Where to Grab Savory Hot Dogs in Washington, DC

Red hots, frankfurters, wieners, sausages – whatever you call them and whatever they’re topped with, hot dogs are a beloved American staple. What started as a simple traditional snack at baseball games is now a favorite snack with innovative renditions found in nearly every neighborhood in the city. And while not all hot dogs are created equal, there are some hidden gems in stadiums and food carts that are fit for a king.

We’ve scoured Washington’s menu and found these seven best hot dogs that feature delicious combinations of flavors to keep you coming back for more.

 If you have a hot dog lover in your circle, why not surprise them with a virtual GiftYa card. These cards are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a graduation, birthday, wedding, and more. They are completely customizable and can be used in several spots on this list. Before you send the card to your friend, remember to add a special message to it!

Dog In The Park

1520 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 facebook.com

Fast-food stand along Westlake Park dishing out delicious hot dogs with plenty of creative toppings!

Dog In The Park is a DC staple where diners gather daily to grab a classic Seattle hot dog slathered in ice cream and served in a nice char. This humble hot dog stand located near Westlake Plaza does not compromise on their hot dog. You can count on a fantastic treat made the traditional way, in the heart of the city.

A lot of people come here specifically for the hot dog where a polish sausage is divided in half, grilled on a flat-top, and then placed perfectly inside a toasted bun with generous amounts of veggies (cabbage, onion, and bell peppers) and cream cheese. There are also additional customizations including mayo, ketchup, relish, mustard, and jalapenos but our main treat is served with just a little bit of mustard and some spicy peppers for that extra kick.

The ingredients are fresh so you don’t have about the quality of your hot dog. True fans will tell you that the hot dogs here are worth every penny and you can carry some on your way home.

Dandy Dogs

18222 120th Ave NE, Bothell, WA 98011 dandydogs

A Typical Spot popular for its savory hot dogs and other classics!

Have you heard of Hotdogs to die for? Well, there is always something unique to be said for the good old all-American grilled hotdog on a toasted bun. And there is no better place to savor such delicious treats like in Dandy Dogs. This spot has been serving locals for a long time. Their dogs are made the traditional way with plenty of toppings and steamed to perfection.

Swing by any time of the day and order their hot dogs and bratwursts, grilled perfectly and served on a grilled-toasted bun. You can add some premium toppings from the grill or visit their self-serve condiment bar that features 20 different sauces, pickled vegetables, and seasonings. You will love the specialty dogs especially the Bacon Dog where they add caramelized onions, bacon, and cream cheese to any hot dog or bratwurst of your choice.

You can also grab one of their rotational sides including potato salad, coleslaw, as well as GG’s baked beans to enjoy with your favorite hot dog. You won’t be disappointed.

Ivy and Coney

1537 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001 ivyandconey.com

Trendy modern hot dog spot with simple hot dogs, and plenty of other classics on the menu!

Take one look at their modern setting, and you know that Ivy and Coney is serving up some trendy and unique hot dogs and other favorites. Fans of this Shaw diver bar can get food and drink for pickup or delivery at their place of choice.

Ketchup is ultimately not an option here, where diners tend to fall for the Detroit hot dog camp – a Coney dog topped with beef chili, onion, mustard, and some cheese – or Ivy and Coney’s Chicago Dog topped with just the right mix of nuclear-green relish, tomato, mustard, onion, hot peppers, celery salt, and a pickle. They import their buns and relish from Chicago so you can be assured of quality eats every time you come here.

Apart from hot dogs, they also serve rotational sides, desserts, and some fun appetizers to enjoy with your order of the day.

Swizzler

1259 First St SE, Washington, DC 20003 swizzlerfoods.com

A classic fast-food spot serving super-sized beef and vegetarian burgers, hot dogs, and house-made fries!

