Ancestors of the people of Frankfurt, Germany, and Vienna, Austria, may lay claim to inventing the hot dog. But the best hot dogs in Charlotte are proof that the Queen City is perfecting the art. Hot dogs may be the traditional treat at a baseball game, but here in Charlotte, they make for a good lunch or dinner, too. – Jeff Hawkins

Green’s Lunch

309 W. 4th St.
Charlotte, N.C. 28202
(704) 332-1786
www.greenslunch.com

This small brick restaurant packs a big taste. A lunch-time institution, Green’s does not offer a lot of flash or ambiance, but the food quality is high. In fact, many of the “fancy” hot dogs other establishments have on their menus can be trumped by the “classic” hot dogs served by Green’s. Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Matt’s Chicago Dog

19732 One Norman Blvd., Ste. 330
Cornelius, N.C. 28031
(704) 892-5005

The Chicago-dog style is among the best hot dogs in Charlotte, too, at Matt’s Chicago Dog. And you don’t have to be a Cubs fan to appreciate the Vienna Beef hot dogs that Matt’s Chicago Dog serves. One bite, and it’s a home run. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

City Hot Dogs

1408 East Blvd.
Charlotte, N.C. 28203
(704) 335-3700
www.cityhotdogs.com

City Hot Dogs can do it all with a hot dog. If you want it char-grilled, deep fried, skinned or made into kosher in just seven minutes, no problem. Specializing in Chicago-style dogs, the little Dilworth Gardens establishment also offers a Veggie Dog and Veggie Chili.