| Location |
| 129 E Street #A-1 (next to Sophia's Thai Kitchen) |
| Hours |
| Mon: 11 AM - 7 PM |
| Tues: 11 AM - midnight |
| Wed: 11 AM - 4 PM |
| Thurs, Fri: 11 AM - 2 AM |
| Sat: 11 AM - 7 PM |
| Sun: 11 AM - 4 PM |
| Hours have been known to change without warning |
| But at some point every day the hotdogger is open |
| Phone |
| The Hotdogger (530) 753-6291 |
| Catering (530) 902-2258 |
| Proprietors |
| Ivan & Cheryl Franks |
| Website |
| http://www.TheHotdogger.com |
| Payment Methods |
| Cash, Check, Credit, Davis Dollars |
| Menu prices INCLUDE tax! |
| what you see is what you pay |
| Menu — updated 2015-10-14 |
The Hotdogger is a little sweet spot in Downtown. It's a tiny little place (perhaps the smallest restaurant in town!), but there's some seating outside if you wish to eat your dog there. They serve up a wide range of different types of hot dogs (including vegetarian options), wrapped in Village Bakery's absolutely delicious buns. They've got about 6 different types of mustard alone, and that should tell you something about the quality and precision of this operation. They are friendly there and also operate a small hot dog stand near campus sometimes. They also always have a place set up at Picnic In The Park and are often at Farmer's Market. They cook the wedge fries in an oven that blows very hot air over them for roughly 3 minutes, they are not fried! You should get them with seasoned salt and try the jalapeno ranch. They also have a newer catering menu which can range from tri-tip to taco bars or any other food items you would like. For more info call Ivan Franks at (530) 902-2258.
Be sure to bring cash because they charge for sales tax on credit card transactions. Sales tax is already included in the price for those who pay cash.
In June 2011, Sacramento Magazine's Dollar-Wise Gourmet ranked Hotdogger the #1 place in the area to get a dog (tied with Sacramento's Capitol Dawg) and particularly recommended the Ortega Dog (see this article for a picture of the Ortega Dog and more details).
The owners used to operate The Pond at Froggy's; the restaurant was replaced by Tommy J's'. They have a long term goal of moving to Hawaii, and his kids have been rocking kick ass mullets for many years. The California Aggie also ran a story on the Hot Dogger, which makes it seem that the Hot Dogger's management dislikes the growth of the University.
Pictures
A case in the store displaying shirts for sale and other things.
A picture painted on the wall next to the case.
Be sure to take into account that when asked what he would say to people making negative comments about the hotdogger the owner can be quoted verbatim: "Kiss my ass" ~ Ivan Franks
2005-09-05 11:07:01 I'm a fan of their Chicago dog with the little peppers and sometimes with cheese for extra. Chili Cheese Dogs are also very good. They serve wonderful garlic fries at the Farmers Market as well. —IrenePark
2005-09-10 19:24:42 The Gut Bomb really is a gut bomb, but it's delicious. For less gastrointestinal destruction, try the ortega dog. —ArlenAbraham
2005-11-20 12:29:59 Ivan and Cheryl's last name is Franks. How cool is that!?! Also, they are the coolest couple you will ever meet.
'Jeff Speckles' likes a regular dog with ranch, ketchup, and cheese. Yeah guys, it's me. :D —JeffSpeckles
2006-02-21 08:41:31 Amazing hot dogs. Period. Gut Bombs and Banditos are delectable. I think I might try and get one today. —JulienBiewerElstob
2006-03-16 17:31:19 It seems like they aren't actually open until two on wednesday- is that only some weeks? -Tim —TimCoady
2006-03-17 01:02:40 I just went by there and they weren't open. The sign said open until 2 on Wednesday only. —NickSchmalenberger
2006-03-19 14:00:20 Ortega dog is the best! —PattyLouieJunior
2006-05-16 11:37:27 The Chicago Dog is awesome. Great service, great sausage, great buns . . . —AdamSchneider
2006-05-18 01:12:45 I went to grab a dog between classes and found a note saying "be back at 4:30." I waited a few minutes, and the owner showed up to pick up more supplies for the farmers market. Then he set me up with my dog and wouldn't let me pay because of my brief wait. Great service and food. —DannyWalsh
"2006-08-01 14:32:01" Ivan and Cheryl Frank, as demonstrated by their last name, know their hot dogs. It's therefore no wonder that The Hotdogger is a cornerstone and landmark in Davis. The place occupies a closet sized niche in downtown, and can seat maybe two lucky patrons and offers a few tables outside, but you can promise yourself a well worth it line at lunch time everyday.
