Look, you can eat a hot dog. Or you can eat a hot dog in Mount Pleasant. One is fine, the other is unforgettable. So we found the seven spots that turn a simple frank into a Lowcountry masterpiece, from Shem Creek to the Old Village. Just remember the mustard. Or don’t. You can always lick your fingers clean.
Dog and Duck
$ | (843) 881-3056 | WEBSITE
We’re going to stretch our definition of a hot dog joint for one paragraph to include The Dog and Duck on this list. This American spot is too good, and technically they do serve very tasty things that come with buns and toppings. They also have taco salad wraps if you’re one of those people who count that as casual fare. But for a relaxed meal, stick to the classics. Each is made fresh until it’s hot and you can get them with crispy onion rings or spicy fried pickles.
Our favorite is the Reuben sandwich: corned beef and sauerkraut between grilled rye with Swiss cheese and Russian dressing. Pair it with the affordable draft beer that feels especially designed for a trivia night.
Not Just Franks Cafe
$ | (843) 971-8830 | WEBSITE
Not Just Franks Cafe needs no introduction to Mount Pleasant hot dog aficionados and people who have wandered over to this outdoor lunch counter after a morning at the beach. But this picnic-style spot isn’t just a breakfast option. It’s still an essential lunch destination—especially if you want a sandwich that can double as a paperweight. If you do, order the chicken bacon ranch sammich on toasted bread.
These are generous, stuffed generously with meat and toppings, and you should just go ahead and get an extra side of their solid coffee to enjoy at your picnic table. You’ll want it.
Jack’s Cosmic Dogs
$ | (843) 884-7677 | WEBSITE
The window of opportunity to grab a delicious hot dog from Jack’s Cosmic Dogs is wide open. On paper, which is to say their regular hours, they’re open daily from 11am to 8pm, and they rarely close for private events. So you can pretty much count on them being there when you get the craving. If they are open, this place makes the best hot dogs to ever come from a retro counter-service joint. Everything that touches the grill at Jack’s—the classic dog, the build-your-own creations—is excellent.
It’s also so family-friendly, if it was any more welcoming, Jack’s would be in your living room (come to think of it, a living room hot dog bar sounds like a great idea).
Skoogies
$ | (843) 884-0172 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a hot dog that’ll make you forget you’re in South Carolina, this is it. This Chicago-style spot keeps it classic with their Vienna beef dogs piled high with all the traditional toppings. But if you do want something beyond the dog (and maybe a side of those shoestring fries) then the egg salad BLT sandwich is the move. And the parking in the lot out front is about as easy as it gets.
Johnny’s Hot Dogs
$ | (843) 849-5485 | WEBSITE
Johnny’s Hot Dogs is a hidden gem near the beach, just a short walk from the sand. Hot dogs make up the entire menu here, and your options are usually classic, chili cheese, and specialty toppings like crumbled potato chips. The chili cheese dog comes with a generous helping of chili, melted cheese, and we’re pretty sure we saw those potato chips sprinkled on top too. The classic—their version of a straightforward all-beef frank—uses a perfectly grilled dog.
They’re both served quickly, easy enough to eat with one hand, and since this is an outdoor setup, you can grab a spot at a picnic table, enjoy the Southern charm, and maybe a cold drink. You should probably eat that chili cheese dog quickly though, because it’s going to get messy.
Five Guys
$ | (843) 352-2598 | WEBSITE
There’s something about a double burger that feels particularly appropriate for when you’re really hungry. It’s substantial and you can eat it in stages, wrapping it back in its foil while you grab another handful of those Cajun fries. Thankfully all the very good options at this Mount Pleasant spot include those excellent lettuce-wrapped burgers for dietary needs.
We like their classic double with everything for our hungry days—but everything here is good, and the crew like Cody handles it all with care.
Cook Out
$ | (866) 547-0011 | WEBSITE
There are multiple items available at this Mount Pleasant spot. But we always go with the milkshakes here. They make their shakes thicker than any milkshakes we’ve seen around Charleston. It makes every sip taste like the first creamy gulp, and also results in a rich shake that’s easy to enjoy while navigating the casual dining space that has developed a taste for quick service.
You should also grab some fries or chicken nuggets, both of which are excellent things to eat while appreciating the friendly, professional staff.