I grew up eating the original beach hot dog at Nathan’s Famous in Coney Island. A BOAI (Born on Another Island - Long Island, NY), I spent summers and weekends at my grandparents’ apartment just around the corner from the NYC beach and boardwalk. My siblings and I spent hours playing arcade games and braving the legendary Cyclone roller coaster, built in 1927. 

 My father was a kosher butcher with a few shops scattered across Long Island. He made his own hot dogs - he called them “specials” - and they were exactly that. Legendary, even. It only deepened my affection for the humble hot dog, a bond forged in family, flavor, and seaside summers. 

 Technically a sausage, the hot dog is loosely defined as ground or minced meat mixed with spices, known for its smooth texture, typically stuffed into a casing and served on a bun. 

 Call them what you will - frankfurters, wieners, red hots, or Coney Islands - these savory staples have captured America’s taste buds for generations. There’s just something irresistible about a well-dressed hot dog in all its juicy, flavorful glory. 

 Just how much do Americans love hot dogs? Over seven billion are eaten between Memorial Day and Labor Day alone - at ball games, backyard barbecues, and summer festivals across the country. 

 Their story begins in the late 1800s, when German immigrants brought frankfurters to the U.S. In 1871, Charles Feltman, a German immigrant, is credited with selling the first hot dog on a bun in Coney Island. A few decades later, in 1916, Nathan Handwerker opened the now-iconic Nathan’s Famous just down the street. 

 

 The term “hot dog” is believed to have originated at a New York baseball game, where a vendor jokingly referred to them as “dachshund sausages.” The name stuck, and the snack’s fame skyrocketed at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, eventually cementing its place in American food culture. 

 The humble hot dog has come a long way - what was once a simple snack has now become a canvas for bold flavors and creative flair. In honor of National Hot Dog Month, Galveston Monthly has rounded up a mouthwatering list of inventive franks crafted by some of the island’s most imaginative chefs. 

 We’d be remiss not to mention Local Dogs Galveston, the soon-to-open venture from Ashley and Michael Cordray, known for their HGTV show Restoring Galveston. Though not open at the time of publication, the Cordrays assure us their hot dog shop is on the horizon. Keep an eye on their social media for updates and stay tuned for a full feature in an upcoming August 2025 What’s New business roundup. 

 KOOP’S BBQ KITCHEN 4501 Broadway Located at the corner of Broadway and 45th in midtown Galveston, Koop’s BBQ Kitchen is a go-to for authentic Texas-style barbecue - and their Koop Dawg is a full-on flavor bomb not to be missed. 

 Built on a house-made, all-beef sausage link crafted fresh from brisket trimmings, this Texas-sized dog is tucked into a seven-inch brioche hoagie and loaded sky-high with creamy mac & cheese, pinto bean chili, fresh pico de gallo, secret house sauce, and a drizzle of spicy aioli. It’s a hearty, messy, glorious masterpiece that’s earned plenty of local love. 

 With indoor and outdoor seating and a casual, retro-inspired vibe, Koop’s has been voted Best BBQ in Galveston five years running - for good reason. 

 NOODLE ILL’E’GAL Rotating locations across Galveston Island This inventive pop-up delivers bold global flavors with a Texas soul, courtesy of award-winning chef Blaine Lunz, also executive chef at Brews Brothers. Known as Galveston’s original ramen pop-up, Noodle ILL’E’GAL turns comfort food on its head with creative, cross-cultural bites.

 One standout is the Bulgogi Chili Dog - a 1/3-pound all-beef frank layered with Korean-style beef chili, house-made kimchi, fried shallots, and rich gochujang cheese sauce, all piled into a freshly baked Coliseum hoagie. It’s a fusion of spice, crunch, and umami in every bite. 

 Catch the pop-up at rotating locations across the island - check social media for upcoming dates, special appearances, and catering opportunities. 

 NUMBER 13 PRIME STEAK AND SEAFOOD 7809 Broadway Set against the backdrop of Offatts Bay in Pelican Rest Marina, Number 13 is known for its upscale waterfront dining, stunning views, and premium steaks - and that attention to detail extends all the way to its take on the hot dog. 

