Lectures On Tap: The Coolest New Bar Concept in NYC

There’s always a new boozy venture in New York City. (Or in any good city, for that matter.)

When I was living in the city, there was a boom in hidden speakeasies. Before that, bars were made from blocks of ice, and you had to rent a subarctic coat to get in.

Now, we’re heading into new territory—one that combines the headiness of TED Talks with the affordable beers from a local dive bar.

Welcome to Lectures on Tap, a new venture that sells out bars around New York City by bringing on guest lecturers, professors, and experts who serve up 40-minute-long lessons on life’s greatest topics.

At the time of writing this article, the next series is taking place in East Village from a professor who will discuss the psychology of infidelity. (Talk about things you want to hear about with a stiff drink in your hand.)

Before that, there were courses on awakening one’s inner witch, myths about Grand Central Terminal, and the history of cannabis, just to give you an idea of what kinds of topics are popular.

That sounds like a tour de force of things New Yorkers are interested in—but I think this venture is also a unique opportunity for anyone visiting the Big Apple.

If you’ve got an interest in learning from experts while also sampling the cocktail menu at a new Lower East Side bar, you need to reserve your spot sooner rather than later.

Lectures on Tap: a closer look

Lectures on Tap started up in 2024 with the simple idea I laid out above: deliver the intellectual punch of a TED Talk in a casual, boozy setting.

(You do not have to drink to join—the bars where the lectures take place always include a mocktail menu and small bites to eat.)

The idea comes from a husband-wife duo who wanted to engage an older, more pessimistic demographic of corporate professionals. To bring back the magic of the golden days, they decided to combine the arts of socializing, drinking, and learning—in bite-sized, 40-minute segments.

Though the project has barely been off the ground for a year, it’s already proved hugely successful.

You can learn more about Lectures on Tap directly from their website, which includes information on how to sign up as a lecturer. Here’s what you need to know.

First, sign up for their newsletter (or follow them on Instagram). You’ll get first dibs on sign-ups when they release a new schedule.

You can look for a lecture that tickles your fancy, then buy tickets. As mentioned above, every lecture lasts 40 minutes and includes a 20-minute sign-in and socialization period.

If you want to sign up to offer a lecture, you can do so via the website. Along with experts and professors, the Lectures on Tap crew also signs on storytellers. Creatives are welcome!

Tips for enjoying your Lecture on Tap

The best way to enjoy your Lectures on Tap experience is to sign up for an event that suits yours needs. But remember that every lecture is hosted at a different bar—and New York City is a deceptively massive city.

Even if the trains are running at hyperspeed, it can take more than an hour to get across the city. If you’re visiting New York City for a few days, make sure you sign up for Lectures on Tap that are near your neighborhood.

That being said, I’ve only seen lectures available around Manhattan, from the Lower East Side to the Upper West Side—which are more than manageable for visitors.

Ready to be lectured? Follow the Lectures on Tap Instagram and purchase tickets to an upcoming lecture on Eventbrite.

10 Memorial Day Weekend Travel Tips

Memorial Day kicks off the start of summer with a long weekend bash.

It’s the perfect time to enjoy the sunshine and warm(ish) temperatures, kicking back with barbecue, good music, and plenty of outdoor games.

That being said, it’s a national holiday.

You won’t be alone in rushing out of town; last year, almost 50 million Americans packed their bags for a weekend-long getaway.

Each year, highways and airports are jam-packed, along with many restaurants and bars. Many hotels and rentals are booked out months ahead of time. Those who are late to booking their trip might be left with the scraps—but even those who get ahead on trip planning still need to contend with the Memorial Day Weekend rush.

Here’s how to keep your head above water, so to speak.

10 Memorial Day Weekend travel tips

Tip #1: Plan for traffic and make it fun

We’re usually pretty good at keeping ourselves entertained while on a flight. Road trips, on the other hand, are usually full of fun side stops and unexpected adventures.

Packing into the car to head to a Memorial Day Weekend celebration is usually a chore that involves lots of waiting in traffic.

Make the most of your trip by turning that traffic time into a fun game. Something as simple as a shared playlist can keep the momentum up, especially if you have a long road trip ahead of you. Or even a podcast can get the job done if everyone in the car can agree on a topic.

