Unearth The Voyage
Walk into any Yocco’s location in the Lehigh Valley, and you’ll step back into a time when hot dogs were grilled to perfection and family recipes meant everything. For over a century, this beloved hot dog stand has served up more than just food, it’s delivered tradition, community, and flavors that generations of locals crave. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a curious first-timer, here are nine compelling reasons why Yocco’s remains the undisputed Hot Dog King of Allentown.
1. A 100-plus-year Lehigh Valley tradition (since 1922)
Founded by Theodore Iacocca back in 1922, Yocco’s has survived the Great Depression, world wars, and every food trend imaginable. Theodore was the uncle of automotive legend Lee Iacocca, but in Allentown, the family name means hot dogs first. What started as a single stand grew into a beloved chain that now spans the Lehigh Valley.
Today, third-generation owner Gary Iacocca keeps the legacy alive, maintaining the same recipes and old-school methods his grandfather perfected a century ago. Walking through the door feels like visiting your grandparents’ kitchen familiar, comforting, and filled with stories. That kind of staying power doesn’t happen by accident; it’s earned one steamed bun at a time.
2. The secret, slightly tangy meat-based chili sauce
Every Lehigh Valley native will tell you the same thing: the magic is all in the sauce. Yocco’s chili isn’t your typical canned topping, it’s a tangy, meat-based recipe that’s been guarded by the Iacocca family for generations. Made fresh in-house daily, it hits with a savory punch that’s equal parts nostalgic and addictive.
This isn’t fiery Texas chili or thick Cincinnati-style stuff. It’s got its own personality—slightly sweet, a little tangy, with finely ground meat that clings perfectly to every bite. Locals slather it on dogs, cheesesteaks, and burgers without hesitation. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why people who move away beg friends to ship jars of it across state lines.
3. Old-school prep: well-done on a grill, bun steamed
Forget fancy cooking techniques or modern twists—Yocco’s sticks to what works. Hot dogs hit the grill and stay there until they’re well-done, with crispy edges that lock in all those spices and flavors. Meanwhile, the buns get a gentle steam bath, turning soft and pillowy without falling apart.
Order yours “everything” and you’ll get mustard, finely chopped raw onions, and that legendary chili sauce piled high. The contrast between the crunchy dog and the tender bun is perfection in every bite. It’s simple, it’s timeless, and it’s exactly what a hot dog should be—no gimmicks, just quality done right every single time.
4. The “Allentown-style” cheesesteak is a local twist
Philadelphia might claim the cheesesteak throne, but Allentown has its own delicious rebellion. Yocco’s version swaps the traditional Cheez Whiz for something bolder: stewed onions, a generous spoonful of that signature chili sauce, plus pickles and hot peppers if you’re brave. It’s a flavor bomb that only makes sense if you grew up here.
The result is messy, tangy, and completely unforgettable. Steak and cheese meet the same chili that tops the hot dogs, creating a mash-up that shouldn’t work but absolutely does. Outsiders might raise an eyebrow, but locals know this is the only way to eat a cheesesteak in the Lehigh Valley.
5. Pierogies, crinkle fries, burgers & more
Sure, the name says “Hot Dog King,” but regulars know the menu runs deeper than franks alone. Crispy crinkle-cut fries arrive hot and salty, perfect for dipping into extra chili. Pan-fried pierogies bring a nod to the area’s Pennsylvania Dutch and Eastern European roots, stuffed with potato and onion goodness.
Burgers get the same love as the dogs—grilled hard, topped with chili, and served without pretension. Even the sausage sandwiches have a loyal following. The menu is compact and focused, but every item delivers the same no-nonsense quality that’s kept families coming back decade after decade. Variety meets tradition in the best possible way.
6. A-Treat birch beer (and chocolate milk!) for the classic pairing
What you drink matters just as much as what you eat at Yocco’s. A-Treat birch beer, a beloved local soda, made a triumphant return to the menu after years of fan requests. Its creamy, root-beer-like flavor cuts through the richness of chili and grilled meat perfectly.
But ask the old-timers, and many will tell you the real move is ice-cold chocolate milk. It sounds quirky, but the sweetness balances the savory, salty punch of two dogs loaded with everything. It’s one of those combinations that makes zero sense on paper but total sense in your mouth. Trust the locals—they’ve been doing this for a hundred years.
7. A name locals grew up with—literally
Ever wonder how “Iacocca” became “Yocco’s”? Blame Pennsylvania Dutch pronunciation. When Theodore opened shop, local German-speaking customers couldn’t quite wrap their tongues around the Italian surname, so they called it “Yocco’s” instead. The nickname stuck, and the family embraced it wholeheartedly.
That neon hot dog wearing a crown became one of the most recognizable logos in the Lehigh Valley. Kids grew up spotting the sign from their parents’ car windows, begging to stop for a dog. Now those kids bring their own children, and the cycle continues. A name born from mispronunciation became a symbol of home, pride, and delicious tradition.
8. Still woven into the region’s culture
Yocco’s isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a cultural landmark. Vintage photos of the original stand hang in local museums, and the brand pops up in regional comics and nostalgia pieces. For people who’ve moved away from the Lehigh Valley, Yocco’s becomes shorthand for everything they miss about home.
Expats plan entire trips around a stop at their favorite location, posting photos online like they’ve reunited with an old friend. First-time visitors hunting for authentic regional food put Yocco’s at the top of their lists. It’s more than a meal; it’s a rite of passage, a memory-maker, and a delicious thread that ties the community together across generations and geography.
9. Know-before-you-go: current open locations
Ready to make the pilgrimage? Yocco’s operates five locations across the Lehigh Valley. In Allentown, hit up the West Hamilton Street shop at 2128 Hamilton St, the Valley Plaza spot at 1930 Catasauqua Rd, or the South Mall location at 3300 Lehigh St. Over in Emmaus, you’ll find them at 4042 Chestnut St. The Fogelsville outpost sits at 225 PA-100, right on the Allentown line.
One important note: the Trexlertown location closed in December 2023, so don’t make that mistake. Double-check hours before you go, grab cash just in case, and prepare your appetite. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these five spots are your gateway to a century of hot dog history.
