Zweigle’s Hot Dog Review

When you ask for a hot dog at a diner or hot dog stand, does your server ask “red or white?” If not, then you must not be in the vicinity of Rochester, New York. And if you are not in the area, you most likely are not being served a Zweigle’s hot dog, and my sympathies go out to you – you are being served a sub standard hot dog.

Zweigle’s are made in Rochester and have been sold here for more than 100 years. These hot dogs are the number one choice for miles around. Almost everyone when given the choice, will grab a package of Zweigle’s while at their local grocery store without bothering to check and see if another brand is on sale; because any other brand just won’t do. And if you have ever tasted a Zweigle’s hot dog, you know why.

And this simple little thing – this good tasting hot dog, is missed by people who grew up here and moved away.

I’m spoiled on the flavor of these hot dogs and don’t like the taste of any other brand. But while on my first New York City visit I wanted to try a hot dog from a street vendor, because it seemed as much a New York thing to do as buying a knock-off designer purse. And the price was right; I think I only paid $2.00 for a hot dog and Coke. After one bite of it made me realize what a hot dog “snob” I had become and was grateful I had the Coke to wash it down. On my next NYC visit I passed on those skinny, water-boiled, so-called hot dogs.

Zweigle’s are available in red or white, and skinless or natural casing. My favorite is the white natural casing, referred to as “Pop Opens,” because that’s what they do – pop open on the grill when ready.

The white hots are unique to the area as well, first introduced to Rochester in 1925 by Zweigle’s. The flavor is more bold – spicier than red hots. Adults appreciate the taste more than children do. But you can always pick up a package of 8; 4 red and 4 white – everyone is happy.

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, Zweigle’s outsells all other hot dog brands combined in western New York.

If Zweigle’s hot dogs are not available in your area, you can order them through the company’s Web site. They also make Italian sausages, Knockwurst and Polish sausages; all are egg free and gluten free.

Serve these “hots” at your next cook out – condiments are optional.

Reference:

• www.zweigles.com