A Connecticut Hot Dog Tour

Augie & Ray's, East Hartford: Founded in 1946 by East Hartford cops Augie Bria and Ray Hutt, Augie & Ray's features footlong dogs and a secret-recipe chili known as "The Sauce." Hutt's great-grandsons now own and run the business today.

Blackie’s Hot Dog Stand, Cheshire: There are many excellent hot dog stands in Connecticut, but few have quite the roadside allure of Blackie’s, which has been around since 1928. The menu may be limited to hot dogs, burgers, and ice cream, but its famous homemade hot pepper relish is revolutionary!

Capitol Lunch, New Britain: Capitol Lunch has been around since 1929! Nearly at the century mark, the New Britain institution is known for its famous meat sauce, and its "everything" dog includes that plus mustard and onions. The simple menu features New Britain's own Martin Rosol's hot dogs, burgers, fries, and onion rings, and sauce lovers can also take it home by the pint.

Cricket Car Hop, Stratford:  After closing in 2004, Cricket Car Hop, which initially opened in 1949, made an exciting comeback in 2017. Dogs are served in six or nine-inch "long dog" sizes, with its everything/works including yellow mustard, hot sauce, red relish and sauerkraut. Cricket also makes its own chili fresh daily, with a brisket blend of fresh ground beef (and no beans)

Denmo's, Southbury: Denmo's has been a Southbury roadside dining institution since 1978, offering split-charred "long dogs."  Get them with the works: mustard, relish, onion, and sauerkraut.

Dog Daze, Wilton: You'll find both classic and creative dogs at this Route 7 roadside stand. Have you ever tried a hot dog with cream cheese and "everything bagel" seasoning? How about a Reuben dog with bacon, sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing? Or a BLT dog with parmesan peppercorn sauce? They're all here.

Dogtown, Bethel and Milford: These craveable hot dogs are available as "freestyles" with your choice of toppings (sauces, onions, relish, peppers, bacon, chili.) Or try one of the pre-designed creative "tricked out" dogs, like the Zephyr with chili, American cheese, hot pepper relish and onion; or the Devil (chili, cheese sauce, bacon and jalapeños.)

Doogie's, Newington:  Doogie's is home to an iconic two-foot-long (!) hot dog, once featured on Travel Channel's "Man v. Food." Toppings include traditional options as well as BBQ pulled pork, coleslaw, and baked beans. But if you're not that hungry, dogs also come in 10- and 16-inch sizes.

Frankie's, multiple locations: Frankie's began in 1933 during the Great Depression, founded by Waterbury barber Frank Caiazzo. He and his brother, Paul, added a foot-long hot dog with a specially baked bun to the menu to set their business apart. It was a hit, and now that foot-long is on the menu at six locations in Waterbury, Naugatuck, Plainville, and West Haven. 

Glenwood Drive-In, Hamden: Serving Route 10 for more than 70 years, Glenwood Drive-In offers charbroiled hot dogs and burgers, and has been regularly voted as one of the top dogs in the state by Connecticut Magazine. For a sweet treat, check out the housemade ice cream at Kelly's Cone Connection next door.

Hank's Dairy Bar, Plainfield:  Since 1957, Hank's has been known for its great outdoor dining experience in eastern Connecticut, with burgers, sandwiches, lobster rolls, and fried seafood dinners. Its chili dog deluxe is served with onions, mustard, and cheddar.

Merritt Canteen, Bridgeport:  Another classic spot dating back to 1942, Merritt Canteen has been featured on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." Its hot dogs are served with a chili that comes with a warning for its "extremely hot" spice level - there are no refunds!

Missy's Top Dog, Portland: You can't miss Missy's, as it's a trailer quite literally shaped like a hot dog! Enjoy a Cajun dog with hot and sweet jalapeño relish, pepper jack cheese, and chili. 

Nikki's Dog House, Putnam & Storrs: Nikki's has been known for its Coney Island-style hot dogs and retro vibes in Putnam since 1980, with "The Works" featuring mustard, famous meat sauce, and onions. A creative "Mexicali Dog" has cilantro lime slaw, Mexican corn salsa, cheese, and chili lime flavors. Current owners Larry and Erica Groh expanded Nikki's in 2025, adding a second location in Storrs near the University of Connecticut campus.

Rawley’s Drive-In, Fairfield: This Fairfield staple, around since 1947, has some famous faces among its biggest fans - namely, Martha Stewart! Chef and Food Network personality Alex Guarnaschelli also loves the "The Works" here, a deep-fried Hummel dog with mustard, relish, sauerkraut, and bacon.

Riley's Hot Dog, New Britain : Where Capitol Lunch stays classic, Riley's goes gourmet - its hot dogs topped with mac and cheese, taco meat, French fries, Fritos, you name it. There's even a Thai-inspired dog with sweet chili sauce, spicy mayo, sriracha, sesame seeds, and scallions.

Super Duper Weenie, Fairfield: Featured on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," Super Duper Weenie's dogs are split and grilled and "slathered with our own home-made relishes and high-quality toppings." Guy Fieri tried the New Englander dog with with sauerkraut, bacon, mustard, housemade sweet relish and fresh chopped onion.