Hayz Dog

SF isn’t really known for hot dogs (our precious street vendors aside), but Hayz Dog in Hayes Valley is trying to change that. They’re serving creative and filling—albeit slightly pricey—spins on classic hot dogs that can’t be found anywhere else in the city. 

Although they do offer their take on a Chicago-style hot dog, they don’t stick to any other kinds of convention when it comes to the other seven dogs on the menu. Case in point: The Elote that’s drenched in creamy corn and crema that dribbles down the sides, and The Junkyard that’s overflowing with barbecue sauce, bacon bites, cheddar, and homemade pickles. They’re extravagant and all look like they’ve all been dreamt up by a five-year-old, but somehow none of them feel overly indulgent. And while some of the options sound like a gimmick—like the bánh mì dog that takes the Vietnamese classic and replaces pâté for lime aioli and cold cuts for a heavy frankfurter—they still manage to stick the landing. 

photo credit: Erin Ng

photo credit: Erin Ng

photo credit: Erin Ng

photo credit: Erin Ng

A dog costs about $10-$14, so realistically pounding more than three isn’t really in the cards, but in a world where a street dog over in the Mission can go for up to $10 and isn’t as topping-packed, that’s not too bad. And given the fact that these are behemoths, there’s no way we would ever want three—one satisfies, and two will fill you up for the day. So it’s not an outrageous price, all things considered. 

Even though hot dogs are a fast food staple, don’t order these ones to go: they’re best enjoyed on the parklet while they’re still piping hot—and before they have a chance to get a soggy bun. So settle in with a cold beer, glass of wine, or even a milkshake to round out an evening. The only way this place could be even better is if they were open past 11:30pm on the weekends—you know, for the perfect post-party pick-me-up.

photo credit: Erin Ng

photo credit: Erin Ng

Food Rundown

photo credit: Erin Ng

The Elote

We’ll admit, we were skeptical about accepting a hot dog that resembled our beloved cups of elote, but this version quells our cravings without leaving us stuffed (but it is a bit of a mess).

photo credit: Erin Ng

The Banh Mi

This dog is about as literal of a translation as it gets. Think about a bánh mì, and now think about a bánh mì with a hot dog for meat and a bun for a baguette. It works.

photo credit: Erin Ng

The Flunky

An attempt at a Chicago-style dog, and truly a great showing. Now if only they could offer it on a poppy seed bun.

photo credit: Erin Ng

The Junkyard

Layered with laundry-sized piles of homemade pickles and coleslaw, plus tangy BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, and bacon bits, this dog is decadence served on a platter. It’s the best dog on the menu by far and should be on your table.

photo credit: Erin Ng

The Heddy

The only dedicated vegetarian offering (you can sub in the vegetarian wiener on any of the hot dogs though). Unfortunately, the vegetarian dog itself is tough, chewy, and flavorless, so we’d recommend taking a plant-based friend elsewhere.

Milkshake

An Ovaltine milkshake, plain and simple. It’s thick without being too decadent, it’s creamy without overloading your senses, and the light chocolate flavor makes this a great evening treat.