JustinLL dot Com

August 22, 2008

Dot's Dog, Stockton's Red Hot Chicago Hot Dog

Filed under: Eats and Drinks — Tags: , — JustinLL @ 1:59 am

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.


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August 8, 2008

Capitol Dawg's Midtown Hot Dog

Filed under: Eats and Drinks — Tags: , , — JustinLL @ 1:51 am

I’ve been here a few times now, most recently because of a coupon for a free dawg sent out via snail mail, and I’m a fan.  I should start by saying I’m an all around fan of hot dogs.  From the late night corner street-vendor to the big box Costco brand — the Costco Polish dog being one of my favorites, just because you get so much for your dollar fifty.  It’s a deal and a half!  You can’t go wrong with a hot dog.

Located on 20th between “L” and Capitol streets, it’s sitting in prime walking space for most of midtown’s daytime busy bodies looking for a deliciously quick meal.  Service is fast, and seating is aplenty with a large outdoor patio that has just enough shade and sun to keep comfortable. Setting and atmosphere aside, I’m not sitting down to eat because of the decorative memorabilia on the wall.  No.  I want a hot dog, and that’s what you get.  Keep it simple, and give me some spicy mustard and sour kraut.  I’m hooked and sold.

The menu offers more than twenty ways to prepare a dog, so it can take a minute to read through the list and figure out what you’re craving.  The real problem being that once you decide, you might keep reading and find that you fancy another type, and now you have a real choice to make.  I’ve so far enjoyed the self named Capitol Dawg, the Midtown Dawg, and the Hotlink.  I still have a bunch more to try.  I’m very curious about the Sacramento Dawg which sports guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.  (On a hot dog?!  I know.  But you have to be adventurous when it comes to food.)

I have to say it’s a solid 3.75 out of 4.  Good times.


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July 3, 2008

MARRS Building Home To Luigi's Slice

Filed under: Eats and Drinks — Tags: , , , — JustinLL @ 12:15 pm

Ever since I can remember I’ve been a huge fan of pizza, eating it whenever I can get my grubby hands on it.  I don’t care if it’s two in the morning just before bed, or four in the afternoon and I’m ruining my appetite for dinner — if a slice is available, I’m going to eat it.

Imagine my joy and pizza-eating delight when Luigi’s Slice found its way into the MARRS building on 20th between J and K.  It’s central to all of midtown, so I can get to it from any of my local hangouts whether I’m up on 29th & E or down at 16th and P.  Granted, there are quite a few pizza-by-the slice locations around the grid, but this is my favorite, so that’s why I’m mentioning it here first.  (I mean before I mention any of the others, which I will eventually get around to typing to you about.)

Prices for a slice range from $4.15 to $4.85, which isn’t bad given the going rates and the size of the slice.  Several beers are on tap, as well as some wine from a bottle, in addition to the usual soda fountain.  (I typically take my slice with water, so as not to fill up on fluids.)  The slice itself is somewhere between New York Thin Crust, and Chicago Deep Dish.  It’s filling.  It’s good.  Check it out for yourself next time you’re out.  It’s a great follow-up after enjoying the night at Lounge on 20.

Many a weeknight I can be found running down the street in an attempt to beat their eleven-o’clock closing hour; that’s when the pizza tastes best.


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