Vegan in the Hamptons: Nikki's Not Dog Stand
Address | 51 Division St, Sag Harbor, NY 11963
In the charming seaside village of Sag Harbor, Nikki’s Not Dog Stand is a beloved local gem redefining classic street food with a creative, plant-based twist. Founded by Nikki Glick, this vibrant eatery offers a menu of delicious, 100% vegan hot dogs, burgers, and sides that satisfy vegans, vegetarians, and curious carnivores alike.
The 4th of July made us want a hot dog real bad, so we made our way to Nikki’s Not Dog Stand, a cheerful little spot—unassuming, but unmistakably inviting with its bold signage and retro charm. What sets Nikki’s apart is not just the nostalgic vibe, but the fact that everything on the menu is 100% vegan—a rarity and a gem in the Hamptons.
We placed our order at the counter: a Chicago Dog, an LA Dog, and a side of sweet potato fries to share. While we waited, the smell of grilled onions and sizzling plant-based goodness filled the air. There are a few seats at the counter but we took our order to go.
The first bite of the Chicago Dog transported Lynette straight back to her childhood days in Chicago. She took one bite, eyes wide, and said, “They nailed it.” With that familiar neon relish, sport peppers, tomato slices, mustard, diced onions, a pickle spear, and celery salt—every classic ingredient was present and accounted for, all perfectly nestled in a soft bun. The sausage had just the right snap and seasoning, and had the clean and delicious taste of plant-based food. It was nostalgic made better.
The LA Dog brought a different kind of joy—more of a West Coast street food flair. Topped with sautéed peppers & onions, pico de gallo, yellow mustard, ketchup, and mayo, it was rich, smoky, and packed with layered flavor. The hot dog base held its own under the generous toppings. It felt fresh, modern, and indulgent in the best way.
And the sweet potato fries? Golden, crispy, and lightly seasoned—perfect for dipping in the smoky chipotle mayo or eating on their own. They added just the right amount of sweetness and crunch to round out the meal.
Nikki’s Not Dog Stand is more than a novelty—it’s a place that celebrates comfort food through a completely plant-based lens without sacrificing flavor or familiarity. Whether you’re a longtime vegan or just plant-curious, there’s something incredibly satisfying about enjoying a hot dog that brings back childhood memories without any of the meat.
The 100% plant-based eatery doesn’t just serve up inventive hot dogs—it offers a full-on nostalgic comfort food experience, all made without animal products. We followed up our first visit later in the week to try a few of their standout items, and it’s safe to say we left full, satisfied, and already plotting our return.
We started with two of their plant-based burgers: the New Mexico Burger and the Oklahoma City Burger. The New Mexico Burger was bold and flavorful, with roasted Hatch chile peppers lending a rich, smoky heat that paired beautifully with serrano mayo—creamy with a gentle kick. The freshness of iceberg lettuce and tomato, plus onions and melty vegan cheddar, gave the whole thing a classic diner-style crunch and balance. Each bite had that crave-worthy combination of spicy, savory, and juicy, making it a standout among plant-based burgers.
The Oklahoma City Burger, brought a totally different flavor profile—tangy BBQ sauce, crisp pickles, and vegan mayo with shredded cheddar cheese and onions. It had all the sweet-savory sharpness you want from a Southern-style burger, and the pickles cut through the richness perfectly. These are not dainty burgers—they’re messy in the best way, stacked high, and full of bold character.
On the side, we ordered the Broccoli Salad, and it was the perfect contrast to the indulgent burgers. The broccoli was fresh and lightly blanched, tossed in a subtly sweet and creamy dressing. The salad had a clean, refreshing flavor that balanced out the richness of the mains.
Summer temperatures have officially arrived so we decided to try a shake—or two. We tried both the Espresso Shake and the Darryl Strawberry Shake, and they did not disappoint. The Espresso Shake was bold and smooth, with deep coffee flavor and just the right touch of sweetness—an ideal pick-me-up on a warm day. The Darryl Strawberry was like a childhood memory in a cup: creamy, fruity, and nostalgic, with a natural strawberry taste and a smooth vanilla base.
Nikki’s is a reminder that great food doesn’t need to be conventional to be deeply comforting. We’ll definitely be back to try more of the menu!
