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Hot dogs may be a classic comfort food, but across Metro Detroit, local restaurants are reimagining this staple with bold flavors, unique toppings, and creative global twists. From bacon-wrapped styles to Asian-inspired dogs, these spots prove that the humble hot dog can be just as gourmet as any other dish on the menu.
A1 Dogs and Burgers
5624 North Telegraph Road, Dearborn Heights
At A1 Dogs and Burgers, the menu takes hot dogs to a whole new level with inventive toppings that range from cheesy indulgence to fiery spice. Classics like the Detroit Coney Dog with chili, onions, and mustard sit alongside creations such as the Cheesy Dog topped with nacho cheese and Doritos or the Volcano Dog featuring jalapeños and Hot Cheetos. For something heartier, the Rings Dog piles fried onion rings, BBQ sauce, and nacho cheese on top. With options like the Chicago Dog and Mushroom Swiss Dog, A1 Dogs and Burgers makes sure there’s a loaded hot dog to fit every craving. Beyond the dogs, check out the loaded fries, Korean Corn Dogs, or a hefty burger.
Imperial
22828 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale
Known for its laid-back atmosphere and street-style tacos, Imperial also serves up some of the best Sonoran hot dogs in the area. “Your favorite local taco joint; a roadhouse, honky-tonk, or tavern… Imperial is somewhere you’ll always find a cold can of beer, enjoy a great whisky or tequila, and if you’re in the mood… LA street-style tacos and Sonoran hot dogs,” shares Social Media Manager Nicole St. John. Their lineup includes the Imperial Sonoran wrapped with bacon, then loaded with beans, onions, guacamole, and queso fresco, as well as the Bakersfield Sonoran, which adds BBQ chicken, pineapple, jalapeño onion relish, and chipotle aioli. Vegetarian and vegan versions are also available, and every month, there’s a special Sonoran that’ll blow you away, ensuring everyone can enjoy this bold take on a hot dog.
Que Pasa Taqueria
33874 Dequindre Road, Sterling Heights
At Que Pasa Taqueria, Mexican street food meets American favorites. Their Mexican Hot Dog comes wrapped in bacon and layered with mayo, Chile’s toriados, and a side of ketchup and mustard. The result is a flavorful combination that balances smoky, spicy, and tangy notes. Other favorite fusions at Que Pasa Taqueria include the Birria Pizzadilla, a Mexican pizza combined with a birria quesadilla. They create simple yet bold takes that reflect the culinary fusion found throughout Metro Detroit.
Brewligans Public House
2385 Fort Street, Trenton
Brewligans Public House brings a Trenton-style twist with its hefty Coney dog. This quarter-pound all-beef hot dog is topped with house-made chili, queso, crispy fried onion straws, and their signature “f*ck-it sauce.” Served with a side of crispy shoestring fries, it’s a hot dog that doesn’t hold back on flavor or indulgence. Besides the Trenton Coney Dog, other items on their “stuff between bread” menu include a hand-dipped corn dog, served on a bed of fries with sriracha ketchup and spicy wasabi mustard. When it comes to dogs, Brewligans takes it to the next level.
Coeur
330 West Nine Mile Road, Ferndale
For a rotating gourmet experience, Coeur offers hot dogs as part of its happy hour menu. “Coeur is where elevated dining loses the ego,” the Coeur team explains, describing their approach to blending refined techniques with nostalgic comfort food. Their house-made hot dogs are served in a potato bun and topped with seasonal ingredients, with variations that might feature brat dogs, lamb-dogs, or creative toppings inspired by what’s fresh and available. For example, one previous combination included rhubarb ketchup, pickled onions, and cucumber. Available Wednesday through Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons, Coeur’s hot dogs are an elevated yet playful addition to their menu.
SuperCrisp
4830 Cass Avenue, Detroit
SuperCrisp takes inspiration from Japanese flavors, crafting hot dogs that are as eye-catching as they are delicious. The Kali Dog comes with krab salad, avocado, wasabi mayo, scallion, and nori, while the Curry Dog combines curry slaw, pineapple chutney, and crispy shallots. For fans of heat, the Kimchi Dog pairs the spicy fermented cabbage with Maggi onions, American cheese, and katsu mayo. The Oki Dog rounds out the lineup with kewpie slaw, pickled ginger, and a sesame-speckled nori wrap. Each hot dog at SuperCrisp brings a global flair that sets it apart from the traditional.
From casual bar food to refined, chef-driven creations, gourmet hot dogs are thriving in Metro Detroit. Whether you’re craving the comfort of a chili dog or adventurous toppings like kimchi, these local spots offer a hot dog experience worth seeking out. The next time you want a meal that’s both familiar and full of surprises, grab a gourmet hot dog and see how Metro Detroit puts its own spin on this classic favorite.
This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on July 25, 2022, and was authored by Katie Goncalves.