Tip #2: Don’t forget about staying local

Can’t find an affordable and alluring Memorial Day Weekend offer? Stay close to home. Even some of the US’s smallest towns host annual Memorial Day events, from bar crawls to hiking excursions to mini-parades. It’s the perfect time to rediscover your own town or area. (This is also one of my favorite takes on Valentine’s Day!)

Tip #3: Food first

When we think about the Memorial Day Weekend rush, we usually think about car traffic and air traffic. Highways and airports turn into madhouses on Thursday and don’t calm down until well into the next week.

The same goes for grocery stores and restaurants. You should be booking tables at popular restaurants and figuring out how you’re going to fill your fridge, especially if you want to barbecue.

Tip #4: Use traffic apps to see live updates

Americans are usually very loyal to their traffic apps. Whether you’re a Waze or a Google Maps person, check your app in real-time for live information on traffic. Bonus points if your app can point you to a detour route in case of an accident.

Tip #5: If you’re driving a long distance, get your car tuned up before

If it’s been a while since you’ve had your oil changed and your tires replaced, consider this the perfect chance—especially if you’re putting in a longer drive over the weekend.

The last thing you want is to see that Check Engine light flashing. Most shops will be closed for the weekend. Those that do agree to help you out are likely to charge out the wazoo.

Tip #6 Book your pet’s plans early, if necessary

One of the most sneakily helpful Memorial Day Weekend travel tips is not to forget about Fido. Just like hotels, car rentals, and other services will be booked up for Memorial Day Weekend, so will dog boarding and sitting options.

If you have a dog with special needs (like a reactive dog that needs solo care), then book your pet care out as far as possible. Many sitters book up their solo-care schedules early on.

Tip #7: Have a backup plan in place

All that traffic means one thing: you’re likely to experience delays. On the road, that’s not a huge problem. If push comes to shove, you should be able to pull off and find a hotel room for the night.

That’s not the case at airports. If you’re Memorial Day Weekend plans rely on catching a connecting flight, make a list of backup flights that you can potentially join if push comes to shove.

Tip #8: Don’t forget about trains

Amtrak is a delightfully unpredictable form of transportation, both in terms of the quality of the car and the routes available. That being said, you can still use a third-party service like Railbookers to get around the country. Don’t write off train trips if car rentals and flights are out of reach.

Tip #9: Leave on Wednesday, if you have flexibility

With Friday off, almost everyone leaves for their Memorial Day Weekend on Thursday. But if you have the option of taking off on Thursday, you can get ahead of the rush by heading to your destination a day ahead of schedule.

If you can also take off Monday, you’ve handed yourself a multi-day vacation that gives you a little extra time to get back home and relax before heading back to work on Tuesday. Best of all, you will have missed the vast majority of heavy traffic.

Tip #10: Or save your travel funds if Memorial Day isn’t your thing

My last Memorial Day Weekend travel tip? Don’t bother unless you’re actually excited about the trip.

I’ve noticed many of my American friends go on these types of holiday trips because they feel obligated. They say things like, Well, it’s Memorial Day Weekend, as if someone is forcing them to travel.

But as one of the most popular US holidays, it’s also one of the priciest. Worse, those high prices don’t guarantee a good trip, especially considering how crowded, loud, and drunk some crowds get on the big day.

If you’re dreading the idea of planning the trip, then stay home and funnel those travel savings toward another trip that actually speaks to you. Then loop back to Tip #2 on how to have a good time while staying local.

10 Travel Safety Products That Are Worth the Money

Safety is a hot topic in the world of travel.

Though it’s top of mind for solo travelers who are taking on the world without a partner in crime, you should be thinking about security during every trip. Yes, even when you’re going straight from the airport to a resort.

There are dozens of security factors to consider, from avoiding scams to nailing first date etiquette to knowing how to use public Wi-Fi.

But what about personal safety?

Overwhelmingly, my advice on staying safe abroad revolves around one concept: don’t get drunk (or messed up on other substances).

Women face a very familiar set of risks when we get drunk while traveling. Men, on the other hand, are likely less aware of the dangers that revolve around them—like being robbed or otherwise taken advantage of. In fact, men are sometimes more prone to these risks because they’re not as conditioned to be on the lookout for danger.

Regardless of your race, gender, creed, and other defining characteristics, you’re still a tourist—and nefarious people know how to pick us out of a crowd with lightning precision.

When it comes to avoiding robberies and other similarly unpleasant experiences, I’ve got a few tips in my back pocket.

