Berkeley Dog

Why did I go?
I used to go to Top Dog a lot in Norcal and wanted my fix down here.
What did I order?
I’ve ordered most of the sausages on the menu, minus the exotics.
My favorites:
Frankfurter — has a good classic hot dog taste and that great sort of snap when you bite through the casing, it’s well seasoned and not overly salty.
Hot Link — also has a good snap and is a properly spicy sausage.
Calabrese — this one is very savory with fennel seeds and a good combination of Italian herbs and spices.
Funnel Cake Fries — i you like funnel cake, but don’t like trying to eat it off a paper plate when it’s like one giant mass with a flimsy plastic fork at the fair, this is so much more manageable.
Insights?
The rolls they use are pretty crappy, not that Top Dog is any better, it’s like double the bread I would want and it’s a sad dry thing that the sausage will slip around in if you put too much mustard on it.
I thought the 8 mustard selection didn’t change, but it seems it does rotate around a bit, the stone ground mustard has always been my favorite, but they’ve had some spicy honey mustards in the past that have been fantastic.
Since last I went they’ve probably added 2 or 3 times the menu options, so like chicken wings, jalapeño poppers, omurice, clam chowder and corn dogs are now on the menu. (Corn dogs don’t use the Top Dog sausage though, or so I was told by one of the cooks)
Gonna go back?
I wish it was closer to me cause then I’d go more often, but 4 bucks for a high quality sausage is pretty good in my book, so I try to make it out here whenever I can.

Go to PCH dog on chapman. They have the best chili cheese dog and fries in the OC.
I love hot dogs and chili cheese fries and whenever I see a place that sells them, I wont hesitate to give it a try.
$ 5 for pastrami fries: Poor cheese quality that glued the soggy fries together.
$ 6 for duck & bacon hot dog: I couldn’t even taste a hint of duck in it and the only memorable ingredient was the perfectly caramelized onions.
Judgement: There are other hot dog franchises that you can go to to get better pastrami fries and hot dogs.

I want to give this place 4 stars because i come back every damn time I’m in the area and it makes me happy, but it’s really just okay. It’s one of those places you go to for a quick fix, and then you’re satisfied, but it doesn’t haunt your dreams or make you drool in the middle of econ class (i’ve never taken an econ class).
There’s lots of options including exotic things like rabbit. I almost always get the hot link, and it’s pretty standard in a good way, nothing out of this world or unique. The clam chowder bowl was the same way.
There’s lot of mustards to put on your hot dog, which I don’t do.
Tons of condiments for your hot dog.
Reasonable prices, reasonable sizes. The happy hour menu is something new and looks worth checking out.

3.5 stars to 4 stars for the happy hour items!
I didn’t really go here until my last year of college and my last year of living in the UTC apartments. I stopped by after my classes and noticed that there was a happy hour promotion. 2 selected menu items for only $ 5? I’M SOLD! I usually got the corn dogs and monster fries. Corn dogs are corn dogs. Nothing special about them. I got tired of the bread really quickly. But monster fries from here are really good. It’s like animal fries from In N out but sweeter and the fries are crispier. Didn’t mind that it was less than the usual amount, since I am getting it for a lot cheaper. Good service. Wait is long on busy days.
Only went to Berkeley Dog for happy hour items. Affordable for college students. More things for cheap? Definitely advertising to college students.

There’s a dearth of cheap/​affordable food at UCI. Short of all the dollar menu options in the area, this place and In-​N-​Out get you the best bang for your buck. That being said, if you want to try this place out for the first time, go for it. But, if you’re looking for the best cost to deliciousness ratio, then In-N-Out’s your best bet.
However, we’re comparing burgers to hot dogs here. Quite unfair. Berkeley Dog does what it does just fine. Not sure if I’m just not a hot dog guy but I’m more partial to the vegan chipotle dog. Pair it up with your favorite toppings and you’re good to go.
Last time I tried their fries and clam chowder (not at the same time) and wasn’t satisfied with them. Fries were overdone and the clam chowder (which is apparently sourced from Splash Café up in Pismo Beach) was too watery for my taste. Your mileage may vary though.
Parking-​wise, just to be safe, make sure that you’re going inside Berkeley Dog or any other UTC establishment first. I’ve had friends get towed for crossing the bridge to UCI with the full intention of returning to the complex and getting food.

The bacon hash dog was loaded with bacon bits. The hot dog was juicy and cooked well, and the bun was really soft, making it easier to eat. The hash browns were a little lacking, but that probably was for the better because any more grease could seriously lead to a heart attack. I was really surprised to find that my hotdog didn’t break down, since there was quite literally a pile of bacon bits overflowing over the actual dog. It wasn’t that large, if I went back, I would order another, perhaps less greasy dog to go with this one. Delicious, quick, reasonably priced, and despite the large amount of toppings, clean! Check this place out, it’s definitely a unique hot dog place.

