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Good Hot Dogs

Well, I've been having a strong craving for a good hot dog.

Last night I went to the butcher and picked up some dogs that he described as "The best f**king hot dogs in the world"

Upon eating them, I realized that my taste buds didn't agree with his. Don't get me wrong they weren't "bad", maybe just not what I was looking for.

They were rather bland, and very light colored. For some reason I keep wanting to say they were "european" tasting. Perhaps just because the butcher is some sort of eastern european.

What I want, is something closer to a Vienna Beef dog, however, as far as I know, you can't just buy them from a store, so how can I get as close as possible??

Please help me satisfy my craving.

and I'm in Clearwater.

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  1. There's a place on Treasure island that has real Vienna's. It was called Rick's - but it changed hands so I'm not sure of the name now, but when I stopped in she was keeping the real Vienna dogs. It's right on 107th Ave (the main drag.)
    There's another place on 49th Street North, don't recall the exact address...it's owned by a former Morton Grove, Il police officer. He has Italian beef too.
    Good Luck!

    6 Replies
    1. re: TIGirl

      When I want hot dogs---- I never think of where...

      I buy a pack of Hebrew National, Boars Head, or Nathan's (the fatter ones) at Publix and crisp them up on the George Foreman...

      Then, a quality bun warmed up or toasted...

      Quality cheese, condiments...

      It's like 8, for the price of two at Mel's etc...

      Every now and then we just do Hot Dog nite!

      The Nathan's & Hebrew National are full flavor and juicy...
      As good as I need a dog to be...

      1. re: Mild Bill

        I agree wholeheartedly. Either the Herbrew National quarter pounders or the Nathans. Split them in half and put on the George Foreman (in my case Cuisinart). Then I put them on a Publix hoagie roll that I have warmed in the oven. It doesn't get much better than this.

        1. re: Alfred G

          Ditto....Hebrew Nationals are the best I have had. Nathan's is my second option and then on to Boar's head.

          1. re: freakerdude

            I guess I'm just a Sabrett guy, through and through. Mmm. Beefy.

            1. re: johnmlinn

              Sabrett's are full flavor and juicy as well---- they just hit me the few times I bought them as being too salty, comparatively...

      2. re: TIGirl

        The hot dog store owned by the ex-cop, that you thought was on 49th, is actually on 66th. St. N., just north of 38th Ave. N. It's called Chi-Town Dogs at 4115 - 66th Street N. - St. Pete.
        Friendly owner (spent my childhood in Morton Grove - so we are homies!) His dogs, fries and Italian beef that me and my family have had, are the real deal. The atmosphere really reminds me of the hot dog stores back home. If I am not mistaken, I once asked to buy some hot dogs and poppy seed buns to take home and prepare myself - and he was agreeable.
        Here's a map, etc BUT please note this website has the WRONG address! It IS 4115 - NOT 4116! :


      3. Thanks guys and girls. What I was actually looking for was the closest thing I could buy to prepare at home. ( I always seem to lack clarity in my posts, lol) I like hebrew nationals, although they're not the same as vienna beef, but I imagine they're probably as close as you're gonna get.

        And I've been to Chi-Town dogs a long time ago and it was quite good. However it's on the other side of town from me. When I don't wanna make 'em at home, or for Italian beef I usually go to Placy's on Ft. Harrison.

        Maybe I'll pick up some Hebrews tonight....thanks everyone.

        1. I've never been there, and I know it's in Tampa, but I've been told by a few people that Mel's Hot Dogs on Busch Blvd is pretty good: http://www.restaurantworldtour.com/in...

          1 Reply
          1. re: daveclements

            Mel's is great, although it's quite pricey for hot dogs. However, as a tradition we still go every time we visit Busch Gardens.

          2. If you are looking for dogs in a natural casing, they are rare in the grocery store and almost non-existent in a restaurant. IMO, if it doesn't snap when I bite into it, I might as well eat canned vienna sausages (no thanks).

            I can occasionally find Boars Head hot dogs with the natural casing at Publix, but not always. But they cost a premium.