The 5 Best Hot Dog Joints in Vermont

The Ultimate Vermont Hot Dog Tour: A Guide to 5 Iconic Spots

Vermont's culinary scene is a celebration of local ingredients and cherished traditions, and the humble hot dog holds a special place in its heart. From legendary, generations-old food buses to modern spots with creative, farm-fresh toppings, the Green Mountain State offers a surprisingly diverse and delicious hot dog experience. For any food lover, a tour of these iconic establishments is an essential journey into Vermont's comfort food culture. Here is an expert guide to five of the best hot dog spots you must try.

1. Beansie's Bus (Burlington)

• The Experience: A true Burlington landmark, Beansie's Bus has been serving the community from its iconic retrofitted school bus since 1944. Parked in a lot near Waterfront Park, this seasonal food truck is a beloved institution with a fiercely loyal following.

  
  
  

• The Hot Dog: They serve classic, steamed hot dogs (often the regional favorite, McKenzie franks) and fantastic hand-cut french fries. A visit to Beansie's on a summer day to enjoy a "special" dog and fries by the lake is a quintessential Vermont tradition.

• Location: 1 S Park Dr, Burlington, VT 05401

  
  
  

2. Fat City Hot Dogs (Wilmington)

• The Experience: A classic, family-owned drive-in spot, Fat City Hot Dogs specializes in high-quality franks with an incredible variety of toppings.

• The Hot Dog: They serve top-notch, all-beef hot dogs with no filler. While a classic chili dog is always a great choice, their specialty dogs are a must-try. A standout is the Vermont Smoke and Cure bacon dog, which features an uncured bacon and beef frank stuffed into a natural lamb casing, showcasing the best of local Vermont products.

  
  
  

• Location: 75 Vermont Rte 100, Wilmington, VT 05363

3. Super Duper Weenie (Fairfield, CT - A New England Legend)

• The Experience: While located just outside Vermont in Fairfield, Connecticut, Super Duper Weenie is a nationally recognized New England hot dog destination that is worth the trip for any serious connoisseur. What started as a food truck is now a legendary brick-and-mortar spot.

• The Hot Dog: This award-winning establishment is famous for its split and grilled franks, its incredible array of house-made condiments and toppings, and its perfectly crispy, fresh-cut fries. It's an elevated hot dog experience that showcases true culinary craftsmanship.

• Location: 306 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield, CT 06825

4. Lucky Dogs Pop-Up at Hender's Bake Shop (Waterbury)

• The Experience: A unique and exciting event for hot dog lovers, Lucky Dogs is a popular pop-up that takes place once a month at the beloved Hender's Bake Shop in Waterbury.

• The Hot Dog: This pop-up is known for serving up creative and delicious hot dogs with unique flavors and toppings, making it a local favorite and a special culinary event to look forward to.

• Location: 22 N Main St, Waterbury Village Historic District, VT 05676

5. Bliss Bee (Williston, VT)

• The Experience: With a strong commitment to local sourcing, Bliss Bee is a modern burger and hot dog joint that focuses on farm-fresh ingredients.

• The Hot Dog: They serve the classic McKenzie all-beef dog, a Vermont staple. You can get it with a variety of toppings, including a classic Michigan sauce. They also offer creative options like the "Virginia dog" (a hot dog wrapped in bacon) and have vegetarian dogs available.

• Location: 30 Hawthorne St, Williston, VT 05495

From the historic food bus in Burlington to the creative pop-ups in Waterbury and the farm-fresh creations in Williston, Vermont's hot dog scene is full of local flavor and tradition. These five iconic spots offer more than just a great meal; they provide a delicious taste of the Green Mountain State's unique and comforting food culture.

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