Where To Find The 5 Best Hot Dogs In Tampa Bay
Hot dogs and burgers might be the most American summertime grilling combo out there. But, if you’re looking to beat the heat and skip the cooking, we’ve got you covered. Here are the 5 spots to find the best hot dogs in Tampa Bay.
There’s no shortage of options for good food when it comes to the Tampa Bay area. We’ve got hidden gem taco spots, juicy burger joints, mouthwatering Philly cheesesteaks, and Michelin-rated restaurants.
Today, we’re getting back to the basics and rolling with some personal favorites, highly rated, and local suggestions to put together the 5 best spots for hot dogs in Tampa Bay.
The 5 Best Spots For Hot Dogs In Tampa Bay
Chicago Paulies
Chicago Paulie’s is one of the most highly rated spots for hot dogs in Tampa Bay at 1301 N Howard Ave in the Perfect Gas Station Parking lot. This option is a food truck, but even more of a reason to go. They even won Best of the Bay back in 2018.
They’ve got Chicago Style, New Yorker, Chili, North Carolina Dog, Slaw Dog, classic and more always served on a steamed bun. Something Paulies offers that others don’t is a variety of dogs from different areas of the country. The North Carolina Dog is topped with mustard, Vienna Chili, chopped onion, and homemade coleslaw.
If you’re dining with someone who doesn’t like hot dogs, they have sandwich options as well. From the Italian beef, Corned Beef, Reuben, burgers, and Paulies Cheese steak, there are plenty of options.
Tony’s Chicago Beef
Tony’s Chicago Beef Company is located at 6569 Superior Ave in Sarasota making it one of the furthest options on this list, but the dogs are fantastic. The inside of the hot dog joint is covered in Chicago sports memorabilia to add to the Chicago-style restaurant.
But, what makes Tony’s Chicago Beef some of the best hot dogs in Tampa Bay? Their dogs are always juicy, poppyseed buns are soft, and their toppings are fresh. All dogs come with fries averaging $6.50 per meal, but if you want to do the 2-dog special, it’s any 2 dogs with fries for $10.59.
They’ve got chili dogs, Chicago Fire Dogs, traditional Chicago Dog, Char grilled Polish Sausage, Brats, and more. But, they don’t stop there. They also have salads, Italian Beef sandwiches, Burgers and other sandwiches.
Mel’s Hot Dogs
Mel’s Hot Dogs is another great option for hot dogs in Tampa Bay and is located at 4136 E. Busch Boulevard. The story of Mel’s began back in the early 1970s on his quest for a true Chicago-style dog in Tampa. In true, traditional hot dog fashion, their dogs sit in a soft poppyseed bun.
With over 16 styles of hot dogs, Mel’s has it all. Mel’s Special Dog has an all-beef natural casing on a poppyseed bun topped with mustard, onions, sauerkraut, relish, and pickle. They’ve got a Reuen Dog, Chili dog, cheese dog, slaw dog (cole slaw), bacon cheddar dog, corn dogs, and more.
Not only do they have hot dogs, but they have Italian sausage, Bratwursts, and Chicago Beef sandwiches. Their fries come topped with cheese or chili cheese and of course, traditional plain fries. Their menu is packed to the brim with options.
Portillos (St. Petersburg, Tampa, Brandon)
Portillos is an absolute no-brainer. What started out as a Chicago-based restaurant, became a Tampa Bay staple. There are 3 locations in Tampa Bay with one in St. Petersburg/Tyrone, Tampa, and then Brandon (Florida’s first Portfillos location).
Keeping it close to their roots, Portillos has many different styles of hot dogs all coming on a fresh and soft poppyseed bun. They also have sandwiches, salads, famous chocolate cake and shakes, and more.
If you like crinkle fries, you’re in luck. Their fries are always fresh and crispy with just the right amount of salt and cheese if you’re a cheese fry fan. You can never go wrong with Portillos making it one of the best spots for hot dogs in Tampa Bay.
G’s Fab Dogs
G’s Fab Dogs is the hot dog stand that is cooking up some of the best hot dogs in Tampa Bay. Did we save the best for last? Let’s find out. G’s Fab Dogs sits in the parking lot of the Home Depot with picnic tables, umbrellas, and shade at 2300 22nd Ave N in St. Petersburg.
They have Regular hot dogs, chili dogs, cheese dogs, chili cheese dogs, and more with special Chicago-style dogs as well. Like an old-school hot dog stand, you can buy soda from the can and bags of chips from Lay’s and Cheetos to Sun Chips and barbeque chips.
The latest review from June 2024 for G’s Fab Dogs says, “The outdoor seating area by Home Depot provides a casual setting to enjoy these addictive hot dogs. The owner is friendly and accommodating, making it a kid-friendly spot. Wheelchair accessibility is not an issue with this food cart. The chili cheese dog combo is highly recommended for its great taste and value, with customers raving about the service and overall experience.”
If you’ve tried any of these options on our list, let us know what you think on social media.