Because July is considered National Hot Dog Month, I thought that I would run down my picks for the top five brands of hot dogs. Here they are:
Sabrett Hot Dogs
In the Gonzalez household, Sabrett hot dogs lead the pack when it comes to grocery store dogs. There is just something about the casing and all beef filling that I adore. Every time we went into New York City, it was mandatory to grab a dirty water dog from one of the street carts. I’d generally get mine with onions and spicy mustard or sauerkraut and mustard. In my opinion, the hot dogs are great whether they are cooked on the grill or boiled in water on the stove.
Nathan’s Hot Dogs
Nathan’s runs a close second for me when it comes to hot dog brands. I can’t even begin to count how many Nathan’s hot dogs I have eaten while strolling through Coney Island over the years. The flavors just seem to burst out of the hot dog with every bite. I like my Nathan’s hot dogs with chili or chili and cheese. In most instances, I’d wash it down with an ice cold Coca-Cola and back it up with an order of cheese fries, heavy on the cheese. Watching the yearly Fourth of July hot dog eating contest was always a thrill for me too. I can’t help but wonder how those folks manage to wolf down so many hot dogs without choking.
Hebrew National Hot Dogs
Hebrew National is another one of my favorite brands of hot dogs. I like them because of the casing and the excellent flavor. I like serving the hot dogs with spicy mustard, ketchup and cheese. We’ll usually eat them with a side of baked beans or a handful of potato chips.
Oscar Meyer
Oscar Meyer hot dogs were what my parents would serve up at family picnics. I also memorized the company’s 1970s jingle and would sing it as a child with my friends. Back then, we loved the whole concept of the Weiner Mobile as well. What can I say, odd things amused us. With that said, Oscar Meyer hot dogs had to make my list as well. I am selective about it though. I won’t buy anything other than the all-beef or the cheese. I can’t stand the turkey or “mystery meat” hot dogs. I know that the company has come out with two new varieties. Unfortunately, the grocery store in my area doesn’t carry them. So I have no idea how those two stack up against the beef and cheese hot dogs.
Texas Lunch
Last on my list is Texas Lunch hot dogs in Port Jervis, New York. I don’t know what brand of hot dogs they use, Jimmy (original owner) would never tell. In my opinion, it tastes like a Sabrett hot dog. All I can say for sure is that Texas Lunch hot dogs with special sauce taste amazing. The special sauce had hamburger and onions in it. During my early years, it was a ritual among my friends and me to save our allowance and walk to the place for lunch at least once a month. At the time, the place was called Jimmie’s Texas Lunch and they had the old, round, lunch counter seats that would spin. Once the lunch bell sounded, we’d run as fast as we could to Jimmie’s and order two hot dogs with special sauce, a soda and fries. Then we’d spend our lunch period eating, spinning around on the seats and gossiping about boys. The routine stayed like that for years until the restaurant moved downtown and was just called Texas Lunch. At that point, we were teens and could drive there. I continued to enjoy eating Texas Lunch hot dogs right up until I moved to Georgia. Boy I miss that place!
Killeen Gonzalez enjoys summer sports and recreation with her family. She has also traveled extensively.
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