National Hot Dog Day: Michigan's Best Dogs And Deals

MICHIGAN — It’s National Hot Dog Day and frankly, we’re into it.

Recently, The Daily Meal said Michigan is actually home to several of America's 75 best hot dog joints. But which ones are superior?

Here’s a look at their top-ranked hot dogs which can be found in Michigan:

Yesterdog, Grand Rapids

National Rank: #36

There's a rather strict ordering system at the cash-only Yesterdog, which has been serving Grand Rapids' best hot dogs since Bill Lewis opened it in 1976: You start at the far left end of the counter, where someone takes your hot dog order. Then moving to the right, you place your drink order, then your chips order. Then you pay, receive your full order, and find a place to sit. It can get a little complicated, but you'll be amply rewarded with a dog that you'll wish never ended. Opt for the Yesterdog, which is topped with chili, onion, mustard, ketchup, and diced pickles, and you'll be craving another one as soon as you're finished. At just $2.20, you can spring for it.

American Coney Island, Detroit

National Rank: #25

In Detroit, there's an epic rivalry going back decades between two neighboring hot dog stands, American Coney Island and Lafayette Coney Island, but both belong on our list for serving legendary hot dogs. Family-owned and -operated since 1917, American's claim to fame is the classic coney-style dog. A custom-made natural-casing hot dog gets placed into a warm steamed bun, then topped with a Greek-spiced chili sauce developed by founder Gust Keros, a heap of diced onions, and a squirt of mustard. No trip to Detroit is complete without a Coney dog.

Lafayette Coney Island, Detroit

National Rank: #5

One of the culinary world's greatest rivalries is between two neighboring Downtown Detroit hot dog stands: Lafayette Coney Island and American Coney Island (No. 25). While the battle over which hot dog tastes better is on par with the fight between Pat's and Geno's cheesesteaks in Philadelphia, most locals will tell you that it's Lafayette all the way, for several reasons. The hot dog has a juicy, salty, smoky snap, the Coney sauce is spot-on, and the fries are crispy, but it's the experience that puts it over the top in our book: While American is shiny and a little charmless, Lafayette is a divey, weathered, eccentric sort of place that hasn't been renovated in many years, but the charm is palpable, especially in the staff, who'll most likely bring you your order in less than 30 seconds. In short: the perfect hot dog stand.

5 Hot Dog Deals In Michigan July 18

Looking for some hot dog deals around the Mitten? Check out these specials:

Meijer: One free hot dog available at Meijer Gas Stations when the special mPerks offer is clipped. Valid Wednesday, July 18 only.

7-Eleven: Big Bite hot dogs are $1 Wednesday at the convenience store chain.

Sonic Drive-In: The chain's Chili Cheese and All American Hot Dogs are $1 at participating locations Wednesday. Corn dogs also are 99 cents during Happy Hour from 2 to 4 p.m. daily.

Costco: You can get a great deal on a hot dog at Costco any day of the year, no membership required. The hot dog and soda combo is only $1.50.

Pilot Flying J: With the myPilot app Wednesday, get a coupon for a free hot dog or roller grill item.

Image via Shutterstock

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