Calling all summer foodies to the Finger Lakes favorite hot dog shops! We've compiled a list of must-try hot dogs throughout Ontario County, NY and nearby. Whether you like a classic Zweigle, or a gourmet sandwich, we have a dog that will satisfy your summer craving. From pork and beef links, brats, chili sauce, hot pepper mustards, crisp onions, served up on a perfectly steamed bun, you better come hungry.
Geneva
Begin your journey in Geneva at the Rusty Pig (60 Seneca St., Geneva, NY) for an award-winning experience. Known for their famous FLX barbecues, their double barrel sausage is flame broiled with made-in-house golden kraut BBQ sauce. Maybe not your typical “hot dog”, but the best sausage in Geneva!
Phelps
What says “summer” more than hot dogs and ice cream? At Henyo’s Gooney Village (1930 NY-96, Phelps, NY) in Phelps, you can experience this elite combination for yourself. Henyo’s is a loved business that tends to fly under the radar, but it is no secret to locals that their dogs and sundaes are good.
Canandaigua
For the next stop on the trail, treat yourself to what we call a "Canandaigua Classic"—a simple yet satisfying hot dog served with cheese, crispy onion rings and a side of homemade pickles from the KiX-Stand, a pop-up along Canandaigua's Main St downtown. KiX-Stand is all about bringing you the best of classic American favorites with a special KiX twist, including the famous Zweigles hot dogs.
The Green Front Restaurant (35 Niagara St., Canandaigua, NY) offers up a huge ¼ pound red or white hot with your choice of toppings. Pair it with a beer from one of their 30+ taps or try it with a regional wine.
Victor
At the Thirsty Turtle (7422 Pittsford Victor Rd., Victor, NY), you can get a taste of a Rochester classic, a “garbage plate”, known as a “turtle plate” at this restaurant. Enjoy a Zweigles red hot with home fries or French fries, baked beans, and macaroni salad topped off with condiments of your choice.
Naples
As you reach the end of the trail in Naples, treat yourself to Brew and Brats (6461 BB, NY-64, Naples, NY). Located in a 170-year-old carriage barn and offers delightful locally sourced and cured meats, including sausages and bratwursts! Brew and Brats shares a location with Arbor Hill Winery, so you can pair your summer “dog” with some Finger Lakes wines and craft beverage.
Hot Dog shops are found across the Finger Lakes region, including more of those Rochester-style classics in Rochester and along Lake Ontario, including Tom Wahl's locations and highly reviewed Dogtown Incorporated and Rudy's of Lake Ontario.
Owned by Chef and Master Sommelier Christopher Bates, our neighbors FLX Wienery (5090 State Route 14, Dundee, NY) along Seneca Lake, offer a variety of options, including dogs and burgers that are locally sourced and topped with house-made pickles, kimchi, relishes, and more. You'll want to order the Whole Hog, as its name suggests, though it's not for those on a low-fat, low-cal diet. The house-made brat is served on a white bun and is topped with fried onions, bacon, cheese curds, house-made corn relish, an oozy fried egg, chipotle mayo, and fresh herbs. It must be eaten with a fork – at least initially. Not far from Geneva, the seasonal favorite in Waterloo is Mac's Drive In (1166 Waterloo Geneva Rd., Waterloo, NY); come with cash as it is a cash only hot dog joint.
