Our 2013 Best of Houston® winners were announced a while back, but in many cases, picking the best item in any category was no easy task. In order to show off all the culinary greatness Houston has to offer, we're continuing to round up the "rest of the best" in some of our favorite categories. Bon appétit!

'Merica, man.

It's Independence Day. We've got patriotic pride coursing through our veins and an ache in our bellies for some classic American food. Enter the hot dog.

I know, I know, technically the frankfurter is from Germany and the wiener is from Austria, but the hot dog as we know it today--sandwiched in a bun and topped with condiments--is a distinctly American invention, no matter which origin story you believe.

So in honor of the overwhelming sense of pride we're feeling for our fair country (and because on the Fourth, you eat hot dogs...it's just a thing you do), we're rounding up the best dogs in the city. Due to a surge in the popularity of what one might call "gourmet hot dogs," there are a lot of those on the list. But don't worry. We haven't forgotten the classic dog either.

Best Dog Dive The Hot Dog Shop Restaurant & Sports Bar Speaking of classic dogs, The Hot Dog Shop is about as classic as they come. The restaurant and bar hosts an annual hot dog eating contest, and the menu is very straightforward. No Sriracha or kimchi or venison here. Just good ol' all-beef Vienna dogs, a few basic toppings (chili, kraut, pickles) and traditional white bread buns. Should you be feeling a little adventuresome, though, there are also Polish sausages and corn dogs.

Best Fusion Dog Los Perros Hot dogs are surprisingly popular in Colombia, where you can buy them from street stands on every other corner. They're a little more festive than regular American dogs, though, incorporating the hot dog and bun from our culture and mixing it with the flavors of Colombia. On "El Perro Colombiano," you'll find ketchup, mustard, mayo, crumbled queso fresco, crushed potato chips, salsa rosada, homemade pineapple sauce, homemade tartar sauce, homemade raspberry sauce and honey. That's according to the menu. If you can taste all of those disparate toppings, more power to you. Regardless, it's one festive hot dog!

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