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a hot dog on a silver tray
Haute Dogs & Fries serves a top-selling banh mi dog at its Alexandria flagship and Arlington location.
Haute Dogs & Fries/official photo

Where to Find Hot Dogs of All Styles Around D.C.

From traditional wieners to fancier franks full of international flavors

by Adele Chapin, Travis Mitchell, and Eater Staff Updated
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Haute Dogs & Fries serves a top-selling banh mi dog at its Alexandria flagship and Arlington location.
| Haute Dogs & Fries/official photo
by Adele Chapin, Travis Mitchell, and Eater Staff Updated

First things first: This is not a half-smoke map (for that, click here.) This is not a guide to brats or sausages, either. It’s a list of places to go in the Washington area when a craving hits for a tried-and-true hot dog. That’s not to say these hot dogs are boring, though (in fact, the humble handheld has gotten a lot of hype as of late). Flavor profiles on this map span across regional American styles, with stopovers in countries like Italy and Korea.

No matter the interpretation, this American classic shines at these 15 destinations for a top dog.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Dog Haus - Dogs Sausages Burgers

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LA-based gourmet hot dog shop Dog Haus is expanding all over the DMV after opening its first East Coast location in Bethesda in 2018. The latest locale in Dupont Circle is the first inside the District. Served on grilled King’s Hawaiian Rolls, these all-beef hot dogs are dressed up with ingredients like wild arugula, avocado, tomato, crispy onions, and spicy basil aioli — the toppings for the “Sooo Cali” dog. These biergartens stay open late, until 2 or 3 a.m. on the weekends.

933 Ellsworth Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20910
(240) 450-7000
(240) 450-7000
Dog Haus Sooo Cali
Dog Haus Sooo Cali

Catalyst Hot Dog at Denizens Brewing Co. Riverdale Park

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New Jersey native and hospitality vet Chris Van Jura pivoted to hot dogs during the pandemic’s turmoil, creating buzz with a mobile vending machine serving both classic and specialty dogs using Maryland’s acclaimed Roseda Farm beef. Opt for the “Lincoln Logs,” a butterflied dog slathered with cream cheese, or the “Nico Sauve” with ketchup, mustard, mayo, and crispy potato sticks. Catalyst Hot Dogs also has an outpost at Denizens Brewing in Riverdale Park, featuring even more hot dog varieties like the “UMD-OG,” which is covered in yellow corn, black beans, diced red peppers, and cotija cheese.

4550 Van Buren St, Riverdale Park, MD 20737
(240) 582-6817
(240) 582-6817

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Lyman's Tavern

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This pinball bar is known for serving hot dogs with a side of chips, with inventive toppings inspired by nachos and pupusas, as well as classic chili dogs. There are also always rotating specials available, including a beloved kimchi dog. You can also enjoy classic bar foods from sliders to frito pie, while you enjoy local drafts and an array of crushes at this neighborhood spot.

3720 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010
(202) 723-0502
(202) 723-0502

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Ben's Chili Bowl (Multiple Locations)

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D.C.’s half-smoke landmark also serves up traditional hot dogs, too. There’s a jumbo beef dog, a jumbo turkey dog, and a veggie dog at this historic grill on U Street. And all of these can be topped with Ben’s trademark chili, plus mustard and onion.

1213 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 667-0909
(202) 667-0909
Ben’s Chili Bowl
Ben’s Chili Bowl’s iconic U Street facade.
Photo by Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Also featured in:

Meats & Foods

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Shaw’s decade-old sandwich shop carves out room for a great selection of grilled sausage dogs served on a potato roll. Options starting at $7.50 include made-from-scratch seitan (veggie), chicken, pork, and half-smokes.

247 Florida Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 505-1384
(202) 505-1384
A juicy chicken dog at Meats & Foods.
Meats & Foods

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Ivy and Coney

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Ketchup is decidedly not an option at this Shaw dive bar, where patrons tend to fall into the Detroit hot dog camp (a Coney dog has beef chili, mustard, and onion) or Chicago dog camp (pickle spear, green relish, mustard, tomato, onion, peppers, and celery salt).

