SF Chili Dogs and Root Beer Floats

[stomsf]

So friends of ours have sent us a note that they plan to come to visit from overseas (Amsterdam) and one thing they totally crave (expatriate Americans) is Chili Dogs with a Root Beer Float.

So Chowhounds, what is the best SF venue to get the best of both?

[DavidT]

There is an A&W across Highway 101 from the Marin Civic Center in north San Rafael. You could also find both items at a Mel's Diner.

[rworange]

God, no ... not A & W ... .swill, swill, swill, swill, swill. Granted I haven't tried that particular location, but the one in Pinole is ... swill.

[Sharuf]

I'm not a rootbeer person, but I'm mighty fond of A&W's coney (chili) dogs. Add a side of Fried onion rings and you've fulfilled your cholesterol requirements for the day.

[wolfe]

Actually Sharuf no. An A&W chili cheese dog with extra cheese sauce and onion rings has only 53 mg. of cholesterol, about 20% of the suggested daily total. However they have almost 1/2 of your daily calories intake and 90% of your sodium, 770 C and 2100 mg. Na.

[wolfe]

Silly me, forgot the root beer float with additional 330 C and 15 mg. cholesterol.
Happily, though, you can get it with diet root beer.

[sugartoof]

A & W is some magical stuff.

[ML8000]

In the same location? Nation's? They're all over.

Separately for the chili dog, might check out Rosamunde Grill. Not only can you get a straight up American frankfurter but all kinds of chili dogs. Otherwise there's: What's Up Dog (small local chain) and Let's Be Frank.

[kc72]

Same location? Weinerschnitzel(sp?), Fuddruckers, Fosters Freeze or Dairy Queen also.

[Robert Lauriston]

I'm not sure "best" has its usual meaning in this context.

If they're from Chicago, Fleming's in Vacaville might be worth a detour.

Maybe Miller's East Coast?

How about Whiz Burger?

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Miller's East Coast Deli
1725 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109

Flemings Chicago Style Deli
179 Elmira Rd Ste C, Vacaville, CA 95687

Whiz Burgers Drive-In
700 S Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110

[stomsf]

Thanks Robert, I guess I wasn't being very specific.

I think best in terms of taste -- while a chili dog isn't in the realm of a curry or a perfect french sauce, there are elements that make one more special than another, I'd think. The quality of the chili (made onsite or forever bubbling on a hot plate), whether the dog is grilled or boiled (and a Farmer John 12-pack or artisan made), the quality of the bun (i.e. Safeway vs. Tartine-quality) -- and this is speaking from someone who would celebrate the 5 Chili Dogs for $3 at Weinerschnitzel as a teenager. :o)

Root beer floats same type of thing -- though with two ingredients it's not as difficult. Not necessarily looking for Humphrey Slocombe ice cream in micro-brew root beer (though if they had that I'd try it) but something more special than a chain's version.

If a chain is deemed to have the best, then certainly I'd be up for that and certainly he would be too -- just looking for a good way to satisfy his craving that he'd really enjoy. For me, that would be great flavor throughout.

[wolfe]

Check with the folks at West Side Cafe, Vallejo. Chili dogs not sure of float.

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Gumbah's Italian Beef (see West Side Cafe)
138 Tennessee St, Vallejo, CA 94590

[rworange]

I think the request was for the city. I did have a good classic chili dog in Vallejo at Sacs Tasty Dogs. Nothing trip-worthy, but they make their own chili, use Schwartz hot dogs (steamed) and have a nice bun. A little better than Caspar's. No floats though ... could go to Liled's for that.

However, in SF, Mel's and Max's might be ok, but they have been going downhill for years. They would be better maybe marginally than chains.

What about Mo's in North Beach ... one of those places I have had forever on my to-try list. They have Schwartz hot dogs, they make their own chili and they have root beer floats. Also there's that All American burger joint ambiance about it. Anyone had these items at Mo's?

While I'm not wild about the burgers, Holy Grill in SOMA might be a consideration. They do try to put out a better product. Anyone had the floats or chilidogs there?

[Calvinist]

Ok -- with that criteria I would suggest;

1) Go to Rosamunde and get a knockwurst (well-grilled) with chili and raw onions. While Rosamunde changed hands a few years ago they still sell very good sausages.

2) Try Mitchell's for your float. They are not on the the highest end of the bell curve like Bi-Rite or Humphrey Slocombe, but they offer the full range of soda fountain creations and make their own ice-cream. Tropical flavors a specialty.

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Mitchell's Ice Cream
688 San Jose Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110

Rosamunde Sausage Grill
545 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117

[BernalKC]

+1 to the Mitchell's suggestion. Way more appropriate for an expat ith nostalgic yearnings.

Though I have not sampled it, I see that Joe's Cable Car has chilli dog on the menu, as well as a chilli burger. Joe's does a mean burger, and the camp decor might also suit the nostalgic mood. Their shakes are also highly recommended in an old-school kind of way.

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Joe's Cable Car
4320 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94112

[virtualguthrie]

Right around the corner from Mitchell's is Al's Good Food. I've never been, not sure if they have a chili dog, but it sure looks like a place that serves a good chili dog. Anyone been to Al's?

