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Hot diggity dogs
Have you had your tube-meat today?
By Angele Sionna
Published on 05/21/2009
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It’s hot dog season! While it may more commonly be referred to as summer, the beautiful weather that is upon us means it’s time for treating ourselves to those tasty franks that satisfy without breaking the bank. If you don’t have time to grill up a dog on any given work lunch hour, then check out the goods at Flagstaff’s top hot dog stops.
Primo’s
113 S. San Francisco
Boasting Chicago-style dogs, Primo’s is a true hole-in-the-wall joint. The door boasts seating for 1,000, four at a time, i.e. they have four seats lining the wall on the right. That’s it.
Here their standard dog is known as the Easy Dog. The bright green relish contrasts nicely with the crispy, diced white onion—with a little vivid red and yellow of the ketchup and mustard just poking through. The ingredients are fresh. The dogs are plump, juicy and flavorful. The proportions of toppings, bun and dog are perfect. And vegetarians take note: Primo’s doesn’t want you to miss out on the goodness.
They serve veggie dogs with any toppings for about the same price. In all, Primo’s has 14 types of hot dogs and sausages, plus meat lover’s sandwiches and nachos.
Mountain Top Dogs
113 E. Birch
Mountain Top Dogs is a true hot dog stand at the corner of Birch and San Francisco. Only open when the weather’s good and run by the owner, Mountain Top Dogs is in a great location for tourists and business folks alike for lunch. At Mountain Top Dogs, the hot dogs are flame grilled right in front of you, and you get to add your own toppings just how you like it.
The dogs may be a little less flavorful and not as thick as the ones at Primo’s, but the smoky flavor that comes from the grilling makes up for it. The condiments are pretty standard, just like the ones you’d have at a back yard cookout. But you can taste the care put into each dog with every bite.
Mountain Top Dog has a handful of dog and sausage choices ranging from a standard hot dog up to their claim to fame: a grilled, hand-wrapped, quarter-pound bacon dog.
Route 66 Dog Haus
1302 E. Rte. 66
The Route 66 Dog Haus is a Flagstaff classic. Right on Route 66 with cars whizzing by their can’t-miss-it red A-frame building, you can walk up and place your order or drive through—and I do mean drive through literally, as the window is in the center of the building. Seating is limited to a few cement tables with umbrellas, but their menu includes sides like fries and is much more expansive than the other hot dog joints.
The Dog Haus dog itself is overloaded with ingredients and oozes out of the opened wrapper, which can leave the bun super-soaked and soggy. It did not have the beauty of the Primo’s dog or the flame-broiled smell of Mountain Top, but when I took a bite I was pleasantly surprised. There was a bit too much of the overly sweet onions and relish though, ironically making this drive-through joint the only place where the dog isn’t driver-friendly.
Hot Dog Express
1566 S. Riordan Ranch
Newcomer to the hot dog scene is Hot Dog Express. They’re located in the little red and yellow shack surrounded by cheery picnic tables and umbrellas in the west end of the Bookman’s parking lot on the southwest side of town.
Here, the choices are walk-up or drive-up. You can smell the hot dogs cooking on the grill—best smell ever—as you do either. Hot Dog Express offers up everything from standard dogs to more fanciful options like the enormous Cujo dog or the spicy Jalapeño Express hot dog. The dogs come served in a fresh and flavorful bright yellow bun and loaded with a fair amount of toppings. They also have combos with a soda and chips to make the most of your lunch money. And if you want a little picnicy feel to lunch, consider adding a side of their cilantro slaw or potato salad. For the kid inside, top it off with one of their slushies for dessert.
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