Brat summer: The ultimate guide to Baltimore-area hot dogs and sausages

Welcome to brat summer, where we embrace the messy, wild and downright delicious side of Baltimore’s sausage scene. Inspired by Charli XCX’s carefree vibes from her latest album “Brat” (and the consequent memes and lime green aesthetic that have since taken over the internet), this guide will take you through the city’s top spots for hot dogs, glizzies and bratwursts. From viral creations to smoky delights, these picks are perfect for those who love to eat, party and live a little on the edge.

Glizzy’s Wagyu Dogs

• Hot dog cart

It started as a joke between friends, but this hot dog cart is no laughing matter. Serving up 100% wagyu beef franks like the Hattie B, a Nashville hot sauce-dipped frank topped with slaw, crispy onions and pickles, and the Straight Jerkin’ It, a Caribbean jerk dog topped with charred pineapple salsa, Glizzy’s is where brat summer meets culinary creativity. Each bite is part fancy, part fiery and all about having fun. You never know where you might stumble upon this cart — just follow the crowd (and their Instagram account).

Killa Dogz

• 6605 Belair Road, Baltimore

In Overlea, Killa Dogz combines street food and serious flavor. This roadside stand serves up beef, Polish, Italian and veggie dogs with endless toppings from baked beans and coleslaw to pork barbecue. Much like the vibrant and colorful exterior, these dogs are anything but ordinary. It’s where you go when you’re craving something bold and brash and, if you’re lucky, you might just discover your new favorite combo of tastes.

Heritage Smokehouse

• 5800 York Road, Baltimore

For a taste of smoky perfection, Heritage Smokehouse in Govans delivers. Their Italian sausages, kielbasa and käsekrainer (a brühwurst stuffed with cheese) are all made in-house and smoked with care in custom smokers made from two repurposed 1000-gallon propane tanks. It’s the kind of place where every bite feels both rebellious and delicious. Whether you’re sipping on a rum cocktail or digging into a sausage, this is brat summer with a sophisticated edge — a tad sweet, a tad savory and oh-so-satisfying.

Snake Hill Sausage Grill

• 418 S. Clinton St., Baltimore

Snake Hill in Highlandtown is where you go when you’re ready to get serious about your sausages. This spot has over 20 craft varieties, including the spicy, prosciutto-wrapped and parmesan, marinara and basil-topped DiPasquale. The Scrabble tile-covered bar is quirky, the vibe is intimate and the sausages are as bold as they come (especially the ghost pepper alligator and the rabbit rattlesnake). Perfect for those nights when you’re feeling messy and adventurous.

Southern N Smoked

• 1065 S. Charles St., Baltimore

Located in Cross Street Market, Southern N Smoked brings soul food to the summer table. Their smoked spicy sausage, topped with barbecue sauce and scallions, is a smoky, spicy delight that embodies the bold, carefree spirit of the season. And don’t forget the drunken chicken — marinated, brined, and smoked to perfection. It’s indulgent, it’s flavorful and it’s exactly what you need when you’re living brat life.

Das Bierhalle

• 9527 Harford Road, Parkville

Das Bierhalle brings the Oktoberfest energy to Baltimore with giant pretzels, communal tables and sausages that hit the spot. Owner Scott Bauer’s vision after visiting Oktoberfest in 2013 has turned into a party you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re at the Parkville or Bel Air locations, this is where you can share good vibes and great biers with strangers who quickly become friends. It’s all electric and a little bit chaotic.

The Bavarian Brauhaus

• 7304 Parkway Drive South, Hanover

The Bavarian Brauhaus is a slice of Germany in Hanover, Maryland. Started as a small beer garden in 1933, it’s now a full-fledged restaurant with over 45 German beers on tap and in bottles. The sounds of traditional German music and the scent of bratwurst fill the air, creating an authentic brat-mosphere that’s perfect for a hearty meal and a cold brew. Prost!

Ann’s Dari-Creme

• 7918 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie

Ann’s Dari-Creme on Ritchie Highway is a tiny spot serving deep-fried hot dogs and creamy milkshakes that’ll make you feel like a kid again. The giant hot dog statue out front? Pure brat. Whether you’re grabbing food to go or staying to reminisce, Ann’s is a slice of old-school charm with a side of chili dog fun. It’s the kind of place where memories are made and napkins are required.

Stuggy’s

• 1928 Fleet St., Baltimore

Since 2010, Stuggy’s has been the go-to spot for glizzies that pack a punch. Known for their crab mac and cheese hot dog, this Fells Point gem serves up eight outrageous creations including the Frank Zappa, a cheese-stuffed hot dog wrapped in bacon and topped with grilled onions, peppers and Stuggy’s sauce. And don’t skip the funnel cake fries — they’re carnival vibes on a plate.

Section 771

• 504 Washington Blvd., Baltimore

Pre-gaming for an O’s game? Section 771 is where you want to be. With $2 glizzies on Mondays and a summer-long contest to see which employee can devour the most hot dogs, this spot embodies the brat summer spirit. Throw in live DJs and a Natty Light combo, and you’ve got the ultimate party. Come for the glizzies, but stay for the energized atmosphere.

M&T Bank Stadium

• 1101 Russell St., Baltimore

M&T Bank Stadium isn’t just for football — it’s a haven for hot dog lovers, too. Test the depths of your stomach and try the 2-foot Baltimore Bully hot dog, topped with pit beef, queso and Old Bay onions. With rotating hot dogs inspired by the visiting teams, there’s always something new to try. It’s in your face and the brattiest way to order on game day.

Maryland State Fair

• 2200 York Road, Lutherville-Timonium

Grab a sausage with fried onions and peppers and let the fairground fun begin at the Maryland State Fair, which kicks off Thursday. Just don’t eat it before hitting the rides! With a history dating back to 1879, the fair combines classic fun and over-the-top eats. It’s all about the experience — which is a touch disorderly, haphazard and tons of fun — just like brat summer itself.

Little Italy Sausage Co.

• Baltimore Farmers’ Market (East Saratoga and Holliday streets)

Sunday mornings at the Baltimore Farmers’ Market get a lot better when you stop by Little Italy Sausage Co.’s truck. This spot is known for its homemade sausages, traditionally paired with peppers and onions. But if you’re feeling extra brat, go for the Italian Stallion — Italian sausage topped with slow-simmered beef, fresh peppers and onions, all served on a Maranto roll. It’s bold, hearty and absolutely worth the early wake-up call.

Chris Franzoni is a Baltimore native, food fanatic, blogger and “Eater-in-Chief” of @EatMoreBeMo, which he started nine years ago with two goals — eating his way through the city and shining a positive light on the Baltimore-area restaurant and hospitality scene.