim's Original) in Chicago's Maxwell Street marketplace in 1939.
The Maxwell Street Polish soon grew to be one of Chicago's most popular local sandwiches, along with the Chicago hot-dog and Italian Beef. It is served by restaurants around the city, and is common at sporting events. Many small vendors specialize in the Maxwell Street Polish along with the pork-chop sandwich.
Some variations exist. For example, some hot-dog vendors offer a "Maxwell Street hot dog" in which a hot dog is substituted for the Polish sausage.
Due to UIC's [University of Illinois at Chicago] South Campus development, the two famous Maxwell Street Polish stands, Jim's Original and Maxwell St. Express Grill, both of which coexisted side by side for decades at Halsted and Maxwell streets, have now relocated a half block east to Union Avenue, adjacent to the Dan Ryan Expressway on-ramp at Roosevelt Road
Flint's Original Coney Sauce Kathryn Von Gethicker
1/2 lb. of beef kidney
1/2 lb. of beef heart
3 tbsp of paprika
2 tbsp of chili powder
1/4 cooking oil
salt to taste
- Have butcher grind kidney and heart
- Combine all ingredients - except oil - in a sauce pan
- Slowly add oil to rest of ingredients
- Heat over medium heat then simmer for approximately 45 minutes
If necessary, add more oil to keep Coney Island sauce from drying out while cooking
Here's another recipe purporting to be "Coney Island Chili Dog Sauce"

1 pound ground chuck
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 six ounce can tomato paste
1 cup water
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard
1 tablespoon dried, minced onion
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (heaping)
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Brown ground beef in a skillet, adding onions half way through. Add minced garlic when meat is nearly done.
Add remaining ingredients; stir well to combine. Simmer over low heat 15 minutes.
Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce

1 1/2 lb. ground chuck
2 tbsp. oil
2 tbsp. chopped onion
1 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. black pepper
1 tsp. hot pepper
1 tbsp. paprika
1 pinch sage
1 pinch cinnamon
1 tbsp. chili powder
1 sm. can tomato paste
4 c. water
Brown chuck and onion in oil. Add remaining ingredients and simmer 3-4 hours stirring often.
Coney Island Sauce
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon celery seed
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
In a large skillet over medium high heat, saute the ground beef and onion for 5 to 10 minutes, or until meat is well browned. Crumble meat to a fine texture with a fork, if necessary; drain excess fat.
Stir in the mustard, vinegar, sugar, water, Worcestershire sauce, celery seed, hot pepper sauce and ketchup. Mix well reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 35 to 40 minutes.
Yet another "Original Greek Coney Sauce"
1 pound ground beef
1 cup lard
1 medium onion, diced
1/3 cup chili powder
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon black pepper, coarsely ground
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon basil, dried
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon oregano, dried
Cover the ground beef with water and soak, in the refrigerator, for about half an hour. Use a fork to break up the ground beef then drain.
Brown the ground beef & onion in the lard
Add remaining ingredients.
Simmer for approximately 2 hours. (You may have to add some water)
Dave Liske has posted a recipe for an elusive Authentic Flint-Style "Coney Sauce" on his web site Luna Pier Cook. I say "elusive" because I've never tasted a Flint-style "Coney Sauce" - never having been to Flint. But I've read many references to a Coney sauce using beef heart & kidneys - similar to that sold by Koegel's - but it's hard to find recipes!
Dave's web page for this recipe has great pictures and a ton more detail. Do yourself a favor and check it out!
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NOTE: In the interests of presenting recipe information in a consistent style & format on this page, I've modified Dave's instructions - any errors or omissions are mine - and should give Dave a good chuckle...
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Authentic Flint-Style Coney Sauce Dave Liske [Luna Pier Cook]
1/2 lb beef heart
1/2 lb beef kidney
2 lb 80/20 ground beef
4 tablespoons shortening or lard
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons ground mustard
5 tablespoons chili powder
Salt and ground pepper to taste
In a medium size pot, melt the butter & shortening/lard - add the heart, kidney, ground beef, garlic, ground mustard and stir well.
Simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Organ meats have very little fat and the mixture may be prone to drying out while simmering. If necessary, add equal amounts of butter & shortening/lard to keep the sauce moist. After simmering for 45 minutes, add the chili powder & salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 5 minutes before serving.
