Comments (0) Best Hot Dog Stand - 2006
California Dogs
A Certificate of Honor — dated February 24, 2006, and signed by Gavin Newsom — hangs not far from the soda machine that dispenses Akua Ko carbonated beverages (made with pure cane sugar) and not far from the counter at which you can command bockwurst (mild Swiss or heartier Bavarian), Portuguese linguiça, Louisiana hot links, or any of half a dozen other choices, including the eponymous California dog itself, a New York–style frankfurter served with avocado and tomatoes. The document reads, in part: "Whereas, on behalf of the city and county of San Francisco, I am pleased to recognize California Dogs, for their outstanding culinary feats and establishment as a premier San Francisco restaurant. Your delectable treats will satisfy the needs of a city with hungry residents." We are not disposed to quibble with Mayor Newsom, though the sweet storefront, charmingly painted in two tones of green and fitted with pale rattan chairs, seems less like a restaurant and more like a, well, hot dog stand. But we do applaud the 15 percent discount offered if you have a student I.D., since City College is just a block away. And the pungent garlic fries.