1537 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 670-9489
(202) 670-9489

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Ghostburger

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This Philly-loving sandwich spot in Shaw also offers bacon-wrapped dogs that deviate from traditional toppings. The three options include a BLT-influenced hot dog, a pickle-covered dog that also includes peanut butter and marshmallow fluff, and the Misty Meadow Glizzy built with barbecue sauce, mushrooms, cheese whiz, cilantro, and jalapeños.

1250 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 827-5237
(202) 827-5237

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Vienna Inn

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This 64-year-old dive bar is well-known for its cheese-smothered chili dogs, and they sell a ton of them. The bar on Vienna’s main drag asserts on its website that it sells over 10,000 chili dogs every month, each smothered with chili, cheese, spicy mustard, and diced onion.

120 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA 22180
(703) 938-9548
(703) 938-9548

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Loeb's NY Deli

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Located in downtown D.C. for more than 60 years, this old-school, New York-style deli is still slinging hot dogs in addition to a plethora of sandwiches. The menu includes kosher frankfurters and a footlong kosher dog for bigger appetites, and toppings range from chili, cheese, and onions to the kosher salami-wrapped “Coney Island.”

1712 I St NW, Washington, DC 20006
(202) 965-5632
(202) 965-5632

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Silver Lyan

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Swanky subterranean cocktail bar Silver Lyan started offering the self-described “somewhat extravagant” $18 wagyu hot dog when classy dogs stole the spotlight in 2023. Now they still sling the upscale offering, topped with “Chi-town relish” and mustard on a poppyseed bun. While you’re there, pair the dog with the award-winning bar’s stellar selection of cocktails.

900 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004
(202) 788-2799
(202) 788-2799

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The Pretzel Bakery

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A freshly baked everything pretzel encases an all-beef Hebrew National dog to form the pretzel dogs at Capitol Hill’s beloved Pretzel Bakery. An additional area location sits in Potomac, Maryland.

257 15th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 450-6067
(202) 450-6067

Trusty's

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It's not fancy (nothing at Trusty's is), but this Capitol Hill dressed-down hangout with a heart does a fine job with its all-beef hot dog. This jumbo dog is served with ketchup, mustard, and Ruffles (tack on chili for an extra $1.50). Look for specials like a bacon-wrapped dog too.

1420 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 547-1010
(202) 547-1010

Also featured in:

Oh K-Dog

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Moving from Crystal City to Ballston Quarter, this corn dog-focused fast-casual spot bring a Korean version of a classic American snack. In addition to a Korean “corn dog” filled with “your choice of mozzarella cheese, squid-ink, rice cake, potato, and more,” the chain sells other popular Korean snacks like egg toast, chewy tteokbokki rice cakes, instant ramen, and kimbap rolls.

4238 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203
(703) 567-3376
(703) 567-3376

Boardwalk Bar & Arcade

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Naturally, a bar that evokes Santa Monica’s beachside boardwalks would serve up hot dogs. The Wharf’s Boardwalk Bar & Arcade from Better Hospitality Group stocks its dogs with meat from Shenandoah’s Autumn Olive Farms. Beyond the typical ketchup and mustard, there are choices like a spicy sriracha dog with slaw or a loaded dog with bacon, cheese sauce, tomatoes, onions, and chipotle aioli. During daily happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m., hot dogs are $5.95 each.

715 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 481-0044
(202) 481-0044
Boardwalk Bar & Arcade sends out delightfully snappy hot dogs.
Boardwalk Bar & Arcade/Facebook

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Weenie Beenie

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Times have changed since 1954: the Weenie Beanie hot dog stand and its all-beef chili dogs have not. Order a hot dog “all the way” aka with all the fixings like mustard, onion, chili, and relish.

2680 Shirlington Rd, Arlington, VA 22206
(703) 671-6661
(703) 671-6661

Also featured in:

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Haute Dogs and Fries (Multiple Locations)

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This Black-owned chain devoted to hot dogs added to its Alexandria outpost with a newer location in Arlington as well as a widespread presence at Nationals Park. The kitchen gets creative with options like the Vietnamese-style banh mi dog or an OBX dog topped with chili, coleslaw and mustard. The nearly 20 hot dog varieties are inspired by cultures across the globe, from a bruschetta dog to a dog covered with hoisin sauce, scallions, and cucumbers.

