Franks & Frites, Darien

Everything from barbecue beans to sweet thai chili sauce smothers the all-beef, gluten-free hot dogs at Franks & Frites. The eatery's cooks grill 13 varieties in total, plus a handful of "stray dogs" such as italian sausages, bratwursts, and the Great Dane, a 1-pound frank with as many toppings as your heart desires. Frites-wise, the culinary team sticks to the classic Belgian preparation: cutting potatoes by hand before double-frying them until a crispy exterior gives way to a fluffy interior. Fries are served in a paper cone and come paired with a choice of dipping sauce, including curry, blue cheese, and pesto mayo. Besides the restaurant's namesake, Franks & Frites' cooks flip burgers like the Wall Street, a medley of gorgonzola cheese, bacon, and an optional stack of sautéed $100 bills.