The Best Hot Dogs in Sarasota
A classic and fully loaded "Salty Dog" at The Old Salty Dog City Island.
Image: Hannah Phillips
National Hot Dog Day is tomorrow, June 19, and to celebrate we've compiled a list of our favorite local hot dogs. From dogs with raw onions to relish to a legendary oceanfront fried dog to a Chicago-style dog Carmy from The Bear would be proud of, we've got you covered.
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.
Hob Nob Drive-In Restaurant
1701 N. Washington Blvd., (941) 955-5001, hobnobdrivein.com
For a taste of Sarasota history, swing by the Hob Nob Drive-In Restaurant on North Washington Boulevard, where you can order diner-style burgers, onion rings and, of course, hot dogs. Try a classic dog topped with sauerkraut ($6.50) or dive into a chili cheese dog ($7.50) if you're feeling adventurous.
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.
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. You can even substitute a vegan sausage if you're not feeling in a meaty mood.
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.
