As we close off the end of 4th of July weekend, we wanted to give a salute to a summer mainstay - the hot dog. 

There is major debate about the best way to prepare and dress a hot dog... But any reasonable Dirtbag can agree that hot dogs in certain scenarios can really hit different than others.  Here's 

10 Hot Dogs that Hit

1. The First Hotdog of Summer 

After you thaw from the dredges of winter, there is always something special about that first hot dog of Summer. 

It's like the first bloom after the frost - a sign of hope and nostalgia and the promise of good times to come.

Not to mention it's one of the easiest meals in the world to prepare. 

So we say sit back, take a deep breath, and an even bigger bite of your first hot dog of Summer. You deserve it. 

2. The BBQ Party Dog 

When friends and family gather, the food always tastes better - so throw some Steely Dan on the radio and fire up some meats on the grill!  (And yes, we say hot dogs are technically meats.) 

These dogs are often accompanied by watermelon, macaroni salad, potato chips and more, and it's important you build out the rest of the plate for the full experience.  We even encourage adding a burger or brat, even chicken, as well.  

And those lil grill marks didn't just appear on that dog - it's the sign of a professional grill master at the top  of his game.  Be sure to give him a thankful slap on the back when he hands you that dog. 

And the backyard BBQ hotdog is incredible versatile.  You can enjoy this hot dog during a game of corn hole, standing by as you watch your kids, or even in the pool if you really wanted to.  (Pool not recommended.) 

3. The Community Park Snack Stand Hot Dog 

While this hot dog isn't the finest of the fares on the list, it is indeed there when you need it. 

During a long and boring kids soccer game. 

The dog you eat when it's after lunch but not quite time for dinner. 

The dog that you can share with your dog - literally, because you should have your dog at the park and it's only fair you both get a bite. 

So pony up and support the local community park stand.  For your sake, we really hope they don't boil the hot dogs. 

4. ProSports Hot Dog 

Whether it's a Dodger Dog or from MSG, this hot dog is just unquestionably tastier than others. 

We think it's the camaraderie of shared sporting meats... 

Or the ease of the ways it can be eaten while sitting in a stadium. 

Or maybe it's that lil metal wrapper they keep 'em in the make the dogs a little moist by the time you're ready to eat it. 

It's worth the $5+ you're gonna pay for it - we promise. 

Plus have youse seen those fancy ketchup and mustard dispensers they have now? 

5. Corner Hot Dog Guy 

A staple to New Yorkers, this hot dog is multi-faceted in it's service.  

You can grab it on the go before you enter the subway or crush the entire dog on the street corner. (That's up to you.) 

But we know that this hot dog always has a something little special in the mix, because you didn't have to cook it yourself. 

6. The Footlong Hot Dog 

It's double a usual hotdog size - and double the fun as well. 

Eating the footlong is a sign of true dedicated hot dog lover - saying "I ain't gonna give up and let me show you with 12 full inches." 

You could eat two 6 inch hot dogs, sure - but where's the challenge in that?  It's always better as one contiguous dog, and we salute you for braving the choking hazard. 

7. The Hot Dog You Enjoy Alone 

I don't like eating hot dogs in front of other people - makes me feel vulnerable, exposed even.

Maybe I have daddy issues, but MAYBE all hot dogs are best enjoyed when you're alone. 

You can get chili on your face, ketchup on your hands, and you don't have to wipe ANY of it off until you're ready.  

The solitude really lets you savor the flavor.  Let's you take one BIG bite if you really want to - so try eating a dog when no one is around next time.  If you experience shame afterwards, no one will see. 

8. The Leftover Dogs 

Sometimes these dogs are cold after a party... sometimes they're the morning-after dog. 

Sometimes you haven't eaten anything all day so you scrounge the remaining 3 pieces from what is left on your kid's plate. 

The leftover dogs are never planned, but they're always enjoyed.  Leftovers mean you don't have to cook!  Cut down on your food waste and at least give them to the dog... 

 9. The Clean Livin' Dog from a Fancy Restaurant

Just like with chicken wings and pancakes, the rich love to appropriate our culture.  

They take trash staple food items and "fancy em up" for you - adding toppings like umami or truffles or whatever.  

They definitely taste really good, since they're 100% grass-fed beef, but you only ordered it cuz you're at a work dinner and it was the cheapest thing on the menu.  

However it got here, enjoy the pretentious Coney Island Knock-Off with no regrets.  Even the clean livin' folx got a little dog in em.  

10. The Microwave Dog

Like the solo dog, this one is enjoyed like only a true trash monster can...

30 seconds to freedom in the microwave, and you're in for a satisfying good time. 

Maybe she explodes, maybe she needs extra mustard, maybe you eat her standing over the sink, but she delivers sweet, sweet nutrition (?) like only a dog can. 

What are your favorite hot dogs? What makes em taste better than usual? 

Let us know below! 

As always, love youse - AYG