Your guide to finding the best hot dogs in Birmingham

As the summer sun heats up, so does our craving for the perfect hot dog—that quintessential American treat that evokes memories of backyard barbecues, lake lunches and poolside snacks.

We rounded up eight of our favorite hot dog joints in The Magic City, including long-time Birmingham staples plus a few you might not expect.

Check out our reel to see us taste-test our favorites.

1. Paramount | Downtown Birmingham

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Starting off strong, Paramount is one of the best spots in town for high quality burgers, hot dogs and other American classics.

Pictured above is the mighty Smokewagon, a Niman Ranch hot dog topped with smoked ham, cheddar cheese, barbecue sauce, slaw and crispy jalapeños.

Pssst—Keep an eye out for Paramount’s second location coming soon to Homewood.

• Location: 200 20th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Hours: Daily 11AM-9PM

2. Pizza Grace | Mercantile on Morris

I bet you didn’t expect to see Pizza Grace on this list, but here it is: the pizza dog.

Baked into Pizza Grace’s to-die-for pizza dough, this hot dog can be customized to your heart’s content with a variety of toppings.

The bad news? It’s only available for lunch. You’re going to have to get your dinner dog somewhere else.

• Location: 2212 Morris Ave Suite 105, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Hours: Lunch 11:30AM-2PM | Dinner 5-9PM

3. The Collins Bar | 2nd Ave N

Time for a Birmingham history lesson: many years ago in 1957, Lyric Hot Dogs was founded in downtown Birmingham by Greek immigrant John Collins. His son, Andrew Collins, took over operations from 1971 until its closure in 2013.

That same year, Andrew Collins opened The Collins Bar and in 2017, he re-introduced the famous Lyric dog to the menu.

The Collins Bar now offers six varieties of the Lyric dog, including a chili dog, slaw dog and even a veggie dog. (Plus, it’s a great spot to grab a uniquely crafted cocktail.)

• Location: 2125 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Hours: Monday-Saturday 4PM-12AM

4. Gus’s Hot Dogs | 4th Ave N

Speaking of Birmingham history, this iconic hot dog stand first opened in downtown Birmingham in 1947.

Named one of the 35 best hot dogs in the U.S. by The Daily Meal, Gus’s is the perfect lunch spot to grab a chili dog, a bag of Golden Flake potato chips and a Pepsi.

• Location: 1915 4th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Hours: Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM | Saturday 10AM-4PM

5. Back Forty Beer Company | Avondale

You probably already love Back Forty’s tasty craft beer and massive taproom, but did you know they also serve gourmet pub food?

Our team loves the Back Forty hot dog, an all beef frank complete with cheese, beer mustard, onions and relish.

Not your style? They also serve a Conecuh dog, topped with spicy brown mustard and kraut.

• Location: 3201 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35222
• Hours: Monday + Wednesday 11AM-9PM | Thursday 11AM-10PM | Friday-Saturday 11AM-11PM | Sunday 11AM-8PM

6. The Standard | The Pizitz + Vestavia Hills

The Standard is exactly what it sounds like—classic, high quality burgers and sandwiches that set the standard for great food.

Get your dog plain, or load it up with any of their 10+ toppings like pimiento cheese, beef sauce, pickled jalapeños and more. Just don’t forget the tots!

• Location:
  • The Pizitz Food Hall: 1821 2nd Ave N #188, Birmingham, AL 35203
  • Vestavia Hills City Center: 700 Montgomery Hwy Suite 164, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
• Hours: Monday-Saturday 11AM-8PM

7. Tony’s Hot Dogs | Pelham

This family-owned hot dog joint in Pelham was named top 50 best hot dogs in America by Big 7 Travel and best hot dog in the state by Eat This, Not That.

Celebrating nearly 30 years in business, Tony’s Hot Dogs has been at the same location on Montgomery Highway in Pelham since Joseph Tortomasi bought the restaurant when he was 24 years old.

Together, Joseph and his wife Misty cook up some of the best dogs in town.

• Location: 1922 Montgomery Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35244
• Hours: Monday-Friday 5:30AM-3PM | Saturday 6:30AM-3PM

8. Stephen’s Hotdog Wagon | locations vary

When it comes to getting creative, this locally-owned hot dog food truck knows what they’re doing. 

Their menu features both classic dogs and unique topping options like potato salad, cajun crab dip, Frito’s and more.

• Location: Check socials for weekly location schedule
• Hours: Hours vary

Did we miss your favorite hot dog joint? Tag @bhamnow and let us know!