Daddy's Hot Dogs

Came here with my best friend on Thursday night and this is definitely the best hot dog in San Diego. I got "the Alexander" and "the BeaST". The owner highly recommended to eat the hot dogs as soon as possible for best results and that's what we did. There's a couple of tables to stand by and if you don't want to stand around you can always sit on the curb as he suggested. After he served the hot dogs, he talked to us for a while and he was extremely funny and charismatic. I highly recommend coming to this place if you want to have a delicious hot dog and a great conversation.

October 7 2025. Pretty good hotdogs. I got the "O" and just a plain beef dog. This store is what mastering the fundamentals means. Sure you got your fancy ass toppings like bacon and jalapenos like on the "O" but being able to bring out the potential of just a regular old beef dog is what sets this place off from somewhere like barrio dogs. The owner is friendly and matches the energy of the customer. His menu isn't the biggest but thats what makes each item pop. Truly a great hole in the wall place, I'll be stopping here now if I'm down for a dog. Being LGBTQ+ friendly is also pretty cool

The owner’s bedside manner was less to be desired. He shoved a napkin holder into my face and one cooked hotdog into my face. I did not eat it yet since i wanted to wait for him to bring out my husband’s hot dog too so we could eat it together as a couple. The owner seemed pissed off at me too that i didn’t eat it right away and demanded I do so while it’s hot. Rather than throw the hot dog in his face, i crammed it into my mouth and took one more bite to give him what he wanted. He demanded that we get napkins too. Rude, off putting, ghetto. Go to Duff’s dogs— they won’t shove a napkin box into your face. They won’t demand you eat the hot dog right away and they will courteously thank you for your business. Go to Duff’s dogs instead of that small puny hole in the wall— terrible service : ( !

So happy I found this spot just a few minutes from where I was staying. I haven’t tried a lot of hot dogs, so I can’t compare, but this was probably my first real American hot dog—and it was seriously delicious. What made it even better was how kind and genuine the owner is. We had a great chat while the place was still quiet. I really enjoyed the food and the whole experience. If you’re in San Diego, definitely don’t miss out on this place!

★★★★★ Great prices for the San Diego area! The owner clearly takes pride in his craft and health standards, even sharing details about the high-quality ingredients he uses. Quick and friendly service. Would recommend, rain or shine!

Great hot dogs and great chat with William the owner.

Amazing hot dogs!! I love hot dogs and all the different toppings were game changing. The owner was super nice too. Will def come back!!

Best hot dogs in San Diego! Beef AND vegan options too! I’ve tried literally every style and they’re all delicious! Always friendly and quick service. Hours are not consistent but I go whenever I’m in the area and they’re open. GREAT hot dogs!

Custom made hot dogs individually crafted - the service delightful accompanied by great conversation not only with the owner and the connoisseurs waiting for their treat Service was awesome. The ambience indescribable a must to go to.

I've been meaning to try this place and was able to right at closing (literally the last hotdog of the night) Daddy (whose name I don't know) is a fun guy. He makes jokes ! Food: yummy hotdogs, lots of attention to detail with different types of dogs

Just a hot dog window on the sidewalk with limited standing tables outside. Quite a diverse and creative menu. I respected the quality; quite filling too! Chicago Dog: I'm normally a NY style hot dog type of guy (e.g. Gray's Papaya), but I can respect the Chicago Dog. Since it seemed so pretty in the photos, decided to give theirs a try. It was definitely packed with flavors. I especially liked the flavors from the pickles, peppers and celery salt. Though to be honest, the onions and relish were nice too. Also, loved the split dog way of cooking, since there's more seared surface area.

This place is the best ever! So quick and yummy. We are blessed to have this gem in the neighborhood

We tried this place a few nights ago and got the Seattle and Chicago dogs. I personally enjoyed the Seattle one more. The Chicago was a little too sour for me since it had pickles and pickled peppers. When it's not busy, it does not look opened lol we were confused until we saw someone inside. I'm assuming it's the owner that runs the store. He likes to crack jokes and is a bit sarcastic.

Ok, been a few years now & I gotta bump this up a star. Best hot dogs in town and in a great neighborhood filled with friendly people.

Best wiener in town. Yesterday was National Chili Dog Day. I couldn't make it here and ended up at a place that cannot properly build a hot dog. Stopped by Daddy's for a Gamecock and some redemption! Always fast & friendly. It is a walk up only place with a couple of tables out front to enjoy your eats. Happy Belated Chili Dog Day!

