SF BAY AREA'S Best HotDogs---Summertime Yummies

SAN FRANCISCO


Hotdogs are universally loved, and this being the beginning of Summer, nothing brings more culinary satisfaction than a wonderful grilled hotdog.That is, ofcourse, assuming you like your 'dogs grilled. Some people prefer the boiled or steamed method. I'm of the "don't care" persuasion, although I have a preference for grilled, thank you.

Chicago and NY are noted for their classic hotdog variety, but the Bay Area is catching up to this classic American food item that's satisfied all of us for many years.

Here's some places that are pretty good in no particular order:

KASPERS Hotdogs (Oakland, Hayward, San Leandro, Eastbay) To many, this is the BEST hotdog in the Bay Area. The original store was on upper Telegraph ave in Oakland,(no longer there) but there remains the second-oldest outpost on Macarthur blvd in the Dimond district. Loyalists know the difference between the "K" Kaspers and "C" Casper's, (it's a family deal)--Kasper's dogs are steamed and if prepared right, have a nicely-textured taste and aroma. The classic Kasper's hot dog consists of, in addition to the hot dog & bun: sliced tomatoes, sliced onions, old-style mustard (think French's), relish, and for some arcane reason, salt & pepper. The hot dog is key and I think it's excellent: great "pop" as you bite through the skin, and a yummy consistency of meat and the scent of Vienna sausage. Simply devine. There are several "C" Casper's throughout the Eastbay area.

TOP DOG, (Berkeley, Oakland) Another institution for hotdog lovers. The original is on Berkeley's Durant ave., just off Telegraph near the Cal campus. Any true hot dog loving fan NOT giving them 5 stars is out of their mind! Wide selection of dogs are ALWAYS grilled to perfection, served on great buns. They have a superb selection of mustards, self serve kraut, and yes, a touch of Berkeley included: communist manifesto notes are pinned inside on a wall. All this in the tiny cramped Durant institution that's been there for as long as I can recall, from the same grilling dude. NY couldn't do it any better than this.

WHAT'S UP DOG!, (various SF locations) Excellent, succulent sausages grilled to perfection, similar to a 'Top, but more of a variety. Very much Chicago-like. I grabbed a Chicago Style Featured Dog and an order of Garlic Fries, and while neither one individually was a 5-star punch, I was impressed with how they complemented each other. Must have been the combination of the seasoning. I'm definitely going to need to come back a few times, and try to sample the dog selection... see how they measure up as a team. But so far, What's Up Dog gets a solid recommendation. The one on Beale st, near the Transbay terminal has cool, outdoor seating and the lines are not as long as they are at other locations.

FATT DOG, (SF locations) Nice, incredibly satisfying selection and very, very good. I liked the beer-soaked sausage, an Arnold Palmer (iced tea and lemonade, great!) and a fistful of napkins. Carefully tuck the paper napkins into the collar of your shirt, making sure to cover as much material as possible. Because once you bite into your brat, you WILL get doused with dog juice. And you will love it. Just be sure to order one extra for the road.

COSTCO DOGS, (various Bay Area locations) Some say the best $1.50 investment in America. I've seen people line up at their San Leandro store just to order this particular dog. It's steamed and very large and served on a roll as opposed to a bun. Standard french mustard. Most Costo dogs are Hebrew National and all-beef, so a little touch of NY greets your mouth as you devour this frank. Order the diet-coke for a buck extra--can't beat it.

SAAGS Sausages, (various Bay Area locations) One word. Divine. Try their smoked brat at an Oakland A's game and you'll be hooked forever. The Saags sausages are the specialty dogs served at the Coliseum and AT&T Park, although you can buy them in stores and grill them yourself. I prefer the ballpark method because they just seem to taste better. How good? While covering an A's game a couple of years ago, I skipped the "free" dogs provided to the media, and went downstairs to purchase two brats. Damn, put that mustard on with onions and baby, you're King of the world! Heartburn later, but instant heaven.

I haven't mentioned Nathan's of NY, although you can purchase them in some stores, they simply don't taste like the real deal you get on Coney Island. But that's just me.
I'm sure you all have your favorites, so if I missed one you like, or you know of any in particular, please do mention, and NO ketchup allowed! Ketchup on a hotdog is like mayo on a pastrami.

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