Personally, few things are as good as hot dogs. I mean, I love having etc. etc. fruit compote, ethnic cured food from mama's hands, and prix fixe meals, but hot dogs have that tasty urban simplicity you just can't really match with anything else. This tasty insight isn't lost at The Hotdogger, and simple flares lets your chili dog runneth over!
They offer the basic hot dog, but if you want to switch it up a bit you can get a Polish sausage, Louisianna hot link, lemon garlic chicken sausage, or a Portugese wine sausage made with red wine and crushed red pepper. Veggies can lurv the hot dogs too, and get the tasty tofu dog which are actually tasty! Resist the temptation to make out with the person serving you yer dog.
Afterward you can adorn them with pickles, relish, kraut, ketchup, mayo, onions and so on. OR you could go with one of their menu options like the Chicago Dog - a dog with Dusseldorf mustard, relish, onion, tomato, dill pickle, and celery salt. Another favorite is the Gut Bomb! (exclamation point!!!); a hot link with hot salsa, hot peppers, chili and cheese, all topped with tomatoes and onions.
Regardless what you want, everything is fully customizable, and the dude/dudette behind the counter will make sure you're happy and leave with a smile. In fact, that's half the reason to go! The person behind the counter is sure to put a smile on your face, engaging you and everyone in line in bolsterous and fun conversation. I've sat down with perfect strangers over lunch due to this. Even on your most grumbly of days, you'll part ways with The Hotdogger and it's other patrons with a full belly and glowing disposition.
They have, like yours truly, some pretty sweet buns, and are legend for their variety of mustards. Last I counted 6, and I had the frezty (fruity & zesty) hawaiian pineapple adorning my dog. Side of potato salad, fries, and chili are also available to you, if you need something quick.
The whole thing is deliciously shibby and it's a great option if you only have a few bucks in your pocket. Make sure to drop by, sit down, and just relax with a good ol' dog. —ProtoGarrett
2006-08-16 21:29:58 I used to go here for lunch about once per week when I worked downtown in 1997/1998. The service was always friendly, and the food was tasty (though I'm sure it's not good for you), and I like the unique character of the place. My only complaint at the time was the fact that one of the employees (or was it the owner? not sure) had Rush Limbaugh on the radio sometimes when I'd come in. I haven't been there in years - maybe it's time to check it out again. —GrahamFreeman
2006-09-17 02:50:07 After working in SF for a year, I grew to depend on What's Up Dog down there on Howard and Beale. When I came back up to Davis, the first thing I did was eat two Hotdogger Chili Cheese Kraut dogs. MMmmMmm. My only desire is that they'd expand the Dog selection. I really really loved the bockwurst with grilled onions and hot mustard from WUD in SF. —ChrisLambertus
2006-09-24 15:19:08 mm mmm mmm, hotdogger is an EXCELLENT drunk 2am option, not only that but the ladies working are friendly and it's cheap —EightFishies
2006-10-09 16:19:18 I liked the lemon garlic chicken sausage. But don't you feel like it's kinda expensive for a hot dog with drink for like $5? I mean, the hot dog isn't THAT big. —KiwiSelina
2006-11-01 21:53:41 Wedge fries with the season salt are so awesome —StevenDaubert
2007-03-28 14:28:53 At the wednesday night farmers market they sell amazing corn dogs! —ColinWard
2007-03-29 11:48:45 Can't think of anyplace else to get a 'Dog'. I like the freindly atmosphere and quaint dining area. Just enough room to change your mind. —DickKrentz
2007-05-21 20:39:41 Pretty good hot dogs. I have only had it at the farmers market (sat) so it was really expensive! O_O —AlexKang
2007-05-23 19:07:53 I do appreciate the punnyness on this page especially. I decided to eat here solely because of the delicious smells from their stand at the Farmer's Market, and it was worth it. Now, people might just say that they merely sell hot dogs, but they are ignorant. There is a beauty and art to the proper hot dog, there has to be a balance of flavors, a good hot dog is hard to find, and this business does make such a dog. It may be a bit pricey for just a dog, it isn't some cheap deal, but I fully believe that these are indeed worth the price, and that this business makes me proud to be in the Davis community, and I love the fact that they will be open late tonight as I might need to stop by for those deliciously convectively baked potato wedges. —DavidPoole
