- Shake Shack’s limited-time Dog Days menu features five new hot dogs stacked with custom toppings and a special deal for the summer.
- The culinary team spent months developing bold, craveable flavors with toppings like beef chili, fried pickles, crispy onions and pickled cherry peppers.
- I tried the entire lineup and gave each creation a rating out of 10.
Famous for its cult-favorite burgers and crinkle-cut fries, Shake Shack is returning to its roots — with a new hot dog lineup that’s unapologetically extra. (The chain actually started as a humble hot dog cart in New York City.) Launching July 15 — just in time for National Hot Dog Day — the limited-time Dog Days menu features five fully loaded creations. We’re talking chili-smothered, dripping in melted cheese and stacked with crispy fried pickles, fried onions or fiery cherry peppers, all on Vienna® Beef franks.
I got an early taste of the entire lineup, and spoiler: these glizzies aren’t the kind you have on standby when the burgs run out — they are doing the most with main character energy. Prices range from $4.99 to $7.99, but the best part? Shake Shack is offering a limited-time deal: any 2 hot dogs for just $8.*
“Sometimes people think of hot dogs as lesser menu items, but we take them seriously,” says John Karangis, Executive Chef and VP of Culinary Innovation, who spent months developing the new options with his team at Shake Shack’s Innovation Kitchen. “This isn’t a gimmick — it's something we’re proud of.”
Grab the napkins, folks, because these dogs don’t mess around.
Shake Shack Dog Days Menu
Classic Hot Dog
Split and griddled crisp, this is the 100% beef hot dog that’s a constant on the Shake Shack menu and base for all the new summer menu items. “You’ll notice the split nature of the dog — it really shows off the caramelization from the grill,” says Karangis. It also makes the perfect landing pad for the avalanche of toppings to come. The frank itself is juicy, nicely spiced and has a satisfying snap. The toasted potato bun is the ideal match: soft, buttery and built to hold it all together.
Crispy Onion Cheese Dog
This dog has more crunch than your group chat — and just as much drama, thanks to a double dose of melted Cheddar and American cheese and the true star: crispy fried onions piled high on top. Made from Vidalias and coated with a seasoned flour, these are the crispy-fried onions you wish were on your green bean casserole instead of the ones from a can. The result? An irresistible crackle and welcome sweetness to complement the gooey cheese.
Fried Pickle Dog
Back in May, Shake Shack rolled out its fried pickles as a standalone side for the first time — and now they’re making a fun guest appearance on this hot dog, along with melted cheese and Niman Ranch applewood-smoked bacon. The fried pickles have a crisp coating with a hint of spice (it’s the same seasoned flour used on the crispy onions) and pack a salty, tangy, dilly punch. They’re great on their own, but does it dog? Honestly, it’s kind of a lot. With the bacon and two cheeses all competing for attention, the frank feels a bit overshadowed. And while the fried pickles are delicious, they don’t stay crisp for long in the bun.
Angus Beef Chili Dog
To paraphrase Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada, “Chili on a hot dog? Groundbreaking.” But hear me out: Shake Shack’s version is downright craveable. The chili is thick and smoky with just enough heat to keep things interesting. (The culinary team debated adding beans to the minced beef chili and decided against it. Good call.) Crispy fried onions bring the sweet crunch. It’s familiar, yes, but upgraded in a way that put a little more respect on the ballpark classic.
Angus Beef Chili Cheese Dog
They did the chili dog (above) one better by adding a generous layer of melted Cheddar and American cheese. Suddenly this goes from satisfying to decadent. The cheese doesn’t just add creaminess — it acts as a gooey bridge between the chili and the bun. It’s bold, messy and indulgent. Come at it with a hearty appetite and leave with zero regrets.
High Heat Dog
If you like heat without the hurt, this zippy dog will be your summer soulmate. The frank is hit with Shake Shack’s signature “Hot Spice” blend (think: cayenne, garlic, paprika), then loaded with chopped cherry peppers for a tangy, lip-tingling blast. The melted Cheddar and American cheese are there to bring some creamy relief. The overall effect is more of a slow burn than a full meltdown. It’s not as punishing as ghost pepper and Carolina Reaper fans might find it tame — but for most, there's a decent level of fire, backed up with flavor.
Verdict and Rankings
Overall, the new hot dog menu is a fun addition that offers compelling alternatives to the usual burgers and chicken sandwiches. I had a clear favorite, but I think the other options are worth trying, as well. Below, are my rankings, ranging from “Hot diggity!” to “Frankly, just fine.”
- Angus Beef Chili Cheese Dog: 9/10
- Crispy Onion Cheese Dog: 8.5/10
- High Heat Dog: 8.5/10
- Angus Beef Chili Dog: 8/10
- Classic Hot Dog: 7.5/10
- Fried Pickle Dog: 7/10
Susan (she/her) is the recipe editor at Good Housekeeping, where she pitches ideas, parses words, and produces food content. In the Test Kitchen, she cooks (and samples!) recipes, working with developers to deliver the best written versions possible. A graduate of Brown University and a collaborator on several cookbooks, her previous experience includes stints at Food & Wine, Food Network, three meal kit companies, a wine shop in Brooklyn and Chez Panisse, the pioneering restaurant in Berkeley, California. She enjoys playing tennis, natural wines and reality competition shows.
