New Haven, CTHot Dogs

Glenwood has flame-broiled its dogs and burgers over charcoal on Route 10 in Hamden since 1955, and CTbites' hot-dog guide points to its signature hot relish and its standing as one of the state's favorite dogs, a nod it has drawn from Connecticut Magazine. This is a true drive-in: order at the window and eat in the car or at a picnic table. Get a charcoal-grilled dog with the hot relish, add onion rings, and finish with a lobster roll in season.

Jordan's is named for the owner's son, who inspired its mac-and-cheese hot dog, a dog topped with macaroni that CTbites' guide calls a New Haven staple. The kitchen also does a turkey dog dressed with any toppings you want. It is a small, specialized dog counter where the loaded dogs are the reason to stop. Order the mac-and-cheese dog first, then build a second dog however you like from the topping list.

Camacho Garage, from chef Arturo Franco-Camacho, serves Mexican street food in a vintage-garage room in Westville, and CTbites' hot-dog guide singles out its Mexican Hot Dog: a Hummel beef dog with escabeche, pico de gallo, and chipotle mayo. It is a dog treated like the rest of the kitchen's careful street food rather than a quick bite. Order the Mexican Hot Dog with one of the tequila-forward cocktails from the bar.

Jake's Diggity Dogs in downtown Milford makes specialty dogs with toppings that range from steak and guacamole to teriyaki sauce and eggs. Its Hawaiian dog pairs pineapple with coconut shavings. Start there for a sweet and savory take.