Dawgs

One of the best hot dogs shops I have ever been to in all my travels. Great variety and the quality matches. One of the best kept secrets is their Lenten special. During Fridays in Lent, they will sometimes have a shrimp and coleslaw/​kimchi sandwich that is amazing. I am not crazy about their french fries, but everything else is fantastic.

What you see is what you get. It’s a great hotdog shack with a friendly owner and great food. I had the Bratwurst and it was delicious for a quick lunch. I’m going to add this as my go to lunch spot next time I’m in DBQ.

I had the Italian beef. It was fantastic! No indoor seating, the owners are friendly and I will definitely be back.

Plain and simple. Great food all around. If you like great dogs and fries, don’t miss it!

Awesome place. It’s just a little shack/​house but don’t let looks fool you. Great hot dogs, Italian sausage or Italian beef. Really good fries! Prices are decent. They are pretty fast too.

I can only imagine how this place is at bar time!
Dawgs is a fast casual spot in the best down home way. It’s a dive — the frills are reserved for the menu.
Full disclosure — The dogs I eat are veggie dogs/​tofu dogs. But in the spirit of «when in Rome» I went in for a chili cheese dog. I was surprised to see «plain hot dog» on the menu too, as I had presumed the most basic would be ignored in a place like this, for people who know their dogs and toppings.
Following the suggestion of prior reviews, a side of fries was a tasty addition. No grease, from fresh taters and not frozen.
+Top quality dog. As I hinted at, I do not eat processed meat. I was expecting tummy trouble but am A-​OK ten hours post-​Dawgs. Size was plentiful, not a skinny minny.
+Real cheddar cheese (or cheese sauce if you prefer) in a good amount that, with the chili, did not overwhelm the bun or soak it so bad as to render it inedible
+Anti-​establishment bumper sticker décor in the walk up counter/​foyer shed.
+Comfortable for the blue collar worker, hipster, out of tower, people able to eat on the street.
+Kid friendly! I like people who treat kids like actual thinking humans capable of making decisions. Despise when adults direct kid choice questions to the parent, etc. Proprietor showed respect. Or whomever was working today at 1:30! Authentic guy.
–Bathrooms, no go.
–Wheelchair accessibility could be an issue, but otherwise disability friendly.
–Nothing for the vegetarian. (Owner, please add one and feel free to contact me for ideas).
/​You may have to drive around the block a couple times and dash across a street or two for parking. DO get off the interstate for this one, out of towners! Various parking options/​restrictions so have small change and watch the signs.
I drive through annually so I hope the locals keep this place busy! I plan to return and be an early adopter of the veggie dog!
Feel free to contact me with any questions!

Do not pass this by. In fact go out of your way. It will surprise you in the best ways and you will thank me forever.

For some reason Unilocal won’t post my review but this place is the best. It reminds me of a food truck, and food trucks are delicious… This place is delicious. Dubuquers– please go here! It’s open late which makes it even better.

Some places are cool enough with food tasty enough that it makes you sad for all the crappy food and forgettable establishments you’ve wasted your time on previously. If you leave Big Dawgs sad, it’ll only be in mourning for not having been there sooner. I just finished my first Big Dawgs Italian Beef sandwich and it seems criminal that I’ve ever eaten one from anywhere else. Quality beef. Great flavor. Perfect bun. Best fries in Dubuque (seriously). BIG servings. Funny menu write ups. Great prices. Bumper sticker décor – always interesting. Cool dude in the window. One sandwich and I’m sold on this being a new favorite.

Stopped down again with the family this afternoon. An excellent place to obtain a quick, delicious meal. Glad to hear that they are able to somewhat extend their evening hours on Friday/​Saturday nights to service the bar crowd. Recommended!

Dawgs is the real deal. The first time I had a beef sammich dipped with hot giardinera and it was unbelievably good. The beef was very flavorful and juicy. Fries were not greasy at all and very good. Second trip was for dogs and they are very true to a Chicago style dog standards. Vienna beef and all the fixins. Awesome to find a authentic joint in Dubuque-I’m stopping by every time I’m in town. Owner is very nice and decorated with funny bumper stickers. Great place overall.

This a terrific sandwich served with care & pride! It is family owned & operated, the pride shoes through. And try the French Fries-​you really taste the potatoes! Dawg’s is bringing the taste of the city to Dubuque!

As a Chicago native recently transplanted in Dubuque I was thrilled when I saw a sign for Chicago style hot dogs. I ordered an Italian beef with hot peppers dipped. I have never had such a good Italian beef in my life. the beef was moist, the hot peppers were hot and diverse and the bread was amazing, tasty and tough enough to hold together when dipped in the au jus. cheap at $ 6.50 and Chicago sized portions. If you want authentic, good and cheap. this is it.
–Jeremy