We decided to embark on a delicious mission to find the best hot dogs in the greater Holland area. Armed with an insatiable appetite and a love for all things summertime, reporter Mitchell Boatman and photographer Cody Scanlan set out to sample hot dogs from five local restaurants.
To make the taste-testing fair, we chose specialty hot dogs from each establishment, allowing them to showcase their unique flavors. And boy, were we in for a treat!
First on our list was The Cowboy Dog, a mouthwatering creation with barbecue sauce, onions, cheese, and bacon. Mitchell, a self-proclaimed lover of all things bacon and barbecue, was in his element. He praised the perfectly cooked bacon strips and the delightful flavor combination.
Next up was a classic we just couldn’t resist—the Coney. We opted for the special, which featured chili, ground beef, mustard, and onions. Cody enjoyed the abundance of flavors, though he noted that there was a bit too much ground beef for his liking. Mitchell, while not the biggest Coney fan, still found it to be a solid and satisfying hot dog.
One of our personal favorites was the Chicago Dog, a culinary delight served on a poppy seed bun with mustard, tomato, relish, pickle, onion, sport peppers, and celery salt. Mitchell, a self-proclaimed fan of Chicago-style hot dogs, declared it as one of his favorite foods. The explosion of flavors and the well-cooked hot dog left us craving for more. Bonus points also went to the delicious accompanying fries.
For a change of pace, we decided to indulge in the Dune Dog, the namesake creation from Dune Dogz. This classic corn dog was everything we hoped for and more. With its perfectly fried breading and a savory hot dog center, it was a true nostalgic treat.
Last but certainly not least, we tried the Donna Dog, a fan favorite topped with mac and cheese and bacon. Cody couldn’t get enough of this indulgent creation, praising the generous toppings and the standout hot dog. Mitchell agreed, noting that the thickness of the hot dog and the quality of the mac and cheese made for a winning combination.
Now, onto the rankings. While our choice of corn dog may have swayed the results slightly, we both agreed that Root Beer Barrel took the crown for the best hot dog. Followed closely by Mr. Kozak’s II and Frank’s Restaurant, the top three spots truly impressed us. Vee’s Grill and Coney Island came in fourth, and Dune Dogz rounded out the list in fifth place.
We had a fantastic time exploring the local hot dog scene, and we’re already looking forward to our next culinary adventure. Do you have any recommendations for us? Send them to newsroom@hollandsentinel.com, and we’ll be sure to make them part of our tasty journey.
