Western Pennsylvania is an unsuspecting culinary capital. The small city of New Castle has become known as “The Hot Dog Capital of the World” due to its thriving food scene, centered around its world-famous chili dogs. With a rich history, great outdoor attractions, and incredible hot dogs, New Castle is a hidden Pennsylvania gem worth visiting.
Pennsylvania has a history very much intertwined with America’s industrial past. New Castle was founded in 1798, rapidly becoming a hub for manufacturing along the banks of the Shenango and Mahoning rivers. In the 19th century, it became home to the largest tin mill in the world, and it later earned the moniker of the “Fireworks Capital of America” due to its longstanding pyrotechnics industry. The city also has a large European diaspora, seeing a wave of immigrants from the Old World, especially Italy, Greece, and Wales, settle there in around the end of the 19th century. With them they brought their rich culinary traditions, resulting in another Pennsylvania city with a unique melting pot food scene. Greek immigrants’ ingenuity birthed the New Castle-style hot dog, a unique spin on America’s favorite food. This local version is covered in chili, mustard, and onions.
New Castle, home to America’s unrivaled hot dogs
The first item on your New Castle itinerary should be grabbing a New Castle hot dog. These legendary hot dogs have been perfected over the decades by the local eateries, each of whom has a slightly different take on the city’s famous dish. The city’s most iconic chili dogs are found at M&P Coney Island, a beloved diner that’s been open since 1923. With retro diner booths and old photos depicting the local history lining the walls, this classic Pennsylvania eatery has a chili sauce that has remained unchanged for generations. Why change the perfect recipe? The locals swear by it. A rival to Coney Island is Niko and Lou’s Coney Island, which also has its own variation of the chili dog. The only way to distinguish which establishment serves up a better dog is by sampling them yourself. If you’ve never had a Coney Island dog, you’ll learn why they’re considered as famous as the best hot dogs in Chicago.
Once you’ve had your fill of chili dogs, Parkstown Restaurant and Lounge is another great spot to eat, serving comfort food in a cozy environment. If you’re tired of Americana, Mary’s restaurant serves up some of the best Middle Eastern food in town. For a tasty cocktail, head to the Crane Room Grille, where you can also try a locally brewed Pennsylvania beer.
New Castle isn’t just worth visiting for its cuisine. It’s also home to famous firework displays organized by renowned fireworks manufacturers Zambelli Fireworks and other reputable pyrotechnics companies. If you’re in town for the summer, you may be lucky enough to catch the company’s iconic Fourth of July display.
New Castle welcomes outdoor exploration and has a rich industrial history
