I've wanted to visit Top Dog's roadside trailer in Portland for years, but they were never open when I drove by. I understand that the trailer is presently known as Missy's Top Dog at least in some circles. I'm not sure if that's a change. When the Channel 3 Best Hot Dog in CT bracket was released, I noticed Missy's Top Dog was on it. I was able to get there shortly before their 3 pm closing recently. I'm a fan. First of all, although they were closing soon, there was a steady stream of people while I was in the area. There was never a long line, but I was not able to take a pic of the hot dog shaped trailer without a person blocking the sign. MTD is the only place I know of using Thumann's Hit Dogs from New Jersey. MTD steams the dogs and it looked like they had a bit of a dirty water thing maybe going on. MTD has several specialty dogs, but nothing too far out of the ordinary. I ordered a Cajun with "Orleans Relish", chili and pepper jack. I really liked the dog, especially for a steamed dog. Nice flavor. Nice snap. The toppings worked really well together. The chili sauce was meaty and not heavily seasoned. The relish provided a nice jolt of sweet acidity. I also ordered the MTD clasic dog, which had artfully layered catsup, mustard, relish and onions. Same tasty, snappy dog. Nice ratio of toppings. I'm assuming Missy was the person helping me because she seemed to have the confidence and pride of an owner. She was very friendly and engaging in my brief time speaking with her. Since the dogs were steamed, they came out right away. I can't say Missy's Top Dog's cracks my Top Tier of CT Dogs, but it's just a tier down and I enthusiastically recommend MTD, even if you have to drive a bit out of your way. 4.25 Stars read more

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Went their in the fall. I don't know where they get their hot dogs from but they have a great snap and I found it quite tasty. I like a good hot dog and Connecticut has some great places to get them. I would put this little place on that list. read more

We visited this place on 8.24.25. We had heard about this little food truck that served great hot dogs. So off we went. We ordered 3 chili dogs and one with onions. At a price of 4.59 or so for each hot dog. We found them to be ok tasting, a regular sized small hot dog and a bit on the pricey side for the size. They serve no French fries, only chips and water, and some other beverages. Toppings were chili and cheese. A Cajun hot dog and other toppings. Nothing fancy but fresh. They only accept cash. So keep that in mind. Located in Portland in a hot dog shaped trailer. Can't be missed. Conclusion: in all reality, I was expecting more from all the hype. It's just a simple food truck. If you like fries with your chili dog, you are not going to find it here. You will have to settle for chips. And I prefer foot long hot dogs and the bread grilled. Again, not here. But if you enjoy small chili dogs with fresh toppings like cheese. Chili. Onions. Relish, etc. This may be the place for you. Would I return? Probably Not. Miriam C #travelingtheworldwithmiriam read more

Top Dog is a hot dog trailer that looks like a giant hot dog and to top that, it is pulled by a taxi. This is a funky, cool vibe and definitely makes your spirit smile. I am a huge fan of hot dogs and something like this could only catch my eye. This is definitely an iconic part of the community and has earned its place in countless hearts and memories. Connecticut has some great hot dog places and this cool.hot dog trailer is a great place to stop and grab a hot dog or two (or live large and go for three hot dogs). read more

For those craving a real dog (not beef), stop on by this cool food truck attached to a taxi. It's right across from Cumberland Farms. This truck is seasonal, so catch them while you can! They have a few hotdog choices, but take notice, it is cash only. I went with the bacon cheese & the Cajun. Yes, if you're a full grown adult, you will need to purchase two for a fill up. The dogs are on the skinny side compared to a grote & wiegel (I'm showing my age). Nonetheless, they are satisfying. At first when seeing the sliced deli cheese, I was disappointed but hey, I do the same thing at home, so I knew it was still going to be good. For the Cajun, I went for the mild relish instead of hot, & it was great! Kinda wish I had more. The bacon was sliced not bits. That's a thumbs up for me. Each bite consists of bacon. I did notice condiments aren't readily available...I'm addicted to Ketchup. There is seating outside with umbrellas, but no tables. Do you really need them though. When I have another hankering, I'll be sure to head here. read more

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Food was ok.... not like previous owners but ok...servuce was great BUT the hot dogs are NOT the same

Great Hot Dogs Round. Have been coming here for years . It's great to be able to sit outside at the picnic tables on a great day like today.

