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#WeeklyDish (No. 17): Chorizo Sonoran Hot Dog at La Carreta del Rorro (VIDEO)

#WeeklyDish (No. 17): Chorizo Sonoran Hot Dog at La Carreta del Rorro (VIDEO)

Jul 6, 20172 min read

While El Güero Canelo and BK Tacos are eternal rivals in the Sonoran hot dog kingdom, the streetside stands are worth a visit. Some argue the tiny joints are superior.

We haven’t gone as far to host a double-blind experiment to discover the undisputed best Sonoran hot dog, but we can recognize a fine specimen when we see one.

The recent 2nd Annual Chorizo & Sonoran Hot Dog Challenge crowned a Mejor Hot Dog Sonorense: La Carreta del Rorro.

Next time you’re northwest stocking on Asian groceries at Lee Lee’s Oriental Supermarket, head west a bit to the dirt lot where La Carreta resides. The surrounding chain link fence and wooden wagon makes the space look like it sells outdoor decor, but park and walk under the lime green metal structure to smell the mesquite.

La Carreta’s Sonoran dog ($3.50) passes all the benchmark requirements: slightly sweet bun, bacon wrapped dog, beans, onions, tomato, salsa verde, mustard, mayo. The ingredient preparation itself doesn’t require too much finesse, but the ratio of ingredients can make or break a Sonoran dog — La Carreta gets this right.

Sonoran hot dogs with chorizo at La Carreta del Rorro (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Sonoran hot dogs with chorizo at La Carreta del Rorro (Credit: Jackie Tran)

A key difference is the mayo distribution — La Carreta spreads the mayo over the tomatoes rather than the common drizzle. The accompanying guero chile has what seems to be Tajín sprinkled on, which provides a welcome lime acidity to contrast the loaded dog.

For a minor but impactful addition, pay $0.50 for chorizo on top. The crumbly, salty bits on top provide meaty savoriness in those bites where you normally get bun but no hot dog.

La Carreta del Rorro is located in the parking lot at 4075 W. Ina. Rd. Keep up with La Carreta del Rorro on Facebook.

[08/02/2018 Edit: The address was updated.]

Article written by:

Jackie Tran

Jackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer and photographer. Best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.

Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments and petting pets.

If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.

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“Running this kitchen has been a labor of love, but the numbers just aren’t adding up anymore, and as parents, we have to make the hard choice to step back and take care of what matters most at home.” 

Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com@Lovinspoonfulstucson is closing after more than 20 years in Tucson. Its final day of service runs on Saturday, Oct. 24. Customers can stop in between now and Saturday for one last meal. The team plans to sell down its inventory, though it hopes to have favorite dishes available. Regular hours remain 9am-3pm through the final day. “Running this kitchen has been a labor of love, but the numbers just aren’t adding up anymore, and as parents, we have to make the hard choice to step back and take care of what matters most at home.” Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com
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Whether you want a quiet brunch, a lively happy hour, or a long dinner under the stars, this list offers a place to start. Check each restaurant’s hours before you go, since patio seating may vary by weather and season. More details on Tucsonfoodie.com.🌞

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Everything is brined in-house, and the deli now bakes its own bread and bagels. Dinner is also served alongside all-day breakfast favorites, plus beer and wine.

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Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com@Knellersdelicatessen is NOW OPEN FOR DINNER🌙🍻 The New York-style deli at 2545 E. Speedway Blvd. is expanding beyond breakfast and lunch with a new evening menu featuring house-made potato hoagies, freshly sliced pastrami and brisket, and new hot and cold sandwiches. Everything is brined in-house, and the deli now bakes its own bread and bagels. Dinner is also served alongside all-day breakfast favorites, plus beer and wine. Find new menu additions like the Chopped Cheese, Italian Beef, and Smoked Prime Rib Dip at Kneller’s, now open for dinner Wednesday- Sunday! Breakfast and lunch on Tuesdays. Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com