Hot dogs, those quintessential American treats, have long been a staple at backyard barbecues, baseball games, and street food vendors like Cowtown Dogs. While hot dogs are undoubtedly delicious, the rules for consuming them, known as hot dog etiquette, may not be as well-known. Let’s explore the do’s and don’ts of hotdog etiquette so you can be prepared for your next trip to savor the flavor of the best hotdog in North Texas!
The Do’s of Hot Dog Etiquette
Use the Right Bun
A proper hot dog bun should be soft, fresh, and slightly toasted. It should cradle the hot dog snugly, preventing any spillage or disintegration. We use special Euro Classic® brioche buns on all of our hotdogs and hot links for a sweet and savory kick!
Condiment Order Matters
The order of condiment application is crucial. Start with a thin layer of our Stadium® or Raye’s® stone ground yellow mustard or ketchup on the bun, followed by the hot dog. This prevents the condiments from dripping out.
Hold It Correctly
Use your hands to hold a hot dog, not a knife and fork. The hot dog is meant to be a casual, finger-food experience.
Chew with Your Mouth Closed
This is a universal rule for any food, but it’s especially important with hot dogs. No one wants to see the half-chewed remnants of your hot dog.
The Napkin Is Your Friend
Hot dogs can be messy. Have plenty of napkins on hand to clean up any stray condiments or drips.
Offer Condiment Sharing
If you’re hosting a hot dog cookout, provide a variety of condiments for your guests to choose from. Everyone has their unique preferences, but we always make sure to have our famous Sloppy Eddie chili available for your convenience – your taste buds will thank you!
Respect Regional Variations
Each region boasts its distinct hot dog styles and toppings, making it an exciting opportunity to savor these local twists. In our view, The Original Texas-Style Hotdog takes the crown as the ultimate favorite! Our Texas-Style dog features a premium all-beef, hickory-smoked hot dog with Raye’s® stone ground yellow mustard, marinated grilled jalapeños, Sloppy Eddie chili with your choice of Dublin sweet onions or Hot ‘n Spicy onion pepper mix on a Euro Classic® Brioche bun. This signature item is only available in the Lone Star State!
The Don’ts of Hot Dog Etiquette
Don’t Cut It in Half
Cutting your hot dog in half is a cardinal sin in hot dog etiquette. It not only ruins the integrity of the bun but also detracts from the true hot dog experience.
No Upside-Down Buns
It’s common courtesy to place the bun right side up, with the cut side on top. Eating it upside down can lead to an awkward, unbalanced bite.
Don’t Overload with Toppings
Overloading your hot dog with excessive toppings can lead to a chaotic and hard-to-eat mess. Keep it simple with our proprietary Sloppy Eddie chili, Hot ‘n Spicy onion pepper mix, or Dublin sweet onions for a hotdog bursting with Texas flavors!
Never Double-Up in One Bun
In the world of hot dog etiquette, an unspoken golden rule is to always allocate one bun per hot dog. This simple yet sacred tradition ensures that each hot dog receives its well-deserved moment in the spotlight. By dedicating a bun to each dog, you guarantee that the flavors and textures harmonize perfectly, resulting in an exceptional hot dog experience.
Refrain from Talking with a Full Mouth
This is a general rule of good manners, but it’s especially important when eating hot dogs. No one wants to see bits of hot dog flying during a conversation.
Don’t Squish the Bun
When indulging in one of our delectable hot dogs, remember the importance of gentle handling. Overly squishing or squeezing the Brioche bun could spell disaster for your culinary delight, causing it to lose its structural integrity and end up as a soggy mess. To savor every bite and relish the full Texas flavors, maintain a delicate touch while ensuring that your hot dog remains a delightful, intact masterpiece. Our hotdogs deserve respect!
Contact Cowtown Dogs for The Original Texas Style Hot Dog
Hot dog etiquette, like any form of dining etiquette, is all about respecting the food and the people you’re sharing it with. It’s not about being overly formal but rather enjoying the experience with consideration for others. So the next time you find yourself at Cowtown Dogs, remember these do’s and don’ts to savor the experience to the fullest. Hot dogs are a beloved, all-American food that deserves to be enjoyed with a certain level of decorum. By following the do’s and don’ts of hot dog etiquette, you can ensure that your Original Texas-Style hot dog-eating experience is both satisfying and respectful of this classic treat. Whether you’re at a summer cookout, a baseball game, or a street food vendor like Cowtown Dogs, remember that a hot dog should be relished with the same enthusiasm as the culture it represents. Contact us today to see where we’re at!