5 Regionally Inspired Seattle Hot Dogs

From the ballpark to Dantes Inferno, heres a frank appraisal.

By Naomi Tomky March 26, 2018

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This article originally appeared in the March 2018 issue of Seattle magazine.

This article originally ran in the February issue of Seattle magazine.

Craving a New York style wiener? Maybe a Midwest chili dog? A map of the United States displaying regional hot dog varieties would likely feature as many different combinations of frankfurters, condiments and garnishes as there are states in the union.

You cant find them all in Seattle yet, but many national favorites do show up on menus of local dog stands, from the famous Chicago dog to Seattles own cream cheese dog. Here are some of our favorite versions.

1. SOUTHWEST STYLE
In the American Southwest, the Sonoran dog reigns supreme: bacon-wrapped, grilled and served with beans, grilled peppers, chopped tomatoes, chopped onions, mayo, mustard and salsa verde. Other than Bocados brief pop-up stint (fingers crossed it returns to do business this summer), the only place to get anything close to the Sonoran is the bacon-wrapped dog ($9.50) at Edgars Cantina in Safeco Field, where its served with grilled onions and jalapenos and topped with chipotle sauce. Edgars Cantina, Safeco Field, 1250 First Ave. S

2. SEATTLE STYLE
Seattles hot dog specialty may not be as well-known as others around the country, but it isnt a late night in Seattle if the Monster Dogs cart doesnt serve hot dogs ($6) with grilled onions and cream cheese (and probably Sriracha, too), which Monster Dogs does every night. Monster Dogs, multiple locations, including 10th and E Pike; monsterdogsseattle.com

3. CHICAGO STYLE
Diggity Dog Hot Dog & Sausage in Tangletown has a menu of burgers and deli sandwiches, but everyone is pretty much there for one thing the extensive selection of regional dogs. Diggity Dog takes quite a few liberties with its Chicago dog (no poppy seed bun, peperoncini instead of sport peppers, pickle chips instead of spears and no iridescent green relish), but its still the best $7.50 you can spend to satisfy the craving. Diggity Dog Hot Dog & Sausage, Tangletown, 5421 Meridian Ave. N; 206.633.1966; Facebook @thediggitydog

4. NEW YORK STYLE
The street cart of Dantes Inferno Dogs, once a fixture on the late-night scene in Seattle, now shows up at the Ballard Farmers Market on Sundays, but while the clientele might be younger and more awake, the classic New Yorkstyle dog ($4) all-beef, simple, pulled right from the cart and topped with mustard remains the same. Dantes Inferno Dogs, various locations; dantesinfernodogs.com

5. DETROIT STYLE
Youll find plenty of regional treasures on the all-dog menu at Shortys, a Belltown pinball arcade, but what it calls the Chili Cheese Bigtop ($6.50) is actually a take on Detroits Coney dog: smothered in chili and cheese and garnished with onions. Shortys, Belltown, 2222 Second Ave.; 206.441.5449; shortydog.com

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