2007-07-16 22:14:58 I have had the dogs here only a few times i have no idea why not more they are great dogs, Love the ortega dog and the chili, and just mustard and ketchup and the whole menu. If you get the munchies and they are open you will be glad you sank your teeth into that precious dog. Thank you hotdogger your the best! —dickjones
2007-07-18 19:51:08 I don't even like hot dogs very much, but I like everything about this place. I like that I can get an all beef dog. I like that it's a small hole-in-the-wall with lots of character. I like that I have so many mustards to choose from — the Hawaiian pineapple mustard is really good (sweet and savory). I like the potato wedges that are baked instead of fried, and actually have some potato on them. I might actually become a hot dog person! —CovertProfessor
2007-08-03 00:11:05 Very good dogs, this is the only place in this city to get dogs they are good , the only thing i would like is better bread but i will be back! —Brians
2007-12-17 21:29:37 The Owners last name is actually Franks and their Catering menu offers any kind of food you could think of. —TadFranks
2007-12-21 03:55:17 I wandered into the Hotdogger for the first time last night. Had a hot dog with ketchup, relish, onions, and pineapple mustard, with a side of wedge fries. Probably one of the best hot dogs I've ever had outside of New York. The pineapple mustard is delicious and it's amazing that the wedge fries aren't deep fried. Yummm. I am now craving another hot dog, but it's 4 a.m... :[ —ScarlettYing
2007-12-21 13:40:04 The GutBomb is soooooooooooooo good. The bread soaked up all the chili and it tasted amazing. It really is called the Gut Bomb for a reason. I only finished 3/4 of it and I usually eat like four or five plates at the DC...The guy working there was really nice too. I'm going back for another hot dog as soon as I finish this comment. —DannyYu
2008-03-23 18:24:03 I really enjoyed the decor at the Hotdogger, but I felt slightly awkward in there because I was literally at an arm's distance from the proprietor and the cook. I attempted to start conversation with them, but they didn't seem interested at all to speak with me. Nevertheless, the hot dog was pretty good (I would say along the lines of Top Dog good) and I would definitely return for another dog. —EmilyTung
- I ended up having the opposite experience most times I go here. The various cooks tend to be pretty talkative to me, but then again, maybe they are just humoring my talkative nature. —SunjeetBaadkar
2008-05-04 23:02:03 Since the righteous counter-people have moved on, the new counter people aggresively talk Davis Chamber-of-CommerceSpeak there like in all the new corporate eateries downtown, veeery sincerely. But you'll still find the best hot dogs in downtown here. (Where else in downtown can you buy a hot dog?)—Borr
- You can get a corndog from Murder Burger for $2 or so, but I think the Hotdogger has the monopoly on hot dogs... -SunjeetBaadkar
2008-05-05 16:34:40 Best hot dogs in Yolo County. —CurlyGirl26
2008-05-19 21:44:25 I used to come here all the time, but for some reason stopped. But then I ran into Ivan again and just talking to him again, my interest in returning was invigorated. That guy rocks! —SunjeetBaadkar
2008-09-26 12:50:46 This place is fantastic, and as yet seems to be undiscovered by the plague of incoming freshman. The seasoned baked fries, and the pineapple mustard are especially marvelous. And no, I definitely did not hesitate to describe a hot dog place as fantastic. :) —VanessaZ
2008-11-11 14:30:54 The Chancellor is a big fan of the Hotdogger. He and Vice-Chancellor Stratton once took me here for lunch...it was not the lunch-time location I expected Vanderhoef to take me...but whatev...I don't eat hot dogs anymore. —ArianeMetz
2008-11-20 20:05:26 Love their polish sausages and wide variety of mustards! I just wish they didn't charge $1 to use a credit card. I only come here when I've got cash on me, and that is very rare. Also, this place seems like it's never open... —MAlexa
2008-11-21 00:54:03 I was sad to see the old hand drawn signs die ='( —StevenDaubert
