Top Gourmet Hot Dogs In Denver
(credit: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for NYCWFF)There was once a time when hot dogs were reserved for the summer backyard barbecue, only to be charred to a crisp, tossed onto a boring white bun and smothered in ketchup. Thankfully, those boring old dogs are a thing of the past, and you can now load up on lots of incredible gourmet flavors and unique creations that only a growing foodie city like Denver would create. From hot dogs made of reindeer meat to Wagyu beef sausages to truly traditional Chicago style hot dogs, there is a little something for every taste offered up at these great hot dog specialty restaurants all over the Denver area. You can still barbecue your boring franks at home on the weekends, but once you try these gourmet dogs, you may never look at a hot dog the same way again.
2148 Larimer St.
Denver, CO 80205
(720) 746-9355
www.bikerjimsdogs.com
When it comes to gourmet hot dogs in Denver, one name is synonymous with incredible flavor and quality. Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs has been garnering national attention. Consistently ranked among the best eateries in town, this place offers up some of the most unusual flavors ever to be found between two buns. You won't find a boring ballpark frank here. Instead you can get dogs made of reindeer, wild boar, pheasant and rattlesnake, duck or buffalo, along with some amazing all beef and even vegan options. The dogs are topped with amazing grilled onions that have been soaked in Coke and then grilled, along with every other topping you could want, (including cream cheese that comes out of a caulking gun.) There's nothing boring or usual about Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs, and his clever menu and brilliant creations are reason enough to step out of your hot dog comfort zone.
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600 E. Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 593-1622
www.billysgourmethotdogs.com
Growing up in Chicago, owner Bill Feid was raised in a town filled with tons of rich hot dog traditions. Now,Feid brings his love of the dog to Denver in his wonderful gourmet hot dog restaurant. If traditional is what you seek, then check out the Vienna Beef dogs made with all the usual fixings. Or, try something a little more creative and go for the Kobe Beef Dog made from premium Wagyu Kobe Beef or the White Hot Dog, which is a creation filled with pork, veal and beef. Billy's also serves up lots of great sausages including pork bratwurst, buffalo bratwurst and even an organic duck sausage. Make sure to add a side of Billy's amazing fries and you'll have a meal worth writing home about.
6680 W. Colfax Ave.
Lakewood, CO 80214
(303) 233-0500
www.chicago-colorado.com
Fans of Chicago style hot dogs probably already know about Chicago Style Beef and Dogs on West Colfax in Lakewood. It's a no-frills approach to classic Chicago style dogs, complete with a bit of attitude behind the counter. One step inside this small restaurant and you'll feel like you've hopped a plane and traveled back to the Windy City. Don't ask for ketchup on the hot dog, and expect to enjoy a dog loaded with all the usual Chicago style toppings. You can also get a few other tasty items here, but the hot dogs reign supreme. You can even get an amazingly delicious hot Polish sausage called Da Big Grabowski, topped with brown mustard, grilled onion and peppers on a fresh roll. Everything here is just like it would be served back in Chicago, except this time it's offered up a mile high.
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3525 E. Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80206
(303) 333-7627
www.stevessnappindogs.com
If you've driven along East Colfax near Colorado Boulevard, you've probably noticed the old fashioned restaurant with the bright awning. Steve's Snappin' Dogs proudly serves up its quarter pound hot dogs made of its own blend of pork and beef that "snaps" when you take a bite. Take this classic hot dog and imagine every possible type of topping, and you'll have a good visual of just what the menu here looks like. The Angel Dog is served with bacon, tomato, lettuce and mayo, or try the Chimi Dog, which is deep fried and smothered with bacon, peppers, cheese, chili and more. Then there's the Denver Dog, served up in a four tortilla with (you guessed it) bacon, peppers, chili and cheese. There are lots of other tasty items on the menu here, but you'll want to try the hot dogs. One bite into the crisp, flavorful, natural casing and you'll be hooked.
2081 S. University Blvd.
Denver, CO 80210
(303) 722-7936
www.mustardslaststandcolorado.com
You won't find a lot of tables here. Just counter service, a few picnic tables out front and some really delicious hot dogs. Mustard's Last Stand is an anchor of the University of Denver neighborhood, having opened its doors in 1978. Another delicious restaurant opened up by Chicago transplants, Mustard's Last Stand proudly offers up Vienna Beef hot dogs topped the traditional way. If it's your first time there, order the Chicago Style Dog for a taste of the best. It's topped with mustard, relish, onions, pickle, tomato, sport peppers, celery salt and sauerkraut, just the way it should be. When you're ready to venture on to new items, check out the Ditka Third Pound Monster Polish with everything Mike Ditka would be proud to eat.
