Sometimes, you just need a classic, all-American hotdog piled high with your favorite toppings. There’s an art to perfecting the chili dog, and few have truly mastered it. The following are 11 restaurants that we think serve up some of the best chili dogs in Ohio.
See how many you've been to before:
1. Tony Packo's (Toledo)
For the best chili dog in Ohio, check out this iconic hotdog joint, with multiple locations in Toledo. A strange tradition of displaying autographed hotdog buns began here in 1972 when Jamie Farr of M*A*S*H signed a bun. While that bun is no longer in existence, today the cafe proudly showcases Styrofoam bun look-alikes signed by various celebrities, including five U.S. presidents. The original Tony Packo's is located at 1902 Front St., Toledo, OH 43605. To learn more, visit their website here.
2. Old Fashion Hot Dogs (Cleveland)
This "historic hole in the wall hot dog delicacy" has served up some of the Cleveland area's best chili dogs since 1928. It is located at 4008 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113. For more information, visit their Facebook page here.
3. O'Betty's Red Hot! (Athens)
Chili, goat cheese, avocado, bacon, coleslaw—anything goes on a hotdog here. O'Betty's Red Hot! is located at 15 W State St., Athens, OH 45701. For more information, visit their website here.
4. Hometown Hotdogs (Millersport)
"Ohio's best kept secret for hot dogs, hamburgers, fresh fries and more" has served up some tasty chili dogs since 1998. Their signature West Virginia Dog with coleslaw is also a big crowd pleaser. Hometown Hotdogs is located at 12031 Lancaster St., Millersport, OH 43046. To learn more about one of the best little-known restaurants in Ohio, visit Hometown Hotdog's website here.
5. Dog Daze Gourmet Hot Dogs (Canton)
For a variety of delicious chili dogs to choose from (and pierogis to pair them with), check out Dog Daze Gourmet Hot Dogs, located at 5808 Fulton Dr. NW, Canton, OH 44718. To learn more, visit their website here.
6. Hot Dog Heaven (Amherst)
The possibilities are endless at this beloved, local hotdog joint. (For something a little different, try The Clevelander.) Hot Dog Heaven is located at 493 Cleveland Ave., Amherst, OH 44001. To learn more, visit their website here.
7. Dirty Frank’s Hotdog Palace (Columbus)
Take your pick of all-beef, vegan and vegetarian dogs at this epic hotdog joint in Columbus. (Pictured is the Westside Bestside Dog, Mac Attack, the CBJ, and Spicy Cauliflower Bites.) Dirty Frank's Hotdog Palace is located at 248 S 4th St., Columbus, OH 43215. To learn more, visit their website here.
8. Netty's (multiple locations)
At this Toledo area chain and ice cream parlor, the "famous chili dog" is just $1.90. Don't miss out on this northern Ohio treat. (Pictured is the Dorr Street location.) To learn more, visit their website here.
9. The Root Beer Stand (Cincinnati)
Every spring and summer season, there's a Cincinnati, Ohio classic that thrives with long lines, delicious footlongs and famous root beer. People count down the days until this eatery opens again for the summer. It's easily one of the best hot dog stands in Ohio. This family-owned and operated joint has roots that date back to 1957, so the 50s vibe is alive and well. You'll find it at 11566 Reading Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45241. To learn more, visit their website here.
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10. The Hot Dog Shoppe (Warren)
Affordable, tasty and homey, this local hotdog joint is not to be missed when you're in Warren. Trust us on this one. You'll find it at 740 W Market St., Warren, OH 44481. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
11. Skyline Chili (multiple locations)
As far as we're concerned, it's always Skyline Time. This Cincinnati area chain serves up some iconic coneys with signature cinnamon flavored chili and mountains upon mountains of shredded cheese. It's easy to see why it's one of the most classic restaurants in Ohio. To learn more, visit their website here.
Have you been to any of these restaurants before? What are your favorite hot dog stands in Ohio? Let us know!
If you're hungry for more nostalgic eats, visit these 11 old-fashioned restaurants in Ohio.
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