“Frankly” amazing Toronto places to get hot dogs
As if you didn’t know already, where there’s a gourmet burger renaissance happening, there’s bound to be some attempts at making the hot dog into a more gourmet meal as well. Whether you’re a purist, or willing to think outside the box when it comes to your franks, this Toronto list will have something for you.
Fancy Franks Gourmet Hot Dogs
326 College, Toronto, ON M5T 1S3Fancy Franks has no less than 16 different franks to choose from on their menu. Notable versions include the deep fried, hot sauced Frankie Goes to Buffalo and the Frankaphone, with smoked Gruyere, cheese curds, horseradish, cheddar and honey dijon mayo. With two locations, in Kensington and Bloorcourt, and lots of recognition by the press, it’s a wonder you haven’t been there already
Wvrst
609 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1M5WVRST on King West serves up a whole host of different sausages on its menu, from elk to merguez lamb to kielbasa tofu, and everything in between. But the classic hot dog, called the Mini Danger Dog, is wrapped in bacon and served with your choice of toppings.
Disgraceland
965 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1L7Disgraceland serves up an extensive menu of comfort foods, both of the carnivore and vegan persuasion, at its Bloor West location. Five choices of beef or vegan hot dog await customers, the best being the Trailer Park, with potato chips and Cheez Whiz…if that’s your thing.
The Big Chill
367 Manning, Toronto, ON M6G 2V6The Little Dog is the little sister to the ice cream shop nearby, The Big Chill, and their specialty is something called the steamie. If you’ve never heard of a steamie, don’t worry, you’re not alone; you probably just never spent any time in Montreal, where these hot dogs originated. Small, inexpensive and steamed (thus the name) these dogs pack big flavour for less.
Uncle Betty's Restaurant
2590 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4P 2J3Uncle Betty’s Diner up at Yonge and Eglinton makes one hot dog, amid the other comfort foods, but they make it well. Topped with aioli and mushrooms, this hot dog has a fantastic taste that doesn’t overwhelm.
RS (Real Sports)
15 York Street, Toronto, ON M5J 0A3Real Sports Bar at Maple Leaf Square offers a surprising number of hot dog options on their already long menu. While not as inspired as the gourmet hot dog joints already mentioned, the five choices of tasty tube meat are respectable.
