Frank Advice

Are these America’s best hot dogs? You’ll have to find them to decide.

Brooke Russi

orget Fenway Franks. They pale in comparison to the behemoth that is Speed’s hot dog. This is a secret that’s definitely worth the trek. Since 1975, in an unfashionable, out-of-the-way warehouse district, Speed’s kitchen on wheels has served up what some aficionados consider the best hot dog in the country. The half-pound franks are marinated in apple cider and brown sugar, then grilled over charcoal. These dogs are served to order, but we strongly recommend the Everything. Though Ezra “Speed” Anderson has retired, the tasty tradition is unchanged under his longtime apprentice Greg Gale. This is street food at its best—no frills, big taste, and you’ll never want another ballpark frank. Moravek

Includes house-made relish (a mix of piccalilli and cranberry chutney), a special mustard blend, a house-made beef chili, and chopped white onions

Shhhh! The nickname came from Anderson’s fast-talking days as a DJ. His successor has named the signature hot dog after him: the Boston Speed Dog.

Shhhh! Gale was formerly executive chef
at the Hatherly Country Club in Scituate

Shhhh! The dogs come from Grote & Weigel
of Bloomfield, Connecticut, and the rolls
are made by Quinzani Bakery of Boston

Shhh who knew

Americans eat seven billion hot dogs in the summertime alone, including 155 million on the July 4 weekend, or an average of 60 hot dogs per person per year.