I needed a quick snack and found Daddy's Hot Dogs. It's in a place where parking might be tight, so I ended up driving around the block to find parking. If you're in a hurry during a busy time of day, this might be frustrating. Spaces are mostly metered. However, if you're walking around Hillcrest, it's in a nice, fairly central part of town. The menu isn't long and fancy, but you'll find a lot of solid, delicious choices. We had regular hot dogs with mustard and sauerkraut, and they were as yummy as I'd hoped. The owner is friendly and has a good sense of humor, and I was lucky since there wasn't a line, so we had a nice chat while I waited. These hot dogs are not made in advance and drying out under a heat lamp! If it's a cold, windy day, like when I visited, you can get your hot dogs packed in a neat to go box to eat in the car, or if the weather's better (or you've just moved here from Colorado) there are a couple of pub tables where you can stand and munch.

This is one of my favorite places to get a quick lunch. The dogs are fantastic! There are a few different styles of dogs so you're sure to find something you love! The service is always fast and friendly. It's a walk up window right on university, with a couple of stand up tables to eat at. I usually get a regular chili dog, but he's got a variety of delicious choices. Love the logo too!

If you're craving East Coast-style hot dogs in San Diego, you need to check out Daddy's Hot Dogs! The hot dogs are absolutely delicious--perfectly grilled with great snap, and the toppings are super fresh and creative. The vibe is fun, casual, and welcoming, and you can tell a lot of love goes into the food. Definitely one of those hidden gems that makes you want to come back again and again. Whether you're from the East Coast and miss the flavors of home or just a hot dog lover, Daddy's Hot Dogs is a must-visit in San Diego!

Had to stop in for service on one of my wristwatches, down thr block, when I got a whiff of dogs on a flattop. Easily one of the BEST Chicago Dogs I've had in many years! BOMB DIGGITY (Doggety?)!!! I'll definitely be back.

I want to say the hot dog itself was amazing. I really wanted to get another one, but I would not due to the service. It was about 8pm and cold, I was holding my little niece sleep in my arms and when I asked what is the "Russian sauce" and I got the rudest response, a smart ass response. Then a long explanation on how I'm supposed to ask. I placed my order and he was staring at my sister and I let him know that we were paying separate and he was like I know I want to cook at the same time. And repeated several times you can pay separate. It made it to the point it was kind of uncomfortable, and I did not want to go back and order again. The hot dog was so good and I wish my experience was better.

Best dog in SD! If you're in Hillcrest check it out! Had Chicago dog was like the real thing!

The Gamecock and the Manhattan are phenomenal, highly recommended. I survived daddy's hotdogs

Meh. Just average. Ordered the Chicago dog. Nothing special. Small hot dog. Good ingredients but bun needs seeds

Whenever I need a hotdog fix I always go to Daddy's Hotdogs. They are so simple yet delicious. Nothing frilly and over the top, just some consistently good hotdogs. It's super quick and if you want to eat right away there are a couple standing tables out front. I'm pretty sure it's the owner who is always there working and he is the nicest person. Always friendly and gave me a quarter once so I didn't have to watch the meter. I always order the Chicago dog no mustard and it never disappoints. I've tried the Seattle, the O, the Manhattan and a couple others. All are delicious. This is my go to spot for a quick hot dog in San Diego.

This place is a 1-man show for hotdogs and so it may take some time to get your food. That being said, this is a great place to get a no-frill hot dog. The menu has a lot of good choices that range from classic choices to slight variations with some unique additions. Most hotdogs range from $6-7. They aren't the biggest portions so you could probably eat 2-3 if you're really hungry. 1 is a perfect size for a hearty-sized snack. I went with the "O" which comes with bacon, grilled onions, jalapeño relish, Russian dressing, tomatoes, and some cracked black pepper on top. It was really delicious and simple! I would have gladly ordered more it was so good. The Chicago Dog was also really tasty and a good blend of savory, sweet, and tart.

Very good! I love Ben's in Newport RI and this reminds me of that spot. This is not dine-in restaurant and I believe it's family owned. One man was working when I arrived. I think this has potential to get backed up if a line forms. I ordered the Alexander and Gamecock. Loved both! Pricing is not bad. I highly recommend trying it out for your hotdog fix. Also, they have great packaging:)

This hit the spot! Couldn't find parking in The Hub so mom suggested coming here. Found a spot in front! I decided on "The O" and was curious about the jalapeño relish and he made some up for me to try and it was perfect, it has a tangy taste instead of a straight up sweet taste. The guy inside was so nice, we got caught up in conversation about the ballet scene while he was finishing up the order. Great deal, good location, really yummy hot dogs. I'll be back

Nothing special, Wienerschnitzel's is better and cheaper. And customer service was horrible. Lunch hour on a weekday, not sure if that was owner working, but if that was the owner, he's very miserable. Who's giving this place 5 stars?

