While there’s nothing like a classic Nathan’s, try one of these next time you’re in a ketchup-and-mustard rut.
Phaal Dog
Brick Lane Curry House, 1664 Third Ave., 646-998-4440
Featured on “Man vs. Food,” Brick Lane’s famous phaal curry has now taken on the form of a hot dog just in time for National Hot Dog Month (that’s July!). The phaal curry has been injected into a chicken frank, creating extremely spicy dog that will make you feel like leftover Fourth of July fireworks have gone off in your mouth.
Fatty Patty sandwich and BBQ Hot Link sandwich
Fletcher’s Brooklyn Barbecue, 433 Third Ave., Brooklyn, 347-763-2680
You can’t teach an old dog new tricks — or can you? For an interesting twist on the ol’ dog, order the fatty patty at Fletcher’s: it’s loaded with sweet sausage, peppers, onions and sun dried tomatoes, and topped with ketchup, dill pickle relish and provolone cheese. If that doesn’t fit your craving, order a BBQ hot link sandwich topped with peppers and onions.
Sonoran and Jerk dogs
Harlem Shake, 100 W. 124th St., 212-222-8300
Banging out dance moves to the Harlem Shake can be quite tiring. Take a break and enjoy one of Harlem Shake’s classic New York-style meats with wacky toppings, like the Sonoran Dog: a deep-fried dog wrapped in bacon with pickled cherry pepper-bacon relish, chipotle mayo and onions. If you further want to kiss your diet goodbye, go out with a bang by ordering the Jerk Dog: it’s topped with pork rinds, house-made Caribbean slaw and jerk mayo.
More hot spots for hot dogs
AsiaDog
66 Kenmare St., 212-226-8861
Enjoy Japanese curry, homemade kimchi apples, seaweed flakes, sesame slaw, Thai style relish and other Asian-inspired toppings at this specialty shop.
Crif Dogs
113 Saint Marks Pl., 212-614-2728
Order a Chihuahua (a bacon-wrapped dog with avocados and sour cream) or munch on a spicy red neck (a bacon-wrapped dog with chili, cole slaw and jalapenos).
