Going Out No. 28: Portland's Best Hot Dogs
It's the Fourth of July. Makes me want a hot dog real bad.
Welcome! This is the Going Out edition of Riley’s Recs, where I review a restaurant, bar, or activity here in Portland. Every Sunday, I also share Staying In recipe recommendations for your week. Don’t forget to check out pdxrecs.com for even more recommendations and follow RR on Instagram at @rileysrecs. Enjoy!
Hot dogs, franks, wieners, glizzies. Whatever you want to call them: it’s sausage season. It’s hot dog summer. It’s time to eat some processed meat slathered in ketchup and mustard and call it a meal.
I’m ready!
But there’s a dark side to hot dogs in Portland. Last year, county officials claimed—without evidence—that hot dog stands outside spots like Providence Park and Moda Center were tied to gangs and human trafficking. I haven’t heard a peep about this since, and honestly, I’ve only seen more street food popping up (speaking of which: does anyone know what’s going on with that new taco stand on NE 33rd and Broadway?). If the gang-affiliation was supposed to be a scare tactic, it didn’t work. The biggest risk still seems to be—shocker—food poisoning.
But I get that not everyone is willing to take the risk of eating a street dog. So today’s Going Out features the best *permitted* places to get a hot dog in Portland. Although I kept my search within city limits, it’s worth noting that the best hot dogs in Oregon can be found at Manzanita Mudd Dogs. A cute little stand started by Mr. Mudd, a local community fixture and a Chicago-dog connoisseur. If you haven’t tried one, you’re missing out.
Hot Dog Selection Criteria
Corn dogs are included. I’m sorry, but corn dogs are incredible. They get to be included.
Bratwurst are not. I know you can get a great sausage sandwich at places like Olympia Provisions, etc. But they deserve their own post.
No Stadium dogs. Although this is the most realistic setting in which I’m going to order a hot dog, I’m not here to review Rose City Golf Course.
No “Hot Dog Row” dogs. Because all of the hot dog spots on Hawthorne (and there are many) are very mid. And a quick Reddit search will tell you why you should never go to Zach’s Shack. Although I suppose a $1.50 hot dog on Wiener Wednesday at Space Room is worth a mention for price alone.
Please note that this list is not ranked in any particular order. And that, obviously, I have not tried every hot dog in Portland.
Third Coast Dogs
Address: 2227 SE 7th Ave
Order: San Anto Dog
Cost: $9
Vegan options: Yes
By the time I’d eaten at Third Coast Hot Dogs, I’d already had four hot dogs in the span of a week (Yeah, I’m committed). I wasn’t sure I could handle another. But then these were so good, I ordered a second.
This is a must-visit spot. Not just for the hot dogs, which are inventive yet restrained, but also for the vibe. Third Coast operates out of a motorcycle shop. Its garage doors open to cafeteria-style seating and retro decor. The hot dogs themselves are inspired by owner Sage Houser’s time growing up in San Antonio, Texas, and are just as colorful as the people who pull up on their motorcycles.
I wouldn’t normally gravitate to toppings like cream cheese or pineapple slaw, but now that I’ve been here, it will be hard to go back to plain. Houser transforms Costco All-Beef hot dogs (or vegan franks) by scoring them into a diamond pattern, which leads to nice crispy edges and an even cook. It also just makes them look really cool. He then tops with combos like cream cheese, fried wonton, sweet chili sauce, and green onion (the Bae City) or black molé, pickled onion, takis chips, and white sauce (the San Anto).
Everything is incredible. If you go to one place on this list, let it be Third Coast.
5 & Dime
Address: 6535 SE Foster
Order: Chicago Dog
Cost: $8
Vegan options: Yes
This neighborhood bar went all-in on hot dogs. After a Street Disco pop-up popularized the menu item, the bar decided to keep franks around. Now, you can order 10 different kinds of hot dogs; all-beef or vegan. The best part? Hot dogs are served on buns from An Xuyen, the Vietnamese bakery down the street. They’re a little chewy, but I’m into it. Pair your order with a wedge salad and a Coors Light and Whiskey Scoot. Your stomach will love the combo of hot dog, whiskey, and beer (sarcasm!).
Hot tip: at Happy Hour, hot dogs are $6-7.
Lift Off Lounge
Address: 5216 NE Sandy Blvd
Order: hand-dipped corn dog
Cost: $7
Vegan options: No
Hand-dipped, fried, and slathered in honey, the corn dog from Lift Off Lounge is unmatched. Arguably more corn bread than dog, this hot dog makes a convincing argument against traditional buns. Why eat a dry grocery-store bun when you can have the nutty, slightly sweet cornmeal crust? Paired with the salty all-beef frank, it’s heaven.
If you’ve never been to Lift Off, I recommend going as soon as you can (and reading my full writeup here). I have yet to find better bar food in Portland.
Franks-A-Lot
Address: 2845 E Burnside St
Order: Corn Dog
Cost: $6.20
Vegan options: Yes
Steps from restaurants on NE 28th, this hot dog stand in the parking lot of Whole Foods has been slinging hot dogs for more than 25 years. My brother and his friends went all the time in high school (they even made the photo wall). So naturally, I’ve been a few times. I love the vibe; it’s giving banana stand. And their onion rings aren’t to be missed. Although you can get a traditional dog, I get the corn dog every time. Franks-A-Lot gets bonus points in my book for always giving my dog a little to-go bag wrapped in foil. And for having the best prices.
Also, I can’t believe I’m putting this old picture of me eating Franks-A-Lot on the Internet. But it’s the only one I got!
Bless Your Heart
Address: 5410 NE 33rd Ave
Order: Classic Dog
Cost: $7.95
Vegan options: No
I don’t know why you’d order a hot dog here if you can get a smash burger. But if you’re itchin’ for a dog, this is going to be your place to get a straight-forward option. Steer clear of the “Down-N-Dirty,” which comes with a perplexing beef stroganoff-esque topping. Get the Classic Dog and a side of fries and call it good. At $7.95, the price is too high. But if you’re starving after your New Seasons grocery shopping or McMenamins soaking pool experience, a stop at this parking lot cart will set you right.
Doghouse
Address: 5029 SE Division St
Order: Chicago Dog
Cost: $9
Vegan options: Yes
This is as close to Manzanita Mudd Dog quality as I could find in Portland. It’s got all the fixings: sport peppers, relish, pickles, tomatoes, and onion. Located in the food cart pod attached to Benbear’s Beers Taproom, Doghouse sits next to a salad food cart, opening the door to a DIY balanced meal. Or get a beer from the taproom and indulge. I haven’t tried the Sonoran hot dog on the menu, but if you’re from the Southwest and missing those, this might be your spot.
Places I Haven’t Tried Yet
Portland Beef & Cheese Company: because why would I order a hot dog when I can get their Reuben?
Donnie Vegas: but I hear it’s a great bar dog. I’ve only ever gotten their Frito Pie (excellent).
Roakes: a lunchtime diner on Lombard.
HarBQ: I love this bbq spot in the parking lot of Ecliptic Brewing on Mississippi. They occasionally offer hot dogs, but I have yet to try.
Broder: they apparently serve a Danish Hotdog with curried ketchup that people love.
Agree? Disagree? Did I miss a spot? Don’t silently brood about it! Let me know in the comments.
If you liked reading this, click the ❤️ button on this post so more people can discover it on Substack!