Bay Area Hot Dog Tour

A buddy and I are talking about taking a Bay Area hot dog tour on Labor Day weekend. We know about the Top Dog chain. Any other suggestions?

What, not a single suggestion? The folks over at Chowhound.com went bananas with ideas on where to go for a Bay Area hot dog tour. We'll be taking a San Francisco mini-tour August 5-7. I'll try to post some pictures.

I would help, but I live in Chicago.... Sorry :)

I didn't see this before. Consider George's Deli on the south side of Market St. between 6th and 7th. I actually recommend the Polish Sausage more than the hot dogs, though. And since I always eat there during the week when I'm working, I can't swear he's open on weekends.

There's also a new hot dog place that last I passed was about to open just around the corner on 7th St (across from the new Federal Building going up)--it looked like it would have possibilities.

San Francisco is also loaded with push-cart hot dog vendors. They are too pricey for my regular patronage ($3-4 for a hot dog) but when I have tried them the dogs were pretty good.

For a greasy spoon special (hot dog, burger, whatever you want), I love Red's Java House on the Embarcadero next to SBC Park. If the weather's decent, get your food and eat it outside by the Bay.

Truth is, I eat as many dogs at CostCo as anywhere--they are cheap and good. It's on 10th St. between Harrison and Bryant if you're a member.

quote:

Originally posted by BT



There's also a new hot dog place that last I passed was about to open just around the corner on 7th St (across from the new Federal Building going up)--it looked like it would have possibilities.

BT, what is the cross street for the new place on 7th?

quote:

Originally posted by Saint Matt

quote:

Originally posted by BT



There's also a new hot dog place that last I passed was about to open just around the corner on 7th St (across from the new Federal Building going up)--it looked like it would have possibilities.

BT, what is the cross street for the new place on 7th?

Market St.--it's right around the corner on 7th but you can't miss the new Federal Building under construction across the street--it's 18 stories of poured concrete.

Sorry, can't help. The only thing I know is that when I have a chance to revisit the Bay area, the last thing I'll want is a hot dog.

Matt: I went by the new place today. It's called The Dogout. It's apparently part of a minichain: http://www.thedogout.com/index.html . But the basic dog ($2.99) I had was very good. And it's open on weekends. It's definitely a plus for the hood (and that particular hood is kind of rough around the edges--the place I sometimes work near there is a methadone clinic which tells you what I mean even though the 9th District Federal Court of Appeals is practically next door).

quote:

Originally posted by wanderingjew

Sorry, can't help. The only thing I know is that when I have a chance to revisit the Bay area, the last thing I'll want is a hot dog.

Look, you can't say that without letting us in on what is the first thing.

quote:

Originally posted by BT

quote:

Originally posted by wanderingjew

Sorry, can't help. The only thing I know is that when I have a chance to revisit the Bay area, the last thing I'll want is a hot dog.

Look, you can't say that without letting us in on what is the first thing.

Cioppino, Cioppino, Cioppino and more Cioppino!

quote:

Originally posted by BT

Matt: I went by the new place today. It's called The Dogout. It's apparently part of a minichain: http://www.thedogout.com/index.html . But the basic dog ($2.99) I had was very good. And it's open on weekends. It's definitely a plus for the hood (and that particular hood is kind of rough around the edges--the place I sometimes work near there is a methadone clinic which tells you what I mean even though the 9th District Federal Court of Appeals is practically next door).

Thanks. My guess is that they are somehow associated with the Top Dog chain as the logo and menu are almost exactly the same.

My favorite hot dog stand is my own kitchen. Sorry, I always make hot dogs at home, as it's one of the easiest quick dinners possible. Casper's hot dogs are my choice, because I want that natural casing snap, but John prefers Ball Parks.

From my hot dog stand you can see all of Downtown SF, plus the suspension span of the Bay Bridge, and much of the East Bay.

Still, I'm glad to read your suggestions!

There is a sausage place at Church and Market called World Sausage Grill. A little upscale if all you are looking for is a hot dog, but my son the hot dog freak loves it.

quote:

michaelgemmell
Posted - 07/24/2005 : 14:57:03
Casper's hot dogs are my choice, because I want that natural casing snap

You see Michael we can agree on some things......................

Casper's is also my choise of hot dog and I would put them up against any brand on the East Coast.
Thank god for Casper's for if it weren't for that brand I would be in total depression.
I know of no hot-dog joints around San Jose serving them so we do, as you, have to eat them at home.
I could not believe it but they sell them at our Costco in a 3# lbs package.

some Casper news....
Legendary Casper's Hot Dogs Chain to Close Flagship Location
http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=73854&category=

BT.................. no matter how big you blow up that picture of San Francisco
you'll still not be bigger then the 10th largest city
in the US San Jose California, Capital of Silicon Valley
That's right shipmate we became the 10th largest city
a few weeks ago. I'm sure you folks didn't get to read
about that news in the Examiner....... I'm not sure if that paper
is even published at all.
or was that the Chronicle that went belly up?

By the way BT, I supose you took that picture of SF
last winter because I hear that you folks have
been in ice cold fog for the past 4 weeks.

Roadfooders here is what SF real looks like all summer

now now Michael calm down

BT and I are only having a little fun.............. Right BT?
And don't forget boys .....the big race next weekend here in the real big City



Grand Prix of San José will be one of California's largest and most anticipated sporting events.
2005 will be the inaugural Champ Car event roaring through the streets of San José.

