The 5 Best Spots For Hot Dogs In Seattle, According To Reviews

What happens when you smear a bun with cream cheese, add a hot dog, and top it all off with a pile of grilled onions? This surprising combo isn't a culinary myth, but actually a Seattle invention through and through. As the story goes, the "Seattle dog" was born in 1988 when a bagel shop employee in Pioneer Square, the Seattle neighborhood next to the city's sports stadiums, got permission to set up a hot dog stand. Before long, the shop's bagel fixings started crossing over, and cream cheese found its way onto the dogs, creating an unexpected but undeniably delicious twist.

It is not uncommon for a city or region to throw its own obscure twist on the beloved hot dog. Whether you're in the Southwest trying the unique bacon-wrapped Sonoran hot dog, or hustling around Chicago trying to find the best place to order a Chicago hot dog so you can taste its tangy relish, it seems like every place claims their hot dog is the best and most iconic. Seattle's version might sound odd at first, but it's the kind of thing you have to try to fully get. You could attempt one at home with just a couple of ingredients, but nothing beats tasting it at the source. We put together a list of the five best hot dog spots in Seattle with the best reviews where you can get this legendary creation and taste it for yourself.

When you're searching for the best of any regional food, it makes sense to start at its roots. Hot dogs are classic game day fare, and in Seattle, some of the city's top options sit right outside the stadiums. One of the most notable is Al's Gourmet Sausages, posted up near both T-Mobile Park and Lumen Field. It's one of the best spots to grab a Seattle dog before a Seahawks game (or anytime you find yourself in the neighborhood), and the team behind Al's even caters events for fans who want their signature dogs beyond game day.

Al's Gourmet Sausages is such an iconic spot that locals know it simply as "the yellow tent," according to Reddit. Al's keeps things simple, allowing you to first pick your hot dog base: beef dog, kielbasa, or even veggie dog, and then top it to your liking. Every dog comes with grilled onions, and from there you can decide whether to go for the signature cream cheese or add extras like mushrooms and peppers. Al's prides itself on quality and on catering to the city's diverse tastes. By offering options for everyone, including health-conscious and vegetarian eaters, and serving consistently delicious sausages, Al's has earned its status as a fan favorite in the Seattle dog world.

A close second to the stadium hot dog experience is the late-night, slightly tipsy hot dog experience. After a night out in Seattle's Capitol Hill, the perfect nightcap is a Seattle dog from Hawk Dogs. Set up in the parking lot of a 76 gas station, Hawk Dogs isn't trying to be fancy or curated. Still, it's scrappy, dependable, and exactly where you want to end up at 1:45 a.m.

A true staple for night owls, Hawk Dogs serves the city until 2:30 a.m. on weekdays and 4:30 a.m. on weekends. For a small stand, it offers a surprisingly broad menu, with options for vegan, kosher, and halal customers, making it one of the more inclusive hot dog spots in the city. No matter which dog you order, you'll get it Seattle-style with the signature cream cheese and a generous heap of grilled onions, a combination that somehow tastes even better after a few drinks.

And if you find yourself falling in love with it at 2 a.m. (which is very possible), you don't have to limit the magic to late-night runs. Hawk Dogs also offers catering for events, meaning you can also bring that celebrated Capitol Hill hot dog moment straight to your next party or gathering.

If you're still a little hazy on what exactly makes a Seattle dog special, there's no better place to try one than Deez Dogz. The stand changes locations, but on game days, true to the Seattle dog's origins, you can almost always spot it somewhere near the stadiums. Deez Dogz is especially beloved for its perfect char, not just on the dog, but on the bun, too. That extra toasting creates a warm base for the cream cheese, letting it melt into the bread instead of sitting on top like a cold condiment.

Once you track down the stand, you'll get more than just a great cream cheese–topped hot dog and also a mini lesson in Seattle dog history. Deez Dogz takes real pride in the city's hot dog legacy, and is known for walking customers through the way of the cream cheese dog. Aklilu, the owner, loves the intimacy and community of running a hot dog cart and is known for building genuine relationships with customers while sharing what the Seattle dog represents about the city's identity and food culture. Deez Dogz is truly the heart of the Seattle hot dog community.

The classic way to enjoy a hot dog is from a street stand, but sometimes you want more of a proper sit-down experience. Matt's Famous Chili Dogs is here to provide that. Located in the Georgetown neighborhood, just slightly off the typical hot dog trail, this brick-and-mortar establishment is absolutely worth the detour for its take on the Seattle dog. The menu is packed with comfort-food staples, including classic Chicago-style dogs, well-known New York-style dogs, chili-topped creations, and even burgers if you're not feeling like a dog that day. Among all of these offerings, though, it's the Seattle dog that stands out. Matt's version, made with his own high-quality, 100% beef recipe, has had loyal customers coming back for years.

Alongside the great food at Matt's Famous Chili Dogs, customers love Matt's personal touch. The restaurant's namesake is still hands-on in the day-to-day operations, and you can often find him behind the register or chatting with regulars. With excellent food and a welcoming atmosphere, it's no wonder Matt's is considered an iconic Seattle dog destination.

Most of Seattle's hot dog carts are located near the stadiums. If you're visiting for the tourist attractions, though, there's a greater chance you'll be spending time around NOLA Dogs. NOLA Dogs is located in Westlake and provides an elevated take on the Seattle dog experience.

True to its name, one thing that makes the NOLA Dogs unique is the option to go for a bold andouille sausage if you want to switch it up. Whether you're opting for a traditional beef link or the spicy andouille option, you can still get it piled high with gooey cream cheese and savory grilled onions. This unexpected twist deliciously blends Seattle's signature dog with some Louisiana flair.

From perfectly seasoned onions to the subtly smoky sausage, every detail at NOLA Dogs is designed to enhance the bite. NOLA Dogs is a place where the quality shines through in small touches, and locals and visitors alike swear by it. Rain or shine, NOLA Dogs has earned a loyal following, making it a popular place to get a dog in the downtown area.

When you're in Seattle, you'll find no shortage of places to try a Seattle dog. From simple sidewalk stands to full sit-down spots, all offering their own unique twist, the options can be overwhelming. With so many choices, it's easy to assume they're all more or less the same, but there are little differences that make certain places really stand out.

In compiling this list of the best places to get a hot dog in Seattle, we considered several key factors. Beginning with authenticity, we focused on spots that stay close to the Seattle dog's stadium roots. Cooking a perfect hot dog is not easy, so from there, we focused on taste, where the char on the dog, the quality of the meat, and how well the cream cheese and onions actually work together were all considered. Finally, we made sure to highlight places that feel like true Seattle staples, whether because they've been around forever or because locals can't stop talking about them. Restaurants highlighted were chosen based on personal experience from living in and tasting Seattle dogs first-hand, as well as consensus from customer reviews across various social media platforms.