BY KELLY MARIE MANCUSO
The hot dog has long held the honor of being one of America’s favorite summertime treats, taking center stage at cookouts, campfires and ballparks throughout the summer months. To celebrate this iconic food, the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council designated July as Hot Dog Month, with Thursday, July 23, as National Hot Dog Day.
Whether you prefer your dogs boiled, grilled, barbecued or topped with everything from classic relish to more exotic fare like pineapples and sriracha, indulge in this summertime staple at some of the best hot dog spots in Queens.
Ben’s Best
96-40 Queens Blvd., Rego Park
718-897-1700
This gourmet kosher delicatessen has been a neighborhood staple, serving up classic deli fare such as mile-high hot pastrami on rye, kreplach and cabbage rolls for nearly 70 years. Their Empire National brand natural casing frankfurters are grilled to perfection.
Ben’s franks are served with choice of mustard, ketchup, relish and sauerkraut ($4.50), or topped with red onions, coleslaw, chili and even potato salad for just a dollar more. A can of Dr. Brown’s root beer or Cel-Ray celery soda makes the perfect pairing to this flavorful summertime feast.
La Perrada de Chalo
83-12 Northern Blvd., Jackson Heights
718-639-6677
Established in 1995, La Perrada boasts the largest selection of authentic gourmet Colombian hot dogs in the city. The Iraqui ($4.15) is a unique salty and sweet mix of potato chips, eggs, pineapple, sauces and cheese. For tropical flavor, try the Al Gusto ($5) topped with Hawaiian pineapple, bacon, shrimp and eggs. The flavorful Criollo ($4.15) blends cabbage salad with pineapples, cheese, sauces and crushed chips for a crunchy treat.
Hungry patrons can go all out with the Showy ($4.15) topped with mortadella, onions, pineapple, cheeses and chips.
New York Dog House
37-06 30th Ave., Astoria
718-274-3647
A quick trip to nearby Astoria will land you in the dog house — the New York Dog House that is. This popular eatery is home to a diverse menu of uniquely named signature hot dogs, sausages and bratwurst.
The California Dog ($8) features a Weisswurst sausage topped with avocado, lettuce, red onion and herbs. For a tasty experience, ride the Pineapple Express ($8), a mix of fresh pineapple, pickled onion and cilantro pesto on a hearty bratwurst sausage. For Wild West flavor, try The Cowboy ($9) a cheddar bratwurst topped with caramelized onions, crispy chipotle, bacon and homemade BBQ sauce.
Travel from the west to the Far East ($9), and enjoy a savory Num Pang sausage topped with homemade sesame chili paste, pickled daikon, scallions and roasted peanuts.
Butcher Bar
37-10 30th Ave., Astoria
718-606-8140
As the name suggests, this purveyor of delectable organic, grass-fed cuts of meat promises a savory experience for diners. Their sausage, peppers and onions ($11.99), with your choice of Butcher Bar’s homemade grilled hot, sweet or Filipino-style sausage, is a hearty alternative to the classic hot dog.
Dominick’s Hot Dog Truck
Woodhaven Boulevard at 67th Avenue, Rego Park
Head back to Rego Park and make a pit stop at Dominick’s. This bright blue truck has long been a local favorite, serving up classic steamed Sabrett hot dogs topped with their homemade sautéed onions or sauerkraut ($3) and chili cheese dogs ($3.25).
Wash down all this savory goodness with a can of classic White Rock cream, orange or black cherry soda ($1.25) or chocolate Yoo-hoo ($1.50).
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