610 Montgomery St, Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 548-3891
(703) 548-3891
Haute Dogs feature for the $20 Diner
Haute Dogs’ namesake orders.
Photo by Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Also featured in:

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Dog Haus - Dogs Sausages Burgers

933 Ellsworth Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20910

LA-based gourmet hot dog shop Dog Haus is expanding all over the DMV after opening its first East Coast location in Bethesda in 2018. The latest locale in Dupont Circle is the first inside the District. Served on grilled King’s Hawaiian Rolls, these all-beef hot dogs are dressed up with ingredients like wild arugula, avocado, tomato, crispy onions, and spicy basil aioli — the toppings for the “Sooo Cali” dog. These biergartens stay open late, until 2 or 3 a.m. on the weekends.

933 Ellsworth Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20910
(240) 450-7000
(240) 450-7000
Dog Haus Sooo Cali
Dog Haus Sooo Cali

Catalyst Hot Dog at Denizens Brewing Co. Riverdale Park

4550 Van Buren St, Riverdale Park, MD 20737

New Jersey native and hospitality vet Chris Van Jura pivoted to hot dogs during the pandemic’s turmoil, creating buzz with a mobile vending machine serving both classic and specialty dogs using Maryland’s acclaimed Roseda Farm beef. Opt for the “Lincoln Logs,” a butterflied dog slathered with cream cheese, or the “Nico Sauve” with ketchup, mustard, mayo, and crispy potato sticks. Catalyst Hot Dogs also has an outpost at Denizens Brewing in Riverdale Park, featuring even more hot dog varieties like the “UMD-OG,” which is covered in yellow corn, black beans, diced red peppers, and cotija cheese.

4550 Van Buren St, Riverdale Park, MD 20737
(240) 582-6817
(240) 582-6817

Lyman's Tavern

3720 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

This pinball bar is known for serving hot dogs with a side of chips, with inventive toppings inspired by nachos and pupusas, as well as classic chili dogs. There are also always rotating specials available, including a beloved kimchi dog. You can also enjoy classic bar foods from sliders to frito pie, while you enjoy local drafts and an array of crushes at this neighborhood spot.

3720 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010
(202) 723-0502
(202) 723-0502

Ben's Chili Bowl (Multiple Locations)

1213 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009

D.C.’s half-smoke landmark also serves up traditional hot dogs, too. There’s a jumbo beef dog, a jumbo turkey dog, and a veggie dog at this historic grill on U Street. And all of these can be topped with Ben’s trademark chili, plus mustard and onion.

1213 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 667-0909
(202) 667-0909
Ben’s Chili Bowl
Ben’s Chili Bowl’s iconic U Street facade.
Photo by Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Meats & Foods

247 Florida Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Shaw’s decade-old sandwich shop carves out room for a great selection of grilled sausage dogs served on a potato roll. Options starting at $7.50 include made-from-scratch seitan (veggie), chicken, pork, and half-smokes.

247 Florida Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 505-1384
(202) 505-1384
A juicy chicken dog at Meats & Foods.
Meats & Foods

Ivy and Coney

1537 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Ketchup is decidedly not an option at this Shaw dive bar, where patrons tend to fall into the Detroit hot dog camp (a Coney dog has beef chili, mustard, and onion) or Chicago dog camp (pickle spear, green relish, mustard, tomato, onion, peppers, and celery salt).

1537 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 670-9489
(202) 670-9489

Ghostburger

1250 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

This Philly-loving sandwich spot in Shaw also offers bacon-wrapped dogs that deviate from traditional toppings. The three options include a BLT-influenced hot dog, a pickle-covered dog that also includes peanut butter and marshmallow fluff, and the Misty Meadow Glizzy built with barbecue sauce, mushrooms, cheese whiz, cilantro, and jalapeños.

