Katz’s
205 E. Houston St.
(212-254-2246)
The quintessential New York hot dog, in the quintessential setting ($2.50).

F&B
269 W. 23rd St.
(646-486-4441)
They serve smoked-tofu dogs here, but don’t let that deter you: The pork ($3.50) and the beef ($2.50) versions are pure fatty pleasure.

Gray’s Papaya
402 Sixth Ave.
(212-260-3532).
Slim and snappy, the best of the papaya posse (75 cents).

Sparky’s
135-A N. 5th St., Brooklyn
(718-302-5151)
A gourmet weiner if there ever was one: The frank is Niman Ranch, the bacon is applewood-smoked, the cheddar is Grafton, plus a fancy-pants bun ($2.50 to $3.50).

Eleven Madison Park Hot Dog Cart
Madison Park at 23rd St.
Get ’em while they last: Danny Meyer’s estimable Chicago dogs ($2.50) may not return to the park next year, but we hope they’ll show up elsewhere.

Related:

• Archive: “Cover Story”
• Articles by Rob Patronite | Robin Raisfeld
• Table of Contents: Jul 28, 2003 issue of New York | Subscribe!