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When you think of hot dogs in Detroit, most likely your mind immediately goes to the traditional coney dog. For decades, establishments have been battling for the title of the best coney dog, but what about all of the other incredible hot dogs in Metro Detroit? Who is speaking for the unique dogs with interesting toppings and intriguing ingredients? These are the places you have to check out if you’re a true hot dog fan. And who knows? Maybe you’ll be convinced of a different best in town…
IMPERIAL
22828 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale
Imperial is your go-to spot for a laid-back atmosphere paired with incredible food and drinks. Johanna Medranda, Social Media Manager at Imperial, explains, “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. We take pride in our ever-changing weekly and monthly specials, our brand new menu items, the fact that we are vegetarian and vegan friendly, our special events, and our ‘Working Class Outlaw’ staff who are the reason we are known for our cocktails, tacos, and all around laid back atmosphere.” Those Sonoran hot dogs mentioned? They are bacon-wrapped, my friends. The Bakersfield Sonoran is a favorite, with barbecue chicken, pineapple, jalapeño relish, and queso, while the Chino Sonoran takes on the role of a more traditional coney, with chorizo chili and chipotle mustard. The Imperial Sonoran is noteworthy too, with stewed beans, tomato, onions, poblano lime cream, guac, and more dressing this bacon-wrapped dog (also available as the vegetarian dog). With its eclectic menu and welcoming vibe, Imperial is a must-visit for hot dog aficionados.
THE MEAN WEENIE
The Mean Weenie food truck is another hotspot for hot dog lovers. Specializing in gourmet hot dogs with a variety of unique toppings, The Mean Weenie brings a fresh take to the classic hot dog. The Piggly Wiggly has mac and cheese and barbecue pulled pork, Guacin The Dog comes with homemade guac, chipotle, sharp cheddar cheese sauce, and nacho Doritos, and Wasabi-ach has a wasabi-ginger coleslaw, pickled ginger, and Sriracha to top. From their signature Plain Ole Mean to other innovative hot dog creations, each bite is packed with flavor. This vibrant truck is perfect for anyone looking to explore new and exciting hot dog options. Keep up with their social media page to see where they’ll be next!
A1 DOGS AND BURGERS
5624 North Telegraph Road, Dearborn Heights
For a hot dog experience with a twist, A1 Dogs and Burgers offers an impressive selection of gourmet hot dogs and burgers. This food truck is known for its high-quality ingredients and creative combinations with something for everyone. Besides Korean corn dogs with crazy toppings (think hot Cheetos or Fruity Pebbles) the hotdogs stand on their own too. For a crunchy experience, the Cool Dog features Doritos, while the Rings Dog has fried onion rings, barbecue sauce, and nacho cheese. The Southwest Dog features chipotle sauce, nacho cheese, and bacon bits, and the Mushroom Swiss Dog has both of those with grilled onions and spicy mayo. Whether you’re a fan of traditional toppings or looking to try something new, this menu is sure to impress.
VINSETTA GARAGE
27799 Woodward Avenue, Berkley
A Berkley favorite for a reason, Vinsetta Garage has two unique hot dog offerings on their menu. One is your classic coney, with chili, onions, and mustard while The 3 A.M. Dogs are quite noteworthy too. This dog is topped with house-made bacon jam, Sriracha mayo, a sunny fried egg, chives, and spicy fried onions to finish. Perhaps more wild is the Sir Shakes Coney Pie, which is a pizza topped with hot dogs, coney chili, smoked cheddar cheese, mustard, and onions. This historic service station-turned-restaurant offers a variety of hearty dishes, and the hot dog-themed entrees are no exception.
AMAR PIZZA
12195 Joseph Campau Avenue, Hamtramck
3728 Rochester Road, Troy
Known for its Bangladeshi ingredients, Amar Pizza also offers an array of exotic hot dogs that are bursting with flavor. If you’re looking to spice up your hot dog experience, Amar Pizza is the place to be. Khurshed Ahmed, the owner, shares, “Providing Bangladeshi-inspired pizza since 2010 in Hamtramck has been an honor and my pleasure.” The hot dog menu features the Naga hot dog topped with naga sauce, red onion, and cilantro; the Tandoori hot dog with tandoori sauce and red onions; the BBQ hot dog with BBQ sauce and onions; and the Ghost hot dog topped with ghost sauce, red onions, and cilantro. Each option delivers a unique and spicy kick that sets Amar Pizza apart from the rest. What other pizza place has such a stand-out hot dog menu?
This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on July 25, 2022, and was authored by Katie Goncalves.
