Best Sonoran Hot Dogs in Tucson, Arizona
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Where to Find Sonoran Hot Dogs in Tucson
El Guero Canelo - Located mid-town, this location is closest to the Tucson Mall and several shopping centers. This location is also the closest to hotels and nightlife.
El Guero Canelo - Located south of downtown, this location is actual in South Tucson, which is outside of the center city.
BK Carne Asada & Hot Dogs - This location, as with El Guero's S 12th avenue location, is in South Tucson, which is really a suburb of the city of Tucson.
BK Carne Asada & Hot Dogs - This location is located mid-town, but is not as touristy as El Guero on North Oracle.
Man Vs. Food - The Sonoran Dog
So What's a Sonoran Dog?
A Sonoran Dog is a bacon-wrapped hot dog which is grilled, put inside of a traditional Mexican roll (with both ends closed) and layered with pinto beans, diced tomatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, jalapeño sauce, and onions. Some are served with cheese.
Tourists come to Tucson every year to enjoy the uniqueness of the Wild, Wild West. After figuring out where to stay in Tucson, the next question is, where can I get a good Sonoran Dog? Although you can find them almost anywhere - including from street vendors - some places make them better than others.
Price: Cheap. Anywhere from $1 to $3 and change is normal. Both El Guero Canelo and BK Carne Asada & Hot Dogs run specials on their Sonoran Dogs from time to time.
Top Photo Credit: Hal Dick
Restaurant Information
El Guero Canelo
Two locations:
- 2480 N Oracle Road, Tucson AZ 85705. (520) 882-8977 Mon-Sat 7a - Midnight. Sun 7:30 - Midnight
- 5201 S 12th Ave, Tucson AZ 85706. (520) 295-9005 Mon-Sat 7a - Midnight. Sun 7:30 - Midnight.
The only real difference between the two restaurants is their proximity to the center of the city (El Presidio). The one on North Oracle is north of downtown, and the one on South 12th is south of downtown. If you are staying downtown, simply choose the one closest to what you plan on doing for the night (see Best Bars in Tucson).
Website: www.elguerocanelo.com
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BK Carne Asada & Hot Dog
Two locations:
- 5118 S. 12th Ave, Tucson, Arizona (520) 295-0105. Sun-Thur 9a - 11p, Sat 9a - Midnight
- 2680 N 1st Ave, Tucson, Arizona - (520) 207-2245. Sun-Thur 9a - Midnight. Sat 9a - 2:30a
As you'll see on the map (above), these locations are on very different parts of town. The one on 1st avenue is not in a tourist area, so use your judgment when heading that way.
Website: www.bktacos.com
Is the Sonoran Dog Tucson's Claim to Fame?
Quite possibly. Aside from the cult-classic cowboy movie, Tombstone, the Sonoran Dog has gotten Tucson and surrounding areas more screen time than just about anything.
The Sonoran Dog has already been featured on two television series:
- Man vs. Food (featuring El Guero Canelo) (see video above)
- Food Wars (BK Carne Asada & Hot Dogs vs El Guero Canelo) (see video below)
Who Makes the Best Sonoran Dog?
BK's got a slightly less authentic feel to it's restaurants (they look very much like fast food joints); however, it should be noted that despite the fact that El Guero Canelo was featured on Man vs Food and is usually the place people recommend when referring to Sonoran Dogs, BK's did win the Travel Channel's Food War between it and El Guero Canelo.
Both have won the Tucson Weekly's Best Sonoran Dog title (although El Guero Canelo has won it in 2007, 2008, and and 2009...
YOU be the judge. Have them both. After all, it's JUST a hot dog. :)
Food Wars: BK's vs El Guero Canelo on the Sonoran Hot Dog
Street Vendors and Sonoran Dogs
Although I have not had a Sonoran Dog from a street vendor, I should tell you that it's very common. If you are walking around El Presidio (which I highly recommend), you will find several street vendors selling Sonoran Dogs.
POLL: Reader's Choice
Which Restaurant Makes the Best Sonoran Dogs?
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Comments or Questions?Loading...
Hey Simone,
Awesome! You learned something new! ;-) This will probably end up being a pretty popular hub. Sonoran Hot Dogs are well-known around these parts!
Cheers,
Tia
These hot dogs sound killer. I just watched the Man vs. Food clip - pretty mouth watering. I wish I had stopped here when I was in Tucson. Until next time!
Simone Smith Level 8 Commenter 20 months ago
Wow. I had never heard of Sonoran Hot Dogs before!! THEY SOUND AMAZING!! Once again, I am forced to curse the day I became a vegetarian =_=