 The HeartBrand Akaushi Hot Dog elevates a comfort classic with steakhouse flair. Made from prized Akaushi beef (a rare Japanese wagyu breed known for its tenderness and rich flavor), the 1/3-pound frank is nestled in a toasted bun lined with sharp melted cheddar and topped with spicy-sweet pickles for just the right balance of heat and tang. 

 It’s served with a side of skinny fries and has earned rave reviews as one of the best hot dogs on the island.

 Dine inside among the refined décor, or enjoy the marina breeze from The Terrace - Number 13’s two-story outdoor space complete with full bar and water views.

 PLAYGROUND PATIO BAR & GRILL 2325 Strand Just one block from the cruise terminal in Galveston’s Historic Strand District, Playground Patio Bar & Grill is a lively neighborhood spot known for its burgers, specialty hot dogs, margaritas, and good times. With a hip, artsy interior and a covered outdoor bar, it’s a casual hangout by day and a nightlife hub after dark - complete with video games, Karaoke Fridays, Saturday night bands, and patio parties. 

 Among the standout menu items is the Chico Dog, Playground’s bold take on the classic Chicago-style hot dog. This all-beef frank is piled high with sliced tomatoes, chopped onions, neon green sweet relish, banana peppers, and zesty dill mustard, served on a specialty bun and finished with a poppy seed sprinkle. 

 

 Playground also serves up other inventive hot dogs - like the Mac’n Cheez Dog and the Texas Rockstar Dog - but the Chico Dog remains a fan favorite. 

 SHARK SHACK BEACH BAR & GRILL 2402 Strand Located in Galveston’s Historic Strand District, just a block from the cruise terminal, Shark Shack is a lively local favorite known for its upbeat patio scene, creative cocktails, and boldly flavored coastal fare. Amid menu favorites like bacon-wrapped barbecue shrimp and creamy pasta jambalaya, the Big Kahuna Hot Dog stands tall as its one and only frankfurter offering - and for good reason.

 This hefty crowd-pleaser features a grilled all-beef dog loaded with house chili, shredded cheddar, tangy relish, onions, and pickled jalapeños, all stacked on a toasted bun. It's served with a side of fries or chips, and it lives up to its name - “Big Kahuna” being a nod to the top-tier, can’t-miss nature of this fully loaded hot dog. 

 Whether you’re fueling up before a cruise or just craving a bold bite in the heart of downtown, the Big Kahuna is a delicious way to dive into the Shark Shack experience. 

 SOCIAL TAP COCKTAILS & KITCHEN 811 21st Street Opened in September 2024, Social Tap is a neighborhood bar and grill with a full kitchen, full menu, and a laid-back, mid-century modern vibe. With its clean design and casual atmosphere, it's also a go-to spot for catching the game. 

 The standout? The Frito Pie Dog - a 1/3-pound all-beef Wagyu frank from RC Ranch, piled high with house-made chili, crunchy corn chips, shredded cheddar, onions, and jalapeño slices, all on a toasted challah bun. It’s a crowd favorite for good reason. 

 Each order comes with fries, or you can upgrade to tater tots, sweet potato fries, or crispy onion and jalapeño strings for a little extra. 

 

 STUTTGARDEN TAVERN ON THE STRAND 111 23rd Street If you're craving a brat with bold personality, the Flat Tony delivers - stacked with pulled pork, pepper jack mac & cheese, and BBQ sauce, all served on a soft Hawaiian roll. 

 Stuttgarden offers an impressive variety of house-made brats, including Jagerwurst, Smoked Gouda, Hot Bratwurst, Habanero Elk, and Smoked Brisket. They also feature a rotating Brat of the Month, keeping the menu fresh and fun. 

 Each brat comes with your choice of hand-cut fries, their signature German coleslaw, or their classic German potato salad.

 THE PRESS BOX SPORTS BAR AND CAFE 2401 Postoffice A longtime local favorite in downtown Galveston, The Press Box is known for its cold beer, friendly vibe, and walls lined with sports memorabilia. It’s also home to one of the island’s most satisfying hot dogs: the Chili Cheese Coney Island Dog. 

 This hearty plate features not one, but two jumbo 1/3-pound all-beef franks, smothered in house-made chili, melted cheddar, and chopped onions. Half-orders are available, but regulars suggest going all in - and don’t skip the ultra-crispy tater tots on the side. 

 Located at the corner of 24th & Postoffice, The Press Box is a classic game-day go-to for casual eats and good company.