Vegan Hot Dog Guide
Originally published by ORANGE Magazine on April 2nd, 2018.
Illustration by Sarang Kim for ORANGE Magazine.
Surprisingly, Austin is a great city to have a hot dog. There’s more than just BBQ and asada down here. The simple combination of a frank between a bun can be easily modified to accommodate different dietary restrictions, while still maintaining its messy appeal. Many vegan and vegetarian restaurants have found success in the creative food scene in Austin, and make it easy for people of all dietary restrictions to enjoy flavorful and filling meals.
Despite regional differences and controversy over toppings (looking at you, Chicago), hot dogs are a classic summer staple. As the days are become warmer and longer, it is time to enjoy the first frank of the season. Pair your hot dog with an old baseball cap to feel that summer nostalgia.
T-LOC’S SONORA
500 Burnet Rd.
This is a special kind of dog. It gets its namesake from Sonora, Mexico, where the combination of toppings and buttery bun originated. Now, it’s a staple of Arizona’s food scene. At T-Loc’s, they take quality very seriously; the buns are flown in from Arizona every week! The owner, manning the register and the grill, is amiable and proud of the quality of his hot dogs. Con todo, por favor.
MISSION DOGS
1701 E Cesar Chavez St.
This food trailer is hidden behind a 24/7 Mexican restaurant (Las Cazuelas, another place worth checking out!), and allows vegetarian substitutions for any of their hot dogs. Vegetarian bacon can also be wrapped around the hot dog. The Asian-inspired menu holds eclectic plates like the Dogijuku, a hot dog with pickled ginger, cucumber slaw, nori, teriyaki glaze and wasabi mayo. Like them on Facebook for updates on their specials.
DOGGIE STYLE
603 W Live Oak St.
Everything in this food truck is house-made and vegan. In the past, the truck has had specials like the poutine fries, covered with gravy and cheese curds. The Walking Taco – still a hot dog, despite the confusing name – is a customer favorite and includes a vegan dog with chili, queso and Fritos. The truck is open Tuesday through Saturday.
FRANK
407 Colorado St. and 2416 Guadalupe St. (Closed permanently)
With one location residing in Space 24 Twenty and the other near Fourth Street, Frank’s is the go-to joint for hot dogs. The vegan meat doesn’t taste like it is imitating the taste of meat, but has a natural flavoring with juices when cooked. Vegan dogs can be substituted for no extra charge, and they also have vegan sausage. Vegan cheese is available for 75 cents and vegan chili for one dollar. Staying true to a proper Chicago dog, the bun is coated in black sesame seeds for added texture. Frank’s locations have gluten-free buns available.
