PETA’s Top Five Veggie Dogs
Summer has arrived, and with it comes blue skies and sunshine, beaches and pools, barbecues and picnics, and ballgames and outdoor festivals. Here at PETA, we know that nothing says “summer” like a delicious veggie dog fresh off the grill. So to celebrate the season, take a look at our list of favorites and discover where you can get your hands on the most delectable veggie dogs in America! Whether you crave traditional toppings or step-outside-the-box unique garnishes, there’s a hot dog to please everyone’s palate.
Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace
The veggie dogs sold at this downtown “hot doggery” in Columbus, Ohio, bring tears to our eyes. Literally. If you want flamin’ franks with an exotic twist, head to Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace and turn up the heat by ordering our top pick: Fire on the Rhine (featuring sauerkraut grilled with sriracha, chile paste, garlic, and onions). Or try the Hot Bollywood (with spicy-hot Indian mango chutney). The Ohioana balances spicy and sweet with a piquant corn relish (a blend of sweet corn, pickle relish, and jalapeños) and a dash of celery salt. Be sure to request the vegan versions of these hot dogs!
Franktuary
If you revere both tradition and hot dogs, Franktuary in Pittsburgh is where you want to be. Imagine yourself in the Windy City as you bite into the Chicago Impostor, complete with yellow mustard, relish, onion, banana pepper, celery salt, tomato, and a pickle spear. Or are you missing the city that never sleeps? Console yourself with the classic New Yorker, which comes with sauerkraut, Vidalia onion sauce, and brown mustard. Be sure to request the vegan versions of these hot dogs! (Other veggie dogs on the menu can easily be made vegan by omitting the cheese.)
Yeah Dawg!
Yea Dawg has been slinging vegan hot dogs in the New York City area since 2013. You can buy them packaged at coops and grocery stores, order a pack online, or follow their Instagram to see where they are popping up to serve up the cruelty-free deliciousness.
Fauxmaha Hot Dogs
It wasn’t long ago that “The Dogfather” questioned whether vegan dogs would sell in Omaha. Chef Isa Chandra Moskowitz of the local vegan restaurant Modern Love encouraged Ridgway to stick with his initial idea. Fauxmaha sold 70 hot dogs on its opening day, and business has been booming ever since.
Soul Dog
In Poughkeepsie, New York, Soul Dog wants to redefine the hot dog experience “with delicious and interesting toppings.” Shake up your frankfurter with guacamole, vegetarian chili, fresh jalapeño, and fresh red onion. Yum!
Our Honorable Mentions
For veggie dogs on the go, stop at this 100 percent vegetarian food cart in downtown Salt Lake City. The City Dog comes with freshly diced tomatoes, pickled asparagus, sports peppers, onions, and celery salt. Other hot dog toppings include ketchup, yellow mustard, spicy brown mustard, sauerkraut, Vegenaise, onions, jalapeños, Tabasco, salt, and pepper.
This vegetarian Internet café in Seattle serves international gourmet vegetarian hot dogs. Sounds pretty fancy, right? The Red Hot Bayou features red beans, rice, peppers, “beef,” onions, celery, corn, and Cajun spices. The Coney Island comes with vegan chili, while the Spudnik comes with mushrooms, potatoes, and herbs.
Don’t believe that a veggie dog tastes delightful when paired with fruity toppings? Next time you’re in Honolulu or Koloa, Hawaii, let Puka Dog prove you wrong. Here, you can choose either mango, coconut, pineapple, banana, papaya, or star fruit relish. Puka Dog’s secret sauces aren’t vegan, so be sure to order your veggie dog without them. (Traditional toppings such as ketchup, mustard, and sweet pickle relish are also available.)
D’s Six Pax & Dogz in Pittsburgh offers beers from around the world. Stop here for a veggie dog with sauerkraut, kosher dill pickle spear, tomatoes, hot banana pepper rings, and relish. Then wash it down with a nice, cold brewski.
If you can’t make it to any of these specific locations, pick up some vegan hot dogs from your local grocery store and grill ’em at home. Use the above list to inspire your topping selection and get creative—then tell us how you like to make your veggie dogs!
