Ohio Is Home To Some Of The Best Chili Dogs And Here Are The 11 Places To Find Them
Sometimes, you just need a classic, all-American hotdog piled high with your favorite toppings. There’s an art to perfecting the chili dog, and few have truly mastered it. The following are 11 restaurants that we think serve up some of the best chili dogs in Ohio.
See how many you’ve been to before:
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For the best chili dog in Ohio, check out this iconic hotdog joint, with multiple locations in Toledo. A strange tradition of displaying autographed hotdog buns began here in 1972 when Jamie Farr of M*A*S*H signed a bun. While that bun is no longer in existence, today the cafe proudly showcases Styrofoam bun look-alikes signed by various celebrities, including five U.S. presidents. The original Tony Packo's is located at 1902 Front St., Toledo, OH 43605. To learn more, visit their website here.
This "historic hole in the wall hot dog delicacy" has served up some of the Cleveland area's best chili dogs since 1928. It is located at 4008 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113. For more information, visit their Facebook page here.
Chili, goat cheese, avocado, bacon, coleslaw—anything goes on a hotdog here. O'Betty's Red Hot! is located at 15 W State St., Athens, OH 45701. For more information, visit their website here.
"Ohio's best kept secret for hot dogs, hamburgers, fresh fries and more" has served up some tasty chili dogs since 1998. Their signature West Virginia Dog with coleslaw is also a big crowd pleaser. Hometown Hotdogs is located at 12031 Lancaster St., Millersport, OH 43046. To learn more about one of the best little-known restaurants in Ohio, visit Hometown Hotdog's website here.
For a variety of delicious chili dogs to choose from (and pierogis to pair them with), check out Dog Daze Gourmet Hot Dogs, located at 5808 Fulton Dr. NW, Canton, OH 44718. To learn more, visit their website here.
The possibilities are endless at this beloved, local hotdog joint. (For something a little different, try The Clevelander.) Hot Dog Heaven is located at 493 Cleveland Ave., Amherst, OH 44001. To learn more, visit their website here.
Take your pick of all-beef, vegan and vegetarian dogs at this epic hotdog joint in Columbus. (Pictured is the Westside Bestside Dog, Mac Attack, the CBJ, and Spicy Cauliflower Bites.) Dirty Frank's Hotdog Palace is located at 248 S 4th St., Columbus, OH 43215. To learn more, visit their website here.
At this Toledo area chain and ice cream parlor, the "famous chili dog" is just $1.90. Don't miss out on this northern Ohio treat. (Pictured is the Dorr Street location.) To learn more, visit their website here.
Every spring and summer season, there's a Cincinnati, Ohio classic that thrives with long lines, delicious footlongs and famous root beer. People count down the days until this eatery opens again for the summer. It's easily one of the best hot dog stands in Ohio. This family-owned and operated joint has roots that date back to 1957, so the 50s vibe is alive and well. You'll find it at 11566 Reading Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45241. To learn more, visit their website here.
Affordable, tasty and homey, this local hotdog joint is not to be missed when you're in Warren. Trust us on this one. You'll find it at 740 W Market St., Warren, OH 44481. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
As far as we're concerned, it's always Skyline Time. This Cincinnati area chain serves up some iconic coneys with signature cinnamon flavored chili and mountains upon mountains of shredded cheese. It's easy to see why it's one of the most classic restaurants in Ohio. To learn more, visit their website here.
Have you been to any of these restaurants before? What are your favorite hot dog stands in Ohio? Let us know!
Address: 4008 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113, USA
Address: 15 W State St, Athens, OH 45701, USA
Address: 12031 Lancaster St, Millersport, OH 43046, USA
Address: 5808 Fulton Dr NW, Canton, OH 44718, USA
Address: 493 Cleveland Ave, Amherst, OH 44001, USA
Address: 248 S 4th St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
Address: Toledo, OH, USA
Address: 11566 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45241, USA
Address: 740 W Market St, Warren, OH 44481, USA
Address: Cincinnati, OH, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best chili dogs in Ohio
January 10, 2020
Elisa Regulski
What are the best diners in Ohio?
Buckeye Express Diner, located in Bellville, is a scrumptious Ohio diner. It’ll definitely make your Ohio pride soar! The whole area is full of Buckeye memorabilia, and the food is comforting and delicious. Diner 23, located in Waverly, is another wonderful eatery. The nostalgic atmosphere will whisk you back to another time.
What are the best little-known restaurants in Ohio?
Uncle Beth’s BBQ in North Lewisburg is one of the most delicious little-known restaurants in Ohio. Their pulled pork sandwiches and flavorful brisket will make your mouth water. Be sure to save room for dessert. All of their sweet treats are homemade! Spillway Lodge, located in Clarksville, is another hidden gem restaurant in Ohio. The exterior looks like a quaint residential home, but it’s actually a delicious cafe. Enjoy scrumptious prime rib in a tranquil country setting.
What kind of chili dogs is Ohio known for?
In Ohio, you won’t just find classic American hot dogs. In addition to the traditional varieties, Ohio is known for their special chili dogs. Places like Skyline Chili put a bit of chocolate and cinnamon in their chili and then smother it over a hot dog. It’s definitely a Cincinnati staple!
April is the Ohio staff writer for Only in Your State. She is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With more than 10 years of writing experience and a background in news reporting for Ohio newspapers, she's published pieces in multiple print and online publications. When she's not on deadline or chasing after her toddler, she's hunting for hidden gems in Ohio or getting lost in a good book.
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