The Best Hot Dogs in Sarasota
A classic and fully loaded "Salty Dog" at The Old Salty Dog City Island.
Image: Hannah Phillips
Summer is here—and what is summer if you haven't chowed down on at least one delicious hot dog? July 16 is National Hot Dog Day, so we've compiled a list of our favorite local dogs, from a haute hot dog that's only available this weekend to a legendary oceanfront fried dog to a Chicago-style dog Carmy from The Bear would be proud of.
Image: Courtesy Photo
Monkey Bar at The St. Regis Longboat Key
1601 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, marriott.com
Call it a National Hot Dog Day (July 16) x National Caviar Day (July 18) crossover. From July 18-20, 2025, the St. Regis Longboat Key will offer a hot dog called "Murf & Turf" at its beachfront Monkey Bar. The $32 hot dog pays homage to Murf Klauber, the original owner of The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort, where the St. Regis now stands. What justifies the cost of a $32 hot dog, you ask? This one's a Wagyu beef frank topped with shrimp remoulade, crispy onions and caviar. served on a brioche bun. We feel fancy just reading that.
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.
A Chicago dog and a Texas dog at Doggystyle.
Image: Hannah Phillips
Doggystyle Hot Dogs
1544 Main St., Sarasota, (941) 260-5835, hotdogswithstyle.com
Don't let the irreverent name fool you. Doggystyle has some of the best hot dogs around. This spot is dedicated solely to tube-shaped meat where you can choose from a mixture of pork and beef, 100 percent beef, redhot or even vegan dogs, then top your selection in a variety of accouterments. We like the "Texas style" dog ($6.99) topped in chili, cheese and jalapeños for an extra pop of heat. P.S. Doggystyle also offers a vegan dog.
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 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.
The Costco hot dog holds steady at $1.50.
Image: Hannah Phillips
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.
