Dining Guide | 4 of the Best Hot Dogs in Phoenix

The beginning of Spring in the Valley has long been marked by the arrival of Spring Training. With 15 teams arriving and playing in 8 of our Valley cities, there will be hordes of fans, locals along with out-of-state visitors, making their way to the stadiums to watch their favorite Cactus League teams prepare for the official start of baseball season.

What goes hand in hand better with baseball than the tried and true American favorite hot dog? While your regular run of the mill hot dog may be suitable for an afternoon on the lawn during the game, we wanted to find the most stellar options available at your favorite restaurants. We searched and were able to comprise a list of the most magnificent “haute” dogs waiting for you just down the street.

4 of the Best Hot Dogs in Phoenix

Short Leash Dogs: Biltmore Union
2505 E. Camelback Road| Phoenix| 480.620.8479
Short Leash Dogs mission, since their beginning solely as a food truck, has always been to create a -unique twist on a beloved classic. Their dogs, all named after some of their favorite canine friends, are made up of natural ingredients, mainly sourced from local purveyors. Aside from an extensive menu of their personal signature combinations you also have the option of creating your own signature dog with their 25 available toppings. They offer five different types of dogs from Schreiner’s Meats ranging from regular, beef, spicy beer hot, bratwurst, organic chicken as well as a veggie dog. All of their dogs are served on naan flatbread which, in itself, adds a new texture and taste profile.
What to order: Bear
This haute dog is nothing you ever thought would belong atop a hot dog. Toppings of peanut butter, cracker jacks, smoked gouda, bacon, and BBQ sauce are all fantastic on their own, but when combined create a new sort of magical flavor. You get the salty components from the bacon, sweet from the cracker jacks, creaminess from the peanut butter and gouda and then a slight bite from the BBQ sauce. It’s a seemingly complex flavor combination, but the end result is unique and delightful.

Sierra Bonita Grill
6933 N. 7^th St.| Phoenix| 602.264.0700
Sierra Bonita Grill specializes in dishes that pay homage to the flavors of the Southwest; traditions and flavors alike. Almost all of the dishes served here come with a welcomed kick; an ever present burn from the skilled use of just the right amount of chiles whether as a staple ingredient in an entrée or a highlight to a side dish. That heat permeates the menu, in the perfect proportion every time.
What to order: Sonoran Hot Dog
If you arrive for happy hour, be sure to seek out your only opportunity to enjoy their Sonoran hot dog. A truly unique and regional item, once only available by taking a road trip to Tucson or even further South into Mexico, when done correctly is a sight to behold. It all begins by wrapping an unassuming hot dog in a slice of bacon. You could stop there and have a delightful handheld treat, but when more is better they keep going. Once that is perfectly charred the dog is then topped with a combination of mayonnaise, refried beans, cotija cheese, and Indian salsa. This delectable concoction certainly could not stand up to a traditional bun, so it finds its home on a bolillo roll, the same oblong roll used when creating a torta.

Over Easy
4730 E. Indian School Road| Phoenix| 602.468.3447
Over Easy offers up Midwestern hospitality, flavors and comfort each and every morning. Their clever twists on classic breakfast dishes have gained popularity, not just amongst locals but media outlets around the country. Whether you have a taste for the decadent dishes like caramelized banana and pecan brioche French toast or something on the lighter side like lox and eggs, Over Easy has you covered.
What to order: Waffle Dogs
Now, I realize that breakfast food might not be what you think of immediately when it comes to hot dogs, but why should you have to wait for lunch or dinner to enjoy a hand-held treat? This breakfast treat consists of 3 two-ounce breakfast sausages dipped in Over Easy’s malt waffle batter, fried to a beautiful, crisp golden brown. These sweet and savory delights arrive with a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of maple syrup and hot sauce that when combined creates an explosive flavor that you will be craving no matter the time of day.

photo provided by Awe Collective

The Main Ingredient Ale House and Café
2337 N. 7^th St.| Phoenix| 602.843.6246
Restaurants that inhabit former homes seem to have a special kind of charm about them, and The Main Ingredient is more proof of this. The cheerful ambiance along with the eclectic art adorning the walls provide an additional level of comfort and familiarity. The menu has a little bit of everything, from snacks to share, salads, tacos, and hot sandwiches. While the interior dining area is intimate, their patio space provides a great place to enjoy your meal and our beautiful spring weather.
What to order: Coney Dog
Truth be told, it’s not the fanciest of dogs but sometimes simplicity can set a dish apart from others. Without a myriad of topping ingredients, the frank’s flavor is allowed to shine. This jumbo Schreiner’s all-beef frank is perfectly prepared and then topped with red onion and a spicy prohibition amber ale mustard all on a toasted sourdough roll. The simplistic preparation stands up well to the hearty roll and the mustard accentuates the spices used to creates the hot dog. Simple and refined all at the same time.

This article originally appeared in the March 2016 issue of Uptown Magazine.