FoodView: THE GREAT AMERICAN HOT DOG
By Chris Murphy and the ViewCrew
Who wants Hot Dogs? We all want hot dogs! This is summer in Modesto and one of the best and easiest foods you can get is a good ole’ hot dog. It really doesn’t matter how you do it, you just need to enjoy it. Best of all, there are so many local places where you can get the most amazing dog, with little or no effort on your part. Going to the Modesto Nuts game? The hot dog is essential. At the Grub Hub? Essential hot dog. Cruising in your car? Essential to find a drive-in. Friends, I love to grill my own dogs, grill the onions, and slather with Sauerkraut, but really, it is so much better or be able to order a dog on the go, at a drive-in, restaurant, street vendor, or wherever you can get one. Let’s get into the summer hot dog groove.
As we enjoy the “fabulous 4th, the Stanislaus County Fair or just an evening cruising McHenry or 10th, you need to know where you can score a great dog that will soothe your Jones for a fresh Hot Dog. Regular dog? Foot Long? Chili? Sausage? There is really something for everyone. So let’s check out our local options. You can dine in, sit in your car, or eat out, it is up to you.
Let’s start with one of Modesto’s originals.
A&W DRIVE-IN
By Chris Murphy
In downtown Modesto, at 14th and G Streets, is the legendary A&W. One of Modesto’s oldest drive-ins, this is the quintessential place to enjoy food in your fine classic car. I recently, (and regularly) stopped by A & W for two of my favorite things, a Coney Dog and a frosty root beer in a chilled frosty mug. This is really as good as it gets. Sitting under the shade, with a tray at my window, with a giant foot-long dog, smothered with chili and cheese and a mug of root beer at the ready to wash down my dog, it’s amazing and takes you to another time.
WIENERSCHNITZEL
By Harrison Power
It’s a classic McHenry Avenue staple. While there are many a Wienerschnitzel in Modesto, the A-Frame classic on the main cruise drag is the place to stop for a delicious dog. Our favorite? The Chicago Dog. The Chicago Dog is a grilled hot dog with fresh tomato, onions, pickle spear, relish, peppers, mustard, sprinkled with delicious celery salt. Whether you are cruising along McHenry in your classic car or there to stay to enjoy the iconic atmosphere, 204 McHenry Ave is the place to be! Open from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.
KREPE DOGS
By Abigail Power
If you’re looking for wild and crazy hot dogs to satisfy even the most insane cravings, Krepe Dogs located in Grub Hubs at 621 9th Street is the spot you gotta check out. We were feeling extra crazy and tried the “Hot Cheeto Dog” which was topped with grilled onions, hot nacho cheese, topped with crunchy Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. It was just the kick this View Crew needed! While you’re there make sure to check out the Elote Fries with grilled corn, crema, and chili powder for a unique refreshing snack. Open 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM Tuesday-Saturday, 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM Sundays.
BOBS GIANT BURGER
By Middagh Goodwin
Originally, I planned on getting the Chili Cheese Dog at Bob’s Giant Burger, a classic 50s-style diner. However, when I saw they had a Bacon Wrapped Dog, I immediately changed my mind. Who can resist an all-beef hotdog wrapped in bacon and cooked on the griddle? This delicious dog is topped with bell peppers and onions and placed on a bun heated and browned on the same griddle. Topped with ketchup and mayo, it bursts with flavor. And all this for just $8.99! The restaurant is located at 1801 H St B-5, Modesto, and is open from 10 am to 9 pm every day of the week. If you drive your classic car over, they’ll even take your picture and put it on their wall.
So if you’re looking for a taste of nostalgia and some seriously delicious food, head over to Bob’s Giant Burger and try their Bacon Wrapped Dog. You won’t be disappointed!
FOOD FIX
By Jennifer Mullen
A Unique and Delicious Dog: The Slaw Dog
If you’re looking for a hot dog that’s truly something special, look no further than the Slaw Dog from Food Fix in Downtown Modesto. This mouth-watering creation features a Miller’s 100% Angus Beef Hot Dog, topped with yellow mustard, sweet & sour slaw, and served on a fresh baked bolillo roll with a crusty exterior and a soft and pillowy inside.
What sets this hot dog apart is the quality of the ingredients. Founded in Oakland, CA, Miller’s has been producing top-notch hot dogs and sausages for over 100 years, using fresh cuts of premium meats and a special blend of seasonings. The addition of Food Fix’s house-made sweet & sour slaw takes this hot dog to the next level. The tangy crunch of the slaw perfectly complements the savory richness of the hot dog, creating a flavor profile that’s truly unique. Enjoy included sides like Jalapeno Popper Mac, Fix All Fries, or Fixed Potato Salad, a wide variety of ice-cold brews, and a delicious dessert while you’re there!
938 11th St, Modesto, CA, Open 7-days, Monday-Thursday 11A M-9P M, Fridays & Saturdays 11 AM-10 PM and Sunday 11 AM-4 PM
SCENIC DRIVE-IN
By Carly Russell
While Scenic Drive-In is well-known for its Knock Out burger, the Knock Out Hot Dog is equally deserving of culinary praise. Serving customers since 1956, Scenic Drive-In has crafted the epitome of a “California Dog” with its innovative combination of flavors. This includes avocado, freshly chopped jalapenos, shredded cheese, tomato, crisp lettuce, salt, pepper, and mayo on a fresh wheat bun. These ingredients blend seamlessly, creating an incredibly delicious experience that is bursting with flavor and some real heat!
At just $7.99, it’s a great value and the freshest-tasting hot dog in town! Beat the heat and skip the jalapenos if spicy food isn’t your thing. While you’re there, enjoy one of the 22 flavors of shakes, including pineapple – my favorite! Located at 1151 Scenic Drive, Modesto. Open Monday-Friday 11 AM-6 PM and Saturday 11 AM-3 PM.
SMOKYS
By Steve Perry
A Classic Modestocana Dish
Smoky’s 1/3 lb chili cheese dog is a mouth-watering dish that is sure to satisfy your hunger cravings. The hot dog is made with the highest quality ingredients, including premium beef and a special blend of seasonings, ensuring a delicious and juicy taste in every bite. The chili con carne is cooked fresh onsite, with its savory and rich flavor, perfectly complements the hot dog and adds an extra layer of depth to the dish. This classic Modestocana dish is not only delicious but also a great representation of the local cuisine that has been enjoyed for generations. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a first-time visitor, you won’t be disappointed with this delectable treat from Smoky’s. 501 Bangs Ave, Modesto Open 9 am-3 pm Monday-Friday.
EL HOT DOG
By MJ Mangano
El Hot Dog Street Dogs is an excellent place to enjoy a satisfying meal that caters to all your taste buds. With the Flaming Dog, their signature spicy 100% all-beef dog (which comes wrapped in crispy bacon), you are sure to enjoy a tasty and filling meal. The dog is then topped with a blend of spicy Cheetos, Takis dust, red pepper flakes, grilled onions, house mayo, mustard, ketchup, and habanero, making for a flavor explosion that is hard to forget. You can find them conveniently located at 100 S Lee Ave Oakdale, and they are open from 11:00 am to 9:30 pm Tuesday through Sunday.
