Baseball and hot dogs are a winning combination. These best ballpark hot dogs could have your eyes focused on the food versus the action on the field.
What are the best ballpark hot dogs? With baseball season in full force and National Hot Dog Day quickly approaching, there are a few baseball hot dogs that have made FoodSided’s mouth water this season. From a perennial classic to something much spicier, these hot dogs top our must eat list.
Enjoying a hot dog at a baseball game is a tradition. Although the condiment debate will always draw a hard line in the sand (yes, we are talking about ketchup), there is nothing more iconic than hot dogs and baseball.
While traditional baseball food fills stadium menus, many food choices have taken an elevated twist. Both the LA Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs have celebrity chef specialty menus. Just as food trends continue to grow, the menus expand as well.
Hot Dog at Dodger Stadium, photo provided by Levy Restaurants
Hot Dog Fun Facts
While Chicago’s O’Hare airport might sell the most hot dogs, baseball parks sling a lot of hots dogs. From the West Coast to the Windy City, hot dogs and baseball are a winning combination. The numbers can be astonishing.
For example Dodger Stadium sells over 2.5 million hot dogs each year. Even in the trendy Los Angeles food scene, the hot dog holds its place in the food world.
Los Angeles isn’t the only location that loves their hot dogs. In Marlins Park, during playoff games, 16 hot dogs per minute are sold. From the specialty dog, the Butifarra Dog to just a hot dog, maybe this food choice is the fans’ rallying cry.
Of course, the most iconic baseball and hot dog tradition goes back to Chicago. The infamous Chicago Dog is a culinary legend. Both north side and south siders agree, that a Chicago baseball game isn’t complete without this baseball favorite.
Still, the hot dog, even a gourmet version, will always be part of baseball tradition. In honor of National Hot Dog Day, here are FoodSided’s best ballpark hot dogs from this year.
Ballpark hot dogs, photo provided by Levy Restaurants
Best Classic Hot Dogs
For foodies, baseball fans or just about anyone, the iconic Chicago Dog has to be eaten at least once. The hot dog that drags it through the garden is one delicious bite. Just remember, never, ever ask for ketchup.
At Wrigley Field, the Chicago Dog is amazing. The Vienna Beef Hog Dog is grilled then topped with yellow mustard, neon relish, sport peppers, diced onions, tomato wedges and dashed with celery salt. All of that goodness is contained in a poppy seed bun.
Yes, it is a big, almost huge, bite. Also, don’t forget to grab an ice cold Old Style to wash down all that tasty goodness.
If you are a South Side die hard, don’t worry, the Chicago Style dog is at Guaranteed Rate Field, too. Their Footlong Chicago Dog is served with mostly the same condiments. Chicago Dogs support both Chicago baseball teams.
Another tasty option is the Dodger Dog. Available either grilled or steamed, this classic dog is quite good. Topped with mustard and relish, the classic choice is always a good one.
Best Spicy Hot Dogs, photo provided by Levy Restaurants
Best Spicy Hot Dogs
Isn’t life a little brighter with some spice? Spicy foods are becoming more and more popular. While some people crave the bold heat, even a burst of flavor can make a huge difference in a dish.
Hot dogs are getting a spicy makeover, too. Whether you prefer intense heat or a smoky, hint of the flame, several of these hot dogs should make the must try list.
At Chase Field, the Big Jalapeño Popper Dog is definitely for the hearty appetite. The footlong Schreiner’s Fine Sausage all-beef hot dog is not for the timid eater.
Topped with roasted jalapeño, crispy jalapeños, bacon, onions and cream cheese, this hot dog has layers of flavors that will surprise you. The two different jalapeños really make this hot dog tasty.
While many people seek out the Chicago Dog, Wrigley Field’s Southwest Fiesta Hot Dog is quite a flavor experience. The beef frank has house-made pickled peppers with pico de gallo. Topped with crunchy tortilla strips and drizzled with chili-lime crema, this hot dog might become your second favorite Wrigley Field choice.
At Dodger Field, the Going the Yard takes a different approach to the hot dog. This 16.5-inch jalapeño cheddar sausage is for the extreme appetite.
This tasty bite is quite impressive with its condiments. The roasted corn and avocado relish tames the flame but adds big flavor. It is definitely a must try.
Best Ballpark hot dogs, photo provided by Levy Restaurants,
Twist on the classics
Sometimes a twist on the classic can re-energize your love of a particular food. These twists on the classic hot dog are definitely worth a taste.
At Chase Field, the All-Day Breakfast Dog takes those classic breakfast flavors and puts them on the bun. Plus, it is so big, you will be full all game long.
The All-Day Breakfast Dog covers a 18-inch Schreiner’s Fine Sausage hot dog with hash browns, fried eggs, country gravy, bacon and Tapatío hot sauce. It sounds like you might need a fork for this hot dog.
For a sweet and spicy bite, the Dodger Sausage is quite tasty. The grilled al pastor sauce is topped with pineapple chunk and pineapple salsa. Sweet and heat is quite satisfying.
For an extreme, but popular choice, the Butifarra Dog is a top choice at Marlins Park. The pork sauce is topped with Frito pie and aioli. With the addition of Spanish Ibérico pork chili and Idiazabal cheese sauce, your inner foodie will be cheering in delight.
Since everything is better with bacon, the Beanie Weenie at Tropicana Field should be added to the must eat list. The deep-fried all beef hot dog, wrapped in bacon gets even more extreme when it is topped with baked beans and coleslaw.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 17: Detail shots of food items that are served at Chase Field were taken on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Sarah Sachs/Arizona Diamondbacks)
Why didn’t I think that hot dogs
Sometimes a hot dog can be more than a hot dog. Sure, the spicy toppings are flavorful. The gigantic size is filling, but what if there was more? These hot dogs answer the more question.
At Tropicana Field, the Jumbo Pretzel Dog combines to ball park staples, the hot dog and the pretzel. The classic hot dog is served on a Bavarian pretzel bun and topped with a local beer cheese sauce. It is the perfect food mash-up.
The Reuben Some Dirt on It Dog takes the flavors of the classic Rueben and puts it on a hot dog. Served on a rye bun, the hot dog is topped with Reuben mac and cheese, fried pickles, pastrami, green onions and secret sauce.
While the fried pickles aren’t traditional, the flavor and the texture from the fried pickles is quite good. Also, can anyone pass up a dish that has a secret sauce?
Lastly, who said that a hot dog can’t be transformed into a dessert? The Churro Dog is a hot dog churro.
The warm cinnamon churro is the hot dog. The bun is a donut and then the whole thing is topped with frozen yogurt, caramel, chocolate sauce and whipped cream.
What is your pick for best ballpark hot dogs? Share a picture with us by using #FoodSided on social media.