The Hotdogger

Location

129 E Street #A-1 (next to Sophia's Thai Kitchen)

Hours

Mon-Sat: 11:00AM-9:00PM

Sun: 11:00AM-4:00PM

Phone

(530) 753-6291

Proprietors

Ivan & Cheryl Frank

WebSite

http://www.TheHotdogger.com

Menu

The Hotdogger is a little sweet spot in Downtown. It's a tiny little place (perhaps the smallest restaurant in town!), but there's some seating outside if you wish to eat your dog there. They serve up a wide range of different types of hot dogs (including vegetarian options), wrapped in absolutely delicious buns. They've got about 6 different types of mustard alone, and that should tell you something about the quality and precision of this operation. They are friendly there and also operate a small hot dog stand near campus sometimes. They also always have a place set up at Picnic In The Park and are often at Farmer's Market. They cook the wedge fries in an oven that blows very hot air over them for roughly 3 minutes, they are not fried! You should get them with seasoned salt and try the jalapeno ranch. They also have a newer catering menu which can range from tri-tip to taco bars or any other food items you would like. For more info call Ivan Franks at (530) 902-2258.

Be sure to bring cash because there is a $1 fee for using a credit card.

The owners used to operate The Pond at Froggy's; the restaurant was replaced by Tommy J's'. They have a long term goal of moving to Hawaii, and his kids have been rocking kick ass mullets for many years. The California Aggie also ran a story on the Hot Dogger, which makes it seem that the Hot Dogger's management dislikes the growth of the University.

A case in the store displaying shirts for sale and other things.

A picture painted on the wall next to the case.

Weiner or not you like the Hotdogger, beef frank about it!

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Be sure to take into account that when asked what he would say to people making negative comments about the hotdogger the owner can be quoted verbatim: "Kiss my ass" ~ Ivan Frank

2005-09-05 11:07:01   I'm a fan of their Chicago dog with the little peppers and sometimes with cheese for extra. Chili Cheese Dogs are also very good. They serve wonderful garlic fries at the Farmers Market as well. —IrenePark

2005-09-10 19:24:42   The Gut Bomb really is a gut bomb, but it's delicious. For less gastrointestinal destruction, try the ortega dog. —ArlenAbraham

2005-11-20 12:29:59   Ivan and Cheryl's last name is Frank. How cool is that!?! Also, they are the coolest couple you will ever meet.

'Jeff Speckles' likes a regular dog with ranch, ketchup, and cheese. Yeah guys, it's me. :D —JeffSpeckles

2006-02-21 08:41:31   Amazing hot dogs. Period. Gut Bombs and Banditos are delectable. I think I might try and get one today. —JulienBiewerElstob

2006-03-16 17:31:19   It seems like they aren't actually open until two on wednesday- is that only some weeks? -Tim —TimCoady

2006-03-17 01:02:40   I just went by there and they weren't open. The sign said open until 2 on Wednesday only. —NickSchmalenberger

2006-03-19 14:00:20   Ortega dog is the best! —PattyLouieJunior

2006-05-16 11:37:27   The Chicago Dog is awesome. Great service, great sausage, great buns . . . —AdamSchneider

2006-05-18 01:12:45   I went to grab a dog between classes and found a note saying "be back at 4:30." I waited a few minutes, and the owner showed up to pick up more supplies for the farmers market. Then he set me up with my dog and wouldn't let me pay because of my brief wait. Great service and food. —DannyWalsh

2006-08-01 18:42:39   The Hotdogger is NEVER open when you NEED it to be. Why is it 6:42? Why god? WHY!?!! —ArlenAbraham

"2006-08-01 14:32:01"   Ivan and Cheryl Frank, as demonstrated by their last name, know their hot dogs. It's therefore no wonder that The Hotdogger is a cornerstone and landmark in Davis. The place occupies a closet sized niche in downtown, and can seat maybe two lucky patrons and offers a few tables outside, but you can promise yourself a well worth it line at lunch time everyday.

Personally, few things are as good as hot dogs. I mean, I love having etc. etc. fruit compote, ethnic cured food from mama's hands, and prix fixe meals, but hot dogs have that tasty urban simplicity you just can't really match with anything else. This tasty insight isn't lost at The Hotdogger, and simple flares lets your chili dog runneth over!

They offer the basic hot dog, but if you want to switch it up a bit you can get a Polish sausage, Louisianna hot link, lemon garlic chicken sausage, or a Portugese wine sausage made with red wine and crushed red pepper. Veggies can lurv the hot dogs too, and get the tasty tofu dog which are actually tasty! Resist the temptation to make out with the person serving you yer dog.

Afterward you can adorn them with pickles, relish, kraut, ketchup, mayo, onions and so on. OR you could go with one of their menu options like the Chicago Dog - a dog with Dusseldorf mustard, relish, onion, tomato, dill pickle, and celery salt. Another favorite is the Gut Bomb! (exclamation point!!!); a hot link with hot salsa, hot peppers, chili and cheese, all topped with tomatoes and onions.

