Best cheap hot dogs in New York City

Pretzel Dog at Sigmund's Pretzelshop

The folks at this Alphabet City storefront leave their franks in trusted hands—UES butchers Schaller & Weber—and focus instead on their own strengths, crafting a beautifully doughy, yeasty pretzel bun to complement the extra-juicy dog. House-made spiced sauerkraut and a blend of whole-grain, Dijon and yellow mustards complete the tidy package. 29 Ave B between 2nd and 3rd Sts (646-410-0333). $3.

Vinh at Asiadog

This flea-market star opened its first brick-and-mortar shop in 2011, hawking Asian-inflected franks. The most successful of the bunch is the Vinh, which gives a Schaller & Weber wiener the banh mi treatment: The bun is smeared with pâté on one side and sriracha aioli on the other, then topped with a flurry of cucumber, pickled carrot and daikon, diced jalapeños and cilantro. 66 Kenmare St between Mott and Mulberry Sts (212-226-8861). $4.50, two for $8.

Classic at Bark Hot Dogs

Brandon Gillis and Josh Sharkey are trailblazers in the artisanal-wiener boom, and their simple Classic is the best showcase of their secret weapon: a snappy beef-and-pork dog made in Rochester, New York. Griddled, basted in smoked lard butter and nestled into a Pepperidge Farm bun, it doesn't need any extra flourishes to shine. 474 Bergen St at Flatbush Ave, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-789-1939). $4.25.

Van Dog at PDT

Phillip Kirschen-Clark (Vandaag) is the latest boldfaced-name toque to make his mark on this cocktail den's haute-dog menu. His Scandinavian-inflected creation is built around an all-beef wiener that's been pickled in apple cider vinegar. The tangy frank is balanced by coriander-scented sauerkraut, mustard greens and piccalilli (an English-style relish). 113 St. Marks Pl between First Ave and Ave A (212-614-0386). $6.

Hoyt Dog at Mile End

This nouveau Jewish deli is best known for bringing Montreal-style smoked meat to the city, but it also makes its mark on a New York classic with its from-scratch hot dog. Each component is made in-house, from the griddled all-beef frank to the tangy sauerkraut and thick, poppy-seed–studded bun. Weekday lunchers can get the dog solo; at night, it's offered as a combo with a side of baked beans generously mixed with smoked meat. 97A Hoyt St between Atlantic Ave and Pacific St, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn (718-852-7510). Hot dog $7, combo $12.

Black Angus Dog with Pulled Pork at The Smoke Joint

The all-Angus hot dog at this Brooklyn barbecue house is deep-fried, grilled and stuffed into a toasted bun slicked with drawn butter. Swine-lovers can take it to the next level with a topping of pulled pork butt that's been smoked for 12 hours over maple and hickory. 87 South Elliott Pl between Fulton St and Lafayette Ave, Fort Greene, Brooklyn (718-797-1011). $5.

Original Hot Dog at Nathan's Famous

Tourists and tube-steak zealots make the trek to this Brooklyn landmark for a taste of hot-dog history. Established in 1916, the former 5¢ stand still does a roaring trade. The bun is flimsy, but in the end, it's just a vehicle for the chain-spawning wiener, which has a tight casing that gives way to a juicy interior. 1310 Surf Ave at Stillwell Ave, Coney Island, Brooklyn (718-946-2202). $3.80.

Recession Special at Gray's Papaya

Since 1982, this two-dog deal has served as the city's unofficial economic barometer, fluctuating in price through booms and busts. Currently pegged at $4.95, it's still a steal for the satisfying combo of two all-beef griddled dogs and buns—topped to your liking with gratis condiments like spicy mustard and paprika-flavored sweet onion sauce—and a 14-ounce drink. Choose from Gray's iconic tropical quaffs, like papaya juice or a virgin banana daiquiri. 402 Sixth Ave at 8th St (212-260-3532). $4.95.

Spicy Redneck at Crif Dogs

The stoner-friendly offerings at Crif Dogs include this perennial top seller, featuring a bacon-wrapped dog, chili, coleslaw and pickled jalapeños. The crunch of deep-fried bacon gives way to a soft interior, and the mild chili sauce soaks into the bun, giving each bite an extra hit of meaty flavor. 555 Driggs Ave at North 7th St, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-302-3200). $4.75.

Hot Dog at Dominick's Hot Dog Truck

Since 1959, Queens lunchers have been lining up for the old-school franks at this food truck outside St. John Cemetery. Get the boiled natural-casing Sabrett on a steamed bun with homemade spiced and sauted onions or punchy sauerkraut, and wash it down with a soda, in flavors like black cherry and cream, from 140-year-old White Rock. Woodhaven Blvd between 65th Dr and 65th Rd, Rego Park, Queens (no phone). $2.75.

Perro Mexicano at La Perrada de Chalo

This Colombian joint turns out  Latin American--style hot dogs (with outr toppings like diced pineapple). Our favorite is the zesty Mexican, loaded with salsa verde, melted cheese, crushed potato chips and squiggles of ketchup, mustard and spicy mayo. 83-12 Northern Blvd between 83rd and 84th Sts, Jackson Heights, Queens (718-360-0977). Regular $3.35, super $4.25.

Shack-cago Dog at Shake Shack

Danny Meyer's fast-food joint brings Gothamites a taste of the Midwest with this Chicago-style snack. The Vienna beef dog is split and griddled on a flattop, then nestled in a pillowy potato bun. It comes fully loaded with toppings, such as pickled green sport peppers and relish from Lower East Side pickle-maker Rick's Picks. Various locations; visit shakeshack.com. $4.

Meat Hook Hot Dog at Smorgasburg

Williamburg's meat-cleaving all-stars fire up the grill on Saturdays to serve their superbly spiced beef-and-pork frankfurters, sheathed in lamb casing. You can add homemade coleslaw for an extra buck, but we think the plump sausages are best with nothing more than a warmed potato bun and a dash of hot sauce. 27 North 6th St between Kent Ave and the East River, Williamsbsurg, Brooklyn (718-349-5033). Saturdays only. $5.

Vegan Hot Dog at Westville

Vegans in the know get their soybean dogs at Westville, where the grilled faux franks pack a serious hit of smoke and spice. Order a single, or ante up for the special: two dogs with thick-cut pickle chips, fries, salad or one of the eatery's seasonally driven sides, like sauted kale with shallots. 173 Ave A at 11th St (212-677-2033) * 210 W 10th St at Bleecker St (212-741-7971) * Single $3.50, special $10.