The Food Writers Act of 1902 requires me, as well as every other food writer in America, to produce a story every Fourth of July about either hot dogs or apple pie. I flipped a coin, and this year it’s hot dogs:
Ted’s Hot Dogs: This longtime Tempe favorite is famous for its charcoal-broiled hot dogs, footlongs, cheese dogs and chili dogs, as well as delicious homemade onion rings. The lines can get long during peak hours, but they usually move quickly. 1755 E. Broadway Road, Tempe, (480) 968-6678.
Pittsburgh Willy’s: The Wild Willy (pictured) — an all-beef kosher dog topped with chipped ham sauteed in butter and then covered with cheddar cheese — is a bestseller at this small shop inside the Market Square antique mall. 1509 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler, (480) 857-2860.
Al’s Chicago Style: The walls are covered with Windy City memorabilia, but it’s the Vienna Beef hot dogs, Gonnella rolls and Giardiniera peppers — not to mention the neon green relish — that establish the Chicago authenticity of this shop’s dogs. 53 N. Val Vista Drive, Gilbert, (480) 545-3267.
Giant Hamburgers: Its name references burgers, but this inexpensive strip-mall hangout also serves tasty hot dogs and chili dogs cooked on its flat-top grill. Be sure to include a side of some of the best French fries in the East Valley. 2753 E. Broadway Road, Mesa, (480) 733-6542.
The Mission: This Old Town Scottsdale restaurant’s Latin American food can get a bit pricey, but the lunch menu offers a fantastic Kobe beef dog wrapped in bacon and topped with green chile pintos, Cotija cheese and grilled onions. 3815 N. Brown Ave., Scottsdale, (480) 636-5005.
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Giant Hamburgers has some of the best food in the valley. It’s nice to go in there and see the same employees from month to month. They know my wife’s special order breakfast before she can even finish saying it. Great place to eat.
The 4th of July is here, and we all know what that means as the nation prepares to celebrate: Picnics, cookouts, hot dogs, road trips, and long days at many parks to celebrate Independence Day and see the fireworks! Enjoy, it is a good reason to fly the American flag.
HOW can you overlook “The Dog House” on University just East of Mill Ave?
Hands Down, they have the best hot dogs i think i’ve ever eaten. . . and this is coming from a chicago-transplant . . . they use a texas toast for the bun, and the meat actually tastes like quality meat instead of a rolled up slice of bologna
I was VERY unsatisfied with my Ted’s Hot Dog experience. . . had a number of friends tell me to try it out. . . the service was terrible and quite rude, the food was substandard. . . and the dog flavour was not impressive in the least bit