Grab the ketchup and hold the mustard. July is National Hot Dog Month!
Backyard BBQs and plenty of picnics, family reunions, and 4th of July celebrations make July a natural choice to be crowned National Hot Dog Month. Whether you like your hot dogs plain, smothered in chili and cheese, or topped with bacon, pineapple, and provolone, these Richmond hot spots serve up some of the best dogs on the block.
City Dogs
1316 E. Cary Street and 1309 W. Main Street
City Dogs has been voted the Best Hot Dog in the City by readers of Richmond Magazine. Locally made bread, five different hot dog manufacturers, and three types of homemade chili have all contributed to this title. The family-owned restaurant features a wide array of hot dogs (13, in fact) as well as burgers, wings, and chicken sandwiches.
Try a Wisconsin bratwurst or a Boston Dog topped with sauerkraut, bacon, and relish. The Honolulu Dog has BBQ sauce, provolone, and chunks of pineapple. The Miami Dog has salsa and cheddar cheese, while the Tennessee Slaw Dog has mustard, onions, chili, and coleslaw. Other regional varieties include Philly, Manhattan, Houston, Indy, and Santa Fe. City Dogs has two locations, one in Shockoe Slip and one in the Fan district.
Melito’s
Courtesy: Melito's Facebook
8815 Three Chopt Road / Richmond, Virginia 23229
Located in the West End, Melito’s has been a Richmond favorite since 1981 for its casual atmosphere, cozy booths, and varied menu. Choose from a single hot dog, two dogs with fries, or a hot dog plate with the works, fries, and a side salad. The appropriately named Junkyard Dog has mustard, onions, relish, coleslaw, cheddar cheese, and bacon. Other choices include pizza, burgers, salads, tuna sandwiches, grilled meatloaf, and lots and lots of desserts.
River City Diner
803 E. Parham Road and 11430 W. Huguenot Road at the Shoppes at Bellgrade
River City Diner takes a step back to the '50s. Open since 1994, it sports table-top jukeboxes, Elvis décor, and checkerboard floors. Enjoy all-day breakfast, milkshakes, and all sorts of regionally inspired hot dogs.
The Chicago Dog is piled with the works: mustard, relish, onions, tomato, pickles, banana peppers, and celery salt. Keep it simple with chili, onions, and mustard on the Coney Island Dog. Go south with the Carolina Slaw Dog topped with coleslaw, mustard, and onions. The Cincinnati Cheese Coney has chili, shredded cheddar, and onions while the New Jersey Italian Dog spices it up with grilled red and green peppers, grilled onions, and home fries. River City Diner has two locations, one on Parham Road and one at the Shoppes at Bellgrade on Huguenot Road.
Do you have a favorite hot dog place in Richmond? Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments.