Summer is here—and what is summer if you haven't chowed down on at least one delicious hot dog? Here are our favorite local dogs, from a legendary oceanfront fried dog to a Chicago-style dog Carmy from The Bear would be proud of. 

The Old Salty Dog

1601 B Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, (941) 388-4311; 5023 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key, (941) 349-0158; 1475 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, (941) 483-1000, theoldsaltydog.com

Kicking us off is Sarasota's most famous hot dog (pictured at top): the fully loaded "Salty Dog" ($16.99) which was once featured on an episode of Man vs. Food on the Travel Channel. To make it, quarter-pound hot dog made by Geier's Sausage Kitchen is dipped in batter, fried to a golden brown, then topped with sauerkraut, bacon, grilled onion, mushrooms and so much cheese: American, cheddar, pepper Jack and Swiss. Don't forget to bring your Tums.

Tony's Chicago Beef

6569 Superior Ave., Sarasota, (941) 922-7979; 1856 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, (941) 497-1611, tonyschicagobeef.com

If you've binged every episode of the new season of The Bear and you're now craving a Chicago dog, we feel you. Enter: Tony's Chicago Beef, a Gulf Gate institution that also has a location in Venice. The classic Chicago dog ($5.89) is snappy, made with Vienna beef and topped with sport peppers, relish, mustard, tomato, dill pickles and celery salt. Yes, chef.

Hamlet's Eatery

821 Apricot Ave., Sarasota, (941) 445-1938, hamletseatery.com

Heading to Hamlet's Eatery is an adventure for your taste buds and your eyes. Located in the courtyard of The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime, you can browse local vendors for gifts before hitting the Hamlet's Eatery food truck for "The Verona" ($13), an Italian sausage topped with caramelized onions and peppers served on a brioche bun. This year, on July 5, The Bazaar is pairing its hot dogs with another type of wiener (dog), by partnering with Seeking Forever Home Dachshund Rescue. Hot dogs and hot dogs? Yes, please.

Costco

8201 S. Tamiami Trail, Unit 501, Sarasota, (941) 554-2800, costco.com

Arguably the best deal in town—and in America—Costco's giant hot dog stands the test of time and inflation. For $1.50, you can enjoy a quarter-pound all-beef hot dog and a fountain drink that your wallet will thank you for later.

O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill

5 Bayfront Drive, Sarasota, (941) 953-7505, olearystikibar.com

Kick off your shoes and sink your toes into the sand while waiting for a hot dog and fries ($8.25) from O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill. This waterfront stand also serves phenomenal piña coladas, the perfect—and possibly unexpected—match for a hot dog.

Mad Dogs Hot Dogs

2059 Tamiami Trail, Venice, (941) 493-4086, maddogshotdogs.com

This teeny tiny drive-thru serves up nothing but dogs at just the right price. Grab your choice of wiener for $3.50-$5 and piles it with your choice of 40 different toppings. We're always in the mood for one of their signature combos, especially the "Route 66," topped with ranch, meaty chili and crushed Fritos. It's weird but it works.