BK Carne Asada & Hot Dogs

Posted By Chris Ayers & Amy Briesch on January 18, 2008 9:54 AM

When it comes to hot dogs, what toppings do you usually think of? A hearty helping of chili and cheese? The ballpark staples of ketchup, mustard, and relish? The pickle, tomato, and celery salt that differentiate a Chicago dog from the rest? Although there are many different ways to dress a dog, there is none quite as regionally different as the Sonoran hot dog of southern Arizona.

Most often grilled on large outdoor grates, these dogs are wrapped in a layer of bacon that tends to melt off during cooking to leave behind only a slight smoky flavor. Sonoran hot dogs are also differentiated by their bread—dense bakery-style rolls slit most (but not all) of the way down the length of the bun to form a pocket of sorts. Although we are not sure of the origin of this type of bun, it surely serves a functional purpose, as the mounds of toppings are not given the opportunity to simply slip out of the far end. Among the chunky toppings that threaten to spill from the bun are chopped tomatoes, pinto beans, onions, cheese, and hot peppers. Top all of that off with a few squirts of condiments designed to replicate the Mexican flag (ketchup, mayonnaise, and either tomatillo or jalapeño salsa), and you have one heart-stopping culinary experience that will leave you wanting more.

Although BK’s is known for their hot dogs, their menu extends far beyond this one regional roadside staple to include delicacies rarely seen on the menus of Mexican restaurants outside of the border states. And despite the fact that there are more places to eat Mexican food in Tucson than virtually any other type of food, this does not diminish the deliciousness of BK’s tacos, tortas, burros, and caramelos.

The mesquite-grilled carne asada had come especially recommended to us by our Arizona friends Jacque and Janice, and we opted to try it on a torta (Mexican-style sandwich). The tender grilled meat and shredded lettuce toppled from the toasty roll, leaving much debris to clean up with a fork at the meal’s end. For those patrons looking for something different to fill their tacos, tortas, or burros, however, available fillings include pastor (seasoned pork), borrego (lamb), and, for those with a real sense of culinary adventure, cabeza (cow’s head).

BK’s landmark is the huge hot dog cart in the front parking lot: a fancy, custom-made cooking center, as opposed to the ramshackle carts found in every other empty corner lot around the city. The tantalizing scent of grilled dogs permeates your car even before switching off the ignition after parking, and all hot dogs are prepared outside, then taken inside the restaurant for serving. BK’s is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner starting at 9 a.m. each day, so get ready to be converted to the “Estilo Sorona” (Sonoran style) of Tucson. (Note: the original store is located at 5118 South 12th Avenue)

Huevos con Chorizo

Sonoran Hot Dog

Queso Fundido

Horchata

Carne Asada Taco

Caramelo

Posted By Kathleen Ferguson on June 30, 2009 11:13 PM

BK's was a best-kept secret for quite some time. If you have the time I highly suggest you go to their original location on 12th Avenue to get the full authentic feel of great neighborhood Mexican street food.

The tortillas are so fresh and soft. Grab yourself a caramelo with carne asada. The carne asada meat is tender and full of flavor and the melted Mexican white cheese is plentiful. The salsa bar is filled with freshly chopped toppings and a variety of salsas. The bacon-wrapped hot dogs are juicy and best done fully loaded with pinto beans, tomatoes, onion, mayo... the works! Grab plenty of napkins and a cold bottled soda.

I now live in Virginia Beach and I crave the caramelos and hot dogs loaded. My last trip out that way, I stopped on my way to the airport and brought a dog and two caramelos back with me. I wish I could open one up here!

Caramelo

Sonoran Hot Dog

Queso Fundido

Huevos con Chorizo

Carne Asada Taco

Horchata