New York Dearest
The guide, $35

The Best of New York · Eat · Burgers and hot dogs

The best hot dogs in New York City

Updated September 2026. 8 places.

I won’t argue that pizza is the number one “must try” food in New York City, but number two? That’s debatable.

Some might say bagels, other folks might argue cheesecake, but me? I’m leaning toward hotdogs. According to the internet, a New York hotdog is topped with sauerkraut, spicy brown mustard, and onions. But if I’m being frank (pun intended) the best hotdogs in New York City are customized to your liking. Whether you like ’em plain or brimming with toppings, it doesn’t matter. All you have to do is try one.

Antonina PattizWriter and photographer · how I decide
Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

Best hot dogs in New York City, 2026

  1. Frankel’s Delicatessen & AppetizingDeli · GreenpointFor just $5, you can enjoy one of the best hotdogs in NYC, complete with an all-beef frank, generous mustard, and delicious sauerkraut.
  2. Gray’s PapayaRestaurant · Upper West SideThe joint is so good it was one of the late Anthony Bourdain’s favorites.
  3. Katz’s DeliDeli · Lower East SideKatz’s is an iconic cafeteria-style deli that has been a favorite among New Yorkers since 1888 and remains one of NYC’s most famous restaurants.
  4. Bobbi’s Italian BeefRestaurant · Cobble HillDespite the $20 price tag, its unforgettable taste makes it a must-try.
  5. Carnegie John’sRestaurant · MidtownThe dogs are inexpensive and appetizing, which is all you can ask for.
  6. Crif DogRestaurant · East Village
  7. Dyckman DogsRestaurant · InwoodThe reason I highly recommend Dyckman Dogs? The happy hour deal is amazing.
  8. Schaller’s Stube Sausage BarRestaurant · Upper East SideThe Classic, priced at $9, features a top-quality bratwurst with mustard and sauerkraut.

On the map

Where they are

8 neighborhoods, Greenpoint and Upper West Side most of all.

Cobble Hill

East Village

Greenpoint

Inwood

Lower East Side

Midtown

Upper East Side

Upper West Side

Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

The Best of New York 2026

The seal

If you're on this list, this is yours.

Every place on this list is welcome to display the Best of New York 2026 seal. It's the same seal for every place on every Best list, it's free, and it can't be bought.

Sharing it is optional. There's no need to post about it, link back or tag anyone. If you do link, the code below points to the guide this list comes from, so readers see the recommendation in context.

The code. Paste it where the seal should sit.

<a href="https://newyorkdearest.com/nyc-best-hot-dogs-new-york-city/">
  <img src="https://newyorkdearest.com/assets/recognition/2026/best-of-new-york-2026.svg"
       alt="Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest"
       width="1800" height="1800" style="width:320px;max-width:100%;height:auto">
</a>

The files

Download PNGDownload SVGDownload the larger PNG

PNG: 1800 by 1800 pixels with transparent corners, for email and social. The larger PNG: 3600 by 3600 pixels. SVG: the vector, sharp at any size.

Is one of these yours? Get the seal for your place Request a window decal

The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 10 Delicious Hotdogs in New York City (Everyone Needs to Try).