The Taylor Woodrow Grand Prix of San José event will represent so much more than a race.
It will be a week long non-stop festival both on and off the
track. Featuring an on-site checkered flag festival area with
music, interactive games, music, driver autograph sessions and much more!

http://www.sanjosegrandprix.com/main.html


http://www.nbc11.com/sanjosegrandprix/index.html

quote:

Originally posted by fpczyz


By the way BT, I supose you took that picture of SF
last winter because I hear that you folks have
been in ice cold fog for the past 4 weeks.

A. I didn't take the picture. I found it on the web, but it seems to have disappeared anyway.

B. Yesterday, it was almost as hot here as San Jose is all summer. I had to take off my jacket, even in the evening. But thank Heaven the fog was back today (I could see it all day, but over my head was the usual bright blue sky and bracing sunshine).

Having lived in San Francisco for 14 years I can honestly say that there are no great dogs in The City. Casper's and Top Dog in the East Bay but nothing that I'm aware of in San Francisco. Casper's serves a Chicago style dog with tomatoes which coming from the East Coast is a acquired taste.

Well East Coast hot dog lovers are hip, I really dig the all-beef dogs they eat;

And the Southern dogs with the way they're slawed,
they knock me out when I'm down there;

The Mid-West's Chicago Style really make you feel alright;

And the Northern New York State white hots with the way they taste, they keep their diehard fans warm all night.

I been all around this great big world
And I've had all kinds of dogs.

Yeah, but I can't wait to get back in the states, back to the best dogs in the world.

With apologies to Brian et al,
The Bear

Sorry I never got around to reporting back about our SF Hot Dog Tour. Here is a brief report:

World Sausage Grill: A large selection of sausages and beer. I was disappointed with my all-beef dog. My buddy had some sort of spicy turkey or chicken sausage and really liked it. Neither of us liked the buns. Good German potato salad. This place is worth a try if you're in the neighborhood, but I wouldn't cross town for it.

Rosamunde Sausage Grill: A small but excellent menu. I had knockwurst and my friend had the beer sausage. We both loved it. Excellent buns. Bottled sodas. A class act all around and worth a trip across town.

Fatt Dog: A new chain that was voted "best all-beef dog in the Bay Area." I had the German garlic frankfurter and it was very good and very potent. I was tasting garlic for the next several hours. My friend found out the hard way that he doesn't like bockwurst. Decent potato salad. Frito-Lay chips. No bottled sodas, just your typical self-serve soda fountain. This place is worth seeking out.

The Dog-Out: This is the franchise arm of the Top Dog chain. Pretty much the same as Top Dog. I had the chicken apple sausage and it was fine. Don't remember what my friend had, but he liked it alright. Bottled sodas. Worth a try if you happen to be in the neighborhood. It's in a crummy part of town, so go to one of the other dog joints if don't have any other reason to be in that area.

Perry's Joint: This place changed hands a week before we tried it and was now called "The Unity Cafe." But, they were still serving dogs. We both ordered the chilli dog. It was a large dog served in a foil lined basket. I thought it was good but not great. My friend was unimpressed. They sell other lunch items, ice cream and candy. This could really be a cool little joint in the right hands. But judging from the new name, my guess is that the new owner is clueless.

Let's Be Frank: This is a cart that sells "The Omega Dog - The world's healthiest hot dog." They set up outside the ballpark on game days. These are five bucks a pop and worth it. Made from all-natural beef and full of omega-3 fatty acids. I had two and really felt good afterwards. A tasty dog too. Served with grilled onion. My buddy was equally impressed. They also set up their cart at Crissy Field. Well worth seeking out.

We also tried to go to What's Up Dog and the Dogzilla Cafe, but they were closed.

How many attended ?

I wish they all could be California Girls !!!!!!

Love and Mercy

Benzee

quote:

Originally posted by Benzee

How many attended ?

I wish they all could be California Girls !!!!!!

Love and Mercy

Benzee

There was just the two of us on the tour. We'll explore other parts of the Bay Area eventually.

Anyone who's both a hot dog fan and a Brian Wilson fan can't be all bad!

Thanks Saint Matt ,

I'm a big Beach boys fan , seen them over 100 times over the past 25 years , from the entire group to Brian Solo , to Al Jardines Beach Family and Friends .

I saw Dennis next to last concert Summer of 83 in New Jersey before he was banned from the band and drowned and caught a beer can he threw from the stage midway , yes midway through the concert . He was hammered throughout .

July 4th 83 I walked along the beach with Bruce as they were building the stage for the show , we camped out for two days , front row baby.

July 4th 84 at the Wash. monument was very cool , Ringo and the Moody Blues , the Ojays and others .

Probably the best was Brians solo concert at the Beacon Theatre in his return tour , we were about 10th row , right behind Ronnie Spector . 99 I think it was .

Have all their albums , 8 tracks , cassettes and cds if you know what I mean .

This probably deserves a new musical theme thread but oh well , you will probably get moved like we did for our West Jersey tour , we were banned to the Misc. Food section .

So watch out , beware , the powers that be are watching , .

Benzee

PS - Besides love and mercy , Imagination by Brian and a nice little Bruce Johnston written song called Disney Girls are really cool too .