Best hot dogs
A selection of the tasty treats at Mike’s Chicago Hot Dogs in Sandy Springs. It’s your pick for best hot dogs in and around Atlanta. Photo courtesy Mike’s Chicago Hot Dogs.
YOUR PICKS
1. Mike’s Chicago Hot Dogs
You say, “Mike’s Chicago Hot Dogs in Sandy Springs can’t be beat. I’ve been going there for a few years now and the staff is always friendly and they’re super fast on cooking the dogs and fries” and “Mike’s Chicago Hot Dogs has THE best hot dogs Ever! Not only do they have a vast traditional as well as Chicago Style selection that everyone can love, they even have a delicious vegetarian dog that is out of this world!”
2. Brandi’s World Famous Hot Dogs
3. Barker’s Red Hots
4. The Varsity
5. Ringside Franks & Shakes
6. Hot Dog Factory
Connie Simmons lays a hot dog in a bun at Brandi’s World Famous Hot Dogs off of Church St. Ext. in Marietta in 2011. The hot dog stand, which has been open since 1915, sells between 500 and 600 hot dogs each day on average Brandi’s is our pick for best hot dog in and around Atlanta. Photo: Jonathan Phillips / Special
OUR PICKS
1. Brandi’s World Famous Hot Dogs
The AJC dining team’s Popular Eats specialist Jon Watson says, “Open only for lunch, you will always find this small diner-style hot dog shop in Marietta packed to the brim with regulars, and for good reason. Their spicy chili dogs are the epitome of a Georgia-style hot dog, and the best that I’ve had in the city.”
2. Holeman & Finch
3. Barker’s Red Hots
4. The Varsity
5. Dog Days
accessAtlanta Partner Sites
Sections
Advertise on accessAtlanta.com »
Reach the audience you want by advertising on accessAtlanta.com
Join the Access Atlanta Network »
Advertisers and Publishers, expand your reach by joining the Access Atlanta Network.
Tell us what you think about the site
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement | About our ads
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
148 comments Add your comment
Eric
January 23rd, 2013
1:01 pm
Wiener’s on Atlanta Rd behind Dobbins AFB has breat dogs, brats, and other wursts. They serve at lunch or buy retail.
Barker’s is also very good.
Richard
January 23rd, 2013
1:18 pm
Another vote for Barkers! I remember eating Barkers from their cart when it was located at Plaza Park near Underground Atlanta…Best Dogs around!
Bubba
January 23rd, 2013
1:26 pm
Barkers, The Varsity and anyplace that sells Nathan’s brand hot dogs
Lane
January 23rd, 2013
1:32 pm
Manuel’s Tavern! Starts at $1.95. Loaded with Chili, Slaw, the works is $3.50. My fave is Chili and Slaw. Delish.
Dogmaster
January 23rd, 2013
1:34 pm
Bruster’s Ice Cream sells Nathan’s hot dogs.
Yum, yum !
Bubba
January 23rd, 2013
1:35 pm
Barker’s would even be better if they sold tator tots with their hot dogs.
Lindsey
January 23rd, 2013
1:39 pm
Barkers Red Hots off of Windy Hill! They’re amazing!
MattyB
January 23rd, 2013
1:46 pm
My vote goes to Ringside. I’ve been a regular since day 1.
I’d love to try Barkers, but they have very limited hours and always seem to be closed when I am there.
Rupricht
January 23rd, 2013
1:54 pm
There is a huge difference if you aren’t discerning between a hot dog place from one that also carries sausages. For hot dogs, the The Varsity will always be on the list, but Nu-Way in Macon took it’s place above The Varsity a few summers ago. For sausage dogs – Ringside is my favorite; but had one @HD1 last Sunday before the game and it hit the mark as well. While both Ringside & HD1 serve sausages, the item as a whole is a completely different animal at both locations.
You Too
January 23rd, 2013
1:57 pm
I make the best hot dogs. NO PORK! Only 100% beef with all of the ingredients, cole slaw, mustard, home made chili and whatever is leftover in the frig. Second Choice-The Varsity, which I know that is not 100% beef. Watch out for pork-it will kill you! Take a pork chop before cooking it, pour 7up over it, what do you get, little worms coming from the pork.
