Handy's Lunch ★ 4.0
Burlington landmark on the corner of Maple and South Champlain since Earl Handy opened in 1945. Famous for Texas Hot Dogs (split, mustard, onions,
Order: Texas Hot Dogs and the Big Daddy breakfast plate
History
The Michigan dog made its way to Burlington in the 1940s via Plattsburgh, NY, where Greek-American hot-dog stand owners adapted the Greek-influenced coney sauce to a northern audience. Beansie's Bus has served Michigan dogs at Battery Park since 1944 and Handy's Lunch on Maple Street since 1945; both are still doing it.
Common allergens: Gluten
Make it at home
Ingredients
- Chili sauce: 450g ground beef (80/20)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice (the New England signature)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 300ml beef stock
- To serve (per dog): 1 all-beef natural-casing frankfurter
- 1 split-top New England hot-dog bun, buttered and griddled
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped raw white onion
Method
- Brown the ground beef in a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat, breaking it into very fine crumbles with the back of a spoon (this fine texture is signature).
- When the beef is no longer pink, add diced onion and garlic; cook 5 minutes until soft.
- Stir in tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire, paprika, cumin, oregano, allspice, cinnamon and salt; cook 1 minute to bloom the spices.
- Pour in the beef stock, scrape the pan, and bring to a simmer; lower heat and cook uncovered 60-75 minutes until thick, glossy and spoonable (not soupy).
- Cook the frankfurter on a flat-top or grill until lightly blistered.
- Lay the dog in a toasted buttered bun, smear with mustard, top with 3 tablespoons of the chili sauce, and finish with a generous tablespoon of finely chopped raw onion.
Tip from the editors. Allspice is the distinguishing flavour vs Detroit-style Coney sauce; do not skip. Sauce keeps 5 days fridged and freezes well.
Where to eat michigan hot dog
Michigan hot dog in Burlington
Beansie's Bus ★ 4.5
An $8 chili-dog-and-fries combo at Battery Park with a Lake Champlain view is cheaper than any sit-down room downtown. Seasonal April-September only;
Try: Michigan hot dog and fries combo
More cities are in research. Want michigan hot dog covered somewhere specific? Tell us where you want to eat.