Hot dogs and summertime go hand in hand. The classic bite — smothered in ketchup and mustard and snug in a bun — is perfect for those on-the-go taking in what the summer season has to offer: sports games, pool parties and backyard barbecues. Eating a hot dog is (usually) a one-handed operation; use that other hand to pet an actual dog nearby or lift a drink to your mouth.

Cincinnati has plenty of hot dogs to choose from, some traditional and others more extravagant. We sent our CityBeat editorial interns out to test out some of the Queen City’s most classic spots to grab a hot dog and and report back with their recommendations. These aren’t fancy gourmet sausages delicately topped with fried egg or kimchi — these are real wieners: no-frills torpedoes of meat, hugged by a white-bread bun and smothered with a hot dog’s best companions: chili, cheese, ketchup and/or sport peppers. OK. There may be some coleslaw in there, too.

Photos by Sami Stewart
Mr. Gene’s Dog House 3703 Beekman St., South Cumminsville This hot dog house has been serving up coneys for 52 years, keeping things simple with only a handful of dog variations — and some ice cream to wash it all down. (From left to right) Mr. Gene’s Italian Sausage Sandwich, Chicago Dog and Slaw Dog. Sami Stewart
Mr. Gene’s Dog House Sami Stewart
The Root Beer Stand 11566 Reading Road, Sharonville A seasonal hotspot for Cincinnatians. The stand has been around since 1957 and serves up housemade root beer and special recipe chili, including on these cheese coneys. Sami Stewart
Ollie’s Trolley 1607 Central Ave., OTR A Cincinnati staple in soul food, Ollie’s Trolley offers specially seasoned burgers, turkey tips, vegetarian sides and more, including these chili cheese dogs and pink lemonade. Sami Stewart
Ollie’s Trolley Sami Stewart
Harley Dogs 220 Madison Ave., Covington A humble hot dog hut that holds its ground, Harley Dogs has been peddling dogs for five years and has built up quite the fan base. Harley Illes, owner of Harley Dogs, recommends the Glier’s bratwurst smothered in nacho cheese. Sami Stewart
Glier’s bratwurst with nacho cheese Sami Stewart
Avril-Bleh & Sons 33 E Court St., Downtown The meat market’s summertime sausage and hot dog stand is located on the sidewalk outside of their downtown storefront. The grill is open 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday-Friday through the end of summer. Restaurants ranging from Senate to Zip’s to Izzy’s use Avril-Bleh meats. Sami Stewart
Avril-Bleh’s summertime grill Sami Stewart