4 stars for:
–convenient location
–GREATER variety compared to the ones in berkeley
–SOO MANY mustard choices!
–cleanliness
Minus 1 star for:
–overburned my hotdog… :(

I don’t know, I found this place really underwhelming. Wurstkuche, Berkeley Dog is not! The hot dog buns suck and fall apart when you eat them. The monster tots were nasty. The tots were overdone and way too crispy and I did not like the chipotle sauce.
I hate when unhealthy food is unsatisfying. :(

i first had berkeley dog when i went to go visit my friend at uc berkeley. unfortunately, i did not get to try the «real» berkeley dog” cus it was a game day and they only had the prepackaged/​preheated ones. darn you! so when i heard they opened up in utc for uci, i HAD to go. i know it wouldnt be the same thing as having a berkeley dog IN berkeley but i still had to go lol. i was a little sad that they opened it after i graduated.
you first walk in and you get the «college vibe”/alma mater feel. school flags all over their wall. plenty of tables to seat at and college students eating and studying at the same time. good old times! there are also outside seating if inside does get full. whats really cool about this place is their soda machine. one faucet, but you can select which drink you want on the screen, and the drink will come out. SO COOL! they have a condiment table where you can get fresh chopped onions/​peppers/​bell peppers/​with all kinds of different sauces. very clean! i looooove raw onions so i would literally chop all of it on top of all my food. loved how they just put it out there for you to do it ;) UNLIMITED SUPPLY i kid. you may need to worry about parking cus this plaza is always packed with students family and business people. may need to park far away.
i tried the pepper lemon chicken and smoked chicken apple. each was really good and had a hint of lemon and apple. i personally really enjoyed smoked chicken apple. they also have other food items like corn dogs, funnel cake, and clam chowder. i tried the chili cheese fries and it was pretty bomb! they charge extra for grilled veggies such as grilled onions and grilled bell peppers. kinda sucks that they charge you when it is so easy to do that. their fries are skinny (my favorite!) and crispy (double favorite!). on top of chili cheese fries, on my 2^nd visit, i got their monster fries. oh wow. this bad boy. basically chili cheese fries with BACON AHHHHHHHH. so good. definitely a must try!
i havent tried their exotic sausages. for exotic sausages, i would recommend going to wurstkuche in la. SO GOOD. definitely better there.

I was famished and wanted a quick bite to eat, so ordered a smoked chicken apple sausage (I wasn’t in the mood for anything exotic that day). It was pretty good with a nice snap to it. The toasted sesame seed bun that it comes on is great. I really like how they lined up all their different mustards (who knew there were so many!), and the self-​serve toppings (relish, banana peppers, jalapeños, chopped onions, etc). If you want more gourmet toppings like grilled onions, bacon bits, and shredded cheese it’s going to be an additional cost.
The price point is about $ 5 – 6 for one dog, and while that sounds reasonable… it is going to be hard for them to compete against Blaze Pizza right next door! Blaze Pizza is like Pieology where one set price of $ 7.45 offers you an entire pie with unlimited toppings.

I’ve had the regular hot dog here which was the #1 on the menu, and it was pretty dry. I also didn’t like the bun that they used because it was stale tasting as well. The hot dog buns that you buy at the grocery store taste a lot better.
The only reason why I would ever return is to use their fancy soda machine. Touch screen with endless beverage possibilities. Welcome to the 21^st century!
Another reason why I would return is their chili cheese fries! Not too salty and oily. The fries are perfectly cooked and are smothered in chili with shredded cheese.

Second time we’ve been here, and it doesn’t disappoint.
Wide selection of dogs and sausages, and the Om sausage rice plate is a unique and enjoyable dish.
The Kobe beef dog is good, as are their regular frankfurters.
Monster fries, tater tots, and funnel fries are all tasty additions.

This review is only for the FUNNEL CAKE FRIES!
I ate at another place within the plaza, but my friend wanted to try out the funnel cake fries. I of course, tried a couple of them myself… It was pretty basic. Funnel cake batter that’s fried up in the shape of fries and dusted with powdered sugar. It wasn’t anything worth getting again.
After looking at the reviews I definitely want to come back again to try out the dogs themselves.

Guess I’m going to go against the grain a little bit so to speak because while my friends weren’t quite as impressed with this place I actually really like them and found fandom in them. While not even close to as good as say Wurstkutche in L.A., this place still leaves a lasting impression that should make you happy.
They have various South County locations, but I do wish they would move farther North… at least with one location.
I’ve been here a couple times and have been very happy with the various dogs I ordered as they were loaded with flavors, textures, and temperatures that were paired with a dog that possessed a nice snap and was hot and juicy.
Their French Fries were another story. I’m not really much of a French Fry person, but their’s is exactly why. Quite tedious and left me feeling like I just wasted my money.
After you take your dog away from the counter they have a ton of various condiments you can add if you like. I absolutely love the variety.
There is plenty of seating in the form of regular tables.
The whole place is kept immaculate and décor is consistent with the other locations.
There is lots of parking available in this Strip Mall lot.
If you like them and would like specials then you can always «like» them on FB or «follow» them on Twitter.