David Granger
January 23rd, 2013
2:03 pm
There used to be a place called “Smiley’s” in the Kroger shopping center at the intersection of Clairmont and Buford Highway. They had the best dogs I’ve ever had in Atlanta, but the location was bad. They’re long gone, but their dogs were great. Varsity, QT’s (when fresh), and Sam’s Club also have good dogs that are reasonably priced.
donkey200
January 23rd, 2013
2:06 pm
Barker’s Red Hots w/chili,cheese, slaw and mustard. And the fries are awesome, too.
Bronc
January 23rd, 2013
2:06 pm
Fact is folks…best hotdogs..are Nathan’s on my grill…
Problem…all places that have hotdogs..over cook them…Barker’s..heard great things went there..it was dry and overpriced…
Hotdogs..are best at a Fair..when it doesn’t matter so much..
Slow cook Nathan’s top rack on the grill…is the best..
DMR
January 23rd, 2013
2:22 pm
I am originally from Chi-Town and Chicago Delights is the closet you will come to the originals back home. When I get homesick, I stop by and feel all better. I just wish I could find great pizza somewhere. I usually get a Chicago dog with the works and a Italian Beef (WET), then I split them with my hubby. Two great taste together without looking like a piggy. I also stock up on the JAY’s chips that I can’t get anywhere around here that I know of.
New York groove
January 23rd, 2013
2:32 pm
Anybody in metro Atlanta serve Sabrett’s hot dogs ?
fes
January 23rd, 2013
2:32 pm
Barkers, A Taste of Chicago (in Marietta), and Brandi’s are all excellent choices.
Leigh
January 23rd, 2013
2:34 pm
Brandi’s in Marietta is the best chi$li dog. Period. Three chili dogs and a drink for less than $8. Taste great and cheap!!!
Ken
January 23rd, 2013
2:39 pm
Hot Dog Heaven in Woodstock!
Scelina
January 23rd, 2013
3:10 pm
that’s easy… The Hot Dog Factory has the BEST hotdogs. sometimes I drive 45 mins to get to their location because no one does a hotdog better. All the hotdogs on the menu are fabulous and the sweet potato fries with the “try me” sauce is nothing short of amazing.
Faith
January 23rd, 2013
3:13 pm
MetroCity dogs are great. They are usually at the food truck park or weekend nights outside of Churchills. Man they are good!
Don
January 23rd, 2013
3:23 pm
The best hot dogs are on Cape Cod, MA They use split top buns that are buttered and grilled untill slightly browned then the grilled dog is placed in the buttery crunchey roll !
bphilb
January 23rd, 2013
3:36 pm
Brandy’s Famous Hot Dogs on Church St in Marietta is the bomb. All their dogs are seved with onions, mustard and chili. I recommend adding the slaw. THE BEST by far!!!!
Greg
January 23rd, 2013
3:39 pm
Brandi’s Hot Dogs in Marietta. Chili Dogs are the BEST ! ! ! ! !
GaPeachy
January 23rd, 2013
4:11 pm
I’m really not a hotdog fan but I love to get those smoked sausages at all the festivals once spring time comes, mmmm! Other than that I guess I would say Zestos or Varsity.
Greg
January 23rd, 2013
4:31 pm
Chow Dog !!!
Scratch
January 23rd, 2013
4:37 pm
HD1
Susie
January 23rd, 2013
4:40 pm
Barker’s!
Vivelena
January 23rd, 2013
4:41 pm
Krystal’s Chili Cheese Pups! OMG!!
daniel
January 23rd, 2013
4:44 pm
CJ’s Hotdogs in McDonough…..without a doubt !!!!!
atltk
January 23rd, 2013
5:21 pm
Ringside: everything’s great, except their ketchup’s a bit off. Woody’s: always good for a late night treat. Sam’s Club: Best dog for the buck. Varsity: be close to a bathroom.
Adam
January 23rd, 2013
5:43 pm
I am a Milwaukee native, and I have to say that Mike’s Hot Dogs in Sandy Springs is as pure as Chicago as you can get in the South. Their Chicago dog is the best!!! I frequent Mike’s hot dogs multiple times a month.