1250 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 827-5237
(202) 827-5237

Vienna Inn

120 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA 22180

This 64-year-old dive bar is well-known for its cheese-smothered chili dogs, and they sell a ton of them. The bar on Vienna’s main drag asserts on its website that it sells over 10,000 chili dogs every month, each smothered with chili, cheese, spicy mustard, and diced onion.

120 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA 22180
(703) 938-9548
(703) 938-9548

Loeb's NY Deli

1712 I St NW, Washington, DC 20006

Located in downtown D.C. for more than 60 years, this old-school, New York-style deli is still slinging hot dogs in addition to a plethora of sandwiches. The menu includes kosher frankfurters and a footlong kosher dog for bigger appetites, and toppings range from chili, cheese, and onions to the kosher salami-wrapped “Coney Island.”

1712 I St NW, Washington, DC 20006
(202) 965-5632
(202) 965-5632

Silver Lyan

900 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004

Swanky subterranean cocktail bar Silver Lyan started offering the self-described “somewhat extravagant” $18 wagyu hot dog when classy dogs stole the spotlight in 2023. Now they still sling the upscale offering, topped with “Chi-town relish” and mustard on a poppyseed bun. While you’re there, pair the dog with the award-winning bar’s stellar selection of cocktails.

900 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004
(202) 788-2799
(202) 788-2799

The Pretzel Bakery

257 15th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

A freshly baked everything pretzel encases an all-beef Hebrew National dog to form the pretzel dogs at Capitol Hill’s beloved Pretzel Bakery. An additional area location sits in Potomac, Maryland.

257 15th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 450-6067
(202) 450-6067

Trusty's

1420 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003

It's not fancy (nothing at Trusty's is), but this Capitol Hill dressed-down hangout with a heart does a fine job with its all-beef hot dog. This jumbo dog is served with ketchup, mustard, and Ruffles (tack on chili for an extra $1.50). Look for specials like a bacon-wrapped dog too.

1420 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 547-1010
(202) 547-1010

Oh K-Dog

4238 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203

Moving from Crystal City to Ballston Quarter, this corn dog-focused fast-casual spot bring a Korean version of a classic American snack. In addition to a Korean “corn dog” filled with “your choice of mozzarella cheese, squid-ink, rice cake, potato, and more,” the chain sells other popular Korean snacks like egg toast, chewy tteokbokki rice cakes, instant ramen, and kimbap rolls.

4238 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203
(703) 567-3376
(703) 567-3376

Boardwalk Bar & Arcade

715 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024

Naturally, a bar that evokes Santa Monica’s beachside boardwalks would serve up hot dogs. The Wharf’s Boardwalk Bar & Arcade from Better Hospitality Group stocks its dogs with meat from Shenandoah’s Autumn Olive Farms. Beyond the typical ketchup and mustard, there are choices like a spicy sriracha dog with slaw or a loaded dog with bacon, cheese sauce, tomatoes, onions, and chipotle aioli. During daily happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m., hot dogs are $5.95 each.

715 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 481-0044
(202) 481-0044
Boardwalk Bar & Arcade sends out delightfully snappy hot dogs.
Boardwalk Bar & Arcade/Facebook

Weenie Beenie

2680 Shirlington Rd, Arlington, VA 22206

Times have changed since 1954: the Weenie Beanie hot dog stand and its all-beef chili dogs have not. Order a hot dog “all the way” aka with all the fixings like mustard, onion, chili, and relish.

2680 Shirlington Rd, Arlington, VA 22206
(703) 671-6661
(703) 671-6661

Related Maps

Haute Dogs and Fries (Multiple Locations)

610 Montgomery St, Alexandria, VA 22314

This Black-owned chain devoted to hot dogs added to its Alexandria outpost with a newer location in Arlington as well as a widespread presence at Nationals Park. The kitchen gets creative with options like the Vietnamese-style banh mi dog or an OBX dog topped with chili, coleslaw and mustard. The nearly 20 hot dog varieties are inspired by cultures across the globe, from a bruschetta dog to a dog covered with hoisin sauce, scallions, and cucumbers.

610 Montgomery St, Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 548-3891
(703) 548-3891
Haute Dogs feature for the $20 Diner
Haute Dogs’ namesake orders.
Photo by Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Related Maps