The 7 Best Hot Dogs in San Antonio

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best hot dogs san antonio

I’m famous for being a picky eater. I haven’t always loved hot dogs, but when I find a good hot dog, it’s all I can think about.

Fortunately, San Antonio has a surprising number of hot dog spots that make for a gastronomic adventure for my fellow hot dog-lovers.

If you want more than a so-so hot dog from Six Flags, check out these 7 best hot dog restaurants in San Antonio.

Map of the Best Hot Dogs in San Antonio

Most Creative Hot Dogs: The Dogfather

We’ve eaten at the Dogfather a few times, and I’ve really come to love it! They have some of the most creative hot dogs in San Antonio, featuring goodies like the Tot Dog (my go-to) and the Elote (a hot dog with corn, queso fresco, and crumbled Takis).

But what’s really cool about this joint is that it’s got something for everybody. The Dogfather even sells vegan Frito pie, hot dogs, vegan chili cheese dogs, and Impossible burgers.

  • Address: 6211 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX 78216
  • Website: SA Dogfather

Best Hot Dog Buns: Wrigleyville

Any time my in-laws come to town, we take the family out to Wrigleyville for lunch. They’re known for their signature poppyseed buns (which our nephew calls “polka dot buns”) and creative toppings.

The staff here is unbelievably friendly and the service is always top-notch. While you’ve got to try the traditional Chicago Hot Dog your first time here, you should also try their Greek food!

I know it sounds weird, but Wrigleyville also makes really, really good gyros and pita sandwiches. Trust me on this one.

Best Customized Hot Dogs: Fattboy

Yes, I know Fattboy is all about some of the best burgers in San Antonio, but “dogs” is in their name, too. This all-American diner makes a heck of a hot dog. You can actually customize the hot dog as much as you want!

Start by ordering either a Fattdog (if you’re really hungry) or a Slimmdog (if you want something more reasonable). From there, you customize the hot dog by adding as many toppings as you want. I personally like to add grilled jalapenos, grilled onions, and mustard.

  • Address: 2345 Vance Jackson Rd, San Antonio, TX 78213
  • Website: Fattboy Burgers

Best Hot Dog Food Truck: The Hotdogologist

The Hotdogologist has a small storefront, but the real story is its funky 1960s bus! This hot dog brand slings dogs at a variety of events, and they’ll even cater special events if you book them with advance notice.

Hotdogologist puts a Texas twist on New York-style hot dogs with options like:

  • Sriracha-cha Dawg
  • Pizza Dawg
  • Fiesta Dawg

And a lot more. These folks are so creative, so show them some love if you see their distinctive orange van.

Best Traditional Hot Dogs: Chicago Hot Dogs

Chicago Hot Dogs got its start as a hot dog cart, but it’s now got a retail location with a drive-thru and everything. It’s right around the corner from McAllister Park, too, so you can always grab your hot dogs to go for a picnic in the park.

Chicago Hot Dogs isn’t trying to wow you with a huge menu or fancy toppings. They have a no-frills Chicago dog, chili cheese dog, and a San Antonio hot dog (mustard, mayo, jalapenos, and bacon). They have burgers, gyros, corn dogs, and even Italian sandwiches, but these folks are hot dog purists and I respect that.

  • Address: 12914 Jones Maltsberger Rd #101, San Antonio, TX 78247
  • Website: Chicago Hot Dogs

Best Mexican Hot Dogs: The Shack

The Shack serves up all-American hot dogs, but with a Mexican twist. Get the Mexican Dog, which comes with pico de Gallo and bacon, or the Shackrizzo Dog, which comes with chorizo, onions, jalapenos, and Swiss cheese.

Honestly, you can’t go wrong exploring the menu here. But it’s a crime against humanity if you visit The Shack and don’t order a crazy dessert with your hot dog. Go for the Banana Nut Churro Split if it’s your first time!

  • Address: 7431 Northwest Loop 410 #115, San Antonio, TX 78245
  • Website: The Shack SATX

Best Gourmet Hot Dog: RockerDogz

Don’t let its rough exterior fool you. RockerDogz makes some of the best gourmet hot dogs in all of San Antonio. It started out as a hot dog cart for the music scene, but it’s still one of my fave spots to pick up a fancy hot dog.

Because it’s gourmet, the chef changes the menu pretty frequently. Right now, their menu features the Thai Kickboxer Dog, which comes with sweet chili, red cabbage slaw, and sesame lime vinaigrette. Definitely not your typical hot dog food stand fare, right?

But don’t worry, this place isn’t super fancy. They even have a kid’s menu where you can get plain hot dogs for picky eaters.

Best Chicago-Style Hot Dog: JK’s Chicago Hot Dogs

My husband loves JK’s Chicago Hot Dogs because these people take their sausage seriously. You can get a Wisconsin Bratwurst or Polish Sausage hot dog here if you really know your meats. Although they absolutely nail the Chicago-style dog (which comes with pickle, tomato, peppers, and onions), JK’s also does a great New York Style Dog and Coney Island Style Dog.

P.S. They also make one of the best beef sandwiches I’ve ever had in my life. If you want a taste of Chicago, this is the place to go!