Katz’s Delicatessen’s Hot Dog, One of Our 100 Favorite Dishes

Dish no. 72: Hot dog from Katz’s Delicatessen (205 East Houston Street, 212-254-2246)

Katz’s has seen some challenges after 100 years in business, but it remains a downtown staple. An establishment both locals and tourist can both enjoy, it is internationally known for its pastrami and corned beef sandwiches — which makes it easy to overlook the fantastic homemade hot dog served with sauerkraut and deli mustard. Katz’s dog is a little firmer and darker than most other wieners, and you can actually taste the quality of the meat, just like a good kielbasa or Italian sausage. The sharp sauerkraut adds nice textural play as well as acidity. Inside tip: Ask the cooks to toast the bun for you when you order; it makes a big difference. Pair it with a Cel-ray or black cherry soda.

In advance of our 2014 Best of NYC issue, we’re traipsing through the boroughs and divulging our favorite dishes of the year. They’re presented here as a countdown, but we’re listing them in no particular order. Consider this a guide to what’s good to eat in this town right this very second.