Von Hanson’s
A beef-and-pork mix out of Milwaukee, the Usinger’s link is tender and light with a good snap. Its thicker gauge is well-suited to grilling.
Buy: $6.29 for a 10-ounce package at select AJ’s Fine Foods including 7141 E. Lincoln Dr., Scottsdale. 480-998-0052, ajsfinefoods.com. $6.99 for a 10-ounce package at select Sprouts Farmers Market including 8375 W. Thunderbird Road, Peoria. 623-334-1111, sprouts.com.
Vienna Beef
This is the dog I grew up with and I’m completely incapable of judging it in a fashion that’s even remotely objective. That said, whole cuts of beef ground up with lots of paprika make for a Chicago dog with a good, garlicky bite and a nice, chewy snap that’s unlocked when the sausage simmers or steams. Don’t you dare tell me a hot dog can’t be a glorious thing. I got your beefy proof right here.
Buy: $8.99 a pound at Butcher Block Meats, 4015 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. 480-426-8080, butcherblockmeatsaz.com. Also, $5.99 a pound at Hobe Meats, 6044 N. 16th St., Phoenix. 602-604-2333, hobemeats.com. And, $10.50 a pound at Dazzo’s Dog House, 6143 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale. 623-934-3536, dazzosdoghouse.com.
The lone Arizona outpost of a chain of Minnesota meat shops, Von Hanson’s in Chandler makes a skinny, beefy dog with a bit of pork, a garlicky intensity and a thick layer of smoke.
Buy: $8.99 a pound at Von Hanson’s Meats & Spirits, 2390 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. 480-917-2525, vonhansonsmeats.net.
Wimmer’s
Originally out of Nebraska (now produced in Lansing, Ill.), Wimmer’s natural casing wiener is a lean beef-and-pork mix with light smoke and a heavy, sweet and peppery seasoning. It sports a killer snap, especially when grilled. One of the most balanced dogs of the bunch.
Buy: $7.99 for a 12-ounce package at Midwestern Meats, 4308 E. Main St., Mesa. 480-924-5855, midwestern meats.com.
Note: Most of these hot dogs are also available via mail order, direct from the producers.