It’s just not summer without indulging in hot dogs a little more often than usual. (OK, a lot more often.) Luckily, when it comes to food, San Francisco has it all. Whether local, organic, fancy, or plain, the Bay Area offers all these things…even when it comes to hot dogs! Check out the eclectic list below for the best dogs in the Bay Area.
BEST Classic Cart
Let’s Be Frank in San Francisco offers the basic cart menu with a twist. The kids can pick the classic “frank” dog (100% grass-fed beef), a “brat” dog (family-farmed pork), “hot” dog (spicy pork), or “bird” dog (chicken) on an Acme Bakery bun with organic condiments. Let’s Be Frank had the little kids in mind when creating the menu – all their dogs are nitrate, hormone, and antibiotic-free! Best of all, the two carts are in the best locations for al fresco cheap eats – at the Warming Hut of Crissy Field and Justin Herman Plaza near the Ferry Building. Soak up the views while you chow down!
BEST Sausage Variety
While sausages are not exactly hot dogs, we had to add Rosamunde Sausage Grill to the list. While the pickiest kid will be happy with the simple knockwurst, more epicurean children and parents can sample the duck, wild boar, or weisswurst sausages. We favor the Mission location over the Haight for families because there is plenty of seating, great people watching, and a few playgrounds nearby. And if you live in the neighborhood, they offer free delivery and online ordering!
BEST Vegan Options
Visit the Underdog in the Sunset neighborhood for the best vegan hot dog menu in San Francisco. They’ve got a Veggie Beer Bratwurst and Veggie Italian Sausage with sundried tomatoes that will have vegans rejoicing. The entire menu is organic, even down to the kid-friendly peanut butter and jelly sandwich offered. Not to worry, carnivores can sate their appetites with traditional dogs and sausages at Underdog too. There really is something for everyone here!
BEST Chili Cheese
We think the East Bay has bragging rights for the best chili cheese dog. Head to one of Casper’s eight locations (Albany, Dublin, Hayward, Oakland, Pleasant Hill, Richmond or Walnut Creek) to sample their signature hot dog from a secret recipe, topped with a hearty chili, California cheddar cheese and chopped onions. We love the old-school feeling of the restaurants and service, especially the round, glass-enclosed quick-serve spot at the Hayward location on C Street! This spot has been family-owned and family-friendly since 1934.
-Sarah K. Choi
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