A Very Frank Decision

Downtown is Springfield’s epicenter of weenie greatness, and it is no surprise that Merle’s takes many of the top slots. Their Chicago dog makes the top of the list for flavor, plumpness and the ability to hold together. That was a point in favor of the dogs at Hammons Field, too; especially the Kosher. Nobody wants to use a knife and fork at the ballpark. Bailey’s was the surprise with the fiery jalapeño laced MONSTER Chili Dog making the list despite its sit-down knife-and-fork status. Smothered in Jerk Chili, it is one wiener you’ll have a hard time grabbing one handed.

Here are the rankings.

NOTE: Multiple attempts to locate the City Dogs hot dog cart downtown proved futile. We know you're out there, though. We'll hit you up next go-round.

1. Merle's Big Chicago Style (pictured)

$3.99, steamed or grilled

Presentation: 5
Plumpness: 5
Texture: 5
Flavor: 5

Total: 20 points

Price for a picnic (20 dogs): $79.80

2. Bailey's MONSTER Chili Dog

$10.99, griddle

Presentation: 5
Plumpness: 5
Texture: 3
Flavor: 5

Total: 18

Price for a picnic (20 dogs): $219.80

3. Bailey's Chili Dog

$7.99, griddle

Presentation: 5
Plumpness: 4
Texture: 3
Flavor: 5

Total: 17

Price for a picnic (20 dogs): $159.80

4. Merle's Small Bull Dog

$1.99, steamed or grilled

Presentation: 5
Plumpness: 3
Texture: 4
Flavor: 5

Total: 17

Price for a picnic (20 dogs): $39.80

5. Hammons Field Kosher Dog With Peppers

$3.75, griddle

Presentation: 3
Plumpness: 4
Texture: 4
Flavor: 5

Total: 16

Price for a picnic (20 dogs): $75

 

6. Merle's Medium Chili Dog

$2.99, steamed or grilled

Presentation: 3
Plumpness: 4
Texture: 4
Flavor: 5

Total: 16
Price for a picnic (20 dogs): $59.80

7. Hammons Field Chetzel Dog

$4.75, griddle

Presentation: 3
Plumpness: 4
Texture: 4
Flavor: 4

Total: 15

Price for a picnic (20 dogs): $95.00

8. Merle's Big Pizza Dog

$3.99, steamed or grilled

Presentation: 4
Plumpness: 5
Texture: 3
Flavor: 3

Total: 15

Price for a picnic (20 dogs): $79.80

9. Bailey's Windy City

$6.99, griddle

Presentation: 3
Plumpness: 4
Texture: 3
Flavor: 4

Total: 14

Price for a picnic (20 dogs): $139.80

10. Hammons Field Basic Dog

$2.75, steamed

Presentation: 2
Plumpness: 3
Texture: 3
Flavor: 4

Total: 12

Price for a picnic (20 dogs): $55.00

11. Sonic Extra-long Coney

$3.19, boiled

Presentation: 3
Plumpness: 2
Texture: 3
Flavor: 3

Total: 11

Price for a picnic (2o dogs): $63.80

12. Sonic Coney

$0.99, boiled

Presentation: 2
Plumpness: 2
Texture: 3
Flavor: 3

Total: 10

Price for a picnic (20 dogs): $19.80

13. Casper's Chili Cheese Coney

$2.40, boiled

Presentation: 2
Plumpness: 1
Texture: 1
Flavor: 2

Total: 6

Price for a picnic (20 dogs): $48.00

14. Casper's Hot Dog

$1.95, boiled

Presentation: 1
Plumpness: 1
Texture: 1
Flavor: 1

Total: 4

Price for a picnic (2o d0gs): $39.00