8 Memphis Hot Dogs That Go Way Beyond the Basics
Memphis puts its own bold spin on the classic hot dog. Dig into eight local favorites loaded with barbecue, hot Cheetos, kimchi, chili cheese, and more. Image: Facebook / Bardog Tavern
The (hot) dog days of summer are officially here, and that calls for a celebration! Memphis hot dogs go far beyond the classic cookout staple, with everything from barbecue-topped creations and double dogs to a giant version meant for sharing. These eight local restaurants are serving up plenty of delicious fun!
R&Beef Dawgz
Neighborhood: Midtown
More Info: randbeefdawgstn.com
R&Beef brings flavorful hot dogs from around the globe to the 901. Try a Texas-style dog, grilled and topped with Texas hot sauce, mustard, and chopped onions for a big, bold taste. For a tropical twist, The Islander delivers. This Jamaican jerk-seasoned chicken dog is topped with grilled pineapple, chopped onions, and jerk BBQ sauce for a flavor that tastes like summer.
Hot-N-Heavy Dogs
Neighborhood: Midtown on Wednesdays
More Info: hotnheavydogs.com
You can get Hot-N-Heavy all around Memphis, with this street cart vendor that serves Chicago-style dogs with a local twist. We recommend the Memphis Belle smothered in Panchos’ cheese dip, barbecue sauce, Fritos, pickled red onions, and jalapeños. You can’t get more Memphis than that! Follow them on Instagram to see where they’re popping up next.
Big Dawgs Memphis
Neighborhood: Frayser
More Info: bigdawgsmemphis.com
Big Dawgs is home to some of the most creative combinations in town. Check out the California dog with guacamole, corn salsa, hot Cheetos, and cilantro for a taste bud explosion. Or spice things up with a Jalapeño Popper dog with fried jalapeños, scallion cream cheese, bacon, and chipotle honey mustard. Either way, you can’t go wrong!
Bardog Tavern
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: bardog.com
At Bardog, it’s never the same thing twice. This Memphis hot spot puts a new spin on its dogs every day! Every 10-inch certified Angus beef dog is made according to the chef’s prep for the day, with toppings like onions, barbecue sauce, cheese, mustard, and more. We suggest adding a dipping sauce for even more delicious flavor.
Pop’s Deli
Neighborhood: Whitehaven
More Info: popsphillyshop.com
Although known for its Philly cheesesteaks, Pop’s local grocer and deli is also home to mouthwatering beef hot dogs. Choose from flavors like the New York Dog, topped with sauerkraut, red onion, and mustard. Go all in with Pop’s Loaded Dog covered in mustard, ketchup, relish, pickles, onion, jalapeños, tomatoes, and celery salt.
For a true taste of what the 901 is all about, try the Memphis-inspired dog with mild cheddar, grilled onion, and, of course, a customizable BBQ sauce. It’s the perfect spot to satisfy your wildest dog dreams.
One & Only BBQ
Neighborhoods: Cordova, Germantown, Southaven
More Info: oneandonlybbq.com
If you’re going to One & Only just for the barbecue, you might be missing out. Shake things up with a classic all-beef hot dog with all the fixin’s, like sweet pickle relish, red onions, mustard, barbecue sauce, and more. Or grab your friends and share the monster-sized Junkyard Dog.
This behemoth is bursting with a quarter-pound beef hot dog and a quarter-pound pork shoulder covered in BBQ baked beans, coleslaw, mild BBQ sauce, and fries. Bring your appetite!
Neely’s Interstate Bar-B-Que
Neighborhoods: Germantown, Downtown, Southaven
More Info: neelysinterstatebarbecue.com
If Memphis is the official home of the barbecue hot dog, then Neely’s might have helped it earn the title. This BBQ dog blends the popular joint’s unmistakable seasoning and spices for a one-of-a-kind flavor in every bite. Craving something heartier? Order the Polish sausage sandwich and thank us later!
Dyer’s Burgers
Neighborhoods: Downtown, Collierville
More Info: dyersonbeale.com
Don’t let the name fool you. This diner on Beale also serves up delicious dogs that pair perfectly with its signature shakes. Not sure where to start? We recommend ordering The Split Dog, a classic with mustard, pickle, and onions, or The Double Dog topped with chili and cheese.
Dig in, Memphis!
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For more must-try orders in Memphis, visit our restaurant archives!
Ariel Taranski
Ariel's been writing professionally for over a decade, with a passion for travel, pets, good food, and a great book. She's lived in Memphis for over half of her life, a transplant from Florida and Southern through-and-through.