Summer foods—burgers and dogs—are perennially popular with kids and adults alike. It's hard to beat the appeal of on-the-go eating, and hot dogs seem to just be tailor-made; they're easily hand-held and therefore totally portable.
Our list naturally includes classic spots for hot dogs, of course, because we're home to some vintage businesses that specialize in such fare. But you know, it turns out you can indeed teach an old dog new tricks. So, our list also reflects more creative inspirations that take their cues from other cuisines and pop culture in equal measure.
Keep this list handy for your summertime drives—or plan your own Tour de Franks and hit them all in one weekend.
Geakers Tacos
3531 Freemansburg Ave., Bethlehem
Everyone loves tacos. Everyone loves hot dogs. Geakers combines the two with its tacodog, featuring a top-quality beef/pork hot dog (deep fried until crisp) and Geakers' secret recipe taco sauce made with spiced ground beef that's been cooked for three to four hours. The dogs are then topped with shredded cheddar, lettuce, tomato and sour cream.
Richard's Drive In
2700 Freemansburg Ave., Easton
This storied, bright pink spot for roadside eats dates to 1966 and is hard to beat for all the favorite summer faves—hot dogs included, of course. Richard's is a great place to hit up if you're with others who might not want hot dogs (yes, those people exist!)—you can get hamburgers, shakes, fries, onion rings and all the other fast comfort foods. The dogs are served with mustard, onion and a pickle that fits just so on the bun. You can, of course, add cheese and/or chili for 50 cents extra for either.
Rod's Dogs
325 Northampton St., Easton
Rod's took over the space formerly occupied by Full of Crepe in the Easton Public Market in 2021, and it's owned by Mike and Becca Pichetto. Named for Mike's grandfather Rod, who ran a hot dog cart in Rutherford, NJ, Rod's specializes in dogs known as “rippers,” which split open or at the ends when fried. “The dogs rip because they are a beef-pork mix. The added fat makes them plump up when they fry and split the casing,” says Mike. Magically, they also serve a vegan bratwurst, a chicken dog and a very thick No Neck Shake.
Jimmy's
7 Union Sq., Phillipsburg, NJ
The hot dog business is iconic and historic at this point, it seems. This particular business was originally named for Jim Makris, who started at this location in the late 1940s. Fast forward to current day, or since 2009, when Nikolaos and Sofia Malatos took over the business. They're still making hot dogs the original way, in a cast iron pan with a little bit of oil. Order the Everything—it's got mustard, onion and a pickle. They also do Cheese Whiz, just sayin'.
Potts'
3512 Hamilton Blvd., Allentown
Ya gotta love a hot dog spot with the slogan “bite the one you love,” right? Go here, build your own dog, but do not forget the chili. Just don't. Popular options include the Heart Attack Dog (chili, cheese and bacon), the Mop Dog (mustard, onions and pickles) and the ever-appetizingly named Garbage Dog, with all toppings plus cheese and bacon. In case that's not enough food, or you're dining with a vegetarian, order a side of pierogi, sautéed in butter and onions.
Yocco's
2128 Hamilton St., Allentown
Let's face it. It wouldn't be a hot dog tour in the Lehigh Valley without Yocco's, “The Hot Dog King,” with six locations boasting, collectively, a 100-year history. These days, Yocco's still serves the specialty dog made by Hatfield Meats and cooked “well done” on a steamed bun with mustard, chopped onions and, of course, its secret chili sauce. As the expression goes, if it isn't broken, don't fix it. Yocco's is the gold standard for hot dogs. Don't forget the chocolate milk!
Jay's Local
2301 Liberty St., Allentown
At Jay's Local, there's always so much amazing and innovative food coming out of that kitchen—have you tried that waffle muffin? It's a revelation! So, it should come as no surprise that Jay's puts together a solid hot dog. It's a grilled dog, called the Local Dog, topped with sauerkraut, mustard and served with Martin's potato chips. Jay's uses what seems to be a recurring standard, Hebrew National, for both its adult and kids' dogs.
Social Still
530 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem
You might be confused as to why this distillery-eatery is on our list, but hot dog enthusiasts know about Weenie Wednesday. This weekly special runs throughout the summer from May 31 until Labor Day and features fancy hot dogs with a wide variety of inventive flavor palettes; think Chicago dogs with sport peppers, a spicy chili cheese dog, and a Korean one with gochujang and kimchi slaw, and so on. Don't miss this culinary innovation.
G's 2.0 To Go
36 N. Main St., Richlandtown
The name might be unfamiliar, but the business may not be. This is Grida's, rebooted, with new owners and an expanded menu that includes fancy hot dogs. (John and Mary Grida sold the business in 2021 to Stacey Carr.) New selections include the Buffalo Dog with buffalo sauce, diced celery and blue cheese. Or you can opt for the Sriracha Dog, with Sriracha mayo, diced tomatoes and dill pickles. Other selections include ingredients like candied jalapeños and a Chicago-inspired dog with sport peppers, dill pickles and celery salt.
Published as "Tour de Franks" in the June 2023 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