I decided to try the Ringside Franks And Shakes, which is down the road from Mike’s. Their hot dog was terrible. It did not have all the true Chicago dog toppings. Also, Ringside claims that their hot dogs are 100% beef and are locally made. During my visit, I asked the owner what casing they use, and he did not have a clue. Advice: Learn about the product you are selling. Lastly, the service was terrible and it took forever.
Jack Y
January 23rd, 2013
5:59 pm
Brandi’s World Famous Hot Dogs on Church Street in Marietta has me hooked on the chili dog. It’s hard to stop at just two.
Kim
January 23rd, 2013
6:30 pm
The Varsity Is the BEST!!
Regina Smith
January 23rd, 2013
6:40 pm
You will never find a better hot dog than the variety of hot dogs that you will enjoy at the “Hot Dog Factory” in Smyrna! Go by and check it out, and I know you too will agree that they are undoubtably the best hot dogs around!!!
Chuck Snow
January 23rd, 2013
6:40 pm
Quick Trips are good but the very best dogs in atlanta can be found at Zestos in L5P their slaw dog is fantastic. I’m a native ans for years was loyal to the V but they’ve changed and not for the better.
KatieB
January 23rd, 2013
7:11 pm
The Varsity!
Terrageezer
January 23rd, 2013
7:11 pm
Brandi’s World Famous Hot Dogs on Church Street in Marietta and in Cartersville are the best – Try their hot chili chili dog…..incredible!!! You will still be thinking about another one in a couple of hours….
WAR EAGLE
January 23rd, 2013
7:24 pm
who the heck puts salt and celery on a hot dog?
NATHAN’S is the WORLDS BEST HOT DOG! NO if’s and ’s or but’s about it.
hands down, THE BEST! And that’s the bottom line…’Cause STONE COLD SAID SO!
Billy Bee
January 23rd, 2013
7:31 pm
When you come to St. Simons Is….go to Hot Dog Alley and get a chili dog…best in Coastal Georgia!!
dawgmom
January 23rd, 2013
7:34 pm
The Varsity for sentimental value, The Station in Norcross for the best chili/slaw dog around.
dawgmom
January 23rd, 2013
7:34 pm
The Varsity for sentimental value, The Station in Norcross for the best chili/slaw dog around.
X-Chi
January 23rd, 2013
7:48 pm
Bobby G’s y’all. Gotta have a Vienna red hot (NO KETCHUP) with mustard, neon green relish, fresh onion, pickle and YES celery salt!!! The best!
SneakyB
January 23rd, 2013
8:09 pm
Hot Dog Heaven in Woodstock. Main street. Made geat doughnuts too but no more.
Kaye
January 23rd, 2013
8:36 pm
As someone who likes to keep it simple with just mustard and ketchup, QT makes the best dogs, and keeps it very affordable.
Old timer
January 23rd, 2013
10:20 pm
Yellow jackets
Mike
January 23rd, 2013
10:23 pm
Hot Dog Factory in Smyrna is awesome.
Jason
January 23rd, 2013
10:47 pm
Another vote for Barker’s. The way they grill them is just like I do at home, plus I love the atmosphere. Several people (probably friends or employees) have said Hot Dog Factory. I live a block away, went right after they opened, and have to say they’re nothing to write home about. Another good place is Mike’s Hot Dogs in Sandy Springs, as they have legit Chicago dogs and Vienna Beef dogs.
Box
January 23rd, 2013
11:04 pm
Years ago, there was a little window in a building near Georgia State Downtown called Doggie in the Window that had great hotdogs.
Tiger
January 24th, 2013
12:09 am
QT , Costcos, SAMs all have high quality meat and great buns. A must for a great dog! My only toppings of choice are mustard and onions.
Harry Caray
January 24th, 2013
12:30 am
My personal favorite is Brandi’s in Marietta. Best Chili Dog i’ve ever had! Barker’s is also very good.
Don’t waste your time going to The Hot Dog Factory in Smyrna. I live 5 minutes from the place and it’s a disgrace to the hot dog world.