Maine's Red Snapper Ranks Among America's Best Hot Dogs

We're finally heading into summer.

It's a season filled with cookouts, camping trips, days at the beach, cold drinks, and plenty of great food. And when it comes to summer staples, few things hit the spot quite like a hot dog. Here in Maine, we happen to have one of the most iconic hot dogs in the country: the red snapper.

You know the one. It's that bright red hot dog with a signature natural casing that delivers an unmistakable snap when you bite into it. It's simple, unique, and about as Maine as it gets.

Found throughout the state, this authentic Maine sausage is the bee's knees. It's the perfect combination of well-seasoned meat, savory juices, and a casing that only angels could have invented. There's nothing quite like that snap when you take a bite.

How Popular are Red Snapper Hot Dogs?

How good are these puppies? Well, one website claims they're among the best regional hot dogs in America. That's pretty impressive.

The folks over at VinePair.com included the red snapper on their list of the 21 Best Regional Hot Dogs in America, alongside icons like the Chicago dog, the Sonoran dog, and the Polish Boy, just to name a few. That's some impressive company to keep.

Here's what VinePair had to say about Maine's favorite meat:

...the red snapper hot dog is a Maine delicacy. The beef-and-pork hot dog is served on a toasted New England-style bun that is split from the top instead of the side, just like the buns used to serve the state’s iconic lobster rolls.

Man, I love a red snapper. It completely outshines the competition. Fenway Frank? Nathan's? Hebrew National? None of them even belong in the same league as the red snapper.

When is the Best Time to Eat a Red Snapper Hot Dog?

Even though they're perfect for summer, red snappers are a year-round staple. They're ideal for cookouts, birthdays, court hearings, ballgames, funerals, graduations, weddings, work parties, breakfast, lunch, and dinner...you get the point. And unlike many of the other dogs on the list, the red snapper is a versatile vessel. Virtually any topping in the world can go on a red snapper, and it'll still taste like it came straight from heaven.

All hail the mighty red snapper. It's wonderful to see it recognized as one of America's best regional hot dogs. But maybe... it's actually Maine's best food.

Yes, I'm putting lobster in the corner.