CLEVELAND, Ohio — Welcome, summer! Northeast Ohio is about more than just festivals, lake days and Guardians games during these beautiful days. It’s also about the simple pleasure of a perfectly dressed hot dog.
I relish making the wurst puns about it all. It’s the most bunderful time of year, and this list of dog joints represents the best the region has to offer — each one a rite of passage when the sun is high and your cravings run wild.
From classic chili-cheese dogs to wild and whimsical toppings, there’s no better way to spend a dog day afternoon in The Land than at these fine establishments. Let these grill and griddle marks be your roadmap!
Glizzy’s. Bold, brash and unapologetically inventive, Glizzy’s reinvents the dog with toppings ranging from street corn to Flamin’ Hot Cheetos to Fruity Pebbles. It’s a Gen Z hotspot with gourmet attitude, where all bets are on – literally. 4617 W 130th St., Cleveland. (216) 410-3801, facebook.com/glizzysonmymind
Happy Dog. With a build-your-own menu boasting dozens of toppings (Froot Loops? Pork confit? SpaghettiOs? Alien pickle relish? Why not?), Happy Dog is where punk rock vibes meet high-concept comfort food. Grab a local beer, enjoy live music and turn your frankfurter into a freaky-deaky masterpiece. 5801 Detroit Ave., Cleveland. (216) 651-9474, happydogcleveland.com
Telos. With three locations (Avon, Fairview Park, Strongsville) and fresh-squeezed lemonades (classic or frozen!), these no-frills, old-school nostalgic dogs that taste like childhood summers. A newcomer that is killing it quickly! They have a delicious pineapple relish as a condiment and homemade marshmallows cripsie treats for dessert. Love at first bite! Multiple locations, teloscle.com
The Cleveland Dog House. Located on the far south side, this food truck-turned-brick-and-mortar keeps it real with all-beef dogs, homemade chili and just the right amount of snap. It’s late-night eats done right—with a name and flavor that proudly reps The Land. 170 Pearl Rd., Brunswick. (330) 741-3471, theclevelanddoghouse.com
Charlie’s Dog House Diner. This classic spot is still on the rebound from a car crashing into its building. But there’s no denying it’s the favorite of the neighborhood. Their slaw dog and chili combo is a must, served with a side of retro charm. 2102 Brookpark Rd., Cleveland. (216) 661-4873, facebook.com/p/Charlies-Dog-House-Diner-100048729054129
Archdoggs. This Waterloo favorite is a no-frills snack stop for the creative and concert crowds. It’s got this college-town cool and no-nonsense in its execution. They do Phillies (chicken), burgers, nachos, wings and Polish Boys, too. 15706 Waterloo Rd., Cleveland. (216) 570-9967, archdoggs.com
Hot Dog Diner & Burger Co. In Parma, this old-school spot with red-and-white tile charm brings diner vibes with a side of beefy indulgence. Go for the kraut dog, stay for the burgers and thick-cut fries that locals (including our very own Mike Rose!) swear by. 5492 Pearl Rd., Parma. (440) 345-5411, hotdogdiner.com
Steve’s Dog House. A Cleveland classic since the ’70s, Steve’s is all about keeping it simple, fast and delicious. Comfort food abounds on their menu, but it’s that chili cheese dog that hits just right after a late night or before a ballgame. A quintessential fuel-up. 6850 Biddulph Rd., Brooklyn. (216) 351-7585, stevesdinercle.com
Scooter’s World-Famous Dawg House. Scooter’s lives up to the hype with footlongs, thick shakes and a retro stand that’s straight out of an Americana postcard. Their sauerkraut and brown mustard dog is a tangy tribute to tradition. It’s also a favorite of Miss Ohio/Fox 8 meteorologist Mackenzie Bart! 9600 Blackbrook Rd., Mentor. (440) 354-8480, scootersworldfamousdawghouse.com
Eddie’s Grill. A Geneva-on-the-Lake landmark since 1950, Eddie’s is pure nostalgia with its location, classic root beer and crispy fries that beg to be shared. Their hot dogs are simple perfection, made for watching the impromptu biker parades and classic car cruise-ins that pop up on the strip. 5377 Lake Rd. E, Geneva. (440) 466-8720, eddiesgrill.com
Zapp’s Custard & Mustard. A relative newcomer to the hot dog derby, this hot-and-cool Painesville gem delivers savory dogs and sweet frozen custard in one stop and you’re crazy not to get both when you visit. Their spicy dog pairs beautifully with a swirl of chocolate-vanilla and a side of shade under the umbrellas. 735 S. State St., Painesville. (440) 352-2020, facebook.com/61558411646269/
Hot Dog Heaven. My son’s science teacher turned me on to this hotspot. True to its name, Amherst’s iconic stand is heavenly for dog devotees, with lightning-fast service and iconic chili sauce that keeps folks lining up year after year. Grab a stool, watch the roller skaters zip by, and enjoy a taste of summer done right. 493 Cleveland Ave., Amherst. (440) 988-3647, hotdogheavenohio.com
Where’s your favorite doghouse? I’m at pchakerian@cleveland.com.
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