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Al's Good Food Cafe
3286 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110

[larochelle]

I've eaten there once and will not be going back. Al's was awful. What a waste of calories. It was mediocre at best.

If you like really greasy, reconstituted Sysco food, then by all means check it out.

[BillSF]

You might wnat to check out Bill's Place in SF's Richmond district. While they specialize in burgers, they also have chili dog on the menu. Great milkshakes and ice cream floats

2315 Clement St, San Francisco 94121
(Btwn 24th & 25th Ave)

[rln]

Just had a chili dog from Miller's East Coast Deli (to go). Hot dog good with a snap, however--- I think it was cheese sauce or American cheese, not real cheddar. Bun was good quality, soft and had taste.

[Melanie Wong]

If you're looking for a hot dog with snap topped with homemade chili, then head to Hot Dog City in downtown Santa Rosa. This place is very serious about quality. The root beer is Thomas Kemper on draft and served in a chilled mug. I don't know if ice cream is available for making a float. Here's my post on the chili dog.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/315110

Edited to add: Found an online menu, and root beer float is on there.
http://www.allmenus.com/ca/santa-rosa...
Hot Dog City has some sidewalk tables, so on a nice day, this is a cheap dining al fresco experience.

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Hot Dog City
631 4th St Ste 1, Santa Rosa, CA 95404

[Oakland Barb]

Bette's Ocean View Diner on 4th Street in Berkeley.
I know they do a great chili dog at Bette's to Go. I'm not certain if it can be had to eat in.
And "yes" to the root beer float!

[wolfe]

They are on the on line menu,$12.

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Kaygetsu Restaurant
325 Sharon Park Dr Ste A2, Menlo Park, CA 94025

[ML8000]

Wow, a $12 chili dog? That's like a $25 burger.

[wolfe]

Chili dog and root beer float are $12. Still Wow.

[srr]

I just walked by Chenery Park in Glen Park and they have a root beer float on their dessert menu. It's made with Thomas Kemper root beer, so it's probably pretty tasty.

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Chenery Park Restaurant
683 Chenery Street, San Francisco, CA 94131

[rworange]

No chili dogs though. For root beer float only and no dogs both Magnolia and 21st Ammendment have them and both make their own root beer. And, uh, there's always Ghiradelli, tho who knows how good that might be.

[ML8000]

As a RB geek..Thomas Kemper tends to be too wet for a RB float. Dry RB tends to work better since it holds up to the ice cream better, better interplay if you will. Syrupy RB and quality IC, gets goopy. Sorry, enough RB geek talk.

[monku]

How about Caspers?
They got milk shakes, maybe they got root beer and can make an RB Float.
http://www.caspershotdogs.com/

[david kaplan]

Pickles, formerly Clown Alley, has a Prather Ranch hot dog with brisket chili on their menuboard. It's on my list of lunches to try very soon.

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Pickles Restaurant
42 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94111

[stomsf]

Thanks Everyone! So we ventured out yesterday, and were able to get a fantastic chili dog at Rosamunde Sausage Grill. Cooked to order, I got a knockwurst, our visitors both got Hungarians, and my partner got Merguez.

Totally great experience! You all are awesome.

We were going to go by the 21st Amendment last night for the root-beer float but there was a Giants game -- I told them I wasn't that brave. Hopefully they will go by today during the day.

On a side note we tried to go to Humphrey Slocombe but they're closed Mondays (drat!). Bi-Rite was a good alternative, though I must say I like HS better (the Secret Breakfast is my absolute favorite).

Thanks again!!

[Civil Bear]

Darn, looks like I am too late, but I was going to suggest Taylor's Refresher at the Ferry Plaza. I haven't tried their chili dog, but I do like there chili. And I believe they use Nathan's hot dogs.

[stomsf]

Don't worry Bear. never too late. They're here until Thursday so I can relay your recommendaiton to them. Plus, I also enjoy chili dogs so I'll take your recommendation even though I may not use it for them!

[sugartoof]

Just wanted to second the suggestions for Taylor's, Burgermeister and maybe Bills.

[dlglidden]

If you search the Chowhound archive for Chili Dog threads, you'll find quite a few (I've read them all). Anyone born and raised east of the Rockies will tell you (myself included) that there are no good chili dog joints anywhere on the Pacific Coast (let alone in San Francisco). You have to make your own. But if you and your friends are just "casual" fans of chili dogs and have never had "the real thing," any of the places mentioned by the posters who have replied to your question will probably do. Frankly, I'd guess that your friends can find a chili dog joint in Amsterdam that's as good as any place in SF.

[Melanie Wong]

What's your assessment of the chili dog at Hot Dog City in downtown Santa Rosa?

[stomsf]

Thanks! We were talking about this yesterday and it just isn't the same -- no good sausage in Amsterdam (according to them) and what we had yesterday at Rosamunde was great.

It's relative, but the chili at Rosamunde was very well spiced and very meaty. Not laden with beans which for a chili dog was a plus (IMHO). Mission accomplished. ;-)

[nsheth]

Haven't tried either there, but I know Burgermeister would have both.

http://www.burgermeistersf.com/pdf/Bu...