Indeed, New York City is a metropolis brimming with an incredible cultural melting pot that is reflected in its decades of concentration of various languages, cuisines, and traditions from all over the world. It has the best of all corners of the world, and it seems to have proven that there’s never enough time to sleep to see everything it offers. But you could rest for a bit by indulging yourself in the city’s classic cheap eats. You have the pizza, the bagel, the bodega coffee, and, oh, definitely, the hot dog, among many others.
The best part about NYC hot dogs is that you actually don’t look for them because they come to you instead. The coveted street meat is available across the city’s five boroughs in all shapes, styles, and prices. From carts beneath gigantic umbrellas and burger joints to dive bars and high-end delis, here I give you a good foundation for a taste of hot dog history with my top four favorite icons.
Nathan’s Famous
Nathan’s Famous has had a long, long way from being a street corner staple in Coney Island into what we now know as a nationwide chain of fast-food restaurants specializing in hot dogs. Since its opening in 1916, its beef hot dogs have consistently been 100% created from the same original recipe cooked up by founder Nathan Handwerker himself.
Walter’s Hot Dogs
Like Nathan’s Famous, Walter’s Hot Dogs has been in the market for over 100 years. It’s an award-winning Westchester institution whose major edge in the competition is its exclusive blend of beef, pork, and veal. Then, the meat is split down the middle to be grilled in a “secret sauce”, and served on a toasted bun slathered with Walter’s signature mustard.
Liebman’s Kosher Deli
Tradition truly lives up to the top-tier quality, and Liebman’s Kosher Deli in the Bronx is another prime example. Back in its opening in 1953, founders recounted that there were 100 Jewish delis in the Bronx, and now, Liebman’s is the last one standing. Despite decades of acquisitions and renovations, Leibman’s stayed true to its traditional recipes and, instead, innovated with additional Kosher dishes that best complemented its salty and beefy hot dogs, such as coleslaw and potato salad.
Crif Dogs
Onto the east side of the city, here we find a cool, hip, and creative hot dog restaurant named Crif Dogs. For the past 20 years, it’s been a mix of a classic and innovative establishment in ensuring to serve New Yorkers unique hot dogs that are as if they are tailored to peoples’ personalities. If bacon-wrapped is not to your liking – although Crif Dogs is widely known for that – then you might find yourself craving a bagel seasoning, teriyaki, or fried egg. Better yet, the choice is ultimately yours at Crif Dogs because it features a DIY service, where you can make your dream wiener combo by choosing the meat, toppings, sides, and drinks.
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