Haute Dogs: SF's Best Franks and Sausages

by Chelsea Lin - Citysearch Editor - 82 Reviews - 92 Lists

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Updated: September 21, 2009

Love 'em or hate 'em (or only love 'em wrapped in bacon when you're drunk in the Mission), hot dogs are huge these days. But there's good news, San Francisco: the new generation of wieners aren't all lips and snouts (or they're at least made from organic, sustainable lips and snouts), and are getting the gourmet treatment from top-notch chefs. Revisit the ball park classic with this list of the best sausage spots in town. (Photo: Wild boar sausage with grilled onions and peppers at Rosamunde)

Sausage Hot Spots

  1. 1 3.5 Star Rating: Average Absinthe Brasserie & Bar
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    398 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102 (map)

    It's no secret that Jamie Lauren--former New Yorker, "Top Chef" alum and executive chef at this Hayes Valley dining scene staple--loves her hot dogs. She recently added her own interpretation of the all-American favorite, paired with Guinness mustard, chili ketchup, sauerkraut and yogurt-dill potato chips to both the lunch and bar menus.

  2. 2 4 Star Rating: Recommended The Butler & The Chef
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    155a S Park St, San Francisco, CA 94107 (map)

    Add hot dogs to the list of things (fries, toast, kissing, etc.) that the French do best, even if theirs require a fork and knife. The foot-long frank at this South Park lunch destination comes in a fresh-baked baguette, smothered in melted emmenthal cheese (like their fab croque monsieurs) and Dijon mustard.

  3. 3 Let's Be Frank
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    Crissy Field--The Warming Hut, San Francisco, CA 94123 (map)

    The first storefront location of this foodie-minded hot dog venture just opened in the Marina, but the best way to enjoy them is still on a sunny weekend near their cart in Crissy Field. The franks themselves (made from a Chez Panmisse alum's recipe) are a little pricey and a little on the small side, but you can rest assured that each Acme bun-wrapped beef wiener is nitrate-, hormone- and antibiotic-free.

  4. 4 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Rosamunde Sausage Grill
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    545 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117 (map)

    This Lower Haight neighborhood fave is proof that you really only need to do one thing--if you do it well. Stop by to pick up a lamb, duck, veal or beef sausage, make sure you ask for the grilled onions and hot peppers, then take your meal next door to Toronado to enjoy with a pint of Chimay--perhaps the best side-by-side combo in town.

  5. 5 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Underdog
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    1634 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122 (map)

    Those who think hot dogs are toxic scrap piles will want to check out this all-organic sausage joint in the Sunset featuring a menu of beef, pork or chicken-and-turkey dogs without any of the genetically modified or artificial ingredients. For the "meat is murder" sect, there's also an impressive selection of vegan and veggie dogs.

  6. 6 Schmidt's
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    2400 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94110 (map)

    Your dog (choose from eight different kinds of sausages) won't come with a bun at this little German deli from the folks behind Walzwerk, but with sides like sauerkraut and potato salad and the accompaniment of two serious mustards, you'll hardly miss the bread.

  7. 7 Showdogs
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    1020 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102 (map)

    A hot dog spin-off from Foreign Cinema? Yes, please. This casual eatery on Market Street's seediest stretch draws crowds with a wide assortment of avant garde sausages; for something truly unique, try the pickled hot link.

  8. 8 Little Skillet
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    360 Ritch St , San Francisco, CA 94107 (map)

    Mostly known for their fried chicken and waffles, this SoMa walk-up counter dishes out the sort of Southern cuisine parent resto Farmerbrown is known for. Eight bucks buys you a bacon-wrapped waffledog--think corndog, but with a better batter.