DAIRY QUEEN: HOT DOG — "Grill" is perhaps a generous term for what goes on at the DQ Grill & Chill. I paid $3.29 for this hot dog in New York.
SAUSAGE: 2 — It's juicy, but that's the only good thing about it. There's a distinct offal flavor and it's way too salty. It kind of tastes like cheese even though there is none. BUN: 2 — It's fluffy, but also stiff, dry, and bland.
OVERALL FLAVOR: 2 — I'd only go for DQ's hot dog if there was nothing else available.
SHAKE SHACK: HOT DOG — I'm a Shake Shack stan, but I never get their hot dogs usually. I paid $4.99 for this example in New York.
SAUSAGE: 3 — My past avoidance is validated. The sausage has a robust meaty flavor, but it was tough, dry, and too salty. BUN: 4 — It's lightly sweet and a little fluffy, but I've had better.
OVERALL FLAVOR: 3 — It has a good dog to bun ratio. Although it's a tough chew, it mostly accomplishes a decent flavor.
CHECKERS: HOT DOG — Checkers hot dog looks small and grey compared to some of its competitors. I paid only $1.49 for it, the cheapest of the bunch (by a hair).
SAUSAGE:— 4 — Very juicy with a meaty flavor. BUN: 2 — Sad, crushed, and sweet.
OVERALL FLAVOR: 4 — Simple but solid, Checkers hot dog is nothing fancy, but it's a satisfying classic rendition.
FIVE GUYS: HOT DOG — Another split-down-the-middle sausage situation. It was the most example, setting me back $5.05
SAUSAGE: 5 — The juiciest, most flavorful and savory sausage with a deep meat flavor and a hint of char. BUN: 4 — Fluffy, sweet, and plentiful.
OVERALL FLAVOR: 5 — Five Guys delivers one hearty, hugely satisfying hot dog.
COSTCO: HOT DOG — Costco's hot dog is the biggest of them all and a testament to machines' abilities to create a consistently beloved behemoth. It is famously only $1.50 nationwide, and even includes a drink.
SAUSAGE: 5 — There's a reason the hot dog is Costco's secret weapon in drawing customers to the store. It's bursting with juice and flavor. BUN: 5 — Pillowy soft with contrast from the light coating of cornmeal, it's light and sweet with a bread-y bounce.
OVERALL: 5 — Costco's wiener is just better in every way. It's the dog I'll dream of at night.
FINAL RANKING — 5. Dairy Queen. 4. Shake Shack. 3. Checkers. 2. Five Guys. 1. Costco
