Cuisine Scene: Hot Dogs

Given that Vicky’s Doghouse Cafe (named for the ship’s famous dog mascot, Vicky–short for Victory) is located on the fantail of the battleship USS Iowa (250 Harbor Blvd), its kitchen serves up several naval themed offerings. “The Shipyard” goes the extra step by piling tangy Bourbon barbecue pulled pork along with sweet creamy coleslaw. You could also go with The Destroyer, combining chili, onions and gourmet cheddar cheese sauce.

Dogz Bar and Grill (5300 E. Second St.) has a laid back, beachy atmosphere that makes it a destination for families during the day and fun-loving adults in the evening. Their hot dog menu slides toward the classics with their Chicago dog featuring mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, pickles, celery salt and sport peppers on a poppy seed bun. They also have a New York dog with sauerkraut, red onions and mustard and a Buffalo dog with requisite buffalo sauce and a choice of ranch or blue cheese.

Like their burgers, which have drawn favorable comparisons to (take a deep breath) In-N-Out, Bixby Classic Burger (4001 Orange Ave) serves hot dogs that are relatively simple, somewhat straightforward arrangements that pack a considerable flavor profile. Named after several local neighborhoods and locations–i.e. the “Bixby Classic,” the “Wrigley,” the “Virginia Club”–their most straightforward is their chili dog–chili, mustard and onion–that goes by the all-encompassing moniker, “The Long Beach.”