This time around, I’m recommending travel safety products that will prevent mishaps while empowering you to tackle any issues that do arise.

7 travel safety products that are actually helpful

Phone tether

A phone tether is a wrap-around cord that attaches to your phone’s case. I like them because they’re convenient as hell when traveling. Above, you can check out a solid brand, Pulpo.

If you’re going to take a lot of pictures, for example, it makes sense to keep your phone in easy reaching distance. But tethers also prevent pickpockets from targeting you.

Most phone tethers are mostly functional and ornamental, meaning someone could break them if they wanted. But if the choice is between you (with the phone tether) and another tourist (without one), guess who’s more likely to walk away with their smartphone that day? If you’re worried about your precious smartphone, get a tether!

Carabiner

Mini carabiners are one of my most surprising travel safety products.

You can use them for a range of purposes, from attaching bags to hanging things up in your hotel room. In terms of security, you can use them to clip your bag’s zippers together while heading into a busy zone.

It will keep your zippers locked tight. Similarly, you can use them on buses and trains to keep your items attached to a pole, preventing thieves from carrying them off the carriage when you’re not paying attention.

Geolocator (AirTag, etc.)

Usually, geolocators are attached to pieces of luggage to help hunt them down in case of emergency. However, if you’re worried about losing track of any important item, you can use the same idea.

Though these products don’t prevent theft, they’ll make it easier for you to decide what course of action to take in case of emergency.

Portable lock box

If you want to prevent theft entirely, look into a portable lock box, like this one from SAFEGO. These are usually popular with travelers who wear nice jewelry and watches, and want to keep them secure when at the beach or even when leaving them at their rental.

A portable lock box is a small and (depending on how much you want to spend) lightweight box that you can attach to a fixed surface or object and open at your discretion. Just don’t lose your key, for the love of god.

Personal safety alarm

I recommend personal safety alarms to solo travelers and anyone who’s heading to a private rental. Birdie makes a great device that’s taken off over the last year, particularly for women.

Unfortunately, Airbnb and other private rental platforms don’t include a lot of information on the type(s) of locks used on the property. If security is top of mind for you, then go for a personal safety alarm.

These small devices are usually around the size of a key fob and are designed to be worn. When you pull the pin out of the socket, a screeching alarm sounds while a strobe light flashes. Some travelers wear them on their bodies to draw attention; some people also attach them to door locks in case someone breaks in.

A whistle

A personal safety alarm is great for drawing attention immediately when you’re in danger. But I also want to mention a good old-fashioned whistle, like this LuxoGear pick.

I’ve never personally carried a whistle with me, but I also don’t head out into the wilderness during my travels often. If you’re heading out into a more remote area or are going to be spending a lot of time outdoors, consider bringing a whistle with you for an emergency.

On a recent episode of Marooned, a podcast that covers stories of the ‘catastrophically lost’ who are often tourists, the hosts pointed out one crucial note. Your voice will run if you’re calling for help, but a whistle won’t.

Satellite messenger

Forget the whistle if you’re really heading out into the wild. If you’re going to take on remote safaris, go backpacking through the jungle, biking across a continent, and similar adventures, pay more for a satellite messenger from Garmin or a similar company.

They’ll beam your cries for help up to a satellite before sending it on to emergency authorities. I also recommend these bad boys for anyone who likes to improvise and tack on last-minute excursions to their trips; when you bring this with you, you can travel with total peace of mind.

**If you want to be extra safe, add these three travel safety products**

Pepper spray

If you feel comfortable using and handling pepper spray, know that it comes in travel sizes. However, pepper spray is illegal to carry in many places—so do some research before you pack it with you.

If it’s illegal, you could consider opting for a hyper-sleek lipstick version. Otherwise, the small handheld versions linked from SABRE should do just fine.

Cat defense key chain

Cat defense key chains are really cute and clandestine brass knuckles. They’re designed to protect your little fingers while inflicting maximum damage on your enemies.

Once again, these are illegal to carry in many places—but, like the lipstick pepper spray, they look cute enough that only street fighters will clock them as a weapon.

These are my travel safety products of choice because they’re small, unassuming, and designed to protect me during use. Also, I won’t live in fear that my pepper spray canister will pop open in my luggage and wreak havoc on planes, trains, and buses.

That being said, I wouldn’t recommend carrying them unless you’re comfortable with getting into a physical altercation; you can’t use these from a distance.