Regardless what you want, everything is fully customizable, and the dude/dudette behind the counter will make sure you're happy and leave with a smile. In fact, that's half the reason to go! The person behind the counter is sure to put a smile on your face, engaging you and everyone in line in bolsterous and fun conversation. I've sat down with perfect strangers over lunch due to this. Even on your most grumbly of days, you'll part ways with The Hotdogger and it's other patrons with a full belly and glowing disposition.

They have, like yours truly, some pretty sweet buns, and are legend for their variety of mustards. Last I counted 6, and I had the frezty (fruity & zesty) hawaiian pineapple adorning my dog. Side of potato salad, fries, and chili are also available to you, if you need something quick.

The whole thing is deliciously shibby and it's a great option if you only have a few bucks in your pocket. Make sure to drop by, sit down, and just relax with a good ol' dog. —ProtoGarrett

2006-08-16 21:29:58   I used to go here for lunch about once per week when I worked downtown in 1997/1998. The service was always friendly, and the food was tasty (though I'm sure it's not good for you), and I like the unique character of the place. My only complaint at the time was the fact that one of the employees (or was it the owner? not sure) had Rush Limbaugh on the radio sometimes when I'd come in. I haven't been there in years - maybe it's time to check it out again. —GrahamFreeman

2006-09-17 02:50:07   After working in SF for a year, I grew to depend on What's Up Dog down there on Howard and Beale. When I came back up to Davis, the first thing I did was eat two Hotdogger Chili Cheese Kraut dogs. MMmmMmm. My only desire is that they'd expand the Dog selection. I really really loved the bockwurst with grilled onions and hot mustard from WUD in SF. —ChrisLambertus

2006-09-24 15:19:08   mm mmm mmm, hotdogger is an EXCELLENT drunk 2am option, not only that but the ladies working are friendly and it's cheap —EightFishies

2006-10-09 16:19:18   I liked the lemon garlic chicken sausage. But don't you feel like it's kinda expensive for a hot dog with drink for like $5? I mean, the hot dog isn't THAT big. —KiwiSelina

2006-11-01 21:53:41   Wedge fries with the season salt are so awesome —StevenDaubert

2007-03-28 14:28:53   At the wednesday night farmers market they sell amazing corn dogs! —ColinWard

2007-03-29 11:48:45   Can't think of anyplace else to get a 'Dog'. I like the freindly atmosphere and quaint dining area. Just enough room to change your mind. —DickKrentz

2007-05-21 20:39:41   Pretty good hot dogs. I have only had it at the farmers market (sat) so it was really expensive! O_O —AlexKang

2007-05-23 19:07:53   I do appreciate the punnyness on this page especially. I decided to eat here solely because of the delicious smells from their stand at the Farmer's Market, and it was worth it. Now, people might just say that they merely sell hot dogs, but they are ignorant. There is a beauty and art to the proper hot dog, there has to be a balance of flavors, a good hot dog is hard to find, and this business does make such a dog. It may be a bit pricey for just a dog, it isn't some cheap deal, but I fully believe that these are indeed worth the price, and that this business makes me proud to be in the Davis community, and I love the fact that they will be open late tonight as I might need to stop by for those deliciously convectively baked potato wedges. —DavidPoole

2007-07-16 22:14:58   I have had the dogs here only a few times i have no idea why not more they are great dogs, Love the ortega dog and the chili, and just mustard and ketchup and the whole menu. If you get the munchies and they are open you will be glad you sank your teeth into that precious dog. Thank you hotdogger your the best! —dickjones

2007-07-18 19:51:08   I don't even like hot dogs very much, but I like everything about this place. I like that I can get an all beef dog. I like that it's a small hole-in-the-wall with lots of character. I like that I have so many mustards to choose from — the Hawaiian pineapple mustard is really good (sweet and savory). I like the potato wedges that are baked instead of fried, and actually have some potato on them. I might actually become a hot dog person! —CovertProfessor

2007-08-03 00:11:05   Very good dogs, this is the only place in this city to get dogs they are good , the only thing i would like is better bread but i will be back! —Brians

2007-12-17 21:29:37   The Owners last name is actually Franks and their Catering menu offers any kind of food you could think of. —TadFranks

2007-12-21 03:55:17   I wandered into the Hotdogger for the first time last night. Had a hot dog with ketchup, relish, onions, and pineapple mustard, with a side of wedge fries. Probably one of the best hot dogs I've ever had outside of New York. The pineapple mustard is delicious and it's amazing that the wedge fries aren't deep fried. Yummm. I am now craving another hot dog, but it's 4 a.m... :[ —ScarlettYing

2007-12-21 13:40:04   The GutBomb is soooooooooooooo good. The bread soaked up all the chili and it tasted amazing. It really is called the Gut Bomb for a reason. I only finished 3/4 of it and I usually eat like four or five plates at the DC...The guy working there was really nice too. I'm going back for another hot dog as soon as I finish this comment. —DannyYu

