Springtime means the return of baseball, the opening of local ice cream and concession stands and the first firing up of the backyard grill. For me, its the return of the hotdog.
This uniquely American treat came here from Germany and quickly gained prominence on carts and at hot dog stands. Mostly associated with baseball and youth concession stands, the hotdog has made its way to menus across Dayton and we are happy about that.
Here’s where you can find the best hotdogs in Dayton:
Zombie Dogz
1200 Brown St #150, Dayton
Photo Cred: Yelp user Brett P (trio of dogs)
No one has done more to elevate the lowly hotdog than Zombie Dogs. I am not a Zombie guy. The entire genre confuses me. The menu at ZD does not confuse me. If it’s your first time here are a few reminders:
Get the tots. Trust me.Get a a few of the mini dogs. It is too hard to settle on just one dog. But. If you must choose just one. I’d suggest the Calling in Dead. It is their 1/4 all beef dog covered in Truffle Mac and Cheese with a Parmesan breadcrumb on top. It sounds heavy. Its not. Still get the tots. I’d also suggest the Chicago style, just ask for it. Juan of the Dead is popular as well, the big dog covered in pulled pork and bbq sauce. Crazy good. These are not concession stand, overly cooked mystery meat dogs. This is hotdogs on a whole ‘nother level.
Get the tots.
Rootbeer Stande
1727 Woodman Drive Dayton
Footlong hotdogs for under $5.00. You may remember I mentioned this place in my quest for the Best Pork Tenderloin, but when I want a good old school hotdog, the Stande is my go to. Here’s why.
Sauerkraut. Yes. Sauerkraut. Few places you can get a hotdog with it. They also serve Nathan’s all beef dog in a Chicago style, the Hound Dog with bacon and bbq sauce, and the Uncle Reuben. This one is made like a Reuben. Kraut, Swiss Cheese and 1000 Island dressing. Don’t wear your dress shirt for this one. The Dirty D. Bacon wrapped and deep fried. Don’t tell your doctor. Just order it with a Rootbeer and thank me later. Final two words. Onion Rings. Hot and fresh for you always at this drive up stand.
Gibbs Ole-Tyme Hamburgers
535 E Dixie Dr West Carrollton
Some would call this is cheap imitation of the Miamisburg Hamburger Wagon. Don’t listen to those negative people. This place has a similar burger, yes. But they also have one of the best hotdogs I’ve ever had in town. The Southern Dog. Deep fried along side the cast iron burgers, toped with mustard, chili, onion, mustard and slaw. Yes. AND SLAW. Its a big messy bite but perfectly balanced with hot and cold, sweet and savory. A perfect lunch is two sliders, one hotdog and a cold Coca Cola. If the Southern Dog is too much, go with the more familiar Coney Dog, coney sauce, onion and cheese.
Trolley Stop
530 East 5th Street Dayton
I’ve been known to say things like…Trolley..best patio in Dayton. Best chip dip in Dayton. Best Veggie burger.
However, the Double Dogs, a fork and knife kinda deal, should not be overlooked. Two beef hotdogs, chili (house made), onions, cheese and it comes with MikeSells chips and Herbie dip. I mentioned the dip earlier. Its worth mentioning twice. They’ve taken the hotdog to a new level here. It feels almost fancy.
Chicago Gyro and Dogs
3979 Indian Ripple Road, Beavercreek
Chicago Authentic
You’ve seen this place on my quest list before. They rank high in my book for Dayton’s best Gyro. For friends who ask for the best Chicago style dog, I send them here. Vienna Beef dogs are brought in from Chicago along with that neon green relish and sport peppers. They even have the poppy seed bug and celery salt on top like they do in the Windy City. Where else can you get an authentic Chicago style dog with authentic Chicago ingredients, made by a guy who hails from Chicago? Hint. This is the only place in Dayton and it’s only $3.00. They have a Cincy dog too, chili, cheese and onion and they are serving some of the best fries in town.
Where do you find a great Cuban sandwich? Let us know in the comments.
Check Bryan’s other quests:
Quest For The Best: Cuban Sandwich
Quest for the Best Biscuits and Gravy
Quest for Dayton’s Best: Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