RFID-blocking wallet

If you have a credit card with a chip for touchless payments, then you have a credit card with an RFID chip. RFID stands for radio frequency identification, meaning it’s emitting small radio signals that a POS device can pick up… or savvy hackers.

If you’re worried about someone lifting your financial data from your wallet, invest in an RFID-blocking wallet, like this Buffway Slim Minimalist pick.

Best Things to Do in Niagara Falls This Summer: Events, Festivals, & Activities

Niagara Falls is one of North America’s most striking landmarks.

It’s no surprise that the falls and surrounding area have been a popular tourist destination for well over a century. Though travelers today prefer to explore the falls by boat instead of barrel, the area’s tourist numbers have yet to dip.

Niagara Falls hits on more than a few travel-worthy notes. There are the falls themselves, which are a sight to behold (and hear). Then there’s the historic nature of Lewiston and other nearby small towns, the most popular Niagara Falls town.

Toss in plenty of romance, great restaurants, and a long list of family-friendly activities, and it’s safe to say that Niagara Falls will remain popular for decades more.

That being said, Niagara Falls is best experienced during summer. Temperatures hover in the 60s and 70s, providing a respite from the heat. On top of that, outdoor activities are in full swing as forests come alive with green growth. Most importantly, however, the city’s events schedule fills up with a seriously long and intriguing list of things to do.

Ready to uncover the best things to do in Niagara Falls this summer?

Best things to do in Niagara Falls this summer

Celebrate the 140^th birthday of Niagara State Park

People gather at Niagara Falls State Park ahead of a total solar eclipse across North America, in Niagara Falls, New York, on April 8, 2024. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)

Niagara Falls State Park is celebrating its 140^th birthday, handing you the perfect opportunity to get to know the US’s oldest state park.

Best of all, there’s a brand-new Welcome Center, the state-of-the-art Aquarium of Niagara, and the Observation Deck, which offers a dramatic view of the falls.

It’s one of many reasons to visit. Personally, I’d probably go with one of the park’s official tours and tour partners. There’s the Cave of the Winds, which takes you up close to the Falls, along with the Maid of the Mist boat tour.

And the 200^th birthday of the Erie Canal

A large boat is piloted out of lock 5 and towards lock 4 on the Erie Canal on Monday, Aug. 26, 2019 (Photo by Paul Buckowski/Albany Times Union via Getty Images)

Let’s put aside the Falls for a second. You can also explore the Erie Canal, which is celebrating its 200^th birthday.

When it was opened back in 1825, the canal provided a much-needed connection between major hubs along the Hudson River, Great Lakes, Finger Lakes, and Lake Champlain.

Today, you can explore the Erie Canal in a range of ways. If you want to explore the historic and economic angles, check out the Erie Canal Flight of Five Lock Tender Tour.

If you want a similar historical tour but on water, go for the Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruise. Or if you’re just in it for scenic byways, go on the Niagara Outfitters Erie Canal Tour; you might even spot some wildlife!

Experience Niagara Falls from the air, from the water, or on foot

Maid of the Mist, Courtesy of Niagara Falls USA

Above, I mentioned two popular activities that take place in Niagara Falls State Park: the Maid of the Mist boat tour and the Cave of the Winds walkway.

The former is a boat tour that gets you close enough to the Falls to get drenched, while the latter is a self-guided walking tour that lets you get close and observe the falls for as long as your poncho allows.

But let’s not forget about exploring the Falls by air. There are two ways for you to get up close and personal to Niagara from the skies: the Rainbow Air Helicopter Tour and the Live on Air Fallsview Balloon Ride.

Go to a great winery

Inniskillin Winery (Courtesy of TripAdvisor)

Niagara Falls’ cool climate and rolling hills bode well for grape-growing, meaning you can add a vineyard trip (or two) on your visit. For twenty years, the Niagara area has been an official American Viticultural Area. Since then, breweries and cideries have also popped up around the city.

Personally, I’d head across the border on the hunt for some of Canada’s famous ice wines. Inniskillin and Trius Winery are famous Canadian wineries that are within reach of Niagara.

Attend one of the top events

Summertime is the busy season for Niagara Falls, USA. Though you might notice added crowds, you’ll also notice that the events calendar fills up. You can explore annual events, along with one-time festivals, workshops, and shows. They’re affordable, family-friendly, and designed to be accessible for visitors.