2008-03-23 18:24:03   I really enjoyed the decor at the Hotdogger, but I felt slightly awkward in there because I was literally at an arm's distance from the proprietor and the cook. I attempted to start conversation with them, but they didn't seem interested at all to speak with me. Nevertheless, the hot dog was pretty good (I would say along the lines of Top Dog good) and I would definitely return for another dog. —EmilyTung

• I ended up having the opposite experience most times I go here. The various cooks tend to be pretty talkative to me, but then again, maybe they are just humoring my talkative nature. —SunjeetBaadkar
  

2008-05-04 23:02:03   Since the righteous counter-people have moved on, the new counter people aggresively talk Davis Chamber-of-CommerceSpeak there like in all the new corporate eateries downtown, veeery sincerely. But you'll still find the best hot dogs in downtown here. (Where else in downtown can you buy a hot dog?)—Borr

• You can get a corndog from Murder Burger for $2 or so, but I think the Hotdogger has the monopoly on hot dogs... -SunjeetBaadkar
  

2008-05-05 16:34:40   Best hot dogs in Yolo County. —CurlyGirl26

2008-05-19 21:44:25   I used to come here all the time, but for some reason stopped. But then I ran into Ivan again and just talking to him again, my interest in returning was invigorated. That guy rocks! —SunjeetBaadkar

2008-09-26 12:50:46   This place is fantastic, and as yet seems to be undiscovered by the plague of incoming freshman. The seasoned baked fries, and the pineapple mustard are especially marvelous. And no, I definitely did not hesitate to describe a hot dog place as fantastic. :) —VanessaZ

2008-11-11 14:30:54   The Chancellor is a big fan of the Hotdogger. He and Vice-Chancellor Stratton once took me here for lunch...it was not the lunch-time location I expected Vanderhoef to take me...but whatev...I don't eat hot dogs anymore. —ArianeMetz

2008-11-20 20:05:26   Love their polish sausages and wide variety of mustards! I just wish they didn't charge $1 to use a credit card. I only come here when I've got cash on me, and that is very rare. Also, this place seems like it's never open... —MAlexa

2008-11-21 00:54:03   I was sad to see the old hand drawn signs die ='( —StevenDaubert

2008-12-23 18:22:15   New Saturday hours, now open until 7. —ruthelizabeth

2009-03-08 15:56:26   I had the Kraut Dog, and it was delicious. Ketchup lovers: while they do put tomatoes on your hot dog, you need to ask for ketchup or they won't put any on it. —strawberry

2009-03-09 03:56:45   Yes, the kraut dog and the chicago dog are very good. —NickSchmalenberger

2009-03-10 13:29:55   The hot dog Queen here .. sending out the word The dogger will be open Thursday and Friday nights til 2a.m. So come on in and get your weiners! —cher

2009-04-03 14:41:37   Just wanted to repeat a comment made by someone else above: TRY THEIR CORN-DOGS (at the Farmer's Market). They're ridiculously good. I just wish they'd serve them Saturday mornings too, not just Wednesday evenings. —ChonT

2009-04-27 21:08:52   I think it's weird that they only serve the corn dogs at Picnic in the Park because they are SO good! I also love how friendly the owners are. —BrookeB

2009-05-04 16:27:58   Good hot dog, the owner is super friendly, but prices are a little high. —thtly

2009-06-14 13:11:13   It was a little pricier than I would normally pay for a hot dog, but it was so worth it! The owner was working the first time I came and he gave me a free drink because I was a "Hotdogger virgin." All of the employees are friendly and talkative, and the variety of mustards is terrific! What an awesome place, with lots of character. I'm coming back very soon. —acparsons

2009-06-20 13:21:16   looove it, we've been going since i was 3 —aro4474

2009-07-02 12:13:50   They make a good veggie dog and have whole wheat buns too. And like people have stated, their mustard selection is amazing, and they have sauerkraut too! Their fresh-squeezed lemonade is delicious and refreshing as well. —TimMatthiessen

2009-07-17 03:07:16   they were open tonight at 1am after a night of drinking at sophia's. it was like finding the room of requirement in hogwarts. —NickKory

2009-11-11 10:46:14   This family owned business has a lot of character and some good food at a decent price. The prices are a little higher at the Farmers' Market than they are at the hut, but the atmosphere of the market and the side show that is the owner's wise-cracking while he runs the grill at the market are worth the extra money :) I prefer the Chicago dog and seasoned fries. —GJC02

2009-11-12 22:32:44   This place is very expensive. However, the food is delicious. I got the Ortega dog and it was great. I had no idea how many varieties of mustard sauces there were. A hot dog and two medium drinks ran me 9 dollars, which included the 1 dollar surcharge for using the credit card. When my wallet gets too full, I will be coming back to try the other hot dogs. Just a side note, the owner is very interactive with his customers and was cracking jokes and making conversation with the several that were waiting for their meals to be prepared. —BenLee