Las Vegas is full of advice. Some people will tell you to head straight to the Strip. Others will insist that Fremont Street should be your first stop. You’ll hear recommendations for buffets, sports books, pool parties, and luxury lounges.

Me? I start thinking about hot dogs.

Not exactly the glamorous answer people expect when they ask, “What’s the first thing you do in Las Vegas?” but after enough trips—and now living here—I’ve learned that a good, inexpensive meal can be the perfect way to start a Vegas adventure.

First Things First: Get Settled

If you’re flying into Harry Reid International Airport and renting a car, you’ll likely take the free shuttle to the Rent-A-Car Center. Once you’ve collected your vehicle, checked into your hotel, and dropped off your luggage, it’s time to eat.

And that’s where the hot dog tour begins.

Downtown Grand’s Nathan’s Deal

One of my favorite budget-friendly stops is Downtown Grand.

Their Nathan’s Famous hot dog deal has become something of a local legend among bargain hunters. For around the price of a fancy casino coffee, you can grab a Nathan’s hot dog and a PBR. Even better, the condiment station lets you customize your dog exactly the way you like it.

It’s a great first stop because you’re already near Fremont Street, one of the most interesting areas in Las Vegas. You can eat, people-watch, and start soaking in the city’s energy without spending much money.

Slots-A-Fun: Old Vegas Prices

Just north of and sharing a lot with Circus Circus sits Slots-A-Fun, a property with the most legendary casino carpeting that seems determined to remind visitors that cheap Vegas still exists.

The casino offers inexpensive hot dogs and beer specials that feel like they belong in another decade. along with slots that still take actual quarters (Does anyone remember CASH?) It’s not fancy, but that’s part of the charm. If you’re a video poker player, I can’t think of a better seat than at the Slots a Fun bar on a sunny day.

If you’re looking for an old-school Las Vegas experience where your wallet doesn’t immediately start crying, Slots-A-Fun is worth a stop.

South Point’s Chicago-Style Gem

As Chicagoan and relatively recent Las Vegas resident, I always appreciate finding a Chicago-style hot dog. South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa has long been known for offering one of the best bargains in town: a Vienna Beef Chicago-style dog at a price that feels almost impossible in today’s economy.

$1.50 gets you a topped dog with a 3-dog limit, cash only.

Located well south of the Strip on Las Vegas Blvd, South Point attracts plenty of locals, making it a fun alternative if you’re looking to escape the tourist crowds.

Just remember: if you’re putting ketchup on a Chicago dog, you’re going to hear about it from somebody. And as of this article, I have yet to see celery salt as an option at any of the places mentioned here (!).

Stage Door Casino and the “Fat Dog”

If your appetite is larger than average, Stage Door Casino deserves consideration.

Located just off the Strip behind some of the major resorts, Stage Door has built a loyal following among visitors looking for cheap drinks and a satisfying 1/4 pound hot dog.

Their oversized 1/4 pound hot dogs have become a favorite among late-night casino wanderers. They’re simple, filling, and pair perfectly with a cold beer after a long day of avoiding or walking on Las Vegas Boulevard. One of these beefy dogs and a Heineken will set you back a measly $5.

Why Hot Dogs?

Honestly, I don’t know.

Las Vegas offers some of the world’s best restaurants. You can spend hundreds of dollars on a single meal prepared by celebrity chefs. Yet somehow, whenever someone asks what I do first in Vegas, my brain immediately goes to hot dogs.

Maybe it’s because they’re affordable. Maybe it’s because they’re quick. Probably because it should be a sin :) Maybe it’s because Vegas is one of the few places where you can find luxury resorts, a world-class steakhouse, and a legendary bargain hot dog all within a few blocks of each other.

Whatever the reason, if you’re arriving hungry and looking for a uniquely Vegas combination of value and character, you could do a lot worse than starting your trip with a hot dog. And if you follow this route, congratulations—you’ve accidentally turned your first day in Las Vegas into a self-guided hot dog tour.

Not a bad way to begin a vacation.

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What’s the first thing you do when you arrive in Las Vegas? Let us know.