Your guide to finding the best hot dogs in Birmingham

As the summer sun heats up in Birmingham, so does the craving for the perfect hot dog. For many, hot dogs evoke memories of backyard barbecues, lake lunches, and poolside snacks. With that in mind, here is a guide to eight of Birmingham’s favorite hot dog joints. This list includes long-time Birmingham staples and a few you might not expect.

1. Paramount | Downtown Birmingham

Starting off strong, Paramount is renowned for its high-quality burgers, hot dogs, and other American classics. Notably, the Smokewagon is a must-try choice. This Niman Ranch hot dog is topped with smoked ham, cheddar cheese, barbecue sauce, slaw, and crispy jalapeños. A second location is expected to open soon in Homewood.

2. Pizza Grace | Mercantile on Morris

Although it may be a surprise to see Pizza Grace on this list, the pizza dog is irresistible. Baked into Pizza Grace’s alluring pizza dough, this hot dog offers customization with a variety of toppings. The catch is, it’s only available for lunch, so you’ll have to find your dinner hot dog elsewhere.

3. The Collins Bar | 2nd Ave N

A little Birmingham history lesson: Lyric Hot Dogs was founded in downtown Birmingham in 1957 by Greek immigrant John Collins. In 2017, the famous Lyric dog re-emerged on the menu at The Collins Bar, which has been offering six varieties, including a chili dog, slaw dog, and a veggie dog.

4. Gus’s Hot Dogs | 4th Ave N

Another historic Birmingham staple, Gus’s Hot Dogs, opened its doors in downtown Birmingham in 1947. Known for being one of the best hot dogs in the U.S. according to The Daily Meal, Gus’s is an ideal lunch spot for a chili dog accompanied by Golden Flake potato chips and a Pepsi.

5. Back Forty Beer Company | Avondale

Back Forty Beer Company is not only appreciated for its exquisite craft beers and massive taproom, but also for its gourmet pub food. Among these, the Back Forty hot dog is a standout featuring toppings like cheese, beer mustard, onions, and relish.

6. The Standard | The Pizitz + Vestavia Hills

The Standard is precisely what it sounds like – offering classic, high-quality burgers and sandwiches that set the culinary standard. They serve an impressive hot dog that can be enjoyed plain or loaded with any of their numerous toppings, such as pimiento cheese, beef sauce, pickled jalapeños, and more.

7. Tony’s Hot Dogs | Pelham

Tony’s Hot Dogs, a family-owned hot dog joint in Pelham, has been named one of the top 50 best hot dogs in America by Big 7 Travel and the best hot dog in the state by Eat This, Not That. This establishment has been serving customers at the same location for nearly 30 years.

8. Stephen’s Hotdog Wagon | locations vary

When it comes to creativity, Stephen’s Hotdog Wagon, a locally-owned hot dog food truck, takes the cake. Their menu features classic dogs and unique topping options like potato salad, Cajun crab dip, Frito’s and more.

These eight locations are among the best for a satisfying hot dog experience in Birmingham. Whether you’re keen on examining the merits of each or have your heart set on the simple classics, one thing is certain: Birmingham has a hot dog joint for everyone.