Is the Next ‘It’ Snack Really… Hot Dogs?!

Food trends can change as quickly as your cravings do, but in a dining move that many did not see coming, the latest eating craze is also the most casual. That’s right, we’re talking about the rise of hot dogs. Beef franks and wieners might be typically associated with baseball games and barbecues, but many West Coast chefs are reimagining this simple snack into something more snazzy. Now they’re topped with caviar, peppered with flavors, made with high-quality ingredients—a fancy zhuzh, if you will.

For Chef Tu David Phu, chef and partner at Gigi’s in San Francisco, the now-bougie bite is an opportunity to honor a shared, nostalgic memory—and give it an elevated edge. “Growing up, the $1.50 Polish dog and soda combo at Costco was a family favorite for many Asian immigrant households,” he says. “It was simple, delicious, and accessible. As I got older, my love for hot dogs grew in new ways.” Fast forward to now, and Chef Phu is offering his very own take on the snack at Gigi’s: A flavorful hot dog made with—wait for it—wagyu beef. 

But while hot dogs are having a moment now, Chef Phu argues they’ve always been cool. From the iconic Chicago dog to the Mission-style, bacon-wrapped wieners in San Francisco, these locally loved versions make merely devouring a hot dog (or, fine, three) a cultural experience. That, Chef Phu says, is one phenomenon that has no signs of slowing down.

“Hot dogs are such a blank canvas that they’ll always inspire creativity,” he adds. “It’s about creating something fun and delicious while connecting with the memories and traditions that make hot dogs so meaningful to so many people.”

Itching to get your hands on a brand-new bougie hot dog? Here are five eateries that are offering their own creative take.

Gigi’s

Carly Hackbarth

At Gigi’s, a bite-filled wine bar in San Francisco, quality is at the heart of their well-appointed wiener. “We wanted to highlight a truly exceptional sausage as the centerpiece of the dish,” says Chef Phu. “While we don’t make the sausage in-house, we’re very intentional about the quality and partners we choose. It’s all about creating a hot dog that’s both approachable and full of character.” The $19 setup features a wagyu frank sourced from Snake River Farms. Meanwhile, a cornucopia of toppings like egg, prosciutto, furikake, and jalapeño add a kick to this savory snack.

Hayz Dog

Hayz Dog

Thanks to Hayz Dog, a hot dog shop in San Francisco’s Civic Center, herbivores can also chow down on this trend. Order the Heddy, a vegan dog loaded with smoked paprika mayo, charred serrano relish, cotija cheese, and cilantro. Available for $13, this menu staple comes with a side of chips or a house salad.

Sumo Dog

Sumo Dog

The bougie hot dog trend has even made its way up to wine country. Sumo Dog just opened a new outpost in Napa’s Oxbow Market—and has packed its menu with a smattering of gourmet weenies. However, you can’t go wrong with the Miso Katsu, which was one of the eatery’s original menu offerings from its very first iteration at The 2016 Coachella Music Festival. Not only does this $11 dog draw inspiration from Japan’s classic chicken katsu, but owner Jeffrey Lunak says it’s so decadent that you might need a fork and knife.

“The idea was to split the hot dog down the middle keeping it barely attached and breading it in a light tempura batter and panko,” he says. “After it was fried, we essentially just turned it into an open faced sandwich out of necessity, topped the cutlet with tonkatsu sauce, topped that with a miso mustard coleslaw, kewpie mayo, more tonkatsu sauce, wasabi furikake, and scallions.” If you’ll excuse us, our mouths are watering.

Tallboy

Nicola Parisi

The Oakland watering hole might be known for its martinis, but don’t be fooled: Tallboy also has some haute hot dogs. For a mouth-watering meal, order the Chilly Dog, a classic Coney Island-inspired dog for the Bay. This hearty hot dog boasts vegan chili made in-house with Impossible Beef—not to mention a zigzag of yellow mustard and smattering of raw onions. While the Chilly Dog costs $13, you can load up on cheese for two dollars more.

Deep Dive

Deep Dive

Heading to the Emerald City? Check out Deep Dive in Seattle—and don’t forget to order its eponymous hot dog. Here, an all-beef frank sits on a house-made seeded bun and nestled in whipped cream cheese. Meanwhile, spicy pickled jalapeños and a hearty amount of salmon caviar adds a yummy final touch. Deep Dive’s menu changes regularly, but the hotspot tries to keep its $23 hot dog on the menu as often as possible.