Casual eats abound in Hilo, which boasts some of the Big Island’s most unique establishments. There’s no local restaurant quite like Saucy Dogs, which provides the perfect opportunity for a quick stop after a day of shopping or a visit to the nearby Palace Theater.
Small and unassuming, this quaint hot dog joint is sure to surprise you with its inventive options. It might not seem like much when you first step in the door, but that won’t be a problem when you realize that the hot dogs are the clear focus.
Variety is the name of the game, so don’t worry if you typically avoid a particular type of hot dog — you’ll have no trouble finding something you love. With seven meat-based options and two that work wonderfully for vegetarians, your only struggle will involve narrowing down the vast selection.
Carnivores adore the pork sausage hot links and the unique Hawaiian option (consisting of pork and beef). Vegetarians lovers will be happy to try the housemade carrot edition known as the Nawt Dog, although the standard veggie option is also a wise choice.
Once you’ve settled on a hot dog for your base, it’s time to move on to toppings and sauces. You’re welcome to choose your own unique combination, although you may prefer to select one of the specialty selections. Should you pave your own way, you’re welcome to go traditional with ketchup or get adventurous with avocado salsa.
Hot dog lovers often fail to recognize the value of a high-quality bun, but this will not go unnoticed at Saucy Dogs. Each hot dog comes with a homemade bun that tastes wonderfully fresh.
The beverage selection is small, with canned soda and bottled water available. Better yet, Saucy Dogs is BYOB, so you can enjoy your alcoholic beverage of choice if you arrive prepared.
A few of our favorite menu items include the following:
Aloha Dog
Bringing distinctly Hawaiian vibes to the concept of the hot dog, this offering is loaded with cilantro, jalapenos, red onions, pineapples, and, best of all, bacon. A memorable teri-mayo sauce gives it plenty of additional flavors.
Mac Attack
You’ll never want to eat an ordinary hot dog after you’ve experienced the greatness of this pasta-topped wonder. It’s smothered in house-made mac and cheese and also generously topped with bacon.
Blue Buffalo
Add a little spice to your hot dog with help from this intriguing option. It, like many Saucy hot dogs, includes plenty of bacon. Other highlights include blue cheese, buffalo sauce, and celery for a little added crunch.
Nacho Dog
Who says that corn chips are the central component of a great nacho meal? The Saucy Dogs version comes with all the essentials: jalapenos, cheese, tomatoes, onions, and black olives. Avocado salsa ties it all together to form a truly enticing hot dog.
Chicago
Bringing a slice of Chicago to Hilo, this hot dog diverges slightly from the Windy City experience — but in the best way possible. It’s topped with relish, onions, tomatoes, chili peppers, mustard, and celery salt.
Add some adventure to the hot dog eating experience with help from Saucy Dogs. Order a custom hot dog with all your favorite fixings or let the experts treat you to an explosion of flavor with a specialty dog. Either way, you’ll be surprised to discover that hot dogs are among your favorite foods served on the Big Island.
Insider Tips:
-If you need to avoid gluten, you’re in luck. Gluten-free buns may be available, although it’s worth your while to call ahead if you’re dead-set on eating your hot dog with a bun you can handle. Otherwise, a great alternative exists: order a hot dog without the bun. Thanks to the generous toppings, the hot dog should still be plenty filling.
-Saucy Dogs meals are available for delivery. These hot dogs are always tastiest when enjoyed onsite or across the street at the park. Still, the delivery service is prompt enough to make this approach okay as an alternative. Order online via the Express Waiters website. Be sure to specify if you have any requests, such as leaving out a specific topping.