DOWNTOWN
(PLUS FIVE OTHER LOCATIONS)
It's practically a law that all carnivores in Atlanta have to love the Varsity's hot dogs. But it's not a difficult tradition to honor: fresh dogs, naked or topped with slaw, chili, cheese, mustard, ketchup or any combination therein, are hot, cheap and belly-filling.
$1.39-$2.56. Six Atlanta locations. www.thevarsity.com.
COLLEGE PARK, MIDTOWN
Joe's on Juniper, Joe's on Sullivan
Joe's on Sullivan and Joe's on Juniper both serve an all-beef Nathan's jumbo frank, grilled and nestled into a poppy seed bun. The most popular, says Terry Jones, managing partner in College Park, is the chili dog, topped with Kickin' Chili, shredded jack and cheddar and chopped green onions. Joe's also does a kraut dog, and all can be ordered as double dogs. Both locations are open until 2 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays and until midnight on Sundays.
$3.95-$8.95. 1049 Juniper St., Atlanta; 2144 Sullivan Road, College Park. www.joesatlanta.com.
SOUTH
It's a cliché, but true: Hot dogs from a ballpark taste best. At the Ted, it's more than atmosphere that makes them feel so right. Orazio LaManna, executive chef for Aramark at Turner Field, says a high-quality kosher beef frank from Hebrew National is the reason Braves fans eat about 13,000 dogs per home game. For $13 (plus the $600 seasonal membership dues), you can try the stadium's most popular version at the Sports Bar in the 755 Club. A footlong is tucked into a freshly baked egg bun and served with homemade honey dijon mustard, fries and coleslaw. In the cheaper seats, concessions offer several sizes with all the fixings, including chili, cheese, kraut and freshly chopped onions.
$3 to $5.50. 755 Hank Aaron Drive, Atlanta. 404-577-9100, atlanta.braves.mlb.com. Home games daily May 22-26.
— Lynn Peisner