Was famished and went next door to get some fudge from the candy store and the cashier recommended I try this place. Ordering was quick, food came out rather quickly and was able to satisfy my hotdog craving. For sure will be back when frequenting the candy store next door. :-)

The most memorable part of my visit here was the worker who helped me, and he just was kind of unpleasant :/ I ordered a veggie Seattle dog, which came with cream cheese, grilled onions and deli mustard. The dog itself was okay. There wasn't anything that really wowed me about it, but I also don't have any complaints about the taste, either. The worker who was there at the time I went was kind of snappy. The last bit of the description of the dog said "bbq sauce or deli mustard" so I let him know while I ordered that I preferred deli mustard. His response was sharp and had a rude tone as he said, "yeah, I always assume deli mustard if people don't tell me anyway." ??? Okay? I'm not sure what warranted his rudeness but it didn't sit well with me, so I don't recommend this stand at all.

Great veggie Chicago dog and veggie Manhattan dog! Fresh ingredients and friendly service.

I've been a bad boy daddy! I've lived in Hillcrest for 5 years and never visited Daddy's dogs - as a member of the community I've made a big mistake. Daddy's Dogs are quickly delivered and the all beef dog satisfies that lunch time craving. Would love if there was a two dog + drink combo because at the price point $6-$8 per dog, I only could justify trying one.

yummy hot dogs & good vibes! appreciate the vegetarian options and a good variety of flavors and toppings. payment is cash only but there's an atm in the liquor store next door. friendly service too, all around 5 stars

Amazing spot! I enjoyed the best hot dog I've had in all of San Diego and the service was amazing!

Hot dogs are so basic which makes a bad hot dog really bad and a good hot dog really good. Daddy's hot dogs are really good. I got the Seattle dog and wow. I wish I took a picture but I ate it within 2 minutes. The prices are great considering it being San Diego. My only complaints are that I wish there was a discount if you bought more than one at once. In my head $6 for 1 hot dog is a really good price but $12 for 2 feels like a lot (it's really not that bad, but discounts are always an excuse to spend more money). There also isn't any seating which is a bummer but parking in this area of hillcrest isn't too bad in off-peak times so I was fine enjoying it in my car. I will absolutely be going back and bringing family/friends when they come into town!

Coming from Chicago sometimes in crave a hot dog. Not much of a hot dog culture in San Diego so happy to find this place. Customer service is good. Expect to have a nice chat while waiting for your food. Menu is simple. Dogs are hot and well made. This place meets my sauerkraut, spicy mustard and hotdog needs for a reasonable price.

Although it's stuck between an endless amount of choices throughout your walk or travel on University Avenue, please don't pass this up. These hot dogs are made so perfectly. Hand crafted and made fresh right in front of you. The bun was slightly toasted, the hot dog was perfectly cooked and the toppings were FRESH. Pictured is the "Game Cock"(Top) and the Seattle Dog (Bottom). It's reasonably priced and is easily something I'd recommend to someone and return back for some more grub!

Great place! A treasure in Hillcrest. Great hot dogs. Try all beef or veggies dog. Artistic presentation.

A San Diego institution. Always a great place to stop for a quick bite. There aren't a lot of original (mom) and Pop places left in San Diego

Great hotdogs, love the Chicago dog!!! It's a great place to get a grab and go lunch.

This is the best hot dog stand in the world! The service is top tier . My daughter loves this place I make the drive just for them

Absolutely incredible! Please do yourself the favor and enjoy a daddy's dog from heaven. Compliment's to the chef, Danny, for the life changing dog and kindness.

A spot that has tradition, great food and nostalgia. Go to the window and ask for the chefs choice. You will not be disappointed. Tried some dogs I would have never ordered and had the best experience. Always take visitors here when they are in town!

My first option for picking up a meal today wasn't open. As I was driving along University Ave, this permanent hot dog service window caught my eye. Normally, finding parking on this Hillcrest street is a challenge, but nothing is normal these days as plenty of spaces were open. A couple had just finished getting their food ahead of me so I quickly scanned the menu posted on a window. There were three choices in the first category of 'Hot Dogs', three more in the section of 'Daddy's Beef Dogs', and four in the bottom set labeled 'Special Beef Dogs'. I chose a Chicago Dog ($5) and The "Gamecock" ($6). The Chicago Dog was prepared like the Windy City classic... onions, tomatoes, relish, pickle spear, yellow mustard, hot peppers, and celery salt. The "Gamecock" was a beef dog dressed with onions, mustard, chili, and cole slaw. The owner had actually just run out of chili and was warming up a new batch when I was placing my order. Thank goodness it doesn't take long to heat up more chili. If it wasn't for the cole slaw, The "Gamecock" would have been like a coney dog which is a Detroit institution. Both hot dogs were neatly assembled and tasted great. The prices were reasonable too so I gave Daddy's Hot Dogs a four star rating.

