The Fourth Installment of the Hot Dog Road Trip

As summer heats up, what better way to celebrate than with a hot dog road trip in Wilmington, North Carolina? National Hot Dog Day is the perfect excuse to hit the road and explore some local hot dog joints. With the gas tank full and the AC struggling to keep up, it’s time to embark on a delicious adventure.

The rules of the road trip are simple but essential. No chain restaurants allowed – we’re looking for those hidden gems that serve up unique and tasty hot dogs. And when it comes to ordering, it’s all about the classic Carolina Dog – topped with chili, slaw, onions, and mustard. These toppings are what make a hot dog truly special, so they will be the focus of our ratings.

After receiving numerous recommendations from locals, it’s time to hit the road and try out some of the best hot dog spots in town. First up is Sweet D’s Cuisine, a bakery known for its sweet treats but also offering savory options like hot dogs. While the toppings were top-notch, the hot dog itself fell short, earning it a respectable 3.25 out of 5.

Next, we make a pit stop at Monkey Junction Pit Stop, a convenience store along Carolina Beach Road that serves up some killer hot dogs. With quality ingredients and a delicious flavor profile, this hot dog earns a glamorous 4 out of 5.

Truck’s Chicken ‘n Fish on Red Cross St. is our next destination, known for its fried chicken but also offering hot dogs. While the toppings were plentiful, the overall flavor was lacking, earning this hot dog a disappointing 2.5 out of 5.

A surprising detour takes us to Sea Level City Vegan Diner, where a vegan hot dog awaits. While the presentation was impressive, the flavor fell short, earning this creation a 2.5 out of 5.

Finally, we break the chain restaurant rule and visit Sam’s Hot Dog Stand, a West Virginia-based chain with locations in North Carolina. The hot dog here is a standout, with perfectly steamed buns and delicious toppings, earning it a near-perfect score of 4.8 out of 5.

As the summer continues, there are many more hot dog spots to explore in Wilmington. Stay tuned for more hot dog road trip adventures, and don’t hesitate to send in your recommendations. Whether you prefer a classic Carolina Dog or a vegan twist, there’s a hot dog out there for everyone to enjoy. Cheers to a summer filled with delicious eats and new culinary discoveries in the Cape Fear region.