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Top 10 hot dogs in the South Sound area

Purveyors put a twist on an old classic

The all-beef hot dog at Shake Shake Shake is griddled and split down the middle. Photo credit: Andrew Fickes

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The days are long, the grill is fired up, and baseball is in full-swing. And to complement those hallmarks of summer, especially the Fourth of July weekend, we can't forget the all-American hot dog.

In the Puget Sound, we're not immediately known for hot dogs (more really for our coffee), and we're a long ways away from Chicago, but a closer look shows there are plenty of vendors in the Puget Sound putting a twist on an old classic.

SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE

Located just minutes away from the Tacoma waterfront, Shake Shake Shake offers a fun, hip, 1940s-retro-style atmosphere paired with foot-long, all-beef split-down-the-middle griddled hot dogs.

Try their Bacon Dog ($4.79), a foot-long dog layered with diced onions, applewood-smoked bacon, and house-made steak sauce. Or for something more refined: the Tacoma Dog ($4.79), garnished with diced onions, relish, sport peppers, celery salt and mustard.

To cool down your palate, there are many milkshake flavors. All ages are welcome.

124 N. Tacoma Ave., Tacoma, 253.507.4060, shakeshakeshake.me

The Hilltop is one of 10 specialty hot dogs served at The Red Hot in Tacoma. Photo credit: Andrew Fickes

THE RED HOT

If you like hard rock and punk and a 21 and over sports bar atmosphere to complement your dog, then The Red Hot in Tacoma will suit you just fine.

The Red Hot features 10 classic all-beef grilled hot dog flavors, served on a steamed poppy seed bun. I tried the Hilltop ($4.75), with yellow mustard, Thousand Island dressing, onions, nacho cheese sauce, a slice of bacon and tomatoes. This one has a kick!

Customer Dave Wright, who frequents the restaurant two to three times a month, said Red Hot's combination of atmosphere, value, beer selection and sausage/dog selection, makes it a hit.

2914 6th Ave., Tacoma, 253.779.0229, redhottacoma.com

Pick-Quick Drive In in Fife serves up a mean Coney hot dog with chili cheese, mustard and onions. Photo credit: Andrew Fickes

PICK QUICK

At the corner of Alexander and Pacific Avenue in Fife, Pick-Quick Drive In has been a Pierce County landmark for more than 60 years. It's a summer establishment with ample outdoor picnic-bench seating.

Guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds is the Coney hot dog ($5.35). When asked if you want the chili cheese, mustard and onions to top the dog, say, "Yes!" You won't regret it.

Pick-Quick closes each winter season from Dec. 1 to Feb. 1.

4306 Pacific Highway East, Fife, pick-quick.com, 253.922.5599

OLYMPIA HOT DOG COMPANY

If you're visiting the capital and hankering for a hot dog, the Olympia Hot Dog Company provides a variety of dogs averaging $4. Veggie and vegan options are available, too.

Reviewers on Yelp rate this place very high. One reviewer remarks the polish sausage with cream cheese, loaded with toppings, is probably the best thing she's ever eaten. Another reviewer says it's the best place to get a hot dog in Olympia.

The casual ambiance makes it family-friendly and good for groups. Cash only is accepted.

311 4th Ave. E., Olympia, 360.956.3247

Hometown Dogs is on wheels and brings its flavorful hot dog creations to various locations in the South Sound. Photo courtesy of Hometown Dogs

HOMETOWN DOGS

Hometown Dogs is a food truck managed and operated by Centerforce, a nonprofit in Lakewood, providing employment services to individuals with disabilities. The food truck provides real-world restaurant skills training to individuals with disabilities.

Signature flavors include the Atlanta Dog, the New York Dog, the Chicago Dog, the Detroit Dog and the Seattle Dog. Prices range from $6.29-$6.49. There are veggie options, too.

The truck is located in different spots throughout the South Sound on select days. Check the website for the weekly schedule.

Hometowndogs.com, various locations, 253.426.1877

Patty’s Burgers is a throwback to the 1950s diner, complete with photos of Marilyn Monroe and classic hot rods. Photo courtesy of Patty’s Burgers

PATTY'S BURGERS AND MILKSHAKES

A trip to Patty's Burgers and Milkshakes will feel like a trip back in time. The walls are covered in photos of vintage cars and Marilyn Monroe, with other 1950s/60s memorabilia filling the space.

According to Yelp reviewers, Patty's Burgers and Milkshakes excels at good customer service with equally pleasing fare.

The hot dogs are said to be gigantic, loaded with toppings, and often are given a name reminiscent of that by-gone era, like the Betty Boop, a no-frills hot dog garnished with ketchup, mustard and relish.

Customer Michele Craig tried the Betty Boop and she said it was good, and at an affordable price - only $5 for a hot dog and a side of fries.

"And I always love fifties diners," she said.

5615 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma, 253.474.0844

DELONG'S DELUXE

Located close to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, family-owned DeLong's Deluxe boasts a striking façade.

For hot dog fans, DeLong's has the standard dog, hot dog DeLuxe, stadium dog, chili dog and the corn dog. Customers can order ahead on the website. First time online orders receive 40 percent off.

DeLong's prides itself on being family-owned and buying ingredients locally to support other families in the area.

8901 Bridgeport Way S.W., Lakewood, 253.301.0282, delongsdeluxe.com

FIVE GUYS BURGERS AND FRIES

If you like to pile high the toppings on your hot dog, then you will feel right at home at Five Guys. This fast-casual restaurant serves up a kosher-style hot dog, split down the middle, on a toasted bun. You can pick as many toppings as you want for free. I picked ketchup, relish and onions. While you wait for your hot dog, you can read the award-winning reviews that blanket the walls and also eat a handful of shelled peanuts free of charge.

Various locations, fiveguys.com

HOT DIGGEDY DOGS

Hot Diggedy Dogs is a hot dog stand owned and operated by Marshall and Amanda Bevins, located outside the steps of the Kitsap County Courthouse administration building in Port Orchard, Monday through Thursday.

Those who prefer to be on the edge when it comes to their dog should definitely try the Philly cheesesteak hot dog. The all-beef quarter pound Hebrew National dog is layered in sirloin beef, cheese and onions. There are also vegan options. The Bevins appreciate military patrons and offer a 10 percent military discount.

facebook.com/HotDiggedyDogs?fref=ts, Port Orchard, 360.328.0411

CENTRAL PIZZA & HOT DOG COMPANY

In Poulsbo and inside a grocery store at a place that's mostly pizza, there is a decent, meaty hot dog provided that is worthy of the top ten. Central Market is one of those designer grocery stores, a godsend on the peninsula, and therefore, it is no surprise they turn out hot dogs with quality toppings such as kraut and slaw.  They get high marks for speed and price, too.

20148 10th Ave. NE, Poulsbo, central-market.com/poulsbo/pizza-hot-dogs/, 360.779.4953

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