Best Dogs North of Boston?

[NSDishGal]

With school almost out, I've been thinking about taking my diminutive sidekick and hot dog fan on a tour of local hot dog stands to suss out the best. I've heard great things about both Popo's in Swampscott and Rondogs in Beverly. Can anyone confirm or deny these allegations? What other places should be added to our list?

http://www.northshoredish.com/

[chuck s]

Let me add Top Dog in Rockport to the list.

[NSDishGal]

I want to thank everyone again who replied to this post. We did our hot dog tour this weekend and had a blast. Not only great dogs, but great personalities as well. It was hard to really define a favorite, but standouts include Boston Hot Dog for the 1/4 angus beef dog and the wacky owner, Popo's for freshness and taste and Fred's Franks for awesome charcoal grilled dog. I just posted the full round up this morning.

Thanks, Kristen
http://www.northshoredish.com/

[NahantNative]

You have to love Popo's, I go off the menu and get the natural casing dog with baked beans and cole slaw. According to the owner he makesmost of the condiments himself.

[NSDishGal]

We met him and he was such a great guy. As well as being committed to quality and service, he even told us the best places to park when hitting the beach in Nahant!

[bluesjack]

another thunbs up for Popo's with the added bonus that there is a Kell's Kreme there if you have room for dessert...mmmm hot dogs and ice cream, does it get any better than that?

[Harp00n]

Late to the party, all I can add to the discussion is that all four of my North of Boston favs: Lawton's. Fred's, Boston Hot Dog & Rondogs have already been mentioned. I've been meaning to check-out Popo's for ages based on the thumbs-up given to it by lots of Hounds. So thanks for the reminder NSDishGal and also to Hidden Marc for another Ripper resource as well!

Harp

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The Scotty Dog
437 Rantoul St, Beverly, MA 01915

Lawton's Frankfurt Stand
606 Canal St, Lawrence, MA 01840

Boston Hot Dog Co.
60 Washington St, Salem, MA 01970

Fred's Franks
Wakefield, Ma, Wakefield, Ma

Popo's Hot Dogs
168 Humphrey St, Swampscott, MA

Lobster Claw Seafoods of North Reading
7A Main St North, Reading, MA

[StriperGuy]

Seeing as it appears you are the authority, how bout giving us a compare and contrast?

I've never tried any of 'em other then Boston Hot Dog (and Speed's but that's beantown.)

[NSDishGal]

Great list! Are these in order of preference?

[hiddenboston]

I already posted this on your Twitter page, but for those who don't "tweet," my favorite is Lawton's in Lawrence. Deep-fried hot dogs at their best!

Also, I haven't tried them yet, but the Lobster Claw in North Reading is doing rippers now as well. Has anyone tried them there?

[macca]

No- but will have to try them! I drove by there yesterday, and they have crabmeat rolls again. They had them years ago, and they were fabulous- shredded crabmeat ( real crab!), with a bit of mayo. So good. Not sure if they are the same- we're talking 15 years ago, but it is worth a trip to see!

[StriperGuy]

This place is awesome:

Boston Hot Dog Co LLC
60 Washington St
Salem, MA 01970
[phone]

Here is my original post on it:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/601923

[rlh]

Second - this unassuming spot is far and away the very best I've had in this region (but I haven't ever been to Speed's...)

[StriperGuy]

Speed's is very good, but a different style of dog.

[NSDishGal]

I read your review - great to know. The name of it makes it sound like a mall chain sort of place, so I had almost dismissed it.

[macca]

Freds Franks at the head of the lakein Wakefield. Here is the link

http://www.fredsfranks.com/

[Chris VR]

And don't get taken in by the guy who is trying to squat on his space. Fred mentioned it last time I was waiting for my dog, and I saw him there Memorial Day, with a white tent. Fred has a little "house" cart with a (maybe 2) Big Green Egg.

[macca]

I think that is why Fred opened a it early this year.Was not sure if the interloper was still there. I will bet he does not get a lot of business!

[hhookk]

He is definetly still there. Just to make it perfectly clear to newcomers Freds "Stand" is a red wood framed trailer usually still attached to a white/silver pick up truck with a big green egg grill/smoker with two big American flags flying over and anywhere from 10 to 40 people waiting in line depending on time of day and big clouds of wonderful smoke from the lump charcoal apple wood combination he uses to cook and the "other guy" has a little white canopy with lots of signs and 1 guy buying a bag of chips or a water.

[macca]

Great description!! have not been there yet this season- I work nearby, so it will be a frequent choice for our lunches!

[NSDishGal]

Now I'm really going to have to check Fred out!

[Jana]

I don't think Fred needs to worry. When I passed by there yesterday, there were at least a dozen people lined up at Fred's, while the other guy looked very lonely indeed.

[powerfulpierre]

Yup, Fred's OK, and the Yin-Yang chorizo is outstanding! Went there last weekend and as I walked by the "other guy" he called me over to have one of his sausage and pepper subs. When I answered that I was going to Fred's he mumbled, just loud enough for me to hear, that "people don't want to try something new". Sausage Subs = New? I felt sort of sorry for him till then.