Looking for a great hot dog, Lexington? 14 to grab from old-school to Chicago to gourmet
According to The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (NHDSC), during peak hot dog season — from Memorial Day to Labor Day — Americans typically consume a staggering 7 billion hot dogs.
On average, U.S. residents consume 70 hot dogs each annually.
That number is slightly higher if you happen to be American competitive eater Joey Chestnut who scarfed down a gut-busting 63 wieners and buns in just 10 minutes in this year’s Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.
Hot dog and sausage sales jumped more than 20 percent nationally during the pandemic. Clearly, whether we top them with chili, cheese, mustard, ketchup, grilled onions, relish, or some other way, we love our weenies.
Kentucky holds its own when it comes to consuming the classic frankfurter. Taste of Home recently reported that Louisville’s Churchill Downs’ concession stands sold an astounding 142,000 hot dogs at this year’s Kentucky Derby.
The NHDSC also reports that Paducah is in the top ten nationally for hot dog consumption considering actual sales vs. expected sales based on population.
In the 1970s, hot dog fans here in Lexington had two memorable hot dog-centric restaurants to choose from: Lum’s and Weiner King. Lum’s famous hot dogs are particularly unforgettable for being steamed in beer. Both options are now but a distant memory on the local frankfurter food front.
But fear not if you are a hot dog connoisseur, I have combed through the Internet and determined that there are more than a dozen options in the community to satisfy your next craving for a good old fashion frank.
Here is a list and guide of local restaurants, in alphabetical order:
Boonedogs Bar and Restaurant
5902 Old Richmond Road. Featuring “dressed up hotdogs and artisan sausages” including the Kentucky Dog, Atomic Dog, and Brunch Dog. Their Pimento Dog — an all-beef dog topped with fried green tomatoes, bacon, pickled onions and house made pimento cheese — was recently included on Bloomberg’s list of The 13 Best Hot Dogs in America. boonedogslex.com
Bourbon n’ Toulouse
829 Euclid Avenue or 1080 South Broadway. Popular for their reasonably priced Cajun and Creole dishes, B n’ T’s also serves up tasty all beef Cajun Red Chili Dogs with “award-winning chili.” ilovecajun.com
D’s Cafe at Bryan Station
1818 Bryan Station Road at Hi-Acres Shopping Center. No fuss. No frills. Choose from Plain Dog, Slaw Dog, Kraut Dog, Cheddar Dog, D’ Dog, or Flea Dog. Make it a combo with chips for only $5. facebook.com/dscafeatbryanstation/
Da Dawg House
101 W. Loudon Ave., inside Julietta Market at Greyline Station. Check out this one-year-old food stand for “gourmet all beef hot dawgs and smoked sausages.” Numerous options for customizing your selection. facebook.com/nothinbutdadawg/
Double Dogs
1916 Justice Dr. Featuring “Tail Waggin’ Deals” with choice of sides on four favorites: Ballpark Double Dog, Hebrew National Chili Dog, Hebrew Fat Dog, or the Breakfast Dog. doubledogs.biz
Katie’s Happy Hot Dogs
A mobile food cart operated by Katie Flora, offering all-beef hot dogs with special seasonings. She’s everywhere! Her hot dogs will make you happy. Try the Chili Cheese Dog topped with crushed Grippos. katieshappyhotdogs.com
Mama Dee’s Coney Island
340 E. New Circle Rd. Now in its third year of operation, Mama Dee’s serves up solid classic Coney Island hot dogs that are “a taste of Detroit.” facebook.com/mamadeesconeyislandlexington
Rosemont Station
222 Rosemont Garden. “The Ricky Bobby” consists of two beef hot dogs with American cheese, coleslaw, and Grippo’s BBQ chip crumbles. Served with shoestring fries. rosemontstation.com
Sam’s Hot Dog Stand
105 N. Limestone, 192 Lexington Green Circle, or 4300 Winchester Rd. “Hot Dog Headquarters” in Lexington. Known for their famous chili sauce and reasonable prices, Sam’s has more than 45 locations in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and Kentucky. samshotdogs.com
The Service Station Bar & Canteen
3092 Leestown Rd. near Masterson Station Park. Located in a former Texaco service station, this restaurant formerly known as The Garage serves an all-day, every day special of a pint of Budweiser and a hot dog for $5. Various food trucks are also often an option. thestationlexington.com
Sidebar Grill
147 N. Limestone. Not a regular menu item, watch for periodic pop-up specials featuring a variety of enticing hot dogs. They really get creative with them for fun during Lexington’s annual Burger Week (when Sidebar does its own tongue-in-cheek Hot Dog Week.) Such specials are normally announced on Facebook and Instagram. facebook.com/sidebar.grill
South of Wrigley
472 Southland Dr. A relative newcomer to Lexington’s restaurant scene and popular spot for Chicago’s own Vienna all beef hot dogs, Polish sausages, and authentic Chicago-style Italian beef sandwiches. Seating is limited and the line is often out the door. southofwrigley.com
Weird Az Hotdogs
Primarily serving Eastern Kentucky, this family-owned and operated food truck strives to be different and features hot dogs with traditional topping options, and one-of-a-kind concoctions with unconventional toppings. Follow them on Facebook to track their ever-changing locations and menu. facebook.com/WeirdAzHotdogs
Wheeler’s Pharmacy Soda Fountain
336 Romany Rd. Stop in at this old-fashioned historic soda fountain for a hot dog and you might just find yourself seated next to Coach Cal. Wheeler’s Pharmacy, established in 1958, has been serving up delicious comfort food for decades. wheelerpharmacy.com
Rob Bolson is a freelance writer residing in Lexington, Kentucky, who writes about food and culture. Follow him on Instagram at @robbiebolson