Pizza, hamburgers, subs and hot dogs are like blank canvases that artists can use to create some truly remarkable creations. Although we can all agree that they are pretty tasty on their own, it never hurts to jazz them up with some toppings.
Having the same old toppings such as ketchup, mustard, bacon, lettuce, and pepperoni, though, can get boring. Which is why, restaurants and food stands around America have been trying to spice up their meals by adding toppings that many would never even imagine would be a topping, such as: fruit loops, duck, even cracker jack popcorn.
Here are 15 truly over-the-top hot dogs from food joints across America that, although they may not look appetizing, are pretty big hits with those that are brave enough to try them.
15 Senate Restaurant, Cincinnati: The Billy Ray Cyrus
The Senate Restaurant in Cincinnati is known for some crazy hot dogs such as the Croque Madame, which is topped with bechamel, Black Forest ham, and a poached egg, notes The Daily Meal. Another one of its daily specials though that is a big hit is The Billy Ray Cyrus, a hot dog topped with chicken-fried bacon, smoked turkey, and country style gravy.
14 Hot “G” Dog, Chicago: Foie Dog
After the legendary Hot Doug’s in Chicago closed, some of the former employees moved on and opened Hot “G” Dog, which carried on Doug’s legacy of creating wild hot dog recipes. Just look at their Foie Dog, a hot dog with duck sausage, foie gras mousse, truffle aioli and some fleur de sel sprinkled on top.
13 Progressive Field, Cleveland: Slider Dog
Seeing froot loops on a hot dog is probably off-putting to most, but to Progressive Field in Cleveland, they thought it was the best idea ever. This hot dog is called the Slider Dog and it’s a hot dog, topped with macaroni and cheese, a pile of bacon, and then some froot loops.
12 PNC Park, Pittsburgh: Cracker Jack & Mac Dog
PNC Park in Pittsburgh has also created a wild hot dog that seems to taste better than it looks. Their wild creation is called the Cracker Jack & Mac Dog, a hot dog topped with macaroni and cheese, cracker jacks, caramel sauce and jalapenos. Don’t hate it without trying it first.
11 Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City: Sunrise Dog
When Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City first released their Sunrise Dog, it became an instant hit with those visiting for the games. It wasn’t long before it was their ultimate breakfast dog. Topped with bacon, American cheese, white sausage gravy, and a sunny side up egg, there was no going wrong with this dog.
10 Maui’s Dog House, North Wildwood, N.J.: Italian
Maui’s Dog House, a hot dog shack located in North Wildwood, N.J., is one hot dog shack that is famous for its delicious and insanely creative hot dogs. For example, the one pictured above is known as The Italian, and it’s a hot dog with peppers, onions, potatoes, and garlic, all sautéed in white wine, then topped with extra-sharp provolone cheese.
9 Chase Field, Phoenix: SI Cover Dog
Chase Field in Arizona was getting tired of only creating restaurant style foods for their customers, so they decided to spice things up a bit and create something that would surely blow everyone’s mind. That’s where the SI Cover Dog came into a play, an 18-inch bratwurst served on an onion bun and topped with jalapeno-apple coleslaw, barbecue aioli, fried mac and cheese, house cured beer pickles and green onions.
8 Hillbilly Hot Dogs, Lesage, West Virginia: Homewrecker
At first sight, Hillbilly Hot Dogs can be a little off-putting because of its weird building and decor, but that doesn’t mean they don’t serve some amazing hot dogs. Their famous dog is the Homewrecker, a 15-inch one-pound dog topped with jalapenos, sautéed peppers, onions, nacho cheese, habaneros, chile sauce, mustard, slaw, lettuce, tomato, and shredded cheese.
7 Crif Dogs, New York City: Tsunami And Chihuahua
Crif Dogs, located in New York City, is known for some pretty oddball creations. The left one is the Tsunami Dog, a hot dog wrapped in bacon and deep-fried, then topped with teriyaki sauce, chopped pineapple and green onions. The one on the right is called the Chihuahua and it’s also wrapped in bacon and deep-fried but topped with avocados and sour cream.
6 Comerica Park, Detroit: Poutine Dog
When poutine took off, Comerica Park in Detroit decided to hop on the bandwagon and create their Poutine Dog, a hot dog topped with poutine. For those that don’t know, poutine is French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy, a dish that was all the rage back in the day.
5 Dogs ‘n Frys, Florissant, Mo: Peanut Butter Jelly Bacon Dog
Dogs ‘n Frys in Florissant, Missouri has over 25 different hot dogs that customers can choose from, each one more over-the-top than the next. The Peanut Butter Jelly Bacon Dog must be their craziest one though. A hot dog topped with strips of beef bacon, a large dose of peanut butter and jelly, and caramelized onions? Where do they come up with this stuff?
4 Doggy-Style Hot Dogs, Alameda: The Umai
Doggy-Style Hot Dogs, an Asian inspired hot dog stand in Alameda, California, might have an off-putting name, but that shouldn’t sway people to not want to try their delicious hot dogs. They have a few wild options on the menu, but their craziest hot dog must be the Umai, a hot dog topped with Japanese mayo, pickled radishes, teriyaki sauce, and seaweed, explains Afar.
Related: Disney World: 10 Things You Didn't Know About The Hot Dogs At Casey's Corner
3 Vicious Dogs, Los Angeles: The Hot Chick
Vicious Dogs in Los Angeles, California does have a few “normal” items for those who are not adventurous, but mainly its menu consists of some pretty out their items that are not for picky eaters. Their craziest hot dog must be the Hot Chick though, a hot dog wrapped in bacon, covered in melted mozzarella, then topped with hot sauce, ranch dressing, and a chopped-up chicken tender.
Related: Here We Go: The 20 Best Places For Hot Dogs Around The World
2 Dat Dog, New Orleans: The Crawfish Etouffee Dog
Dat Dog in New Orleans has been serving some pretty delicious dogs since 2011. One dog that they have created though pays homage to the city’s geographical roots, the Crawfish Etouffee Dog, a hot dog smothered in homemade etouffee, which is a spicy seafood stew, then topped with sour cream and creole mustard.
Related: The 10 Best Places To Get Hot Dogs At Disney World
1 Hot Dog World, Hendersonville: The Slaw Dog
Hot Dog World in Hendersonville, North Carolina is known for some pretty tasty menu options. From their subs to their hamburgers down to their hot dogs, they really know what they are doing. One of their craziest hot dogs though must be their Slaw Hot Dog, a hot dog topped with chili, mustard, onions, and coleslaw.