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Where to get a gourmet hot dog on the Fourth of July

From longtime spots slinging chili dogs to roadside drive thrus, this is your guide to Charlotte’s hot dog scene.

July 3, 2024 • 
Maria Delgado
Two hot dogs with stacked toppings and sauce on a silver tray.

The Good Wurst specializes in scratch-made sausages and smoked meats + serves hot dogs from to-go windows at the locations in South End and Plaza Midwood.

Photo via The Good Wurst Company

The Fourth of July makes me want a hot dog real bad. From neighborhood grill outs to baseball game brats, summer is hot dog season.

We asked for your favorites and rounded up local spots to grab a dog. We’ll be frank, we know Charlotte has other hot dog spots. If you’re favorite didn’t make our list, let us know.

The Good Wurst Company, multiple locations:

  • The Good Wurst specializes in scratch-made sausages, smoked meats, and Montreal style bagels with locations in South End and Plaza Midwood.
  • Open daily

Editor’s note: Check out a hot dog eating contest on Saturday, July 6 at Pilot Brewing.

Brooks’ Sandwich House, 2710 N. Brevard St., Charlotte

  • This family-run staple in NoDa serves stacked hot dogs and burgers.
  • Closed through Friday, July 5 for the holiday.

Pro tip: Brooks’ is a cash-only restaurant. There is an ATM on site.

Pinky’s Westside Grill, multiple locations:

  • Pinky’s opened in Wesley Heights in 2010 and was featured twice on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.”
  • Open daily
A hot dog with mustard, coleslaw, and chili with a busy restaurant in the background.

A fan favorite at JJ’s Red Hots is The Char Heel with a side of tater tots.

Photo by CLTtoday

JJ’s Red Hot, 1514 East Blvd., Charlotte

  • JJ’s has been serving hot dogs for 10 years in Charlotte. They take pride in their house-made chili, coleslaw, and toasted potato buns.
  • Open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, July 4-Saturday, July 7.

Pro tip: Try the Char Heel dog. It features house-made chili, slaw, diced onions, and yellow mustard.

Crave, multiple locations:

  • Expect an extensive menu featuring a loaded potato or Memphis dogs at the restaurants in Charlotte and Concord + a self-pour beer wall.
  • Open daily

South 21 Drive In, 3101 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte

  • Take a bite of nostalgia at the drive in to get a hot dog with all the fixins.
  • Closed on Sundays and Mondays

Stick Street at Urban District Market, 2315 N. Davidson St., Charlotte

  • Known as K-dogs, you’ll find the perfect combination of hot dogs and mozzarella coated in a batter and topped with condiments.
  • Open daily

Bonus: Billy Sunday Charlotte at Optimist Hall, 1115 N. Brevard St., Charlotte

  • Through Wednesday, July 31, the cocktail bar will be serving a hot dog platter as part of its CAMP theme.
  • Open daily
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