Nathan’s Famous was founded by a Polish immigrant, Nathan Handwerker, and his is truly an authentic “only in America story.” He started in 1916 with a small hot dog stand on Coney Island, New York, and sold hot dogs that were made using a secret spice recipe developed by his wife, Ida. Nathan’s 5 cent hot dogs became so famous that Al Capone, Carey Grant and the King and Queen of England have all tried them. For an authentic experience, head to Coney Island. Nathan's original boardwalk location hosts the famous annual hot dog eating contest every July 4th. The all-beef hot dogs are juicy and succulent. Heated to serve on flat-top grills, the light grilling on the outside casing adds just a slight crisp. Fans rave about the chili and cheese dogs. Put your cardiologist on speed dial, then add an order of the bacon and cheese crinkle-cut fries, served with the signature red plastic two-pronged French fry "pitchfork."