You can get dogs at Kroger, Meijer, Dorothy Lane Market or wherever you shop, and there’s much to love about a home-grilled dog piled high with condiments.
But several local places really set the bar for gourmet and specialty toppings, and are worth a special trip. We’re talking next-level hot dogs here.
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🌭DIXIE DAIRY DREEM
For that little slice of nostalgia, the small ice cream/hot dog restaurant gives you options, like a regular vs. foot long dogs and boast several specialties. We recommend the foot-long Reuben dog ($3.95), topped with sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, and onions and mustard.
WHERE: 4542 S. Dixie Drive, Moraine
INFO: (937) 293-2479. Cash only!
MENU: Get your belly grumbling here.
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🌭VOLTZY’S ROOTBEER STAND
Voltzy’s is another place that is better known for its burgers, but when the slaw dogs and coneys are on special, there’s nowhere else you should go. They’re only open for lunch, but man, what a lunch. Keep track of their specials here.
WHERE: 4668 Springboro Pike, Moraine
INFO: 937-299-1440 | Cash & debit (with a $10 debit minimum)
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🌭FIVE GUYS
Everyone goes gaga for the burgers and fries here. But we’re here to tell you that their dogs are actually the best thing on the menu. Sliced in half and char-grilled to perfection, and topped with any and all of the burger toppings, whether plain, with cheese or bacon or both, the Five Guys hot dog is king.
WHERE: Multiple locations around the Miami Valley; find the closest one to YOU here
INFO: fiveguys.com | Debit, credit and cash accepted.
🌭ZOMBIE DOGZ
This famous food truck has a brick and mortar location on Brown Street near UD. Their original specialty dogs rotate with each food truck outing, but you definitely want to be on the lookout for the Germanator (hot dog topped with ribeye, housemade beer cheese, and crispy fried onions) and the Calling in Dead (Housemade white truffle mac and cheese topped with parmesan garlic cracker crumbs).
WHERE: 1200 Brown St. #150, Dayton. Food truck is out and about at select festivals and special events. Track them here.
INFO: Facebook | Zombie Dogz store menu | Debit, credit and cash accepted.
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🌭CHICAGO GYROS AND DOGS
People rave over the Chicago Dog here, which is pretty much as authentic as you can get this far from the Windy City. But our personal fave is the bacon avocado dog — a bacon-wrapped Vienna-style dog topped with avocado, grilled onions and jalapeño on a poppy seed bun ($4). Get it served up with some Greek dressing and Feta cheese topped fries ($4) and you’re set.
WHERE: 3979 Indian Ripple Road, Beavercreek
INFO: (937) 705-6072. Debit, credit and cash accepted.
MENU: Check out the menu here
Did we miss your favorite hot dog? Drop us a line and let us know about it: contact@dayton.com.