Tubby Dog’s Sumo dog with ginger, nori, sesame seeds, Japanese mayo and wasabi.
Photo courtesy of Tubby Dog.
Did your elementary school have hot dog lunches? Mine certainly did. And while we may have fond memories of over-boiled, nondescript wieners on flimsy white buns slathered in ketchup and mustard, we’re grown up now and so are our taste buds. So, if you still want a hot dog lunch, but you want one that suits your sophisticated self, try one of these top dogs.
Blanco Wagyu Hot Dog Con Papas Fritas
While it definitely loses points on the ease-of-eating scale (don’t even attempt to pick this one up with your hands) this big wagyu dog comes in an equally big bun with fries with mustard, pickled jalapenos and onions, house-made ketchup, French fries and a healthy smothering of cheese sauce. Perhaps not ideal for a date scenario, but tasty nonetheless.
723 17 Ave. S.W., 403-228-1854, blancocantina.ca, @blancoyyc
Grumans Kosher Hot Dog
There’s no doubt about it, this restaurant just off the corner of 11th Avenue and McLeod Trail S.E. has the Jewish deli formula down pat. Pop in for a tasty kosher dog finished off with a little mustard and sauerkraut.
230 11 Ave. S.E., 403-261-9003, grumans.ca, @grumansdeli
Home and Away Home Dog
Don’t let the burgers, sandwiches or fried chicken distract your hunger at this vintage sports-themed eatery on 17th Avenue S.W. Instead, you should be ordering this well-composed hotdog. A juicy, well-seasoned Bryant Lake wagyu wiener is served in a toasted bun with house-made pepper jelly, mustard aioli, fresh greens and fried pickled red onions. It’s ridiculously good.
1331 17 Ave. S.W., 403-455-9789, homeandawayyyc.com, @homeandawayyyc
Original Joe’s Loaded Double Dog
A menu classic at this Calgary-based pub chain for years, the double dog will seldom disappoint a hot dog aficionado. Two hot dogs are nestled into a toasted garlic baguette along with bacon, banana peppers, cheddar, mustard and caramelized onions. Pairs perfectly with midnight stomach rumblings.
various locations, originaljoes.ca, @originaljoes
Pig and Duke The Hammer
It’s not for the faint of heart or mild of hunger, but if you’ve got a big appetite then this kielbasa stuffed with truffle cheddar, wrapped in bacon and doused in a Guinness mustard inside a big pretzel bun should do the trick.
two locations, pigandduke.com, @pigandduke
Tubby Dog Sumo Dog
Still have a bit of a winter cold? Well, skip the chicken noodle soup because Tubby’s Japanese-inspired dog topped with pickled ginger, nori, sesame seeds, Japanese mayo and a healthy portion of wasabi that’s guaranteed to clear those sinuses.
1022 17 Ave. S.W., 403-244-0694, tubbydog.com, @tubbydoghotdogs