I’m in Stockton two to three days a week for work and, while I will usually pack a sack lunch, occasionally I’m lazy or running behind schedule in the morning and I leave the house with no lunch or snacks. So I have reason on these occasions to leave the safety and comfort of my office to find a lunchtime meal. Keeping with the spirit of my love for a tasty hot dog, I found Dot’s Dog in Stockton.
Dot’s, located at the corner of Pacific and Adams, prepares a mighty fine Chicago Dog, boasting that all their ingredients are flown in from Chicago. (Except for a few of the fresh vegetables.) Let me tell you, I’ve eaten a hot dog in Chicago, where you don’t even think about asking for ketchup, and Dot’s does a darn good job of bringing that authenticity to the West Coast. From the neon green relish to a poppy seed bun, you’d never know you weren’t eating at Super Dog in Chicago.
There are a few other hot dog choices, as well as a meatball sandwich, and a french dip authentically drenched with au jus. (Probably the only thing I haven’t had yet, and I’m looking forward to it. I just have to be in the right frame of mind to eat wet bread.) Dot’s Dogs offers chips as a side, which I’d like to see replaced with fries. I don’t know what it is, but something about cheesy Doritos just doesn’t sit well next to an awesome Chicago dog. (Sometime I order two dogs and skip the side orders. They’re that good!)
As per the usual, I’m not that concerned with the interior decor, which they’ve done up in classic rock paraphernalia. It’s nice. The strange thing here is that they’ve fenced off a portion of the inside of the building for potential lease to a tenant. I don’t know who would open up shop inside a hot dog stand, but hopefully it works out and Dot’s stays in business. And there’s plenty of sidewalk seating along Pacific and along Adams, which also sports a walk-up window for ordering.
Another solid eatery offering quick and delicious food that I recommend whole-heartedly. Make sure when ordering, you tell them to “drag it through the garden.” They’ll know what it means. You won’t be sorry.
Hey Justin
I totally agree with you on Dots Dogs but iunfortuntely becasue od economic times Dot’s closed there doors yesterday, she is a good friend of mine , it was sad they will be missed..FYI
DR
Comment by Diane — October 23, 2008 @ 9:01 pm
Diane,
Man, that is a total bummer. There were definitely some good dogs on the menu, and still a couple I didn’t get a chance to try. I don’t think there’s any other place like it in Stockton. What are we hot-dog-eating folk to do?
Comment by JustinLL — October 30, 2008 @ 8:11 pm