Boston Dogs Best in the Land

America's best hot dog is to be found in Beantown, writes Raymond Sokolov in the Wall Street Journal. On the eve of a new baseball season, Sokolov criss-crossed the country in a quest to find the top dog. Hollywood, New York, and (especially) Chicago offered strong contenders, but perfection in a bun was found at Speed's—a humble hot dog stand in a Boston parking lot.

Though he works out of what Sokolov notes is more vehicle than kitchen, Speed marinates his all-beef franks in apple cider and brown sugar, and grills them over charcoal. An octogenerian and former DJ, Speed serves them up with raw onions, his own relish, and beanless chili on a toasted bun. Sokolov also gives a nod to Shake Shack in New York, Pink's in Los Angeles, and an embarrassment of riches in Chicago. (More hot dogs stories.)