If you are looking for a quick and satisfying snack, nothing beats a hot dog. A hot dog is a grilled or steamed sausage, usually served in a sliced bun, and topped with various condiments, such as mustard, ketchup, relish, onions, cheese, chili, and more. Hot dogs are popular all over the world, but especially in the United States, where they are considered a staple of American cuisine.
But where can you find the best hot dog in Catonsville, Maryland? Catonsville is a suburban community in Baltimore County, with a population of about 42,000 people. It is known for its historic buildings, diverse culture, and vibrant arts scene. It is also home to some of the best hot dog places in the area, where you can enjoy a mouthwatering meal at a reasonable price.
In this article, we will review some of the top spots for hot dogs in Catonsville, based on the ratings and reviews from Restaurant Guru, a website that helps you find the best restaurants near you. We will also provide some tips on how to order and eat a hot dog like a pro, and answer some frequently asked questions about hot dogs. Let’s get started!
The Top 5 Hot Dog Places in Catonsville
According to Restaurant Guru, these are the five best places to get a hot dog in Catonsville, as of January 2024:
1. G.L. Shacks Grill
G.L. Shacks Grill is a casual and cozy restaurant that serves American comfort food, such as burgers, sandwiches, salads, wings, and of course, hot dogs. They have a variety of hot dogs to choose from, such as the classic dog, the chili cheese dog, the bacon cheese dog, and the kraut dog. You can also customize your own hot dog with your choice of toppings, such as sauerkraut, jalapenos, coleslaw, and more. The hot dogs are served with fries, chips, or onion rings, and you can wash them down with a cold beer or a soft drink.
G.L. Shacks Grill has a 4.4 out of 5 rating on Restaurant Guru, with customers praising the friendly service, the generous portions, and the delicious food. The hot dogs are especially popular, with one reviewer saying, “The hot dogs are amazing. They are big and juicy and have a great snap. The toppings are fresh and plentiful. The fries are crispy and seasoned well. I love this place.”
G.L. Shacks Grill is located at 583 Frederick Rd, Catonsville, MD 21228. They are open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Monday to Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Sunday. You can call them at (410) 788-0879 or visit their website at https://www.glshacks.com/ to place an order or make a reservation.
2. Five Guys
Five Guys is a national chain of fast-food restaurants that specializes in burgers, fries, and hot dogs. They are known for their fresh and high-quality ingredients, their customizable menu, and their free toppings. You can choose from two types of hot dogs: the regular dog or the cheese dog. You can then add as many toppings as you want, such as lettuce, tomato, pickle, grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, jalapenos, barbecue sauce, and more. The hot dogs are served with fries, which are cooked in peanut oil and seasoned with salt or Cajun spice.
Five Guys has a 4.3 out of 5 rating on Restaurant Guru, with customers appreciating the fast and friendly service, the clean and spacious environment, and the tasty and filling food. The hot dogs are especially recommended, with one reviewer saying, “The hot dogs are awesome. They are grilled to perfection and have a nice char. The buns are soft and fresh. The toppings are generous and flavorful. The fries are crispy and hot. This is one of my favorite places to eat.”
Five Guys is located at 6220 Baltimore National Pike, Catonsville, MD 21228. They are open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday to Sunday. You can call them at (410) 747-0050 or visit their website at https://www.fiveguys.com/ to place an order or find out more.
3. Sonic Drive-In
Sonic Drive-In is a national chain of drive-in restaurants that offers a variety of American fast food, such as burgers, chicken, sandwiches, salads, and hot dogs. They are famous for their carhop service, where you can order and eat in your car, and their sonic blasts, which are ice cream treats mixed with candy or cookies. They have a range of hot dogs to choose from, such as the all-American dog, the chili cheese coney, the New York dog, the Chicago dog, and the corn dog. You can also add extra toppings, such as cheese, chili, bacon, and more. The hot dogs are served with tots, fries, or onion rings, and you can pair them with a drink, such as a slush, a shake, or a soda.
Sonic Drive-In has a 4.1 out of 5 rating on Restaurant Guru, with customers enjoying the convenient and fun service, the affordable and varied menu, and the fresh and tasty food. The hot dogs are particularly praised, with one reviewer saying, “The hot dogs are great. They are hot and juicy and have a lot of flavor. The buns are soft and warm. The toppings are fresh and delicious. The sides are crispy and salty. The drinks are cold and refreshing. I love this place.”