2009-03-08 15:56:26 I had the Kraut Dog, and it was delicious. Ketchup lovers: while they do put tomatoes on your hot dog, you need to ask for ketchup or they won't put any on it. —strawberry
2009-03-09 03:56:45 Yes, the kraut dog and the chicago dog are very good. —NickSchmalenberger
2009-03-10 13:29:55 The hot dog Queen here .. sending out the word The dogger will be open Thursday and Friday nights til 2a.m. So come on in and get your weiners! —cher
2009-04-03 14:41:37 Just wanted to repeat a comment made by someone else above: TRY THEIR CORN-DOGS (at the Farmer's Market). They're ridiculously good. I just wish they'd serve them Saturday mornings too, not just Wednesday evenings. —ChonT
2009-04-27 21:08:52 I think it's weird that they only serve the corn dogs at Picnic in the Park because they are SO good! I also love how friendly the owners are. —BrookeB
2009-05-04 16:27:58 Good hot dog, the owner is super friendly, but prices are a little high. —thtly
2009-06-14 13:11:13 It was a little pricier than I would normally pay for a hot dog, but it was so worth it! The owner was working the first time I came and he gave me a free drink because I was a "Hotdogger virgin." All of the employees are friendly and talkative, and the variety of mustards is terrific! What an awesome place, with lots of character. I'm coming back very soon. —acparsons
2009-06-20 13:21:16 looove it, we've been going since i was 3 —aro4474
2009-07-02 12:13:50 They make a good veggie dog and have whole wheat buns too. And like people have stated, their mustard selection is amazing, and they have sauerkraut too! Their fresh-squeezed lemonade is delicious and refreshing as well. —TimMatthiessen
2009-07-17 03:07:16 they were open tonight at 1am after a night of drinking at sophia's. it was like finding the room of requirement in hogwarts. —NickKory
2009-11-11 10:46:14 This family owned business has a lot of character and some good food at a decent price. The prices are a little higher at the Farmers' Market than they are at the hut, but the atmosphere of the market and the side show that is the owner's wise-cracking while he runs the grill at the market are worth the extra money :) I prefer the Chicago dog and seasoned fries. —GJC02
2009-11-12 22:32:44 This place is very expensive. However, the food is delicious. I got the Ortega dog and it was great. I had no idea how many varieties of mustard sauces there were. A hot dog and two medium drinks ran me 9 dollars, which included the 1 dollar surcharge for using the credit card. When my wallet gets too full, I will be coming back to try the other hot dogs. Just a side note, the owner is very interactive with his customers and was cracking jokes and making conversation with the several that were waiting for their meals to be prepared. —BenLee
2009-11-24 19:33:29 what in god's name are this place's hours? man i could use a hot dog. —Sarcophagus
2010-01-14 23:59:32 Best fries in town, ask for extra crispy and a ranch cup! —GreezySweezy
2010-03-20 20:05:40 The Hotdogger is one of those Davis experiences that just can't be exported. The owner is one of the nicest guys ever and is always at Farmers market. Never had a poor experience, love it! —shraken
2010-04-05 15:24:40 Yummy. I rarely eat meat, but when I do, this place is one my favorites. —NotSure
2010-05-20 14:01:50 Love love this place and the employees here are so nice!! Two thumbs up!! :) —cherryr
2010-06-26 14:58:50 I like the veggie dog. Ivan is always very friendly and chatty. Cheryl is nice but can be distant at times. The best thing about this place is that our community is supporting a hard working family and not some fast food chain. A lot of family owned businesses in Davis like James Anthony were not able to survive the recession and closed their doors. —nowhereman
2010-06-26 19:09:56 This place is awesome, I am not a big hotdog fan but this place makes me want to be one. Their Chicago dog is fantastic. —DagonJones
2010-07-18 13:16:09 WEDGE FRIES WITH JALAPENO RANCH BAAAAH SO GOOOOOOD
be sure to get season salt —StevenDaubert
2010-08-09 08:29:00 Finally remembered to try this place out this weekend. A was a little disappointed with the prices and quality of chili. For five bucks, I'd expect more of a homemade chili taste and not out of the can. They were out of the wedge fries but the replacements were adequate. The ranch dressing was some of the best I've tasted in Davis so far. The lady working the counter was super nice and friendly which will most likely keep me coming back when I'm in the mood for a good weenie. —103
