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Red hots. Hot dogs. Franks. Weiners. Tube steaks. Frankfurters.
We also see on Wikipedia some people say “floaters.”
Call them what you will, (except floaters), the folks at these island establishments will understand what you’re looking for: a great hot dog. And they won’t disappoint.
Top photo: Rock City Dogs in Bay Shore. Credit: Facebook
Local Burger Co.
Bay Shore, Sayville, Southampton
It’s not just a trendy name, Local Burger prides itself on sourcing their food, beer and spirits locally — whenever possible. The hot dogs are no exception.
They’re from The Brooklyn Hot Dog Company. “The hot dogs are grass fed, nitrate-free, no antibiotics, no hormones,” says Local Burger co-owner Alyssa DiGirolomo.
“It’s just a really nice, clean hot dog that’s full of flavor.”
Photo: Local Burger Patchogue/Instagram
All American Hamburger Drive-In
Massapequa
This place is legendary, and unlike your typical fast food burger joint, you can grab a hot dog, too. And you won’t be disappointed. Just bring cash, because last we checked All American doesn’t accept credit or debit cards. They keep it real, like when they opened on Merrick Road in 1963.
The great news is the franks are only $2.80 each.
Photo credit: Matthew O’Leary
Charlie’s Legendary Hot Dogs
Islip Terrace
The old Charlie’s truck slung franks for nearly 50 years on Spur Drive North in Brentwood. Then the truck’s beloved owner, WWII veteran Charlie Summa, died in 1998.
His daughter Jeanne Summa-Becvar revived the legacy when she began making and bottling his revered onion sauce in 2015.
Due to popular demand, she re-launched the Charlie’s truck in May 2017 at 16 Lowell Avenue in Islip Terrace. Business has been steady, if not overwhelming, ever since.
Follow them on Facebook for hours and updates.
The above video is from the relaunch day in 2017, and speaks to the deliciousness of these dogs.
In summer months the line snaking all the way down Audrey is filled with hungry patrons anxiously awaiting their turn at the counter. Nothing hits better than a Bonanza ice the help cleanse the palette of the most epic chili dog, along with an order of perfectly crispy fries or onion rings.
They have orange soda and root beer, too.
— by Dana Lostritto
Boxcar Burgers
Ronkonkoma
Boxcar Burgers opened near the Ronkonkoma train station in January 2020, and despite the pandemic, fans have continued to rally around this old-school-style burger spot.
And one thing about old-school burger spots, they often have great hot dogs, too.
The Boxcar dogs are locally made, and served in Martin’s potato rolls.
These are authentic, German-made pork and beef dogs with natural casing — and they pack quite the snap.
“They blow all brand names out of the water,” the owners tell us.
Click here to order online and build our own!
Credit: Boxcar Burgers on Instagram
Geena’s Weenas
Bay Shore & mobile
Geena’s Weenas is a mainstay at Patchogue street festivals and other outdoor bashes on the island.
But not everybody knows this is a year-round business with a steady location at Great South Bay Brewery in Bay Shore, where you could grab a dog each and every Friday from 4 to 10 p.m.
The truck also tours other Long Island breweries and distilleries on weekends with a schedule that varies.
Follow them on Instagram for the latest updates.
Wait, there’s more. They do steamers, grillers and rippers. Geena’s signature dog is topped with West Coast-style chili. They also have a Vietnamese style bahn mi dog and a Korean style K-town ripper, along with seasonal offerings from the Big Kahuna dog to the Cali bacon cheese.
courtesy photo
Nathan’s Famous
Multiple locations
No hot dog list for Long Island would be complete without mention of the international hot dog powerhouse, Nathan’s Famous.
Sure, the dogs from Coney Island are now ubiquitous, available in nearly every supermarket. And some great Nathan’s restaurants have opened and closed over the decades (Commack, Westbury, to name a few).
But people still love enjoying them out – and all that nostalgia of eating crinkle cut fries with a tiny fork out of a paper boat, and a dog that will never disappoint.
Despite some big chain restaurants going belly up, Nathan’s continues to have a hold on New York.
Credit: Nathan’s Famous on Instagram