Sonic Drive-In is located at 6323 Baltimore National Pike, Catonsville, MD 21228. They are open from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Monday to Thursday, from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Sunday. You can call them at (410) 788-7740 or visit their website at https://locations.sonicdrivein.com/md/catonsville/6323-baltimore-national-pike.html to place an order or learn more.
4. McDonald’s
McDonald’s is a global chain of fast-food restaurants that serves burgers, fries, chicken, breakfast, and more. They are one of the most recognizable and popular brands in the world, with over 38,000 locations in over 100 countries. They also offer hot dogs, but only in select locations, such as Catonsville. They have two types of hot dogs: the regular hot dog and the chili cheese hot dog. You can also add ketchup, mustard, relish, or onions to your hot dog. The hot dogs are served with fries or apple slices, and you can choose a drink, such as a coffee, a juice, or a soda.
McDonald’s has a 3.9 out of 5 rating on Restaurant Guru, with customers liking the quick and efficient service, the cheap and convenient menu, and the familiar and consistent food. The hot dogs are also appreciated, with one reviewer saying, “The hot dogs are surprisingly good. They are not too big or too small, and they have a nice snap. The buns are soft and fluffy. The toppings are simple and classic. The fries are golden and crispy. The drink is cold and fizzy. This is a good place to grab a bite.”
McDonald’s is located at 6200 Baltimore National Pike, Catonsville, MD 21228. They are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can call them at (410) 744-0300 or visit their website at https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/location/md/catonsville/6200-baltimore-national-pike/1002.html to place an order or find out more.
5. Ledo Pizza
Ledo Pizza is a regional chain of pizza restaurants that serves square-shaped pizzas, salads, pasta, sandwiches, and more. They are known for their thin crust, sweet sauce, and smoked provolone cheese. They also have hot dogs, but only as a limited-time offer, so you have to be quick to catch them. They have two types of hot dogs: the classic hot dog and the chili cheese hot dog. You can also add extra cheese, bacon, or jalapenos to your hot dog. The hot dogs are served with fries or a salad, and you can order a drink, such as a beer, a wine, or a soda.
Ledo Pizza has a 3.8 out of 5 rating on Restaurant Guru, with customers enjoying the friendly and attentive service, the cozy and relaxed atmosphere, and the fresh and flavorful food. The hot dogs are also recommended, with one reviewer saying, “The hot dogs are very good. They are grilled and have a nice smoky taste. The buns are toasted and buttery. The toppings are rich and cheesy. The fries are thick and crunchy. The drink is cold and smooth. This is a great place to have a meal.”
Ledo Pizza is located at 405 N Frederick Rd, Catonsville, MD 21228. They are open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday to Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Sunday. You can call them at (410) 747-4950 or visit their website at https://ledopizza.com/stores/catonsville/ to place an order or make a reservation.
How to Order and Eat a Hot Dog Like a Pro
Now that you know where to find the best hot dogs in Catonsville, you might be wondering how to order and eat them like a pro. Here are some tips and etiquette rules to follow:
- When ordering a hot dog, be specific and clear about what toppings you want. Don’t say “everything” or “the works”, as different places may have different definitions of what that means. Instead, name the toppings you want, such as “mustard, relish, and onions” or “cheese, chili, and bacon”.
- When eating a hot dog, hold it with both hands and bite from one end. Don’t cut it with a knife and fork, as that is considered rude and un-American. Don’t put the whole hot dog in your mouth, as that is considered greedy and messy. Don’t take small nibbles, as that is considered childish and wasteful. Aim for a balanced bite that includes the sausage, the bun, and the toppings.
- When eating a hot dog, avoid making loud noises, such as slurping, smacking, or burping. Don’t talk with your mouth full, as that is considered impolite and disgusting. Don’t lick your fingers, as that is considered unhygienic and uncivilized. Use a napkin to wipe your mouth and hands, and dispose of it properly when you are done.
