Lauren Wire — Off The MRKT

New Yorkers know their hot dogs. From the annual Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest to “Dirty Water” dogs served from push carts around the city, it’s a dog-eat-dog city. Below are the best wieners we’ve tried.

Frankly by Snap-O-Razzo

Just in time for the New Year, acclaimed Chef Ralph Perrazzo (AKA the Hot Dog King of Las Vegas, and probably even the world) brought his beloved hot dog brand Snap-O-Razzo to New York City with the opening of his first brick-and-mortar concept, Frankly by Snap-O-Razzo, inside CITZENS Manhattan West. Inspired by his grandmother’s Italian sausages, Chef Perrazzo began making homemade Italian sausages as a teenager and honed in on his meat skills while at the Culinary Institute of America. Chef Ralph’s whole menu is elevated and artisanal, but some of the must-order items include Ralphie's Favorite Dog, which is a choice of Beef and Pork Hot Dog or an All Beef Hot Dog topped with Ralph's Hot Dog Sauce, Sauerkraut, & Spicy Brown Mustard, a Chicago-ish Dog, Chili Cheese Dog, a Corn Dog and Pickle Corn Dog. There is also a “build your own dog” perfect for customization.

e’s Bar

e's Bar may be a neighborhood joint filled with fun, games and laughs, but they are serious about one thing – their food and drinks! In particular, a must-try is their Spicy Hot Dog – a Kosher dog with house-made spicy slaw. The dog pairs great with one of the many beers on tap and is easy to eat as you play a game of Connect Four, Jenga or cards.

Crif Dogs

A speakeasy and a hot dog stand meet in the East Village. Sounds like a weird joke but it’s not! Crif Dogs serves creative dogs each with personalities as unique as those ordering. Signature menu items include the “Chihuahua,” a bacon-wrapped Crif dog with sour cream and avocado; The “Spicy Redneck”, a bacon-wrapped Crif dog, chili, cole slaw, pickled jalapeños and the “Everything Dog,” a Crif dog, cream cheese, scallions, everything bagel seasoning. Spot the telephone booth inside the hot dog stand and you may get lucky enough to enter into Please Don’t Tell (PDT) speakeasy.

Katz’s Delicatessen

A legendary Lower East Side deli counter known for its mountainous pastrami sandwiches, Katz’s is also playing in the hot dog arena with its all-beef frankfurter. The natural casing provides an extra "snap" and can be finished off with accouterments like Sauerkraut and deli mustard. Unlike the gargantuous sandwiches, you can probably fit a few of these in your belly without exploding.

Schaller & Weber

Schaller & Weber takes you back in time to when stopping by the butcher and deli counter was like seeing family. They have been supplying Yorkville with German meats and sausages since 1937. Head inside the shop for the full experience if you have the time, or pop by the street-facing, quick-serve window Schaller’s Stube’s to order a juicy sausage that has stayed true to the recipes of the founder Ferdinand Schaller but with twists. Choose from bratwursts, cheddar brats, chicken brats, smoked sausage, knackwursts and beef wieners. Inventive creations include the Currywurst topped with curry ketchup and powder, The Saigon Special with daikon-carrot slaw and sriracha aioli, and the Bougie Brat with truffle, prosciutto, and crumbled goat cheese.

Papaya King

Papaya King is the creator of tropical drinks and franks since 1932 and a staple of the Upper East Side. It’s a fast-food style joint founded by Gus Poulos, a Greek immigrant, that combines the spirit of the Caribbean spirit with simple yet succulent franks.

Rudy’s Bar and Grill

Rudy’s Bar and Grill is a no-frill bar that has been serving up a free hot dog with every drink you buy since 1933. The iconic life-size pig and worn red booths (now mainly held together with duct tape) are as much of a staple of the plump hot dog. Enjoy your dog in the speakeasy-like atmosphere or on the back patio.

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