Best Hot Dogs In Boston

The National Hot Dog & Sausage Council (yes there is one) estimates that Americans consume 20 billion hot dogs each year. Nearly 1 in every 10 hot dogs is eaten at a ballpark, but if you're craving a hot dog in Boston and aren't at Fenway Park, here are some good alternatives.

Speed's Hot Dogs

42 Newmarket Square
Roxbury, MA 02118
(617) 839-0102
www.bostonspeeddog.com

Hot dogs in Boston are synonymous with Speed's, which looks a lot like an over-sized ice cream truck parked in a lot in Roxbury. Named the best hot dogs in the entire country by the Wall Street Journal, these ½ pound all-beef dogs are marinated in apple cider and brown sugar, and then charcoal grilled. The relish, mustard and other toppings are all homemade. Expect a line, and bring cash for these $7 meal-sized dogs. Note: hours vary by season and the truck is closed in really bad weather.

Lower Depths Tap Room

476 Commonwealth Ave # 1
Boston, MA 02215-2712
(617) 266-6662

The biggest reason Lower Depths makes the list is simple: price. Where else can you buy a tasty $1 Fenway Frank (not the same as the ballpark) and pile on your choice of creative toppings? Their full menu of hot dog toppers includes options like crème fraiche, mango salsa and mac-n-cheese. The all-beef dogs are grilled and served on a buttered bun. Wash it down with their large selection of beer on tap or by the bottle. Cash only.

Trina's Starlite Lounge

3 Beacon St
Somerville, MA 02143-4353
(617) 576-0006
www.trinastarlitelounge.com

Craving a hot dog wrapped in bacon? Cooked Monte Cristo style? Served over a plate of Spaghetti-o's? Those are all past dog-of-the-day specialties at Trina's.
Their all-beef dogs are cooked on a griddle. Every day offers include a basic dog, corndog and chili cheese dog; there is also a creative concoction on each day's menu. If you head over for their Monday brunch menu (12 – 4 p.m.), you can try a brunch dog, topped with a fried egg and cheese and served on Wonder bread.

Sullivan's

2080 Day Blvd
South Boston, MA 02127
(617) 268-5685
www.sullivanscastleisland.com

Expect a line out the door on a hot summer day. Sullivan's is a seasonal favorite on Castle Island, open February through November. They serve grilled Kayem dogs in all natural casings, which earned the nickname "Sully's snap dogs." Basic toppings and a toasted bun complete the package, for under $2. Order yours "All Around" (mustard, relish, onions) or "All-Inc" (mustard, relish, ketchup, onions), then eat it overlooking the ocean.

Spike's Junkyard Dogs

108 Brighton Ave
Allston, MA 02134
(617) 254-7700
www.spikesjunkyarddogs.com

Big all-beef dogs served on freshly baked French rolls are Spike's claim to fame. Order one of their standard combos (like the tomato, pickle and hot pepper-topped Junkyard Dog), or create your own topping combination. Be sure to check out their menu of daily specialty dogs or you might miss out on the tastiest selections. Spike's serves veggie dogs for the same price, and their Allston location is cash only. Also locations on Boylston Street and in Somerville's Davis Square.