Berkeley Dog actually used to be in Mission Viejo, but they were «suddenly» gone and then turned up again in Irvine. They now have a good locale being so close to UCI and all those hungry students.
A clean and fairly decent-​size joint to get a hot dog, or a frankfurter, or a bratwurst, or a hot link, or perhaps a kielbasa. They also have some more unusual items like rattlesnake or feeling healthy, you could try a veggie dog. Plenty of toppings to add to your dog but one surprisingly cheap add-​on, $.50 for an egg.
Berkeley Dog also has a very good selection of gourmet-​type mustards to add.
Order Up: Corned beef hash dog (frankfurter, corned beef hash & egg) was good but not great. Frankfurter 3 star, cb hash, 2 star (canned probably and over cooked), bun, 4 star, fresh and egg 4 star, cooked over medium perfect but too small of an egg.
Order Up: Chili cheese fries (just what the name implies), 4 star, hot fries, good chili and good amount of melty cheese
Order Up: Drinks are of a big variety with the fancy-​schmancy drink machine by Coca Cola. You pick a drink flavor and it will give you different add options. Mello Yello mixed with cherry, really enjoyed it!
Overall not worth a trip out of your way, but if you’re out and about near UCI and craving a dog, a worthy consideration.

We decided to take Kaya on another adventure and reminisce about the days when we lived a couple blocks from University Center. The place has grown since we lived in Irvine, the center used to be a theater, the Improv (since moved to Spectrum), Golden Spoon and a few other restaurants and shops. Now there is an abundance of choices for food and shopping. This ends up being a two edged sword: plenty of food options for the people in the neighborhood and the students at UCI, rough on the business owners who need to appeal their customers and separate themselves from the competition.
Berkeley Dog boasts the finest meats and freshest ingredients are used in their sausages and are prepared to «bring out the true flavors of authentic sausages from different regions of the world.» They have a wide selection of flavors from the more traditional to more modern recipes.
The flavors include:
Frankfurter
Bockwurst
Kielbasa
Kobe Beef
Bratwurst
Louisiana Hot Links
Juicy Habanero
Pepper Lemon Chicken
Smoked Chicken Apple
German Frankfurter
For the more exotic:
Duck & Bacon
Rattlesnake
Alligator
And for the Vegheads:
Spicy Chipotle
Italian Herb
They also have these topping available to add on:
Grilled Onions
Grilled Bell Peppers
Bacon Bits
All Beef Chili Topping
Fried Egg
Shredded cheese
The sides are pretty standard with three types of Fries (Regular Thin Cut, Sweet Potato and Funnel), Beer Battered Onion Rings, Chili Cheese Fries and Monster Fries (Bacon, Grilled Onions, Nacho Cheese and Chipotle Ranch).
They have several sandwiches on the menu including the Corned Beef Hash Dog, Currywurst and The Sausage «Om» Rice Plate which are only at this location.
They also have a wide selection of Mustards (
) including Morehouse Yellow, Deli, Stone Ground and Dijon, Beaver Russian Mustard, Hawaiian Pineapple, Coney Island and Maui Onion. If you looking for something even more unique, try the Girard’s Hawaiian Luau Plum BBQ and Dipping Sauce. They a decent selection of other condiments (
) as well. And for those of us who like to experiment with soda, two of these machines (
) are ready to help for the mad scientist in all of us. I highly recommend the Cherry Mello Yello!
My lovely wife ended up going with the Corned Beef Hash Dog which comes with a Frankfurter, Hash and an Egg on top. Kind of like having breakfast and dinner in one bite. I selected the German Garlic Frank (
) added Hawaiian Pineapple Mustard for some sweetness, we split an order of Chili Cheese Fries and I had a Cherry Mello Yello. The girl working the counter was kind enough to give me a container to put some water in for Kaya.
The food came out fast and Laina said the egg on her dog was cooked perfectly, but the Corned Beef Hash was a little disappointing in taste and quality. The bun was nice and the dog was good, but didn’t really stand out. My German Garlic Frank was good and the Hawaiian Pineapple Mustard went well with it, but again there wasn’t any «Wow» factor. The Chili Cheese Fries had plenty of chili and cheese and we both enjoyed them. Surprisingly my wife enjoyed her sips of my Cherry Mello Yello and I really love this drink!
The biggest problem with Berkeley Dog seems to be the competition across from them.
Rohlinism: If Sun Tzu had been a restaurant owner he might have been quoted as saying, «If you know your competition and your product you need not fear going out of business.»
Blaze Pizza is right across from Berkeley Dog this may have been just a fluke, but while Berkeley was getting a few customers during our stay, Blaze had a line of UCI students running out the door. If this is not a fluke, then I would suggest Berkeley start doing something to make it more appealing to the students across the street.
The service was friendly, efficient and fast. The seating inside is limited, but there is plenty of communal seating just outside. There is plenty of parking for the center, so there shouldn’t be much of an issue searching for a spot.
This is a good place for dogs, but I wouldn’t consider it a destination.

