Way beyond the ballpark

Hot dogs, although delicious, are one mysterious meal. Often when they’re being pushed around a grill or sizzling in a skillet, conversations can arise of where the name “hot dog” came from, or what’s in it.

Hot dogs, although delicious, are one mysterious meal. Often when they’re being pushed around a grill or sizzling in a skillet, conversations can arise of where the name “hot dog” came from, or what’s in it.

The website www.hot-dog.org claims that the name has three rumored histories. One history says the name was derived from a cartoonist in the nineteenth century who made a picture of what a vendor called “dachshund dogs.” He sketched one of the actual animals in a bun and wrote underneath “hot dog.”

Another rumor says it was the Germans who brought over sausages and called them hot dogs, named after their skinny puppies. Lastly, it is said that the college newspapers at Yale in the late 19th century nicknamed a sausage cart a “dog mobile” and the name just stuck.

Whatever its history, the hot dog, usually consisting of a combination of pork, beef and spices is a filling, economical meal that can be found created differently (and deliciously) at many locations around Portland. Here are some of the best.

Wayne’s Chicago Red Hots

The Dog
Although they offer several options, the best way to go at Wayne’s is to get the classic Chicago Red Hot. Like a true Chicago hot dog should be, it is made only with Vienna beef dogs and comes “dragged through the garden.” Yellow mustard, onions, spicy neon green relish, tomato wedges, sport peppers, crunchy dill pickle and celery salt are all stuffed inside a steamed poppy seed bun for a real Chicago experience. If you’ve never tried a Chicago-style hot dog, or even just a dog without ketchup, this may be a life-changing moment for you.

The Doghouse
Wayne’s Chicago Red Hots may seem kitschy at first with its abundance of Chicago memorabilia tacked on the walls, but once you sit down it’s evident that this is the real deal. It’s hard to go there and not see an actual Chicago native inhaling one of the 16 different kinds of hot dogs during your visit, which is always a good sign. Other good signs are the sweet soul and Motown music pouring out of the overhead speakers, as well as a T-shirt on the wall with John McCain’s face that says “no country for old men.” 

3901 NE Martin Luther king Blvd
Monday-Saturday 11a.m.–7p.m.
Sunday 12–7 p.m.
4 out of 5 stars

Otto’s Sausage Kitchen

The Dog
Otto’s offers a hot dog that makes you forget you drove all the way out to Woodstock for a hot dog. Or, if Woodstock is your hood, it makes you forget that you walked down the block in the rain for a damn hot dog. That’s because Otto’s offers old-fashioned wieners and pork sausages hot off the grill with stadium-style pumps of Coney Island mustard, ketchup, homemade sauerkraut and sweet relish so you can style your dog to your tastes. The consistency of the dog offers a kind of tasty snap that can likely be attributed to the fact that they are homemade, and that they are lovingly grilled directly in front of you. Not bad for under $5.

The Doghouse

Otto’s Sausage Kitchen itself has all kinds of meat cuts, a deli counter, candy and wine, but the home of this dog can be found outside. It’s not unusual to see one of the young guys who works at Otto’s standing in the rain, grilling away with loyalty. No matter what the weather, the smell of the grill and the quality of this dog make your visit a positive one. Just don’t forget to bring cash only.

4138 SE Woodstock Blvd
Monday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.–6p.m.
5 out of 5 stars

Kenny & Zuke’s

The Dog
Choosing between Kenny & Zuke’s Sabrett dog and the Reuben dog is like deciding between apples and oranges—meaty, satisfying apples and oranges that is. Both are served up with your choice of tangy homemade sauerkraut, relish, onions, or all of the above. The mustard, which can usually be found on the tables, is a light Dijon that should not be ignored—in fact it should be slathered on the accompanied fries in addition to your grilled hot dog for maximum enjoyment.

The Doghouse
Kenny & Zuke’s is a delicatessen with style and most importantly, substance. There are few things on the menu that are diet-friendly, but that’s okay. Because at Kenny & Zuke’s, you know every slice of pastrami, every Reuben and of course every hot dog is made with love. It just happens to be love that makes you feel like taking a nap afterwards.

1038 SW Stark St.
Sun-Thu, 7 a.m.–8 p.m
Fri and Sat, 8 a.m.–9 p.m.
5 out of 5 stars