Best NYC Hot Dogs
There are five iconic NYC foods: Pizza, Bagels, Cheesecake, Pastrami, and of course, the Hot Dog. The NYC hot dog is simple, yet delicious. In many ways, the NYC hot dog is the perfect street food. It’s inexpensive, quick, and easy to eat on the go. Who invented the hot dog? How has the hot dog changed over the years? What is the best place to get a hot dog in NYC? Let’s explore the history of the hot dog!
Who Invented the Hot Dog?
Like most food history, the hot dog’s past is full of mystery and dispute. One thing not up for debate is that the New York City hot dog began in Coney Island with a German Jewish immigrant named Charles Feltman.
Charles Feltman had a pushcart where he would sell fresh pies to beachgoers. Soon there was a demand for sandwiches, and the legend has it that Charles Feltman, around 1867, started selling sausages from his cart. Of course, a platter of sausages is difficult to eat on the beach, so he came up with an ingenious way for beach-goers to devour his sausages. Instead of dealing with silverware and plates, why not serve the sausages on a sliced loaf? Voila! The New York hot dog was invented.
Feltman’s business began to grow, even opening up a successful restaurant! Unfortunately, Charles Feltman had an employee named Nathan Handwerker. Nathan Handwerker worked as a bun slicer, but had plans of his own. He quit Feltman’s and opened up his own institution across the streets, underselling Feltman’s. Feltman’s sold hot dogs for 10 cents, Nathan for 5 cents. Thus, Nathan’s Famous was born. While Nathan tried to market himself as the original, real New Yorkers know it was Charles Feltman.
Hot Dog Eating Contests
Legend holds that in 1916, a group of immigrants were having an argument about who was the most patriotic. What better way to solve this argument than by seeing who could eat the most hot dogs, already a staple of American cuisine? The contest was held at none other than Nathan’s Famous.
Of course, there is no actual documentation of this 1916 contest outside of Nathan’s Famous website but never let the truth get in the way of a good story.
The first documented Nathan’s Famous hot dog eating contest was in 1972. Joey Chestnut currently holds the record for most hot dogs eaten in 10 minutes. He devoured 72 hot dogs and buns, the equivalent of 16 pounds!
The Best Hot Dogs in NYC
While Nathan’s Famous might be the most recognizable hot dog brand in NYC, we have some other options, should you choose to branch out.
Feltman’s hot dogs still exist. To get a Feltman’s hot dog, visit the historic McSorley’s Old Ale House. In addition to their famous light and dark ale, they serve up perfectly cooked Feltman’s hot dogs. It’s worth the trip just for the hot dog.
The longest hot dog in NYC is found at Brooklyn Diner USA, ironically located in midtown Manhattan. Their 15-bite hot dog is 15 inches long. Every bit is delicious. While you’re there, get a pistachio milkshake. It’s out of this world and pairs perfectly with your frankfurter.
Shake Shack is a New Yorker City institution that was born in Madison Square Park. Shake Shack might be famous for their hamburgers, but their hot dogs are also top notch.
Looking for creative hot dogs? Crif Dogs is your place. For example, the “chihuahua” is a bacon wrapped hot dog with sour cream and avocado.
You know what pairs perfectly with a NYC hot dog? Seeing yourself on a Times Square billboard! You can appear on a Times Square billboard for as low at $150 a day with Welcome to Times Square!