In the wise words of Jennifer Coolidge, summer makes us “want a hot dog real bad.” And as the temperatures rise, we’re dreaming of hot dogs at the ballpark, sizzling on the grill for the Fourth of July, and corn dogs enjoyed on a sunny patio. Fortunately, Round Rock is a hot spot for hot dogs! From classic dogs to creative twists, we’ve rounded up tasty spots with the summertime staple. Consider this your official hot dog playbook for the season.
Dell Diamond
Step up to the plate and feast your eyes on a hot dog all-star. The foot-long hot dog from Goodstock Grill at the Dell Diamond is hitting towards the fences! It’s smothered in savory chili and creamy queso, then topped with crispy French onion crunch and fiery red jalapeños. Want a classic dog? Swing by on $1 Wednesdays and snag a hot dog for just a buck. Hot dogs truly are the mascot of game day!
Backporch Social
One bite of the footlong corndog from Backporch Social will instantly transport you to those joyful summer days at the State Fair. Envision the smell of fried food in the air, the sound of laughter and ringing carnival bells, and that first crispy, golden bite of corndog perfection. Pair it with a cold drink, yard games, and some arcade fun, and you’ve got yourself a full-on throwback to your youth, no fair ticket needed!
WiseGuys- A Chicago Eatery
At first glance, the Chicago Dog might sound like a flavor experiment. Tomato, a pickle, and peppers? On a hot dog? We had our doubts, but the Chicago Dog at Wise Guys is pure magic. It’s a bold combo of flavors: an all-beef Vienna hot dog nestled in a poppy seed bun, with yellow mustard, green relish, chopped onions, tomato wedges, a dill pickle spear, sport peppers, and a sprinkle of celery salt. Not sure the Chicago Dog is your thing? Try the Kraut Dog, with tangy sauerkraut and spicy mustard. Or lean into a comfort food classic with the gooey, Chili Cheese Dog. Feeling creative? Build your own masterpiece from scratch. Just one thing, no ketchup. In Chicago, putting ketchup on a hot dog is practically a crime. And out of respect for tradition, Wise Guys plays by the rules.
Pixel Palace Arcade and Bar
We may have had one too many corn dogs growing up, but honestly, no regrets! One bite still takes us back to the carefree days, and Pixel Palace Arcade knows how to serve that nostalgic magic. They’ve got all the throwback favorites, starting with their corn dog classics. You can go big with the giant footlong or keep it playful with a basket of mini dogs. Once you’re fueled up, dive into retro games like Pac-Man, Frogger, Mortal Kombat, and pinball for the ultimate blast from the past. Corn dogs and arcade games make for a combo that childhood dreams are made of.
High Country Market and Diner
High Country might look like your average gas station stop since it’s attached to a Shell station, but don’t let the exterior fool you. Inside, the kitchen is serving up some seriously impressive eats. We ordered the corn dog special and were treated to two fresh corn dogs and a helping of golden, crispy fries. The corn dogs were fresh and perfectly cooked, the fries were delicious, and the dipping sauces added a gourmet touch with options like rosemary truffle ketchup and spicy brown mustard. It’s a surprising culinary delight, and the best part is it all comes in at under ten dollars. This spot proves you should never judge a restaurant by its cover.
Kenney Fort Pub
Kenney Fort Pub gives the American hot dog a cheeky British makeover with the British Dog. It starts with a premium Hudson’s Meat Company sausage, topped with melty cheddar and sweet red onion marmalade, all tucked into a toasted hoagie. It comes with a hearty side of chips, or fries if you’re not up on your pub lingo, and every bite delivers bold, savory flavor that will transport you to England. It’s rich, satisfying, and so fancy you may consider eating it with your pinkies up. Cheers to the British Dog!
Two Hands Fresh Corn Dogs
Get ready to grab your corn dog with Two Hands, because you’ll need both for this cheesy, crunchy masterpiece. Two Hands Fresh Corn Dogs is redefining the corn dog game with Korean-style creations. Each corn dog is freshly battered, made to order, and packed with melty cheese or juicy hot dog goodness. It’s everything you love about fair food, leveled up with bold Korean flavors and fun toppings that range from sweet to spicy. One fan put it best: “AMAZINGGGG!!! Never liked corn dogs, but WOW!! These were amazing—and the kimchi fries? Chef’s kiss!” Time to get your corn dog fix!
Short Stop
Short Stop has been a go-to stop in Austin since 1984, and it’s easy to see why. This Texas classic keeps things simple with an all-American menu that has a fan following. While their burgers and fries get a lot of love, the hot dogs deserve a shoutout, too. You can go for a freshly made corn dog or opt for an all-beef hot dog dressed up with chili, cheese, and jalapeños. It’s the perfect summertime stop before exploring the city!
We hope you relished your time in Round Rock and that your hot dog dreams came true! If you’re hungry for more summertime fun, follow us at @goroundrock to ketchup on all the events, eats, and happenings!