Where would we be without the meaty torpedos loaded with cream cheese and caramelized onions that make up our city’s signature Seattle Dog? We’d be way too tipsy and desperate to fill that cavernous void, that’s what. Midnight dogs complete the circuit when microbrews and mixed drinks give us a false sense of satiated security. Here are our faves:
For over 14 years, Dante’s Inferno Dogs have been “cooked and dressed to order, with love,” says owner Dante Enrique Rivera, who touts high-quality, local ingredients like two kinds of Seattle-made Field Roast sausage. Two carts: 5225 Ballard Ave. (outside King’s Hardware) and 5330 Ballard Ave. N.W., (at Ballard Sunday Market). 11 p.m.–2 a.m. Fri.–Sat., 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Sun.
Three words: vegetarian chili dogs. Shorty’s just does dogs right. Plus the pinball arcade, the cheap drinks, and the creepy carnival-themed decor is extra fun when you’re bleary-eyed at 1 a.m. 2222 Second Ave. Noon–2 a.m. daily.
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Monster Dogs is the go-to spot for the traditional Seattle Dog, and vendors are known for being fast and friendly. Three Belltown carts at First and Bell, Second and Bell, and First and Blanchard, open Wed.–Sat. Also on Capitol Hill at East Pike and 10th Ave. outside Neumos, 8:30 p.m.–2:30 a.m. Mon.–Sun.
Mad Dawg’s Hot Dogs boasts cast-iron-caramelized onions, non-GMO vegan dogs, a gluten-free bun option, homemade spicy mayo, and, according to owner Daniel Dovinh, “secret bacon.” 908 12th Ave. outside the Chieftain, 9:30 p.m.–2:30 a.m. Thurs.–Sat., and 100 W. Mercer St. outside Ozzie’s, 10:30 p.m.–2 a.m. weekends.
The Asian-inspired Beko Gourmet Dog Japon’s menu includes toppings like nori (seaweed), daikon (radish), kimchee, and wasabi mayo. Basic dogs are priced competitively; pay a few bucks more for something fancier. Friendly service! Downtown at Second and Pike and Fifth and Pine, and on Capitol Hill between 10th and 12th on East Pike. Hours vary.
Po Dog offers wonton-paper-wrapped, deep-fried specialties like the Wasabi Egg-Rolled Dog and the “Deep Fried Danger Dog” (wrapped in pepper bacon). Also try a Mac ’n’ Cheese Dog, shoestring fries, deep-fried pickles, and veggie options. 1009 E. Union St., and 2014 N.W. Market. Hours vary.
Cyber Dogs was started by a gal with a passion for veggie dogs and a simple dream: to turn what once was a supply closet at the Convention Center into the cozy, all-vegetarian hot dog corner cafe it is today. The menu runs ethnic, from Indian spinach and yogurt sauces on the DoggiLama to the Brazilian flair of the Dog from Ipanema with black beans, coconut milk, and hearts of palm. 909 Pike St. 11 a.m.–“midnight +” weekdays, noon–midnight weekends.
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Check out “After Dark: A Guide to Seattle Nightlife” for the rest of our late-night suggestions.
