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We can all agree that hot dogs offer our taste buds a mouth-watering, all-American flavor explosion. These delicious tube steaks, also known as wieners or frankfurters, are traditionally served in a soft bun and topped with classic condiments like ketchup, mustard, and relish. But this classic lunchtime meal can also be jazzed up with more unique toppings, such as chili, onions, and sauerkraut.
Like in most cities, the San Diego hot dog scene offers its fair share of traditional hot dog joints. Most of the time, these spots offer an array of hot dog options, from Chicago-style to chili cheese dogs. But what sets San Diego apart is the unique hot dog offerings found at restaurants and food trucks around the city. So, where can you sink your teeth into the best hot dogs in San Diego?
# 10 – Underdog
When was the last time you tried a hot dog at a hot dog cart, and it wowed you? Underdog offers exceptional 100% vegan street food, including their famous hot dog. Made with vegan sausage, it’s topped with avocado, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños for an added kick. The vegan corn dogs are not to be missed either, made with a vegan cornmeal batter and served with mustard or ketchup on the side. Don’t forget to try their tater tots smothered in vegan chili and cheese sauce. This local food truck is making waves with its creative and tasty vegan menu offerings and friendly and professional service.
Address: 2404 El Cajon Boulevard San Diego, CA 92104
Website: https://www.underdogsd.com/
# 9 – Daddy’s Hot Dogs
Daddy’s Hot Dogs offers some of the most creative hot dogs in town. Their hot dog menu features traditional beef and veggie options and unique selections like buffalo and hotlink. Each hot dog is cooked to order and topped with delicious, fresh toppings. This is the place to enjoy some of those New York-style hot dogs with sautéed onions and warm sauerkraut. Vegetarians will love their veggie dog options, too. For a heavier and more unique option, try the all-beef hotlink option. The place itself may be small and basic, but the hot dogs pack a flavor punch.
Address: 1281 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Website: http://www.daddyshotdogs.com/
# 8 – Dog Haus
A huge premium handcrafted hot dog is what you can expect at Dog Haus. Their menu has something for everyone: classic hot dogs, sausages, and burgers made with 100% Angus beef that is humanely raised and never given hormones or antibiotics. They use these soft and sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls to top their creations with unique and delicious toppings. You can almost imagine how tasty the Haus dog, topped with white American cheese, chili aioli, and crispy fried onions would be. Their premium shakes and craft beers round the menu for a complete meal. You can either dine in at their laid-back spot or have your food delivered straight to your door.
Address: 969 Ninth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: https://sandiego.doghaus.com/
# 7 – Duff’s Doggz
The reputation the Duff’s Doggz have created for themselves by serving the best Chicago-style hot dogs in San Diego has people flocking to their small, no-frills stand. Their classic and vegetarian hot dog options are topped with unique and tasty fixings, like cheesy mac and chili or avocado and bacon. They have managed to give hot dogs a gourmet twist and offer catering services for special events. Their signature doggz brings out this unique combination of flavors, with options like the Duff Dog, topped with cream cheese, grilled onions, and jalapeno jelly. Their outdoor seating is perfect for enjoying a hot dog on a sunny day in San Diego.
Address: 12047 Carmel Mountain Rd, San Diego, CA 92128
Website: https://www.duffsdoggz.com/
# 6 – Barrio Dogg
If you’re a fan of Mexican hot dogs you can agree that they’re a delicious twist on the traditional hot dog. Mexican hot dogs usually give this classic American staple a south-of-the-border makeover with the addition of toppings. If you’re craving the best Mexican hot dogs in San Diego, Barrio Dogg is the place to go. Their EL SMOKEY hot dogs are the highlight of the menu with Roasted Pulled Pork, Tamarindo BBQ, and House Made Cole Slaw as some of the toppings. There is also the breakfast EL GALLO hot dog that features a fluffy omelet that keeps all of the toppings in place. The hot dog options in this neighborhood hangout might not be traditional, but they make for a delicious meal.
Address: 2234 Logan Ave, San Diego, CA 92113
Website: https://barriodogg.com/
# 5 – ZZanG Hot Dog Convoy
Another spot that has managed to serve the best and most unique hot dogs in the city is ZZanG Hot Dog Convoy. While they are more focused on serving Korean-style corn and cheese dogs, they have also managed to please their customers with great food, competitive prices, and speedy service. They bring together various flavors and a casual atmosphere, creating a truly unique hot dog experience. Their Korean hot dogs are nothing short of authentic and made with the finest ingredients. The taste you get from all the toppings and the hot dog can surely satisfy adventurous taste buds.
Address: 7725 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA 92111
Website: https://zzanghotdog.com/
# 4 – Wienerschnitzel
This American fast-food chain deserves some recognition for serving up delicious hot dogs with classic toppings, like mustard and chili. They have multiple locations in the San Diego area, making it the perfect option for a quick and tasty hot dog fix. the joint has been serving hot dogs for over 50 years making them one of the most popular hot dog spots in the city. They offer options such as regular hot hod, chili hot dogs, and corn hot dogs. Their chili option and the use of original pork and beef blend or 100% beef wieners make for a delicious and satisfying meal. They use zesty spice blend seasonings and toppings made in-house daily, resulting in delicious, juicy hot dogs that you will want to return for again and again.
Address: 2669 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109
Website: https://www.wienerschnitzel.com/
# 3 – Midway Classic Malt Shop
Do you wish to get a taste of some classic American food? Midway Classic Malt Shop is the place to go for all your hot dog cravings. This 50’s-style malt shop offers a variety of classic hot dogs made from ¼ LB Beef Hebrew National Hot Dogs, such as the classic beef hot dog, chili cheese, and even a sauerkraut option. Pair your hot dog with one of their delicious milkshakes for the ultimate nostalgic meal. The retro atmosphere and classic hot dogs create the best kitschy spot to enjoy your delicious summertime lunch.
Address: 3625 Midway Dr Suite B, San Diego, CA 92110
Website: https://www.midwayclassicsmaltshop.com/
# 2 – Lefty’s Chicago Pizzeria
Some people do not like compromising their original taste and if you’re one of them and you wish to enjoy some classic, traditional Chicago-style hot dogs, Lefty’s is the place to go. It might be popularly known for its deep-dish pizzas, but Lefty’s hot dogs are not to be overlooked. Made with all beef, poppyseed bun, sport peppers, tomatoes, pickles, relish, onions, and mustard – all the classic Chicago fixings – Lefty’s hot dogs are truly a taste of the Windy City. Their mouth-watering and comforting have been raved about by locals and visitors alike.
Address: 4030 Goldfinch St, San Diego, CA 92103
Website: https://leftyspizza.com/
# 1 – Craft & Commerce
It wouldn’t be a hot dog round-up without mentioning this seasonal eatery’s classic corn hot dog option. This popular restaurant and bar offer a variety of creative hot dog toppings that have ensured its spot on the list of favorite hot dog joints in town. But their classic C&C CORN DOGS with cheese sauce and jalapeno relish are not to be missed.
Address: 675 W. Beech St, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: https://craft-commerce.com/
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