Happy National Hot Dog Day! America’s favorite summer snack originated in Germany in the 13th century. In the late 1800’s, a German immigrant in St. Louis named Feuchtwanger began selling what we now know as hot dogs when he served a frankfurter in a bun to protect his customer’s hands from burns. The snack was an immediate hit and took the country by storm, including Portland. Today, Portlanders can get a meat or veggie dog pretty much anywhere in the City. Here are a few of our favorites.

  • 82nd Ave: For a hot dog with a Japanese twist, check out Mojo Crepes, which offers fusion dogs made with nori, kimchee, wasabi mayo, and more.
  • Alberta: Enjoy one of Donnie Vegas’ signature hot dogs made with 100% Washington Angus beef and wash it down with one of their cocktails on tap.
  • Central Eastside: Choose from nine different signature dogs at The Fried Onion, including The Pastrami Dog, The Jalapeno Dog, and The Spicy Slaw Dog.
  • Division/Clinton: The Doghouse offers both meat and veggie dogs alongside their signature grass-fed burgers, massive tot bowls, and breakfast burritos.
  • Foster: The Pod Bar at Carts on Foster has a nice selection of beer to pair with their hot dogs, plus outdoor seating!
  • Gateway: Food Fight Grocery is a vegan grocery and convenience store that carries a variety of plant based-hot dogs and sausages.
  • Hawthorne: For a New York hot dog experience, try Nick’s Famous Coney Island, which has been grilling them up for 87 years! A few blocks down the street, the Chicago-inspired Zach’s Shack boasts a sweet outdoor patio complete with table tennis.
  • Lents: Tuck into grilled brats with a side of sauerkraut and German potato salad and wash it down with a traditionally-crafted German beer at The Zed. Over at Flipside Bar and Carts, try the Thai-style grilled pork sausage with fried rice at E-SanThai. Want your sausage on a bun? The Montego Bay Jerked Chicken Sausage or Boston Bay Jerk Pork Sausage with grilled onions and peppers at Fimi Kingston will make you happy.
  • Lloyd: Five Guys might be known for their burgers but you can also choose from four different hot dogs, including a Plain Dog, Bacon Dog, Cheese Dog and Bacon Cheese Dog.
  • Midway: For authentic 50’s-style dining, try Cruiser’s Drive-In, which serves classic burgers and dogs, plus fries and ice cream.
  • St. Johns: Named after the Soviet dog who went into space, the Rockabilly Cafe’s ‘Laika’ is a 12″ Nathan’s hot dog with Russian dressing and sauerkraut.
  • Woodstock: Since 1921, the family-owned Otto’s Sausage Kitchen has been selling their famous homemade sausages to hungry Portlanders. Grab and go from their outdoor grill 7 days a week!

This list is non-exhaustive. If you have a go-to spot for this classic summer snack, tell us about it on Instagram and Facebook.