Amazing dogs (we tried 3 different types), wonderful service, really nice guy cooking dogs up pretty quick for the area.

Older guy working the window is a real douche who makes unnecessary comments. No greeting. Corrects you on how you speak. Treats you like a biohazard if you're not white. Didn't want to touch my card even though I wasn't handing it to him and wiped the card reader after I left his sorry ass a tip, which I regret doing. Hate to pull the race card but my experience was one deserving of that comment. Guess I'd be sour too if I was an ignorant bigot who spends the rest of their life around hot dogs, lol. If you're a person of color, or even just a normal person, no one deserves to be treated like that. In this day and age it's just surprising people like him still exist.

The owner couldn't have been more nice, got a chance to chat with him, very dedicated father! it shows in his food everything is made with love I forgot what I ordered but by the picture you can tell that it's going to be very tasty. Do yourself a favor stop by and enjoy when in Hillcrest!

Was pretty excited to try this place out, but unfortunately didn't get to. While I was waiting for the owner to come to the window to take my order since he was in the back putting together hot dogs. I pulled out my phone (as you do sometimes when you are standing and waiting) he finally yelled and said "I was gonna take your order but didn't want disturb you on your phone". I tried to explain that I actually wasn't wanting to disturb him and was patiently waiting for him to finish working but he wouldn't let me get the words out. Kindness goes a long way, and this place ain't it for that.

It's funny how some people complain about hours, but it says outside that they chose their hours. The hot dogs are phenomenal, the amazing man who sells them even better!

We came by for a late lunch last week and the dogs we ordered were great. We each got a Chicago dog and shared a chili dog and we enjoyed both very much; the toppings on the Chicago were done properly and the chili had a rich flavor. The owner was also very friendly and personable and I will definitely be back again l.

Wasn't open during advertised hours. Drove from north Escondido at 630 pm. The stars would be less than one if it was possible.

These hots dogs are the best in San Diego! The owner makes the hot dogs himself and assures that every hot dog has the same delicious and flavorful taste! You will not be disappointed with anything that is on the menu. The service is great because the owner cares so much about what he is serving you he takes his time making YOUR hot dog. Overall, this is definitely a hidden gem in San Diego.

Hole in the wall operation... I think not. We were craving for sauerkraut and hot dogs and we ended up here. My lunch date settled for the Manhattan... you got it it had sauerkraut and it was a "winner winner chicken dinner" well actually it's "winner winner beef wiener"! What to expect: If you are in a hurry this probably is not for you because everything is prepared as you order it. Case in point I ordered the "O" dog with bacon and the bacon was cooked after I had placed my ordered and the fixings were prepared after as well. Just to let you know how fresh it is, the tomatoes were cut and freshly added to my order. The meal was so good that I needed to have a second hot dog to satisfy my hunger. I had the "O" for the 1st order and I decided to have the Seattle for the 2nd order. I love both of the order because the taste was unique. The Seattle had cream cheese which I really never thought of as an ingredient in my hot dog. I love the service, very personable and friendly and you betcha that I will be back for more.

Ahhhh! So goood! Was craving for a hot dog and it hit the spot. It was fast and service was good.

The BEST veggie dogs and hot dogs in all of California! The ingredients are ALWAYS fresh and the hot dogs are cooked right in front of you after you order. The owner is super friendly and it's nice talking with him as he's making the food. You will not regret taking the time out of your walk or drive to take a quick stop to Daddy's Hot Dogs. This is our new weekly spot in San Diego. If there were more stars to give, this place would get them!! P.S. ask him what he recommends because you'll get one of the best dogs!

Can't go wrong with hot dogs. I'm a huge fan of Chicago dogs and unfortunately it's not that common to find around SD. I think the Chicago dog here was very tasty and fit what I wanted, even if it did not have the right green relish. Manhattan was also delicious if you like lots of sauerkraut. It does take a bit of time to get the food, but as we all know art takes time. The owner is very attentive to his artwork, the dogs are presented perfectly and you get an even mix of bun, dog, and topping in each bite. With veggie or beef dogs to choose from along with so many different styles, there is something for everyone here.

The owners pretty cool, you can tell it's a family owned business which is great to support. The hot dogs were good too about 6 bucks.overall I liked it very much