Here’s what I’ve been spying on the calendar:

In June, there’s a rubber duck race event, a mermaid festival, a Strawberry Moon arts festival, a garden fest, and more
In July, there’s a pirate festival and a fairy house festival
In August, there are multiple jazz events (including a fetival) and a War of 1812 re-enactment show

Priceline Just Made It Easy to Find Cool Neighborhoods to Stay In—Here’s How to Use It

There’s always a shiny new travel concept on the horizon.

Over the last two years, AI travel assistants have taken off.

Looking for a travel-specific AI program that can help you plan and research? You’ve got options. What about helpful tips from a range of AI-powered apps? They’re diversifying constantly.

But AI programs must be harnessed carefully. The power is in the hands of the user—and travelers like me aren’t always the most tech-savvy.

In other words, while AI is improving the travel-planning experience, it’s been a slow and sometimes confusing start.

But we’re starting to make progress in terms of utility and purpose—and one of my favorite new applications for travel-based AI is Priceline’s new neighborhood features. The company just released Trip Intelligence: The Neighborhood Edition, which adds a totally new dimension to its AI-driven capabilities.

Its goal is to help you research the coolest neighborhood for your next trip. Here’s why that’s important, and how you can use Priceline’s new tool to gain an edge in trip planning.

Why do you need to find cool neighborhoods to stay in?

Typical apartment building facades with external staircases in Lower East Side, Manhattan (Getty)

No, you don’t need to look for a neighborhood that’s objectively cool. I’m using that word as it relates to your own understanding of the word.

When you travel, your hotel or rental is your home base. Even if you plan a busy itinerary and want to stay out as much as possible, you’ll spend a good amount of time at your home base, whether a rental or a hotel.

You’ll rely on nearby shops for last-minute purchases, late-night and early morning bites to eat, and plenty more.

Even if you want to spend most of your time outside your hotel or rental, your neighborhood will have a huge impact on your trip. It shapes how you think about your destination and whether or not you want to come back.

The more aligned the neighborhood is with your natural inclinations, the more likely you are to enjoy your trip. You’ll feel more comfortable and curious about your surroundings.

That probably sounds like an obvious statement, but I hope you’ll take it from me and my wayward life spent on the road: vibes can make or break a trip, and when you find cool neighborhoods to stay in, you have non-stop access to the right atmosphere.

How does The Neighborhood Edition feature work?

Here’s how to find cool neighborhoods using Priceline’s new features (Courtesy of Priceline)

As important as booking a stay in the right neighborhood is, it’s incredibly difficult to nail them down. In my experience, the best and only way to reliably find the right atmosphere is to ask a local or someone who has lived in the city for a long time.

That’s where Priceline’s handy new feature comes in. Last year, they identified ‘awayborhoods’ as an important part of the travel experience, which I’ve laid out above.

(Finding the right neighborhood = better vibes and feeling empowered = the trip of a lifetime.)

When you download their app and start planning a trip, you can now access neighborhood features, which give you five unique opportunities to land the perfect neighborhood.

Here’s how it goes:

Use the Neighborhood Navigator to learn which neighborhoods are similar to others in major cities. Just start with a neighborhood you know and love, then find its counterparts in other hubs. For now, Priceline only has navigator features for 35 cities—but that’s a pretty strong start, serving hotspots like New York City, Portland, and beyond. (Use this feature on the app or on the website.)
Then, set the right vibes using the Trip Vibe Selector. If the word ‘vibe’ is throwing you off, know that they’re just talking about atmosphere. Are you looking for a quiet escape with boutique shops and organic grocers? Or a party zone with bars offering trivia nights and karaoke? What about a student-friendly zone with cafes that let you work on a laptop? Those are all different vibes. (Use this feature on the app or on the website.)

You can also:

Learn more about a potential neighborhood with the Content Pages, where you can explore descriptions and comparisons. These info-heavy pages let you match up your favorite potential neighborhoods to find the perfect one.
Penny Maps lets you take a look at the neighborhood, including its parks, museums, bars, and more. In other words, all those locations you were reading about in the Neighborhood Navigator and Content Pages are now mapped out so you can gain a better sense of the area.
There’s even a Turo integration, which lets you plan your trip alongside booking a Turo car rental. I don’t have a car, but if you’re into the peer-to-peer car rental service, this might be an added perk for you.

