Columbia, MOHot Dogs

Jeff Spencer left truck driving in 2013 to sell hot dogs from a cart on the MU campus, and he told COMO Magazine that putting out his Vienna Beef sign drew a line a mile long, since the student body was then about 60 percent Illinois natives. Two years of that paid for the Business Loop building. Inside Columbia calls the Vienna dogs here worth ordering even though the burgers get the awards. Get a Chicago style dog and tater tots.

Inside Columbia's hot dog guide sends you to this Ninth Street pool hall for one of its hot dogs with a bag of chips, in the air conditioning, with a pool game or a ballgame on. Vox Magazine notes Booches has been in business since 1884 and that its food arrives as is on a piece of wax paper, no plate. Order a dog and chips at the counter and take the first open stool.

This Orange Street drive-in opened in 1956, and Vox Magazine reports its zip burgers and its hot dogs are equally popular, alongside the homemade root beer it calls a must have. Inside Columbia points here specifically for the chili dog, made with the house chili and served with cheese fries. Bring cash, because the window does not take cards, and add a mug of the root beer.

Inside Columbia's hot dog guide picks the Slaw Dog here, loaded with toppings, slaw and sauce and grilled, and describes it as an entire July barbecue on one plate. Lloyd and Fontella Henry smoke their smaller meats fresh daily and the larger cuts a day ahead, COMO Magazine reports, and their house blended spices and sauce carry the menu. Order the Slaw Dog on a Paris Road visit.

Inside Columbia argues the hot dogs at this north Columbia barbecue house are anything but humble next to the brisket: the chili dog is a quarter pound smothered in toppings, and the hot dog entree comes with two quarter pound dogs. Vox Magazine notes the family owned kitchen has been smoking brisket and pulled pork since 2013. Order the chili dog, or the two dog plate if you are hungry.