The Quest

It's no Holy Grail, but yes, I am on a quest. This summer, I began a quest to discover and devour the perfect hot dog. My plan was to write about each glorious stop along the way, but I'm already behind. So, this initial post will chronicle the ten fine establishments (eleven - updated to finish out 2018) that I have frequented since June of this year. Except for The Varsity, these were all first-time visits for me. I will try to do a better job at keeping up moving forward. (Aren't you thankful there was no bad pun here about "ketching up?")

Zack's Hot Dogs

Burlington, NC
June 18, 2018

Solo Adventure

"All the Way" (slaw, onions, chili, mustard)

Hot Dog Cooker Voltage: +++

Named by Our State magazine as one of the top "10 Best Hot Dog Joints Across the State."

Kevin's Dog House

Virginia Beach, VA

July 2, 2018

Frankfurter Friends - Daniel & Dustin McCall

Tough Skin Hormel "All the Way" (mustard, onions, chili)

Hot Dog Cooker Voltage: ++++

Capt'n Franks Hot Dogs

Kitty Hawk, NC
August 3, 2018

Solo Adventure

"Mad Dog" (chili, hot pepper relish, and peppers) and "Chicago" Snap Dog (mustard, onions, chili, and coleslaw)

Hot Dog Cooker Voltage: ++

Drove three hours round-trip from Hatteras Landing to eat here! Because of the coleslaw, I preferred the Mad Dog.

Celebrity's Hot Dogs

Asheville, NC
August 23, 2018

Frankfurter Friends - Daniel & Dustin McCall

"All the Way" Dog (mustard, chili, onion, slaw)

Hot Dog Cooker Voltage: +++

The Varsity

Atlanta, GA
September 18, 2018

Frankfurter Friend - Scott Patterson

"Chili Slaw" Dog w/ added onions (mustard, slaw, chili, onions)

Hot Dog Cooker Voltage: ++++

Added the sweet potato pie with no regrets!

First & Third Hot Dog and Sausage Shack

Atlanta, GA (at Sun Trust Park)
September 19, 2018

Frankfurter Friend - Scott Patterson

Homestand Special: "Slinger" Dog (chili, scrambled eggs, shredded cheddar, onions)

Hot Dog Cooker Voltage: ++

the Dog House

Durham, NC
October 4, 2018

Frankfurter Friends - Daniel & Dustin McCall

"Bull Dog" (mustard, slaw, onions, chili) and "Chihuahua" (pico de gallo, mustard, jalapenos)

Hot Dog Cooker Voltage: +++

Their slogan: "Don't Get Stuck with a Mutt: Try a Real Dog."

The Coffee Break

Stuart, VA
October 6, 2018

Frankfurter Friends - My wife and mother-in-law

"All the Way" (mustard, slaw, chili, onions)

Hot Dog Cooker Voltage: ++++

Their sign boasted, "Best Hot Dogs Ever." I had planned on ordering pintos, but how could I refuse?

Charlie Graingers

Wilmington, NC

November 1, 2018

Frankfurter Friend - My wife

 "Mailman" (mustard, chili, crispy fried onions) and "All the Way" (mustard, chili, slaw, onions)

Hot Dog Cooker Voltage: +++

Named by Our State magazine as one of the top "10 Best Hot Dog Joints Across the State."

Again, because of the slaw, I preferred the Mailman over the "All the Way."

Bull City Burger and Brewery

Durham, NC

November 9, 2018

Frankfurter Friend - Dave Hileman

"Slaw Chili Dog" with added brown mustard (slaw, chili, spicy beer mustard)

Hot Dog Cooker Voltage: ++++

Since this was a burger place, I was skeptical from the beginning. My skepticism only increased when they brought out my order with a fork and knife. However, the combination of the spicy beer mustard and the vinegar-based slaw made this one of the best hot dogs to date!

Snoopy's Hot Dogs & More

Raleigh, NC

December 6, 2018

Solo Adventure

"Snoopy's Famous Hot Dog" (mustard, onions, chili)

Hot Dog Cooker Voltage: +++

Named by Our State magazine as one of the top "10 Best Hot Dog Joints Across the State."

After finding The Roast Grill closed, this was my "back-up." Good hot dog, but I would have preferred a table, inside or out!