The Sonoran Hot Dog, never “borin” and tasty too!

BY SBINSIDER.ORG GLORIA WOLF, FOOD CRITIC and MPH| August 25th, 2024

Lucky you! You live in the home of the Sonoran hot dog. When you are out and about in Tucson and looking for lunch, look for the iconic Sonoran hot dog. This is a hot dog, wrapped in bacon and cooked until the bacon is crispy. The hot dog is placed in a toasted or steamed bun and topped with all your favorite Sonoran ingredients.

Originating in Hermosillo, the capital of the Mexican state of Sonora, the Sonoran Hot Dog became popular in Tucson in the 1960s. Students at the University of Sonora would often delight in a Sonoran hot dog while studying or partying late at night. Originating as ballpark food, the Sonoran hot dog morphed over time.

What is in the Sonoran hot dog besides the bacon wrapped hot dog on a fluffy bolillo roll? It could be pinto beans, sautéed onions, fresh onions, chopped fresh tomatoes, jalapenos, mustard, mayonnaise, a green jalapenos sauce and maybe some cilantro tossed in. What could be more delicious?

This signature Tucson street food is often found in carts around the city. Some of them are listed below, and may or may not be at the location indicated as these carts move around. Some of the carts do not have a web presence, so you have to be willing to drive around town to find them. Most people have said that the best Sonoran hot dogs are purchased at carts, but a few of the restaurants listed also specialize in this local fare. We visited the La Reyna cart on Prince Road. As the monsoon threatened, we enjoyed our Sonoran hot dog, pictured. Fortunately, there was indoor seating at the location. The hot dog had the right amount of kick allowing us to resume our busy day.

If you are interested in a bit more formal setting you can stop by Calle Tepa. You can both order and eat the Sonoran hot dog indoors. You can also indulge in a variety of Mexican street foods. Take another step up at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails at 135 6^th Ave. At DOWNTOWN Kitchen you can find a Sonoran hot dog interpreted by a classically trained chef. Check out the bar menu to enjoy the “J-Dawg.” This hot dog starts with an imported Chicago hot dog. Along with the ambience you will also find the most expensive dog.

Before eating this meal-on-a-bun, make sure you get plenty of napkins. This is a messy food and that makes it taste even better.

Look for a Sonoran hot dog at these locations and many others around Tucson.

Find a street cart or walk-up stand around Tucson: