An Iconic Southern Maine Hot Dog Stand Was Named the Best in the State

It doesn't matter how health-conscious this country may become, there's no denying that the hot dog will always reign supreme.

And for good reason—they are freaking delicious.

It's the perfect comfort-food treat. It's great at a baseball game or picnic, while camping, at the golf course, at a tailgate, at Christmas dinner, after a day of skiing, at a funeral, or really any type of gathering where meat needs to be consumed.

The hot dog is also very versatile. They can be grilled, fried, steamed, deep-fried, or even microwaved—although that should be your last resort. No matter how it's cooked, it's going to taste good.

How Much Does America Love Hot Dogs?

Speaking of consumption, yeah, there's a lot of that here. According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (how do I join this council?), Americans spent $8.4 BILLION on hot dogs and sausages in U.S. supermarkets in 2024. That's a lot of wieners, folks!

While the hot dog has European origins, it has clearly been perfected in the United States (just like most things). And there's a list that completely backs up that statement.

The popular foodie site TheTakeout.com posted a list all about this country's love for tubed meat. It's a deep dive into how we have perfected the hot dog from its humble beginnings to what it is today. The list features the best hot dog stand in every state, from trendy spots to classic joints that have been dishing out dogs for years.

What is the Best Hot Dog Stand in Maine?

Maine's representative falls into that second category, as TheTakeout.com selected a Southern Maine joint that's been satisfying customers for decades: Flo's Hot Dogs.

Located in Cape Neddick, Flo's has been steaming hot dogs to perfection since opening in 1959. Scores of people stream to the shack daily to get a taste of the special dogs topped with Flo's famous relish.

Like many other iconic Maine dining spots, Flo's is a can't-miss stop for any local or tourist. And Flo's knows how to keep demand high, considering they’re only open for four hours each day. Why can’t we all have that schedule?

The power of Flo's is immense. A simple search on Instagram will reveal numerous fan pages dedicated to the stand. Folks from Florida, Kentucky, and practically every corner of the map comment about their first trip to Flo's—or how they make sure to visit every time they’re in the state. The power of Flo's is unstoppable. It must be that relish.

Here’s a bit of what TheTakeout.com wrote about why they selected Flo's as Maine's best spot:

The all-beef franks used in the tiny barn in Southern Maine come from Massachusetts, but the preparation can be credited solely to the multiple generations who have run Flo's since the '50s. The Flo's special is the thing to order—it’s a boiled frank inside a steamed bun with celery salt, a homemade onion relish, and mayonnaise on top.

It may sound a little strange, but it’s been a massive hit for generations. Clearly, they know what they’re doing. Also, celery salt on a hot dog is an absolute must. I don’t know who started that trend, but a big thanks to them.

Congratulations to Flo's on the national attention. It’s always great to see small Maine businesses get the recognition they deserve. Here’s to many more generations of their special steamed hot dogs satisfying the palate.