Few foods offer more bang for the bite than the all-American hot dog.
Long Islanders seeking frank fulfillment can discover a world of variety out here.
You can bite into dogs with an ethnic accent at Latin eateries in both Nassau and Suffolk, where toppings may include pineapple, avocado and jalapenos. And it's hard to resist a kosher deli Hebrew National that's striped with mustard, piled with sauerkraut.
There are stands and trucks selling wieners dressed up with chili or heaped with onions. And, in the Hamptons, you'll find Kobe beef dogs costing as much as some lobsters.
Admittedly, franks aren't health fare, but as an occasional treat, they're hard to beat. Many an epicure will confess to pulling over to a roadside stand or truck, lured by the prospect of the first bite and all the spicy juices.
So get out the Rolaids and let the quest begin.
TRUCKS
The Hot Dawg Truck, Dibblee Drive (near Lowe's), Garden City, hotdawgtruck.com.
Rod Ewart, brawny and tattooed, worked as a bouncer and a bartender before buying this truck and building himself a solid reputation in the hot dog world (he's also a competitive barbecuer). You can get either a boiled Sabretts or grilled Boar's Head dog, choosing from an inventive array of toppings. Ewart is known for his spicy onions and cooks about 80 pounds of them at a time. His biggest-selling "gourmet" dog is the Hong Kong Phooey, anointed with pineapple, bacon, teriyaki and chives. $1.50 to $2.50.
Hot Dog Truck, North Service Road, Long Island Expressway, between exits 62 and 61.
A Sabrett umbrella is the only name visible on this truck, whose chili and cheese dog on a fresh bun makes for a hearty bargain lunch. $1.50.
STANDS
All American Hamburger, 4286 Merrick Rd., Massapequa, 516-798-9574.
At this much-loved stand, there's more than just the namesake specialty. Hot dogs are simply grilled on rollers and served on warmed buns. Toppings include mustard, sauerkraut, chopped onions and cheese. $1.75.
Bonanza Stand, 25 Shore Ave., Oyster Bay, 516-922-7796.
The Bonanza family (yes, really) owns this aptly named century-old landmark, a popular spot in summer. Don't miss the Bonanza special, an all-beef frank with mustard, ketchup, sauerkraut, relish, chili and cheese, with the option of jalapeños. Cool down with some homemade Italian ice, another specialty here. Hot dogs, $1.70 to $2.10.
J.B. Dawgs, 16 Split Rock Rd., Syosset, 516-802-5690.
This colorful outdoor stand (with picnic table seating) steams Sabrett dogs in either regular or foot-long sizes. The real story, though, is the toppings, with such varieties as the Chicago dog crowned with diced onion, yellow mustard, green relish, a tomato wedge, a pickle spear, celery salt and sport peppers on a poppy seed bun, and the Buffalo dog, topped with shredded lettuce, Bleu cheese and Buffalo wing sauce. $2.25 to $3.25.
The Shack, 1 Stony Hollow Rd., Centerport, 631-754-8989.
It's a challenge finding a picnic table at this summer stand where the all-beef dogs may be had with sauerkraut, onion sauce, grilled onions, raw onions, Cheddar sauce and chili in any combination. Pass the Altoids. $2.25 to $2.50.