Rhode Island—Despite its small size, Rhode Island has a big reputation for hot dogs. The state is famous for its unique New York System wiener, a culinary tradition distinct from the hot dogs found elsewhere. This article guides you through some of the best places to experience this Rhode Island specialty and other noteworthy hot dog spots across the state.
What is a Rhode Island New York System Wiener?
Before we dive into specific locations, it's essential to understand what makes a Rhode Island New York System wiener unique. It's not a New York-style hot dog. Key characteristics include:
- Small, Thin Wiener: Typically made with veal and pork blend.
- Steamed Bun: A soft, steamed bun is essential.
- The "Works": The classic topping combination is yellow mustard, meat sauce (a finely ground beef sauce often with celery salt and other spices), chopped onions, and celery salt—never ketchup.
- Coffee Milk: The traditional beverage pairing is coffee milk, a Rhode Island staple made with coffee-flavored syrup and milk.
Rhode Island's Hot Dog Hotspots:
Providence:
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Olneyville New York System Restaurant (Providence): This is where to experience a classic Rhode Island New York System wiener. Olneyville N.Y. System is a Providence institution known for its "all the way" wieners, crispy fries, and coffee milk. Expect a no-frills, authentic experience. It is known for having the best hot dogs in the area.
- Location: Providence, RI
- Highlights: Classic New York System wieners, "all the way," crispy fries, coffee milk, Providence institution, authentic experience
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Baba's Original New York System (Providence): Another Providence contender, Baba's Original New York System, serves up their wieners and coffee milk with prompt, friendly service.
- Location: Providence, RI
- Highlights: New York System wieners, coffee milk, prompt service, friendly atmosphere
Cranston:
- Olneyville New York System Cranston (Cranston): The Cranston location of Olneyville N.Y. System offers the same classic wieners and experience as the original Providence location, making it a convenient option for those in the Cranston area.
- Location: Cranston, RI
- Highlights: Classic New York System wieners, delicious and reasonably priced, convenient location
Warwick:
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Spike's Junkyard Dogs - Warwick (Warwick): While not strictly a "New York System" joint, Spike's offers a wide variety of creative hot dog toppings and combinations, friendly staff and reasonable prices. They have some of the best hot dogs in the area.
- Location: Warwick, RI
- Highlights: Variety of hot dogs, creative toppings, friendly staff, reasonable prices, not strictly New York System
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Sam's New York System (Warwick): Reviewers claim these dogs are super delicious.
- Location: Warwick, RI
- Highlights: New York Style Dog
North Providence:
- Sam's New York System (North Providence): This Sam's location is praised for its outstanding hot dogs, spotlessly clean environment, efficient service, and great value. It's another excellent option for experiencing the classic Rhode Island wiener.
- Location: North Providence, RI
- Highlights: Amazing hot dogs, spotlessly clean, efficient service, great value, New York System wieners
Johnston:
- Little Rhody Brand Frankfurts: While not a restaurant, this company supplies meat sauce, buns, and more. It will also answer any questions you have.
- Location: Johnston, RI Highlights: Buns, Meat Sauce
The unique and beloved New York System wiener dominates Rhode Island's hot dog scene. From iconic institutions like Olneyville N.Y. System to newer spots offering creative variations, Rhode Island provides a delicious and distinctive hot dog experience. So, grab a wiener "all the way," a glass of coffee milk, and discover why these small, flavorful hot dogs are a Rhode Island culinary treasure.
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