Oh man, there are no words to describe Top Dog. Actually there are... just an awesome simple steamed Thumann's hot dog, with a snapping casing that pops when you bit into it, with all the fresh homemade toppings, plus your choice of beverage served from a hot dog shaped trailer towed by a vintage yellow cab. You can put that into a TV ad jingle! However, if you are looking for a fancy hot dog with all the frills & glamour, toasted bun, bunch of toppings to choose from, etc... then this won't be the place for you. Top Dog keeps it simple by having a very limited menu with limited toppings to choose from; but everything here is homemade and fresh. I have not had a hot dog here I did not like. My favorite is the Cajun Dog all the way and the Kraut Dog with spicy mustard. This place is cash only! Make sure to bring bills $20 or smaller as they tend not to take larger bills. read more

Top Dog - Orleans dog with added spicy chili. - Hot Dogs Near Me - Portland, Connecticut

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DISCLAIMER: We only had the original dog, NOT any of the specialty dogs, so I am only reviewing based off that. I will update when I get a chance to try the other ones. Every time my partner and I drive by Portland, usually on our way to a quick hike, we pass by Top Dog and can never deliberate quickly enough to decide to stop over in the parking lot. We've passed it many a time to our regret. Finally, this time, we were prepared and made the move. At first glance, this is just a portable hot-dog mobile, a suburb version of the NYC cart dirty dog, but I discovered more while waiting. The cart is driven in by a taxi cab that has a dummy in the back, a bit terrifying because I didn't expect it, but it added to the jovial nature of this food cart. The line moved quickly as people came by for their lunch - I spotted a USPS worker with 2/3 hot dogs to-go, looking jolly as can be. In about 30 seconds, the lady and I exchanged about 20 words and I had the hot dog in my hand - spicy brown mustard, catsup (as they labelled it), and onions, hold the relish. What I liked - the snap; it was a real-casing which is the only way I eat hot dogs. It was EXTREMELY hot, though, and I did burn the roof of my mouth a bit. What I didn't like - the meat was just...meh. I'm not sure what kind of hot dogs they're using, but it was nothing special. The looked like it could have been Oscar Mayer to be honest, but the snap I experienced told me otherwise. All in all, just your average original hot dog - nothing special. I'm a strict Nathan's hot dog fan, so maybe I'm being biased, but I am willing to come back again to try some of the sexier hot dogs on the menu. read more

The woman serving the food had an extremely bad attitude, the experience was so irritating that I threw the hot dog away without even taking a bite! Perhaps she was having a bad day but as a customer that is not my problem. I don't expect to be treated as a king, what I expect is professionalism, for servers to keep their personal issues to themselves not to bring them to their workplace. I will never return. read more

Love this lady and her little hotdog cart! Lived here my whole life and have only recently tried Top Dog. Can't speak for where you eat here because it's always to go, but the hotdogs themselves are great! How can you really go wrong with hotdogs? Can't wait to go back. read more

Stopped in for a dog while in town on business. A great little stand that isn't really a food truck and isn't really a stand either. I ordered a mustard, relish & onions as well as a sauerkraut dog. I was pleased to hear the woman ask what kind of mustard I wanted. So nice not to be relegated to the standard yellow. She also told me that the sauerkraut recipe was her mothers and she makes it for the dogs. This becomes wonderfully apparent when you bite eat into one. These are steamed Thumann NC dogs that have a really nice snap when you bite into one. A great little spot that serves up some great dogs. read more

Top Dog - The sauerkraut here is homemade and you can tell...its great. - Hot Dogs Near Me - Portland, Connecticut

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I have to give thumbs up to the "Dogger Lady" (as my daughter used to say when she was only five) and her Top Dogs hot dog trailer. These hot dogs are the best I've tasted. Let me clarify that; I meant, these chili dogs are the best I've tasted. Get 'em hot or mild, with cheese or without. You won't be disappointed. Do you like your dogs to "snap"? if so, let me tell you that you can just about hear these when you take your first bite. Don't like chili? You can have sauerkraut and the usual condiments (ketchup, mustard, relish) or just plain...plain. What ever you choose, you will enjoy. read more

Top Dog is one of the best mobile hot dog vendors in the state. They are well known, have been in the same spot for years and, of course, are defined by their big yellow taxi and hot dog shaped trailer. The Cajun Dog is the one to get here. Spicy chili, pepper jack cheese and a sweet New Orleans relish make this their go to option. They get an extra star because they steam their hot dogs and it actually works. Besides Fenway Franks, there aren't all that many steamed hot dogs that I actually like. Plus the snap you get from the casing on a bite is strong. This matters to me in rating hot dog vendors, so there you go. read more

This is the cutest hot dog stand ever!!! I love it so much!! The owner is really nice and I have never had a bad experience there. The food is pretty good and I would recommend it 10/10. The service it quick and it's really cool to see this business run in an airstream!! If you are ever up near this area I would totally go! read more

Love this hot dog stop!. Always friendly service, fast & good prices.

love stopping here for a hot chili dog with cheese - always good - so is the 'pepper dog' with fried sweet peppers and onions

Always have and always will freaking love the top dog lady. Always welcomed with a smile and "heyyy" every time I stop by. Whenever I'm done with work and a nice day, I know I'm stopping here. read more

Despite the rigamarole to find it, we loved it! Rather than following all the different ways to get there found on every app and google maps, do what the owner suggested- get to town and just ask someone! Genius old school way of navigation is the best bet for this one. read more

Great hot dogs with a good snap. Straightforward menu that centers around their excellent hot dogs. Many options for toppings, and toppings don't overwhelm the dog, which could be enjoyed plain and still would be great. Excellent prices and friendly service. This is a regular favorite for our family! read more