10 Georgia Hot Dog Spots That Keep Things Classic
Georgia might be best known for its peaches and peanuts, but let’s not overlook the state’s seriously underrated hot dog scene. From legendary roadside stands in Atlanta to hidden gems tucked away in small towns, the Peach State knows how to serve up a dog that hits all the right notes.
I’ve spent years on a flavorful mission, crisscrossing Georgia in search of the tastiest, most memorable wieners around.
What I found were ten incredible spots that consistently deliver that satisfying snap, mouthwatering flavor, and creative toppings that turn a simple hot dog into something truly special. These are Georgia’s must-try dogs!
1. The Varsity: Atlanta
Nothing screams “Atlanta food tradition” quite like The Varsity’s famous hot dogs. My first visit happened during college when Dad insisted we couldn’t leave Atlanta without trying their legendary chili dogs. The bright orange building with its “What’ll ya have?” greeting immediately transported me to a simpler time.
Their dogs come nestled in steamed buns with that perfect snap when you bite in. The chili topping has remained unchanged since 1928, offering that distinctive tangy-sweet flavor locals adore. My personal favorite? The heavy weight, two dogs with all the fixings.
Pro tip: Order a Frosted Orange to wash it down for the full experience!
2. Mike’s Hot Dogs: Marietta
Tucked away in a Marietta strip mall, Mike’s doesn’t look special from the outside. Boy, was I wrong! Walking in, I discovered a New York-style dog paradise that locals have treasured for decades.
Mike’s serves up authentic Sabrett hot dogs, the kind with natural casings that give that satisfying snap. The walls showcase Yankees memorabilia while the menu offers creative toppings beyond the usual suspects. Their Reuben Dog, topped with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Russian dressing, changed my understanding of what a hot dog could be.
Family-owned since opening, the friendly service makes every visit feel like coming home.
3. Brandi’s World Famous Hot Dogs: Marietta
Would you drive 30 minutes for a hot dog? After trying Brandi’s, your answer will be an enthusiastic yes! This tiny cash-only shack has been serving no-frills dogs since 1979, and the constant line outside speaks volumes.
The magic happens on a well-seasoned flat-top grill where they sear the dogs until slightly charred. Their signature slaw dog comes topped with a unique sweet-tangy coleslaw that perfectly balances the savory meat. Owner Brandi still works the counter most days, greeting regulars by name.
Fair warning: they close when they run out of food, which happens almost daily around 2pm!
4. Skeeter’s Dogs & More: Waycross
Stumbling upon Skeeter’s during a road trip through South Georgia was pure serendipity. This family-owned spot has been Waycross’s hot dog headquarters since 1959, operating from the same tiny building with its vintage neon sign.
Skeeter’s specializes in Southern-style dogs, steamed buns cradling bright red wieners topped with their secret-recipe chili. What makes them special? The finely-ground beef chili has hints of cinnamon and allspice that locals swear by. The prices feel like a throwback too, two loaded dogs, chips and a drink for under $10.
Grab extra napkins and enjoy your feast at one of their weathered picnic tables!
5. Hot Dog Heaven: Warner Robins
My military friends stationed at Robins Air Force Base introduced me to this aptly-named joint. Hot Dog Heaven lives up to its divine name with dogs that taste like they’ve been blessed by the culinary gods.
Their Chicago-style dog remains faithful to tradition, Vienna beef frank topped with yellow mustard, neon-green relish, onions, tomato wedges, pickle spear, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt on a poppy seed bun. The owner spent years in the Windy City and insists on authenticity down to the imported ingredients.
The walls feature hot dog memorabilia from around the world, making it a museum as much as a restaurant!
6. Nu-Way Weiners: Macon
That missing ‘e’ in “Weiners” isn’t a typo, it’s part of Nu-Way’s century-old charm! Founded in 1916, this Macon institution claims to be Georgia’s oldest hot dog stand, and their red wieners have become legendary throughout Middle Georgia.
The secret? Their distinctive chili recipe hasn’t changed in over 100 years. Served on steamed buns with mustard and their special chili (never ketchup!), these dogs deliver nostalgic flavors that transport you back in time. My grandfather used to take me here as a kid, and the taste remains exactly as I remember.
Don’t miss their hand-cut fries and famous flaky ice that makes their sweet tea extra special.
7. Dreamland BBQ: Roswell
A barbecue joint on a hot dog list? Trust me on this one! Dreamland’s “BBQ Dog” delivers a flavor explosion that earns its spot among Georgia’s finest franks.
They start with a premium all-beef hot dog, grill it to perfection, then top it with their award-winning pulled pork, signature barbecue sauce, and a sprinkle of their secret spice mix. The combination creates sweet, smoky, savory magic in every bite. My skeptical brother-in-law, a hot dog purist, became an instant convert after one taste.
Grab extra napkins, this magnificent mess requires both hands and possibly a fork to finish!
8. Coney Island Grill: Augusta
Stepping into Coney Island Grill feels like time travel to 1923 when they first opened their doors. The worn counter seats have supported generations of Augustans seeking their famous “Scrambled Dogs”, a messy masterpiece that defies conventional hot dog rules.
What’s a Scrambled Dog? A hot dog cut into pieces, placed in a bowl, covered with chili, mustard, onions, and oyster crackers. Eat it with a spoon like chili or a fork like a casserole, just don’t expect to pick it up! The family’s Greek heritage shines through in their uniquely spiced chili recipe.
Cash only and closed Sundays, some traditions never change.
9. Skip’s Hot Dogs: Savannah
Savannah’s historic district offers countless culinary treasures, but locals know Skip’s unassuming cart near Forsyth Park holds some of the city’s best flavors. Operating for over 30 years, Skip’s serves up gourmet dogs with Southern coastal flair.
Their signature Savannah Dog comes topped with pimento cheese, bacon bits, and a drizzle of pepper jelly, a sweet-spicy-savory combination that perfectly represents Georgia’s coastal cuisine. Skip himself still mans the cart most days, entertaining customers with tales of Savannah’s colorful history while preparing their orders.
Grab your dog and enjoy it on a park bench under Spanish moss-draped oaks for peak Savannah vibes.
10. Cleveland’s: Albany
Family road trips through South Georgia always included a stop at Cleveland’s, a humble cinder-block building that’s been serving Albany’s best hot dogs since 1954. The place hasn’t changed a bit, same red vinyl stools, same handwritten menu board, same incredible flavors.
Their claim to fame? The “Scrambled Dog”, similar to Augusta’s version but with Cleveland’s distinctive touch. The all-beef dog gets chopped up, smothered in their secret-recipe chili, and topped with pickles, onions and oyster crackers. Every ingredient perfectly balances the others.
Don’t be fooled by newer imitators, locals insist the original Cleveland’s can’t be beaten!