If you’re looking for a range of toppings, condiments, and even sides for your hot dog or burger, then you should make your way to Swizzler. Here customization is something you don’t want to miss. This food truck serves classic burgers and hot dogs with free range to make it all yours, which makes this spot unique. It’s currently making weekly rounds around DC with its beefy dogs that are frame-grilled and covered with generous toppings such as caramelized onions, whipped herb goat cheese, black pepper honey, and candied jalapenos.

The truck uses grass-fed beef (you can also use veggie dog or half-smoke), house-made toppings, and some locally baked buns to prepare their delicious dogs. Apart from hot dogs, they also serve savory burgers, house-cut fries with cheese, and lots of different drinks on the menu.

The Red Hot

2914 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98406 redhottacoma.com

Upscale spot serving creative hot dogs plus a huge rotating craft beer selection!

Looking for a guilty pleasure hot dog you can indulge in at any time of the day? The Red Hot has plenty of treats like that to offer. Here, they have a dine-in and to-go menu with plenty of options to try.

Get your taste bud in check and indulge in their classic hot dogs such as the popular Tacoma – a classic Chicago dog topped with onions, yellow mustard, sport peppers, sweet relish, pickle spear, tomatoes, and celery salt – or the Red Hot option with spicy brown mustard, sweet relish, and onions toppings. All beef dogs are grilled and served on a steamy poppy seed bun.

They also serve delicious sausages such as Banh Mi – a garlic-chicken sausage with sliced fresh jalapenos, pickled carrot, sriracha mayo, and a Vietname herb vinaigrette. Vegan options take a little bit more time to prepare but they’re worth the wait. That said, be sure to order a side or drink as you wait for your vegan selection to be ready.

Matt's Famous Chili Dogs

6615 E Marginal Way S, Seattle, WA 98108 mattshotdogs.com

Counter-serve joint that serves personalized franks with piles of toppings, plus burgers and fries!

People who have visited Matt’s Famous Chili Dogs spot always say that Matt was born to make hot dogs. And this can't be far from the truth especially when you taste their delicious hot dogs and savory burgers. 

Matt’s own 100% pure beef recipe is uniquely made without any by-product, filters, or nitrates – only real meat. Go ahead and order options such as Chili dog, Kraut dog, Seattle dog, Chicago dog served with diced white onions, mustard, tomatoes, sweet relish, Kosher dill pickle, and celery salt, or the Polish sausage served Chicago style, spicy but not hot.

If you’re in the mood for a burger, be sure to try the double bacon cheeseburger – two grilled burgers served with two slices of American cheese, onions, Matt’s burger sauce, bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes. Their fries are so good that you cannot resist ordering a second round. Make sure you also order Matt’s own invented soda flavors and delicious shakes that come in chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors.

Des Moines Dog House

22302 Marine View Dr. S, Des Moines, WA 98198 facebook.com

Plenty of hot dogs, sausages, and savory sides await you at this laid-back nook with a casual ambiance!

Locally owned and operated Des Moines Dog House is a casual hot dog spot that serves perfectly prepared dogs. Their ingredients are pretty good and people love their hot dogs made traditionally and served just the way you want them.

Go ahead and order the specialty dogs such as the Seattle dog – an all-beef dog with grilled onions and cream cheese, Chicago dog that comes with yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish with mint, white onion, tomatoes, sport peppers, and a kosher dill pickle spear, or the Colombian Chorizo with pork berry, lean pork, cilantro, white vinegar, garlic cloves, green onions, and cider vinegar to bring out those unique flavors of the chorizo.

Apart from hot dogs, you can also try their chicken and turkey sausages served with basil, garlic, and black pepper. So, if you’re in town and craving that traditionally made hot dog, be sure to visit Des Moines Dog House for plenty of delicious treats.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect hot dog to enjoy during your next visit to DC or want to grab something quick to enjoy at home with friends and family, Washington has plenty of favorite spots to get only the best dogs in town. You won’t be disappointed. So, which is your favorite hot dog joint in DC? Let us know in the comments!