What are your go-to’s for hot dogs, brats, and sausages? —Bill B., St. Louis
I have cravings for all three, but I lean toward tradition: no foot long dogs, no spirals, and no circle-cut oddities that require a hamburger bun (but a jalapeño pepper jack “bratzel” from Gus’ Pretzels is pretty darn delicious). The components of a bona fide Chicago dog (no deviations, please) are near perfect (and they nail it every time at Woofie’s, which, by the way, recently celebrated its best week in 70-plus years). And you can’t beat a grilled Hungarian brat from G&W Sausage, with spicy mustard and a tablespoon of kraut on a warmed bun. For something different, try the sausage links at Gioia’s Deli (uncooked and frozen in packs of four when available). Choose from the original hot salami, Red Hot Riplets cheddar dog, and Spicy Daggett. I prefer them grilled, sliced on the bias, and added to a cheese and charcuterie board.
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When in search of a restaurant-grade hot dog, consider the following places:
AJ’s Smashed and Smoked: The sister restaurant of Jack Nolen’s boasts four different types of cherrywood smoked and topped dogs. 6980 W. Main, Belleville, Illinois.
Carlos’ Hot Dogs: You’ll find Carlos Periera on the corner of 6th and Olive grilling jumbo hot dogs and 10-inch Polish sausage from 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Classic Red Hot Albasha: A Lebanese restaurant that features two Chicago dogs, fries, and a drink for $11.89? Sure, why not? 41 Forum Shop Center.
Classic Red Hots Catering: There are several hot dog options (including a gyro dog), plus half a dozen brat varieties. 14342 S. Outer Road.
Dirty Dogz: Steamed dogs, brats, hot links, and more than 200 condiments are the hallmarks at Dirty Dogz. 3720 Monticello Plz, O’Fallon, Mo.
Dog On It: The blink-and-you’ll-miss-it window in the middle of The Grove features quarter-pound all-beef dogs with an unusual mix of toppings. A hidden gem, it’s open every day. 4300-B Manchester.
Mike’s Italian Beef: While the shaved beef sandwiches are the stars of owner Mike Roos’ show, don’t overlook the Chicago- and New York-style dog, with onions, sauerkraut, and mustard. 8001 MacKenzie.
Steve’s Hot Dogs: The most publicized local hot dog emporium features a robust selection of standard dogs. It rivals Sugarfire Smoke House for the most one-off items and collaborations. 3145 S. Grand.
Versions of hotdog- and bratwurst-stuffed pretzels can be found at chain pretzel joints, such as Philly Pretzel Factory, Pretzel Boy’s, Pretzel Pretzel, as well as locally owned Pretzel Stop and Pretzetera.
For cook-at-home options, consider the following butchers and meat shops: Baumann’s Fine Meats, Bolyard’s Meat & Provisions, Hanlen’s Fine Meat & Catering, John’s Butcher Shoppee, Kenrick’s Meats and Catering, LeGrand’s Market & Catering, Mannino’s Market, Oakville Butcher Block, The Corner Butcher, Truffles Butchery, and Wenneman Meat Co (some products also available at Parker’s Table), among others.
For something different, consider the Filipino longganisa sausages from The Fattened Caf (available at Fresh Thyme stores) and the unusual offerings from Brats of the World (available at the Tower Grove Farmers’ Market, Lake Saint Louis Farmers & Artists Market at The Meadows, Ferguson Farmers Market, and The Boulevard Market).
And in a pinch (and for less than $2), we’re not adverse to a jumbo dog from Sam’s Club, Costco, or a Jalapeño Cheddar Smoked Sausage from QuikTrip.
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