Humphrey Bogart once claimed that “a hot dog at the ballgame beats roast beef at the Ritz.” Truly a symbol of American community and cuisine, the hot dog has become synonymous with fast eats and bleacher seats. Embark on an epic tour of New Hampshire’s sausage sanctuaries, or scope out a new spot on your home turf with our list of the Granite State’s top dogs.
This once mobile Portsmouth institution now calls Fleet Street its permanent home, and serves up classic diner food like hot dogs, hamburgers, and grilled cheese. A retro 1940s interior, charming service, and low prices make this an easy choice for low key dining, free of frills but full of flavor. Indulge your late-night cravings until 2 a.m., when the poutine and fried egg sandwich are somehow even more delicious.
A hot dog is a hot dog, be it served on porcelain or paper, but there is something about one that comes from a cart that is oh-so-much-more-delicious. Enter Puppy Love Hot Dogs, a Concord staple since the bicentennial. A minimalist menu (that details only condiments), belies the outstanding quality and freshness this cart churns out seasonally.
With three locations, the Beach Plum is a steady presence in the New Hampshire culinary scene. Offering foot-long hot dogs, burgers, seafood, and salads, the Portsmouth eatery would be diverse enough even without the added blessing of 78 flavors of ice cream and frozen yogurt. With an impressive roster of awards and accolades, the Beach Plum is deliciously and lovingly run, no matter which address you visit.
A White Mountains favorite, the Black Mountain Burger Co. serves several types of dogs, from deep fried to chili. Paired with the seriously good house-made macaroni and cheese, this Lincoln staple elevates the once humble street food to gourmet status.
This seasonal staple serves up just one type of hot dog, but boy-oh-boy is it delicious. Rounding out the menu are plentiful seafood offerings, sandwiches, and old fashioned ice cream concoctions like frappes and ice cream sodas. A trip to Axel’s in Merrimack is a good way to satisfy your whole gang, including picky or gluten free eaters.
Located in the historic Colony Mill Marketplace, the Elm City Brewing Company is a slightly fancier purveyor of hot dogs. Your choice of knockwurst or bratwurst, served on a garlic French roll, covered in mustard. Be sure to try one of Elm City’s own brews, order a sampler, or take a half gallon growler with you for the road!
Like a foodie fantasy, the Kitchen in Portsmouth is so much more than hot dogs. Choose from a robust roster of burgers, sandwiches, panini, pastas, and flatbread pizzas alongside the aforementioned sausages. For a fresh spin on fries, try their deep fried mashed potato cones, or truffled poutine.