Cincinnati "Skyline" Chili John Mitzewich [About.com:American Food]
The inventor's Greek roots can clearly be seen in the unique blend of spices. The secrets to this recipe are the long slow cooking, as well as the overnight refrigeration, which allow for all the excess fat to be removed. I've also included the five "ways" for ordering this wonderfully different chili.
1 quart cold water
2 lbs ground beef
2 cups crushed tomato
2 yellow onions, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa
1/4 cup chili powder
1 tsp cayenne
1 tsp ground cumin
2 tbsp cider vinegar
1 whole bay leaf
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp salt
- Add beef and water to a 4-quart pot. Bring to a simmer while stirring until the ground beef is in very small pieces. Simmer for 30 minutes and add all the rest of the ingredients.
- Simmer on low, uncovered, for 3 hours. Add water as needed if the chili becomes too thick.
- Refrigerated the chili overnight, and the next day remove the layer of fat from top before reheating and serving.
The Cincinnati Skyline Chili "Ordering Code"
1-way: just the chili
2-way: chili served over spaghetti
3-way: chili, spaghetti, and grated Cheddar cheese
4-way: chili, spaghetti, cheese, and onions
5-way: chili, spaghetti, cheese, onions, and beans
All "ways" are served with oyster crackers
Flo's Special Hot Dog Relish "Linda's Busy Kitchen" [RecipeZaar]
Flo's (on US-1 near Cape Neddick, Maine) is "famous" (oh, really?) for their relish. "Holly" Moore mentioned that locals have their hot dogs with "hot sauce and mayonnaise" - I wonder if the locals are referring to this relish as "hot sauce"?. I'm not sure where "Busy Linda" got her recipe from - or if it actually is Flo's "official" (secret) recipe… But it sounded interesting so I included it...
10 lbs yellow onions, chopped fine
1 quart molasses, Sugar Mill
1 cup white vinegar
1 lb brown sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 ounce Frank's red hot sauce
- Put onions and crushed red peppers in food processor or blender - chop fine
- Put all ingredients in a large pot & cook on medium heat until hot, but not boiling
- Lower heat & simmer for 8 hours
- Let cool
- Prepare hot dog using your favorite method
- Place hot dog on bun
- Cover hot dog with liberal amount of Flo's "liberated" (secret) sauce
- Relish the relish
(Okay... I probably didn't have to mention the last five steps...)
Sabrett's Onion Sauce for Hot Dogs "Charmed" [RecipeZaar]
1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
1 medium onion, sliced thin and chopped
4 cups water
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons corn syrup
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/4 cup vinegar
- Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat
- Sauté the onion in the oil for about 5 minutes - until the onions are soft, but not brown
- Add the water, tomato paste, corn syrup, cornstarch, salt and crushed red pepper
- Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat - simmer for 45 minutes
- Add the vinegar and simmering for an additiona1 30-45 minutes - or until most of the liquid is reduced and the sauce is thickened
Makes about 1 cup
Ospidillo Cafe Michigan Hot Dog Chili Sauce No. 14 "Bone Man" [RecipeZaar]
2 lbs ground chuck
16 ounces tomato sauce
1 cup water
1/4 cup barbecue sauce - K.C. Masterpiece, or other hickory-smoked barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons dried onion flakes
1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon dried ancho chile powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
3 medium onions, chopped
1 chicken bouillon cube (Maggi cube) - dissolved in 1 cup water
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped fine
1/4 cup prepared yellow mustard
1 tablespoon honey
- In a large pot: brown and drain ground chuck
- Combine all ingredients - simmer slowly over low heat for 2 hours
Cabbage and Carrot Mustard Slaw
1 pound cabbage, finely grated
1/3 cup minced green bell pepper
1/2 cup finely grated onion
1/4 cup finely grated carrot
1 teaspoon celery seed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup plain yellow mustard, such as French’s
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Frank’s Red Hot Sauce
In a medium mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. Cover and refrigerate at least one hour before serving. Yield: about 3 cups.
Apparently, this recipe was inspired by the relish they serve at Rutt's Hut in Clinton, NJ
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