Did You Know That Seoul Loves Corn Dogs? Here’s Where to Get One

When I think of Seoul, South Korea, I picture a modern, brightly lit city that’s home to world-class spas, ultra-luxury shopping, animal cafes, and some of the world’s best street food.

While Tokyo is usually the top pick for American tourists heading to East Asia, I’ve had my sights set on Seoul for a bit longer. (It’s all those Netflix Daebak K-drama series.)

Intrigue aside, a trip to Seoul is a big leap in terms of distance, culture, and language—and it isn’t a vacation that I’d plan off the cuff.

If you’re heading to South Korea from the United States, you’re bound to encounter a few confounding cultural differences, like learning to stay quiet on the subway and not tipping servers or taxi drivers.

That being said, you might recognize more pastimes than you anticipated. Baseball is one of the most surprising sights for Americans who didn’t realize that South Korea has a hugely popular domestic league, the KBO. (If you’re a baseball fan, don’t miss out on catching a Seoul SK Knights or the Seoul Samsung Thunders while in town.)

Baseball games in South Korea are known for their lively atmosphere, team chants, and, unsurprisingly, delicious sports food.

Here’s where one surprise turns into two. The most popular item on the menu is one that Americans know well: the corn dog.

In fact, I just went on YouTube to find an example of travelers experiencing their first KBO game in Seoul. The very first one on my feed is a video review from a British-Polish couple, Jay and Karolina, who attended a Doosan Bears game.

When the pair head to the concessions stand, they see hot dogs, then point out the corn dogs—but, being from outside the US, it takes them a second to realize it’s a corn dog.

Ready to learn where to find classic American comfort food all the way in South Korea? Let’s dive in.

How did corn dogs end up in South Korea?

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – APRIL 02: Kiwoom Heroes fans cheer during the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) League opening game. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)

Corn dogs ended up in South Korea the same way professional baseball did: the Korean War. Americans stationed in South Korea in the 1950s intermingled with locals, imparting a deep love for baseball.

After the war ended, US military bases remained open (and still are today), which means Americans and South Koreans have been exchanging culture for decades.

Enter the corn dog, which first landed on American plates in the 1920s before taking off nationwide in the 1950s.

By the 1980s, the corn dog had migrated east—and it had a distinctly South Korean twist. Rather than cornmeal, Korean corn dogs were made from a batter of rice wheat and stuffed with fish cakes, not hot dogs.

Today, common Korean corn dog varieties include cheese, ramen, fish cakes, and more. If you want a Korean version, stick to the fish cakes. I’ve heard they’re delicious.

And though I’m not normally a fan of glizzys (apparently, that’s what we call hot dogs now), I’d definitely be looking out to snag a corn dog in Seoul.

And even if you can’t swing a corn dog, hot dogs are also zhuzhed up to the max. (In South Korea, hot dog usually refers to all corn dogs, but you can also find plain hot dogs served in buns, too.)

Here’s where I’d go based on recommendations from locals, travelers, and corn dog lovers.

Best places to get a corn dog in Seoul

KBO Games

There’s no better place to nosh on a corn dog than at a baseball game—that’s true in South Korea and the United States. Again, if you’re a fan of sports, then book a few tickets for a KBO game while you’re in town. It lets you take a bite out of South Korea’s baseball culture and corndog culture in a single go.

Shake Shack (various locations)

There are a handful of Shake Shack locations in Seoul that will serve up a delicious corn dog, from Doota to Gangnam to Cheongdam. These are the most accessible places for Americans to pick up a classic hot dog aside from a street food stall. They’re served up as ‘flat tops’ at Shake Shack.

Myungrang Hot Dog Mangwon Station

It’s just a hot dog stand—but it’s a well-known quantity in Seoul. You can sample state-of-the-art local corn dog varieties that will take you into never-before-tasted territory. Even the shape and appearance are maximized, overloaded with sauces and crunchy glazes in a way that feels very familiar to my Midwestern palate.

Superdog

It’s all about high-brow corn dogs at SuperDog. Whether you want an elevated chicken SuperDog (a classic hot dog with chicken stuffed into the bun) or a top-notch corn dog, you can find your champion at this unassuming restaurant. Just note that corn dogs aren’t always on the menu, meaning you might need to settle for a regular glizzy. Well, by SuperDog standards.