Something will eventually replace bacon. Could the lowly dog be it?
You have, obviously, completely lost it.
“Gourmet Hot Dogs,” isn’t that, um, redundant?
New? Hell no, Hot Doug’s in Chicago has been “gourmet” for over 10 years…
Do you really mean redundant, or did you mean oxymoron? ![[scratch.gif]](/uploads/db3686/original/2X/4/42a16863a8714da3c1604419e3eb9206bb87aa50.gif "scratch"){kind=small}
We mean “redundant.”
But this article, unless I scanned over it, didn’t do anything to help me find a better hot dog I can make a home. Ottomanelli’s in NY sold me a few packs of wagyu dogs a few years ago that were pretty fantastic.
Personally I like pork hot dogs and rarely see them. Even boars head’s if I see em I buy em. Niman Ranch dogs are pretty good, I usually think they’re a little too salty.
I usually just have natural casing nathans in the house. Wouldn’t mind finding a better dog.
People like caspers, but I don’t get it.
Shake Shack makes a great chicago dog. I’ve never made those at home at all. I think finding a bun will be harder than finding a good dog.
In other words, “HELP!!”
We grilled some Niman Ranch pork and beef hot dogs today and I highly recommend them.
Mel is correct that Hot Doug’s has been doing the encased meat thing for a decade, but he has inspired several imitators over the years, so I guess one could say a little bit of a trend is in place.Also, Westminster Dog, the place in Chicago listed in the article is just ok, though their pork chili is quite tasty.
Give me a good ol’ Vienna beef dog. All I need.
Hot dogs cannot replace bacon. It’s physically impossible.
e.g
Bacon wrapped hot dogs; Pigs in a blanket with cheese and wrapped with bacon.
How in the hell can you possible wrap bacon with a hot dog?
Furthermore, hot dog pieces on Kraft Mac & Cheese just isn’t the same as bacon bits. 
Naming 1 place (Hot Dougs) doesnt mean that there has been a trend in place…There have been several new or newer hot dog places to open up here in the ATL over the last year with Richard Blais going to do one also.
It would be a welcome change from the 10,000 brand new burger spots that have taken over the city over the last few years.
Nothing can replace bacon.
I also prefer Vienna (natural casing)
After Hot Dougs, the rest are pretenders
Try the dogs from Romanian Kosher Meats on Clark and Touhy. Way better.
had Hebrew nationals last night and they were tasty. Grilled of course.
I really like Frank’s Dawgs on Clybourn for a sausage emporium.
In Greek diners a hot dog with bacon and cheese was called a Frankcheesie.
I like their salami. Haven’t had their dogs, but will try them
Frank’s n Dawgs is a fav, and it’s BYOB.
Our local butcher - Belmont Butchery - makes some pretty awesome hot dogs.
Bacon dogs?
Lobel’s makes a pretty awesome hot dog in, I believe a Lamb casing. Pricey, but really great.
While others seem to do the speciality encased meats thing, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone come close to what Hot Doug’s concocts for the toppings - nothing like them.