Hunt down a delicious hot dog in Victoria
From the backyard barbecue to street carts to gourmet restaurants, the lowly hot dog has come a long way. Victoria has a bit of everything to offer hot dog hunters, from the simplest of dogs to ones that are nearly too luxurious to handle. Enjoy!
The Soda Shoppe
801 Government Street, Victoria BC V8W 1W8Whether you're a tourist or just playing one for the day, you should think about adding The Soda Shoppe to your list of stops. This old-time soda shop and it attached sister establishment specializing in hot dogs, Dog Gone It, serve up some unique gourmet hot dogs such as the Hawaiian poi dog, German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever. Top off your meal with a thick milk shake or old-style soda.
La Belle Patate
1215 Esquimalt Rd, Victoria BC V9A 3P1When you feel like some fine French dining, like outstanding poutine and, yes, delicious hot dogs (of course!), this is the place to be. No need to dress up for the occasion, since this little spot is casual and friendly. Serving up dogs steamed or grilled, La Belle Patate has several flavour combinations from which to choose. Depending on your mood, try the meat sauce topped Michigan dog or the grilled cheese dog for something different.
Big Wheel Burger
341 Cook St, Victoria BC V8V 3X8Priding themselves on being 95 percent sustainable, Big Wheel Burger is fast food done right. It uses local ingredients and makes dishes in house wherever possible. You haven't really lived until you've sampled the chili dog here. Rich, meaty and delicious, this could well become your favourite stop on this hot dog tour. Word on the street is their garlic fries are a perfect complement to just about everything you order.
Island Grill Hot Dogs
1205 Government St, Victoria BC V8W 1Y5You may need a bib for your clothes, but your delicious meal will be well worth the effort. With a menu covering everything from econo dogs (when you want cheap and easy) to cheddar smokies all dressed, there is truly something for everyone here. Bring a big appetite (and maybe a fork!), and try the grilled cheddar smokie piled high with thinly sliced cabbage, strips of bacon and mustard.
La Fogata Latina Restaurants
749 View St, Victoria BC V8W 1J9Although the hot dog selection is not as varied as some places, the authentic Latino and Colombian hot dogs, or "Perro Caliente" are taste adventures you just have to try. Unique flavour combinations abound, such as pineapple, bacon and crushed potato chips, or bacon, ham and grilled onions topped with crushed chips. Not only are the flavours unique, but the chips provide a neat and salty crunch that's surprisingly good.
Cenote Restaurant & Lounge
768 Yates St, Victoria BC V8W 1L4Cenote brings the concept of gourmet hot dogs to a whole new level. Their selection of stuffed dogs are created in a hollowed-out baguette with delicious toppings stuffed inside with the wiener of choice. You can choose a Euro-style wiener or Italian sausage and make it a double dog. There isn't a veggie wiener for the vegetarians, but they do offer a roasted vegetable version with BBQ sauce and brie that will leave you very satisfied.
The Drake Eatery
517 Pandora Ave, Victoria BC V8W 1N5The Drake is a room that oozes casual comfort and is best known for its unique selection of local craft brews and solid grub. Amongst the latter is a standout bratwurst smokie served with grainy mustard and sauerkraut. It's well worth the visit to sit back in one of the many mismatched comfy chairs and see which of the current tap selections goes best with that dog.
