In this border-neighboring town of ours, it’s difficult to go more than a few blocks before sighting a Sonoran hot dogs vendor.
The bacon-wrapped Sonoran hot dog apparently made its way from Hermosillo, it has achieved legendary status in Tucson.
As much as we love and embrace Sonoran hot dogs, non-Sonoran dogs and sausages don’t get enough glory. While we’re working on a comprehensive Sonoran dog list, check out this list below for the non-Sonoran alternatives.
4th Avenue Delicatessen
425 N. 4th Ave.
Plain, New York, or Chicago, 4th Ave Deli has you covered. However, the real gems are the seasonal special dogs and the T-Dog with bacon, pepper jack, onions, jalapeños, and spicy T-Town mayo.
For more information, visit 4thavedeli.com.
The Blacktop Grill
Food Truck
When you find Blacktop Grill parked at a cool event, you can indulge in the Tuscan, which features a strip of bacon, an all-beef dog topped with mayo, fresh spinach, sun-dried tomato, artichoke, basil pesto, and feta. It’s basically a salad and is good for you.
Keep up with the Blacktop Grill on Facebook.
Fire Engine Dogs
Food Truck
It usually isn’t appropriate to comment on someone’s buns, but Fire Engine Dogs has some seriously nice ones that pair well with your choice of hot dog. The 210 chili dog has a nice kick that is enhanced by the sweet steamed Sonoran bun. If you’d like your dog Philly cheesesteak style, go for the Ladder 19 Philly Dog.
Keep up with Fire Engine Dogs on Facebook.
The Garage on 4th
802 N. 4th Ave.
Enjoy the magical combination of both pretzels and sausage with the Garage’s selection of craft beer. Sausage #4 features a quarter-pound fennel sausage, sauerkraut, beer mustard aioli, and bacon on a local pretzel roll.
For more information, visit thegarageon4th.com.
Graze Premium Burgers
2721 E. Speedway Blvd.
Come for the burger and stay for the hot dog. Elevate your Niman Ranch nitrate-free all-natural 100% beef split-grilled hot dog with your choice of sauce such as Curry Ketchup, Sweet Red Chili, Sriracha Mayo, and Honey Mustard.
For more information, visit grazepremiumburgers.com.
Haus of Brats
Food Truck
If you’re searching for authentic German brats and dogs, look no further. Haus of Brats offers straight-to-the point German food served with a friendly smile. The Ueber Brat features a bacon-wrapped cheddar-filled sausage on a roll, while the Currywurst features slices of sausage in their secret tomato-curry sauce.
For more information, visit hausofbrats.com.
The Loaded Dawg
Food Truck
Sure you can stick to the menu, but you might be better off ordering an “off menu dawg” such as The Boss, which features a grilled, jumbo dog loaded with bacon, potatoes, and fried cheese topped with coleslaw and a south Memphis BBQ sauce. What a way to live up to their name.
Keep up with the Loaded Dawg on Facebook.
Luke’s Italian Beef
1615 S. Alvernon Way
Eat iconic-Chicago food without the turmoil of getting on a flight. For $4.25 you’ll receive an all-beef Chicago dog served on a poppy seed roll topped with spicy brown mustard, onions, pickle, tomato, and peppers alongside a heap of crispy French fries. If you want to shell about twice as much, order the Del, also known as the combo, featuring their signature Italian beef sandwich with an Italian sausage stuffed in as well.
For more information, visit Luke’s Sandwiches on Yelp.
Mutts Premium Hot Dogs & Sausages
806 E. University Blvd.
Always remember that your eyes are bigger than your stomach and you’ll be in good shape. Mutts offers an overwhelmingly large menu dedicated to brats and non-Sonoran hot dogs that ought to satisfy almost any craving. The macaroni and cheese hot dog is a self-proclaimed comfort food delight.
For more information, visit muttsbegood.com.
Pat’s Chili Dogs
1202 W. Niagara St.
Pat’s is a Tucson staple that is not to be missed. Their chili dogs go well with a bag of fries to sop up any of the chili that may have not made its way into your mouth.
For more information, visit Pat’s Chili Dogs on Yelp.
Stray Dogs
78 W. River Rd.
Sure you love Stray Dogs because of their milkshakes, but did you know their hot dog game is also on point? These all-beef dogs leave you feeling like you couldn’t possibly have room for dessert thanks to the substantial all-beef franks and the buns that have been toasted to perfection. You’ll be undecided as to whether or not you should use your dessert stomach for another hot-dog or a milkshake.
For more information, visit straydogsgrill.com.
You Sly Dog
Food Truck
So maybe you aren’t feeling a Sonoran dog, how about a New Mexican? An all-beef hot dog topped with grilled steak, ground beef, green chili, spicy sour cream sauce, and crumbled tortilla chips? Nothing sly about the unique flavors found in these hot dogs.
For more information, visit youslydog.com.
Any dog must-haves we missed? Let us know in the comments.
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Article written by:
Addie Ibarra
More about AddieAddie Ibarra, native Tucsonan, is a fierce lover of adventure, travels, and food. Addie has her Masters in Legal Studies and hopes to one day apply that towards helping people (and animals) around the globe, while traveling and tasting along the way. So far she’s hit 4 continents and counting!
You’ll likely find her on a patio sipping wine with her 4-legged best friend, Spaghetti.
