National Hot Dog Day is July 19, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate. Namely, you can try one of Northern Virginia’s most tempting hot dog offerings. From Korean corn dogs to Cubano-inspired twists, there’s plenty of opportunity to move beyond the traditional ketchup and mustard toppings. Check out these five mouthwatering hot dog picks.
Three-Piece Suit at Haute Dogs
Let Haute Dogs’ chili cheese dog take you back to memories of childhood baseball games. Slathered with melted cheese, beef chili, and chopped onions, the Three-Piece Suit is a meat lover’s dream. Haute Dogs offers a range of other dogs as well, including the Bahn Mi and the Steakhouse Dog, all made with your choice of a traditional beef hot dog or a veggie dog. 610 Montgomery St., Alexandria; 2910 N. Sycamore St., Arlington, $6.75
Oh! K Classic Hot Dog from Oh K-Dog
Everything tastes better on a stick, and this Korean street food trend is the proof. Deep fried and golden brown, the signature Oh! K Classic Hot Dog is a satisfying, snack-worthy corndog. It’s like your county-fair favorite, but better: It’s coated with rice- and wheat-flour-based batter and panko breadcrumbs. Customize the treat to your liking by swapping out all or half of the sausage center for mozzarella or sprucing up the deep-fried coating with a fried potato exterior . Don’t forget to dip the dog in your choice of condiments and seasonings, too. 4238 Wilson Blvd., Ste. 118, Arlington, $3.99
Memphis Dog from Dave’s Dogs
If you believe there’s no better place to find a hot dog than from a cart, you’re in luck. Dave’s Dogs is a cart that has been serving hot dogs and supporting local charities in Woodbridge since 2014. The Memphis Dog paints a particularly appealing picture: Dave’s famous slow-cooked barbecue pulled pork and coleslaw are piled on an all-beef hot dog. Other menu standouts include the Frito Bandito, a chili cheese dog topped with jalapeños and corn chips, and the corned beef–topped Reuben dog. Finish off the meal with a deep-fried Oreo or Moon Pie. 13478 Minniesville Rd., Woodbridge, check website for up-to-date location, $5
Cubano Dog at Lucky Dog
A bratwurst sausage stars in the Cubano Dog, Lucky Dog’s take on the classic Cuban sandwich. The hot dog bun is swapped out for grilled Cuban bread. Swiss cheese, dill, and deli mustard accompany the brats to round out the flavors. Other cool hot dogs offered by the Leesburg joint include the DC Half Smoke and the L.A. Street Dog. Korean corn dogs and lumpia, a type of spring roll, also grace the menu if you’re in search of deep-fried goodness. 1602 Village Market Blvd. SE, Leesburg, $10.99
Tofu Chicago Dog at The Burger Shack
The Burger Shack may be best known for its burgers, but it has a full hot dog menu as well. Their Tofu Chicago Dog has everything you want in a classic Chicago-style hot dog: neon relish, pickled sport peppers, celery salt, onion, tomatoes, and mustard. This one is vegetarian, with tofu instead of sausage. Prefer the original? The Burger Shack offers traditional hot dogs too. The Tofu Chicago Dog’s meat counterpart is on the menu as The Chicago. Multiple area locations, $7.49
Feature image by Tania Hauyon, courtesy Haute Dogs
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