Sioux City has a few places that specialize in Coney Island-style hot dogs, which are small, three-bite-size franks generally served under a blanket of fine-grind chili meat. Thanks to a tip by local car dealer Jack J. Holmes, we believe we found the city’s best hot dogs at Milwaukee Wiener House.
They are a lovely sight, marshalled on the grill in impeccable formation: row upon row, side by side, each identical in shape, not one out of place. All condiments are available, but when we told the gent behind the counter to give us “the usual,” he dressed ours with mustard, chili, and raw onions.
The wieners come nestled in soft, warm buns so fresh they show the imprint of the gentlest grasp. These tube steaks are mere fingerlings, pale pink but with bright, porky flavor that is well complemented by the zest of the house-made fine-grind chili. Three or four such steamy babies make a nice meal.
The Milwaukee Wiener House opens at six in the morning, and has done so since 1918. A 1960 advertisement posted on the wall boasts that it has served 4,000,000 hot dogs, but the current management estimates the tally today is closer to 50,000,000.
Sunday | CLOSED |
Monday | 10am - 6pm |
Tuesday | 10am - 6pm |
Wednesday | 10am - 6pm |
Thursday | 10am - 6pm |
Friday | 10am - 6pm |
Saturday | 10am - 6pm |
Other Nearby Restaurants
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Royal Bake Shop
Centerville, South DakotaCustomers flock from all over Siouxland to Royal Bake Shop for utterly fresh baked goods, especially its famous Zebra Donuts.
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Crystal Café
South Sioux City, NebraskaCrystal Cafe is a 24/7 truck stop restaurant at the Iowa-Nebraska border serving hearty meals and high-rise cream pies.
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Tastee Inn & Out
Sioux City, IowaTastee Inn & Out is a drive-in serving the northwest Iowa beef sandwich known as a loosemeats, plus delicious fried onion chips with creamy dipping sauce.
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Miles Inn
Sioux City, IowaIn Northwest Iowa, taverns (loosemeats) are more popular than burgers. They’re at their best at the Miles Inn, which calls them Charlie Boys.
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Edgar’s
Elk Point, South Dakota** THIS RESTAURANT IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED **
Soda jerking is a fine art at Edgar’s, a vintage Elk Point, South Dakota sweet shop. Sundaes, malts, shakes, and sodas all are first-rate. -
Bob’s Drive-Inn
Le Mars, IowaBob’s superb Iowa loosemeats are browned ground beef, strained of fat, then pressure-cooked with sauce and spice, piled into a bun with pickles and cheese.