2010-11-02 18:53:10 Good Dogs. Good Fries. What more could you ask for? —TommyNgo
2011-02-15 11:05:50 Editted the hours according to what their website says. Cannot wait to try this place! —redbike
2011-02-19 20:22:28 My friend is absolutely in love with the Ortega Dog, but I personally love the Lemon Chicken Sausage and the WEDGE CUT FRIES. (And this is coming from a person that doesn't even like hotdogs!) —ChocolateFrogs
2011-03-04 12:10:32 I don't like hot dogs, but I've eaten here twice of my own accord. The hot dogs (regular) are so juicy and flavorful, doesn't at all taste like those mystery meat dogs from childhood days. I've gotten the Ortega dog, and the cheese and bun turn out spectacular when toasted. I've also had the seasons wedges with ranch... too die for! I wish more places would use that method of cooking fries. My only compliant is that the prices are a little higher than what I would want to pay for a hot dog. $17 for two dogs, wedges and a drink seems quite expensive too me, but the quality is also much better than that of a regular hot dog stand. Overall, I would eat here again, though due to the prices, not as regularly as I'd like to. —jwieland1989
2011-03-17 21:03:10 Really great place. I highly recommend the Chicago dog. Try out all of the mustards, especially the Russian hot mustard. Also, I love the woman behind the counter. She's always really friendly and funny, not sure if she's the owner or what, but good service. If you have flyers you'd like to put up around town for university events, they are happy to put them on the front door. —AbigaleMoody
2011-05-05 21:48:29 Love the veggie dogs, particularly with all the fixin's. Best at the Wednesday night farmer's market. —bobobb
2011-07-22 16:12:19 I love this place! The Chicago style dog is delicious and if you like a spicy dog, the Russian honey mustard is the best. Lots of variety as far as the sausages and mustards go, and the buns are really fresh. Great "comfort" food and the owners are local, which is a plus. Very friendly staff, too. No wonder the line is usually long for their fare at the Farmer's Market! —ShelleyB
2011-10-08 14:08:30 had another solid chili god, and those awesome wedge fries —StevenDaubert
2011-10-08 16:19:09 I can't believe that the wiki that's not a weapon put this silly ass quote below the comment bar, you jealous of self-employed business owners? This is ridiculous you can still defend what's yours in the U.S. i think. —Theangrydiner ??? I don't even know where to start, but your userpage was a good place. I think you misinterpret what is going on? Daubert
2012-02-08 12:42:00 went there last night at 11:15. was supposed to be open until 12. it wasn't open. —NorteMansion
2012-05-26 14:40:32 While the look of the place is a bit misleading, they have the best hot dogs and sausage anywhere
2012-07-19 20:44:58 Pros:Good food, nice area Cons:expensive, and never open —MicahPerez
2012-11-19 15:06:06 I got chili cheese fries once and it was honestly really disappointing. It was my second time with them, and I thought the first time was pretty good but perhaps because I ordered fries after someone who also made fries, the cook seemed to have made one order and split it into two (or worse, made mine smaller to enhance the other person's, who seemed to be a regular). They were a little raw, and literally doused in chili. I think I had 6 or 7 wedges and the rest of the container was chili, which wouldn't be so bad if I was looking for a bowl of chili... Other than that, I like the idea of this place, including decor. The hot dogs are never bad when I eat them, and I like their mustard choices, but that chili cheese fries incident has turned me away a bit, since I don't opt for hot dogs that often. —HannahToru
2013-01-04 11:20:58 I've branched out from my old favorite the chili dog, and now try the Chicago it's good. Also don't bother going higher than seasoned wedges with ranch... Those fries aren't broke so don't try and add more fixins —StevenDaubert
2013-06-23 10:34:26 So good you'll probably want another after the first. —bunsey
Weiner or not you like the Hotdogger, beef frank about it!
You must be logged in to comment on this page. Please log in.