As if we didn’t need more excuses to enjoy America’s beloved culinary pasttime, it’s National Hot Dog Day (and National Hot Dog Month.) So why not grab one of our favorites in St. Paul and the east metro? These are all “weiners” in our book!

THE BULLDOG

Burgers and comfort fare are on the menu, but the hot dogs are definitely the stars. There are almost a dozen all-beef hot dog variations — from Chicago and stuffed cream cheese to mac and cheese to bacon-wrapped ones — so many, in fact, that it’s difficult for regulars to get bored. Tip: Opt for the truffle oil and Parmesan cheese-laced tater tots for your side. You won’t be disappointed. Multiple locations, including 237 E. Sixth St., St. Paul; thebulldoglowertown.com; 651-221-0750. Hot dogs, $8 to $10

CHICAGO’S TASTE AUTHORITY

The Dubnecay brothers grew up in the Windy City and know a thing or two about Chicago dogs and Italian beef sandwiches. They even make their hot dogs in house, which is one of the reasons the spot with locations in St. Paul and Minneapolis has such a following. Several hot dog varieties are available at Chicago’s Taste Authority — originally named Chris & Rob’s Chicago’s Taste Authority until the restaurant name was shortened in 2016 — including the always-reliable signature Chicago-style hot dog, made with 100 percent all-beef hot dogs, tomatoes, pickles, glowing green relish and onion. Dining in an old railroad car is part of the fun at the West Seventh space. Two locations, including 603 W. Seventh St.; St. Paul; 651-228-9347; chicagostasteauthority.com. Hot dogs $4 to $5.50

COZZIE’S TAVERN AND GRILL

The menu is large here, and some things can get overlooked. Make sure you zoom in on the signature mini dogs served with house-made Coney sauce and a mountain of cheese. They are not to be missed. They are also great for ordering a bunch and sharing at the table when you’re in a mood to nosh. 11154 60th St. N.; Stillwater; 651-342-0447; cozziestavern.com. Cozzie Dogs, Double Duce $6.95; Three Amigos $8.95

DEB’S HOT DOGS

The downtown St. Paul hot dog cart has long had a following for its all-beef hot dogs and chili dogs made with quality ingredients. And it’s hard to beat the prices. Deb’s carts have different hours depending on location (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Rice Park/Landmark Plaza; 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at Fifth and Wabasha streets; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays at Mears Park). Updates can be found on the cart’s Facebook page facebook.com/Debshotdogs7. Hot dog, $3; chili dog, $4.

GOPHER BAR

The local dive isn’t without controversy for its reputation for offensiveness, politically incorrectness and grumpy staff, but one thing isn’t hotly debated — that the place serves one of the finest Coneys around. It’s a winning combo of yellow mustard, chili meat sauce, raw onions galore and the option of cheddar cheese on a buttery grilled bun that melts in your mouth. FYI: The spot is cash only. 241 E. Seventh St.; 651-291-9638; facebook.com/Gopher-Bar. Coney, $3.50 original, $4 with cheese.

KEENAN’S 620 CLUB

The Coney here has long had a reputation for being one tasty dog. A toasty, buttery grilled bun, chili and raw onions are just the right mix. A special Coney sauce and a drizzle of mustard bring it home. There’s also the option of adding cheese, which is highly recommended. 620 W. Seventh St., St. Paul; 651-227-3840; facebook.com/Keenans-Bar-and-Grill-620-Club. Coney, $3.50

KELLY’S DEPOT

This Lowertown neighborhood bar and grill has been drawing regulars for decades and is known for its grilled hand-patty burgers, hot dogs and buttery buns prepared in the kitchen behind the bar. Here the Coneys with chili, cheese and large chunks of raw onion make the grade for both taste and down-to-earth prices. 241 E. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul; kellysdepot.com; 651-298-0099. Coney, $3.75

KYATCHI

Chef/co-owner Hide Tozawa is a baseball fan, so it’s no surprise he has an affinity for the ballpark favorite, which shows up alongside fancier menu items at his sustainable sushi spot. He hits it out of the park with snappy, juicy hot dogs, made with Limousin beef hot dogs and served with a side of Japanese potato salad, that have made our Best Dishes of the Year list. Varieties can rotate, but currently available is a Yakisoba Dog with stir-fried noodles, one with shishito peppers, another with avocado and egg as well as one with sauteed mushrooms, soy butter and Parmesan. Two locations, including Lowertown: 308 E. Prince St.; St. Paul; 651-340-5796; kyatchi.com. Hot dogs, $10 to $11

LOLO AMERICAN KITCHEN AND CRAFT BAR

The variations can change, but some things are always true about the hot dogs here — they’re always giant, the ingredients first-rate and the variations are tasty and creative. Currently bacon-wrapped hot dogs with mustard and farm salsa can be found on the menu. Two locations, 233 Main St.; Stillwater; 651-342-2461 and 175 Second St.; Hudson; 715-808-8025; loloamericankitchen.com. Bacon-wrapped hot dogs, $13 for two

PORTILLO’S

The roast beef sandwiches and chocolate cake often get the spotlight, but the hot dogs at Portillo’s are just as worthy of mention. In fact, Chicago-born Portillo’s founder Dick Portillo originally started the business as The Dog House hot dog stand on North Avenue in Villa Park. It was such a hit that the concept grew from there. The menu includes Chicago style or chili cheese hot dogs. 8450 Hudson Road, Woodbury; portillos.com. Hot dogs $3 to $4

SPRING CAFE

Beef hot dogs here are sourced from Peterson Craftsman Meats, which emphasizes local, heritage-bred livestock. The result, a primo dog with top-notch ingredients to match. Grab one served plain, with chili, kimchee or, our favorite, elote style, and enjoy views of the water at this Como lakeside pavilion restaurant. 1360 N. Lexington Parkway, St. Paul; springcafestp.com. Peterson Beef Hot Dog $6; Peterson Beef Chili Dog, Kimchee Dog or Elote Dog, $7

WALDMANN BREWERY