Unusual hot dogs

Unusual hot dogs

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Created by USA TODAY • Updated On: August 5, 2013

The humble hot dog has come a long way since 19th-century European immigrants began selling them on the streets. Now, chefs are dressing up the dog with exotic meats and condiments.

Hot Doug's is one of Unusual hot dogs.

1. Hot Doug's

3324 N California Ave (at Roscoe St), Chicago, IL
Hot Dog Joint · Northwest Side · 236 tips and reviews

USA TODAYUSA TODAY: Make sure to visit on Fridays or Saturdays, when they use duck fat to make French fries. Read more.

Jody Maroni's Sausage Kingdom is one of Unusual hot dogs.

2. Jody Maroni's Sausage Kingdom

2011 Ocean Front Walk (at Venice Beach Boardwalk), Venice, CA
Hot Dog Joint · 20 tips and reviews

USA TODAYUSA TODAY: Jodi Maroni pioneered high-end chicken sausage, now found across the USA. Gotta try it! Read more.

El Guero Canelo is one of Unusual hot dogs.

3. El Guero Canelo

8.9
5201 S 12th Ave (at W Utah Ave), Tucson, AZ
Burrito Restaurant · Sunnyside · 42 tips and reviews

USA TODAYUSA TODAY: Try the Sonoran — a bacon-wrapped and fried hot dog that can be topped with mustard, salsa, chopped onions, tomatoes, mayonnaise, chilies and more. Read more.

Underdog is one of Unusual hot dogs.

4. Underdog

1634 Irving St (18th Ave), San Francisco, CA
Hot Dog Joint · Inner Sunset · 43 tips and reviews

USA TODAYUSA TODAY: Hot dogs with a conscience: These are made from ethically treated animals raised on natural feeds that are not genetically modified. Read more.

The Varsity is one of Unusual hot dogs.

5. The Varsity

8.0
61 North Ave NW (at Spring St NW), Atlanta, GA
Hot Dog Joint · Midtown · 363 tips and reviews

USA TODAYUSA TODAY: It's a Southern tradition: Top your dog with chili, cheese or cole slaw. Or better yet, all three. Read more.

Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs is one of Unusual hot dogs.

6. Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs

9.1
2148 Larimer St (at 22nd St), Denver, CO
Hot Dog Joint · Ballpark · 110 tips and reviews

USA TODAYUSA TODAY: It's all about the toppings here. Try the Coca-Cola-soaked grilled onions. Yum. Read more.

Rutt's Hut is one of Unusual hot dogs.

7. Rutt's Hut

8.7
417 River Rd, Clifton, NJ
Hot Dog Joint · 132 tips and reviews

USA TODAYUSA TODAY: Everyone comes for the Rippers, hot dogs that are deep-fried until the outer skin rips. Read more.

Ben's Chili Bowl is one of Unusual hot dogs.

8. Ben's Chili Bowl

8.3
1213 U St NW, Washington, D.C.
Hot Dog Joint · U-Street · 386 tips and reviews

USA TODAYUSA TODAY: Get the half smokes, a beef-and-pork sausage that's lightly smoked and served with mustard, onions and, of course, chili. Read more.