Remember that time you ate a fast food corn dog and it tasted like… despair? Yeah, we’ve been there. The quest for the perfect, portable, deep-fried dog on a stick is a dangerous one.
But fear not, brave adventurers! We’ve ventured into the greasy depths of the fast food world and emerged with both triumphant heroes and utter fails.
Prepare yourself: we’re ranking 9 corn dogs worth bragging about, and 6 that should be erased from existence.
1. Sonic’s Corn Dog: A Drive-In Delight
Golden-brown perfection awaits at Sonic Drive-In! Their corn dogs feature a slightly sweet batter that crisps up beautifully while staying soft inside.
The hot dog quality is notably better than most competitors. Plus, they’re often on happy hour specials for just 99 cents!
2. Disneyland’s Little Red Wagon: Magic In Every Bite
The famous hand-dipped corn dogs from Disneyland’s Little Red Wagon stand are legendary for good reason. These massive treats feature premium hot dogs encased in made-from-scratch cornmeal batter.
The outside develops a perfect crunch while the inside stays fluffy. Yes, they’re pricey, but absolutely worth standing in line for.
3. Shake Shack’s Corn Dog: Limited-Time Legend
When Shake Shack releases their special corn dogs (usually during summer months), run, don’t walk! Using their famous beef hot dogs, they create a masterpiece with housemade corn batter.
The texture balance is spot-on – crispy exterior with a tender, slightly sweet interior. They serve them with spicy honey mustard.
4. Korean Corn Dogs: Mozzarella Magic
While not from a single chain, Korean-style corn dogs have exploded in popularity at mall food courts. These innovative treats often contain both hot dog and mozzarella cheese.
The exterior gets rolled in panko breadcrumbs, creating an extra-crunchy shell. Many places finish them with sugar, giving a sweet-savory combo that’s completely addictive.
5. Wienerschnitzel’s Original Corn Dog: Budget-Friendly Winner
Hot dog specialists Wienerschnitzel know their way around a corn dog! Their version features a nicely balanced cornmeal batter that’s neither too sweet nor too savory.
The hot dog inside maintains its juiciness even after frying. At under $2 regularly and often on special for less, these corn dogs deliver consistent quality without breaking the bank.
6. Dairy Queen’s Corn Dog: Reliable Road Trip Fuel
DQ’s corn dogs make for perfect road trip food! The batter has a distinctly sweet flavor that complements their all-beef franks nicely.
They’re consistently well-cooked with no soggy spots. Many locations offer them as part of meal deals. Pro tip: Ask for a side of DQ’s cheese sauce for dipping.
7. Hot Dog On A Stick: Mall Food Court Champion
This mall staple hand-dips each corn dog to order in their signature bright yellow batter. The result is a uniquely fluffy, almost cake-like coating that stands apart from competitors.
Their hot dogs have a satisfying snap when you bite in. The corn batter has a slight sweetness that’s instantly recognizable to fans.
8. Corn Dog Castle At Disney California Adventure: Premium Park Fare
The hot spot for corn dog lovers at Disney California Adventure offers both original and spicy versions. These hand-dipped beauties are massive – easily a meal for one person!
The cornmeal batter has a perfect sweetness level with visible corn kernels inside. Though they cost around $10, the size and quality make them worth the splurge.
9. A&W’s Corn Dog: Nostalgic Fast Food Classic
A&W’s corn dogs deliver nostalgia in every bite! Their batter has a distinct honey sweetness that creates a beautiful golden exterior.
The all-beef hot dogs inside maintain their juiciness. They’re not fancy or trendy, just reliable comfort food.
10. Burger King’s Corn Dogs: Skip This Drive-Thru Option
Burger King occasionally adds corn dogs to their menu, but they consistently disappoint. The batter-to-hot-dog ratio is way off, with too much bready coating that lacks corn flavor.
The hot dogs inside are thin and often dry. Even at value menu prices, these aren’t worth ordering. Stick to BK’s burgers!
11. 7-Eleven’s Go-Go Taquitos Corn Dogs: Convenience Store Letdown
The roller grill corn dogs at 7-Eleven look tempting but deliver minimal satisfaction. After spinning for hours under heat lamps, they develop a tough, chewy exterior.
The interior hot dog often dries out completely. Even with two-for-one deals, these corn dogs can’t compete with freshly fried versions.
12. Jack In The Box Mini Corn Dogs: Tiny Disappointments
Jack in the Box’s mini corn dogs sound fun but fall flat in execution. These bite-sized nuggets contain mystery meat that barely qualifies as hot dog.
The cornmeal coating lacks flavor and often arrives either soggy or overly greasy. Even as a cheap side option, they’re not worth the calories or cost.
13. Chuck E. Cheese Corn Dogs: Kid-Friendly But Flavor-Poor
While Chuck E. Cheese aims to please young diners, their corn dogs miss the mark on quality. The batter lacks the sweet cornmeal flavor that makes good corn dogs special.
The hot dogs inside are basic at best. Even kids with undiscriminating palates deserve better!
14. Walmart Deli Corn Dogs: Grocery Store Gamble
The pre-made corn dogs in Walmart’s deli section might seem convenient, but they’re consistently disappointing. After sitting under heat lamps, the exterior becomes tough and chewy rather than crisp.
The hot dog inside loses all its juiciness. You’re better off buying frozen ones to cook at home.
15. Gas Station Roller Grill Corn Dogs: Highway Robbery
Those corn dogs spinning endlessly on gas station roller grills are among the worst food choices on American highways. They develop a strange rubbery texture after hours of heat exposure.
The mystery-meat hot dogs inside are often suspiciously red. These road trip temptations should be avoided. Your digestive system will thank you!