Food Scene

Tempe’s Top 6 Hot Dogs are quite frank-ly very good

Few things in life that are better than sitting back with a good hot dog.

We loved them as kids, and you bet we love them as adults too. Hot dogs are a symbol of Americana, right? We have them at summer BBQ’s, the Fourth of July and at the ballpark. When it’s not a game day at Tempe Diablo Stadium or Sloan Park, here are the top six places to get a mouth-watering hot dog in Tempe.

Ted’s Hot Dogs
1755 E. Broadway Rd., Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 968-6678
If you have a list of places to get a good hot dog in Tempe, Ted’s Hot Dogs better be at the top. Ted’s Hot Dogs has been around for over 90 years – with the Tempe location at over 30 years. All the hot dogs are cooked over charcoal and feature a variety of the classics, like regular, foot-long, all-beef, veggie and corndogs. Add some excitement to your life and order from their list of Awesome Dogs, which includes bacon and cheese hot dogs, bacon and mac, or our favorite, chili and cheese.

Portillo’s Hot Dogs
65 S. McClintock Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 967-7988
If you’re from Chicago, you probably grew up going to Portillo’s. This Chicago staple offers a variety of dogs to choose from, but when in Rome, eat as they do. Their Chicago-style hot dog includes mustard, relish, celery salt, onions, tomatoes, pickles and peppers. It’s the perfect taste of the Windy City without the freezing cold winters.

Detroit Coney Grill
930 W. Broadway Rd., Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 219-7430
699 S. Mill Ave. Ste. 119, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 350-7707
Detroit Coney Grill has been featured on Nat/Geo Travel, been named by ABC15 as one best hot dogs in Arizona and is in Yelp’s Top 30 places in the U.S. So yeah, they’re pretty good. They offer a variety of choices on their menu, but you won’t go wrong with the classic Detroit Coney. A Detroit Coney is an all-beef hot dog topped with meat, beanless chili, white onions and yellow mustard. Many argue that this is the true “American hot dog.”

Messana’s Chicago Hot Dogs 
744 W. Elliot Rd., Tempe, AZ 85284 | (480) 219-5576
Another great place to get an authentic Chicago dog is Messana’s Chicago Hot Dogs. Owned by Chicago natives, they provide the classics – chili dogs, Chicago dogs, and fresh, hand-cut fries. They also offer keto options!

Thirsty Dog 2 Go
15 W. 5th St., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 967-0456
Thirst Dog 2 Go is a hot dog stand and market combo located in the heart of Downtown Tempe. It’s a great place to stop when you’re hungry late at night on Mill Ave. (they’re open until 2 A.M. on Fridays and Saturdays). The Asiago and Spinach Chicken Sausage is excellent. Yes, you read that right. Best part? It’s gluten-free and low-calorie.

Johnny’s Burgers & Dogs 
3141 S. McClintock Dr. Unit 13, Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 755-3833
Johnny’s Burgers & Dogs offers authentic Chicago food. From beef & sausage sandwiches to burgers to cheese fries, and of course, Chicago Hot Dogs! You can also try a New York City dog, chili dog or Southern dog. 

For more information about Tempe restaurants, visit the Food & Drink page on our website.

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