— Locale Destination —
It’s on Campus Dr and Bridge Rd in Irvine.
It’s in the shopping center (UTC), right in front of «Snow Flakez». They have seating inside and some communal outside seating outside. Décor is very casual and simple. Quick service. Once you grabbed your foods, you see various mustard in front of you — many of them are tasty, so try them all! Plenty of parking.
— Gluttony Expedition —
French fries: Very crispy shoe strings! They cooked them well!
Hash&bacon dog: Hash brown and nice & crispy bacon on top of the hot dog. It can’t go wrong, right? Good! Hot dog was just decent. I like the toppings.
Chili cheese dog: It was almost as good as the one at «Wienerschnitzel». Not bad but nothing excited. $ 3.99.
— Conqueror’s Deduction —
Hot dogs here are just decent. Nothing spectacular about it. I like the fact that all kinds of unique mustard are available, but that’s about it. They have a little more than hot dogs compared with their competitors. So they might worth trying.
Hot dog wise, I prefer tasty and much more unique & creative «Wurstkuche» in DTLA or «Jerry’s Wood-​Fired Dogs».

Needed a late-​night snack, but didn’t want a full meal, so my boyfriend and I shared the MONSTER FRIES!!!
They really load it up with the chili and cheese. Dang, it was sort of overflowing. The cheese was fully cooked and melted, which is what I love about chili-​cheese fries when done properly. The MONSTER FRIES were great and delicious! Maybe it’s because it’s been so long since I’ve had chili-​cheese fries, I don’t know. But they tasted amazing and they taste like they were 1,000 calories. So fattening, but highly worth it to try at least once. If you eat it fast enough like we did, the fries won’t get too soggy (due to the chili) and will still have that hint of a crisp.
I probably wouldn’t come back here unless I was craving chili-​cheese fries, but that won’t be for awhile.

So far, every time I’m in the area, Berkeley Dog is part of each visit…
‘This time around, the «Foul Pig» — The Love Child of Daffy Duck & Porky Pig.
I’m talking about their Duck & Bacon — ‘Pig in a Blanket, sharing the covers w/​a duck.
Photo —
Verdict: Eh, okay… ‘Interesting flavor; slightly too salty; might go very well with a dash of lime & some guacamole; think that would bring the overall flavors into balance
Combo — Includes soda & fries
Total w/​tax: $ 9.71
So far my favorite of their «Exotic» Lineup is the Rattlesnake.
(However, my all time favorite is still the Hot Link.)
Next on list — The Habanero… ‘Or maybe the Portuguese Sausage (aka Linguiça)
They recently added: Hawaiian Portuguese Sausage to the menu.
Note: ‘Just like the «Hawaiian Sweet Bread,» it’s actually just called Portuguese — Portuguese Sweet Bread & Portuguese Sausage or Linguiça.
The name became associated w/​Hawaii from back in the «Plantation Days» when there was a large influx of immigrants… ‘Including the Portuguese. King’s Bakery started back home in Hawai’i’ but is now located right here in California. If you’re in Torrance check’em out! ‘Ono kine grinds too!
King’s Hawaiian Bakery AND Restaurant —
‘Sorry, I digress… ‘Back to Berkeley Dog
My list thus far of favorite to least:
1. Hot Link
2. Rattlesnake
3. Duck & Bacon
4. Aligator
’Ans let’s not forget the ever popular — «Coca Cola Freestyle»
Photo —
Branda took my order and as always, helpful, friendly & unequivocally Awesome. (Note — The capital «A»)
A hui hou! (‘Until next time!)
— Big Aloha
Food: 3+
Ambiance: 3
Service: 5
Value: 4 (Where else are you gonna try all these different dogs in one place…)

First time coming over here after hearing a lot about this place from my friends.
Ordered the Kobe beef hot dog, plain, which came out fairly quickly. There was nothing really that impressed me about this hot dog. It was pretty large, but that was probably the only distinct quality of it. As for taste, it tasted like a normal hot dog that you could get anywhere else. The bun was pretty ordinary as well. Nothing special stood out at all.
One thing that they do have over here in addition to the food is a wide variety of condiments that you could choose to add to your hot dogs. They had about 10 or so different types of mustards and ketchups on the counter to please your taste buds.