Wednesday is National Hot Dog Day, a 24-hour period dedicated to America's most beloved German import.
Created by the National Hot Dog Day and Sausage Council nearly three decades ago, the annual summer celebration of meat in a bun is perhaps best spent near a grill or at a ballpark.
However, the truly committed hot dog connoisseur will have to travel to experience one of the world's premier franks. One of these stops should do just fine:
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Nathan's Famous
Where: New York, New York
Brooklyn's Coney Island is a no-brainer on National Hot Dog Day. After all, this place plays host to the nation's premier hot dog eating contest every Fourth of July.
Sure, you can purchase a pack of Nathan's Famous hot dogs at your local grocery store, but nothing beats a dog straight from the original source.
Opened in 1916, Nathan Handwerker's original hot dog stand is serving up the world's most famous frank-and a tasty one at that.
Dat Dog
Where: New Orleans, Louisiana
There's only one way to do hot dogs in the Big Easy and its Dat Dog. This New Orleans institution features a variety of exotic franks.
Keep it simple with a Traditional German Weiner or spice things up with locally sourced alligator or crawfish sausage. Vegan options include a Spicy Chipotle Dog.
Choose your toppings wisely and consider adding a side of fries for a few extra bucks.
Ben's Chili Bowl
Where: Washington, D.C.
You can bet Ben's Chili Bowl will be busy this National Hot Dog Day.
The Washington, D.C. staple is home to the Original Chili Half-Smoke (a one-quarter pound half-pork, half-beef smoked sausage). Ben's signature dish comes complete with a steamed bun, mustard, onions and spicy homemade chili sauce.
Ben's Classic Chili Dogs, Jumbo Turkey Dogs and Veggie Dogs are also available at all three locations in the nation's capital.
[READMORE]READ MORE: The Best Thing We Ate in Washington, DC: The Chili Half-Smoke at Ben's Chili Bowl[/READMORE]
Top Dog
Where: Berkeley, California
Top Dog is undoubtedly deserving of its moniker. Established in Berkeley, California during 1966, this hot dog paradise offers a style to suit every taste.
Menu items include the all-beef, kosher style Top Dog Frankfurter; the half-pork, half-veal Bockwurst; the Italian Calabrese; Louisiana-style Hot Link; Linguica and the vegetarian Wienie.
After you've finished chowing down, keep National Hot Dog Day alive with a six-pack of cold hot dogs to go for just $10.
Uncle Franky's
Where: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Hungry hot dog lovers in the Midwest will want to make the trek to one of several Uncle Franky's locations in and around Minneapolis.
Franky's dogs are steamed but can be grilled or deep fried upon request. Opt for the traditional Uncle Franky dog or be bold with a Coney Island Chili dog or Wall Street. The former is guaranteed to fill you up while the latter will wow your taste buds with grill kraut.
[READMORE]READ MORE: 7 Regional Hot Dog Styles Worth Traveling For[/READMORE]
Der Hot Dog Laden
Where: Berlin, Germany
Berlin's Der Hot Dog Laden is home to arguably the best hot dog in Germany.
The quaint snack bar serves New York, Chicago and San Francisco style hot dogs certain to appeal to hungry American tourists. Basic hot dogs are also available as well a vegetarian option.
The prices here are also exceptional. That's good because hot dog lovers will have a difficult time limiting themselves to just one.
Tubby Dog
Where: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Searching for a delicious hot dog north of the border? Look no further than Tubby Dog in Calgary.
Established just over a decade ago, this creative spot offers truly one-of-a-kind hot dogs with toppings ranging from the traditional (chili, sauerkraut and bacon) to the absurd (peanut butter and jelly, Cap'n Crunch and wasabi).
Pick your favorite dog from the mouth-watering menu or choose your own adventure for a personalized National Hot Dog Day experience.
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