- When eating a hot dog, enjoy the flavor and texture of the food, and appreciate the history and culture behind it. Don’t complain about the quality or quantity of the food, as that is considered rude and ungrateful. Don’t compare the hot dog to other foods, as that is considered disrespectful and ignorant. Don’t waste any part of the hot dog, as that is considered unappreciative and wasteful.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Dogs
Here are some of the most common questions that people have about hot dogs, and the answers to them:
What is a hot dog made of?
A hot dog is a type of sausage that is usually made of pork, beef, chicken, or turkey, or a combination of these meats. The meat is ground, seasoned, cured, and stuffed into a casing, which can be natural or artificial. The casing gives the hot dog its shape and texture, and also helps to preserve it. The hot dog is then cooked, either by boiling, steaming, grilling, or frying.
What is the origin of the hot dog?
The origin of the hot dog is not clear, as different countries and regions have their own versions of sausages and bread. However, the most widely accepted theory is that the hot dog was invented in the late 19th century in the United States, by German immigrants who adapted their traditional frankfurters and bratwursts to the American market. They sold them on the streets of New York, Chicago, and other cities, and served them in a bun with various toppings, such as mustard, ketchup, relish, and onions. The name “hot dog” is also believed to have originated in the United States, as a humorous reference to the resemblance of the sausage to a dog.
What are the different types of hot dogs?
There are many different types of hot dogs, depending on the ingredients, the cooking method, the size, the shape, and the regional variations. Some of the most popular types of hot dogs are:
The all-beef hot dog, which is made of 100% beef, and has a rich and meaty flavor. It is popular in New York, where it is often served with mustard, sauerkraut, and onions.
The pork and beef hot dog, which is made of a mixture of pork and beef, and has a mild and savory flavor. It is popular in Chicago, where it is often served with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, sport peppers, celery salt, and a poppy seed bun.
The turkey hot dog, which is made of turkey, and has a lean and light flavor. It is popular among health-conscious consumers, who prefer a lower-fat and lower-calorie option. It is often served with ketchup, mustard, or barbecue sauce.
The veggie hot dog, which is made of soy, wheat, or other plant-based ingredients, and has a similar texture and flavor to a meat hot dog. It is popular among vegetarians, vegans, and people with dietary restrictions. It is often served with vegan cheese, vegan chili, or vegan mayo.
How many calories are in a hot dog?
The number of calories in a hot dog depends on the type, the size, the toppings, and the sides. According to the USDA, a typical hot dog (45 grams) has about 150 calories, 13 grams of fat, 5 grams of protein, and 1 gram of carbs. A typical hot dog bun (43 grams) has about 120 calories, 2 grams of fat, 4 grams of protein, and 21 grams of carbs. A typical serving of fries (117 grams) has about 365 calories, 17 grams of fat, 4 grams of protein, and 48 grams of carbs. A typical serving of ketchup (17 grams) has about 20 calories, 0 grams of fat, 0 grams of protein, and 5 grams of carbs. A typical serving of mustard (5 grams) has about 3 calories, 0 grams of fat, 0 grams of protein, and 0 grams of carbs. Therefore, a typical hot dog meal with fries, ketchup, and mustard has about 658 calories, 32 grams of fat, 13 grams of protein, and 75 grams of carbs.
Are hot dogs healthy?
Hot dogs are not considered very healthy, as they are high in fat, sodium, nitrates, and preservatives, which can increase the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. However, hot dogs can be enjoyed occasionally, as part of a balanced and varied diet, and with moderation and portion control. To make hot dogs healthier, you can choose leaner and lower-sodium options, such as turkey or veggie hot dogs, whole wheat or gluten-free buns, and fresh or low-sugar toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, or salsa. You can also limit your intake of fries, chips, or onion rings, and opt for healthier sides, such as salad, fruit, or coleslaw. You can also drink water, unsweetened tea, or low-fat milk, instead of soda, juice, or alcohol.
Conclusion
Hot dogs are a delicious and convenient snack that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Catonsville has some of the best hot dog places in the area, where you can find a variety of hot dogs to suit your taste and preference. Whether you prefer a classic dog, a cheese dog, a chili dog, or a corn dog, you can find it in Catonsville. Just remember to order and eat your hot dog like a pro, and follow the tips and etiquette rules we shared. And don’t forget to have fun and savor the flavor of your hot dog, as it is more than just a food, it is a part of American culture and history.
