Top Dog of Rockport,
2 Doyle Cove Road, Rockport
The Golden Retriever, a hot dog smothered in mac and cheese ($3.75), is the most popular item, said co-owner Scott Lucas. But he added: “Our specialty is that we have so many specialties.” There are 15 signature frankfurters, many named after breeds of dog, such as the Boston Terrier, covered in baked beans, and the Mutt, which combines any two toppings on the menu. www.topdogrockport.com
Daly Dog & Daly Scoop Ice Cream,
316 Groveland St., Haverhill
She started with a cart nine years ago, but Christine Daly soon moved into the current bricks-and-mortar site. Customers can order their dogs steamed, grilled, or fried. The Fenway Monsta Dog weighs in at a half-pound and costs $5.50, though Daly admits that many of her customers opt for something smaller. www.dalydogs-dalyscoop.com
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Danish Dogs, 39 Long Pond Road, Plymouth
The signature item at this seasonal food truck is the eponymous Danish Dog ($3), topped with fried onions, homemade remoulade, and homemade Danish-style pickles. Open 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Thursday to Monday, and owner Annelise Dexter said she will be open as long as the weather permits.
Windy City Eats, 407 Middle St., Weymouth
For a zestier take on the hot dog, this jalapeño-cheddar dog ($4.75) is topped with spicy mustard, chili, cheese, and sauerkraut. Windy City also offers the classic Chicago-style dog ($3.25) with mustard, bright green relish, onion, tomato, pickle, sport peppers, and celery salt, all in a poppy seed bun. www.windycityeats.com
BeeZers, 277 Main St., Northborough
The signature frank is the Chicago Hot Dog ($3.95), an all-beef frank served in a poppy seed bun and topped with yellow mustard, bright green relish, chopped onions, tomato slices, cucumber slices, a crisp dill pickle spear, and celery salt. www.beezershotdogs.com
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George’s Coney Island Lunch,
158 Southbridge St., Worcester
Toppings of yellow mustard, chili sauce, and chopped onions distinguish this dog, which, despite the restaurant’s name is more Michigan than Brooklyn. They are a fixture in Detroit and Flint, but can also be found in Massachusetts. $1.50. www.coneyislandlunch.com
William Holt can be reached at william.holt@globe.com.