In the 1870’s German immigrant Charles Feltmen began serving sausages on rolls in Coney Island. While sausages and bread are by no means a new culinary creation, could this be the first conception of the American phenomenon known as the hot dog?
Among the most famous hot dogs in the country due to the annual 4th of July hot dog eating contest is none other than Nathan’s Famous founded in 1916 by Nathan Handwerker also in Coney Island. A resident of Cleveland does not need to go far to enjoy the pure tube steak joy that is Nathan’s Famous.
Nathan’s Famous – Tower City
Tower City Food Court
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 965-0461
Another local favorite for a hot and juicy wiener is Zog Dog located in the west side suburb of Rocky River. Owner Barbara Zaugg, originally from the Buffalo, New York area uses only Sahlen’s Smokehouse hot dogs at her establishment. The Sahlen family has been in the meat production and packing business for over 140 years and are a favorite all over the country.
Zog Dog
21800 Center Ridge Rd
Rocky River, OH 44116
(440) 356-6399
www.zogdogs.webs.com
A focal point about Zog Dog is that the meat is always grilled and never boiled. Using this method the natural casing cracks slightly when cooked giving the sausage a pleasant texture. Zog Dog is primarily a lunch spot opening from 11 AM to 3 PM Monday through Thursday. Hours are extended on Friday and Saturday closing at 7 PM and the restaurant is closed all day on Sunday. In the window at Zog Dog they proudly display a large sign denoting the #1 hot dog in Cleveland award they received from Metromix.
A personal favorite due to the low price, delicious food, and extremely friendly staff is Tucky’s located in the far west side suburb of Avon Lake. Tucky’s also has locations in downtown Cleveland and Mayfield.
Tucky’s – Avon Lake
377 Lear Rd
Avon Lake, OH 44012
(440) 930-4801
www.tuckyshotdogs.com
Favorites are any of the five specialty hot dogs on the menu known as “Division Dogs” and priced at a very modest $3.50 each.
Chicago: Skinless Old Vienna hot dog on poppy seed bun, with sports peppers, emerald relish, diced onions, tomato wedge, pickle spear, yellow mustard and celery salt.
Detroit Coney Island: Natural casing smoked hot dog, chili and diced onions with yellow mustard.
