Las Vegas Weekly

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Brian Black

Thu, Dec 4, 2008 (midnight)

Hot dogs. They’re awesome. Not a part of any legitimate diet plan on the market today, but who cares? You can get one just about anywhere, but Las Vegas has a surprising array of specific choices for the hot-dog aficionado. Here’s a quick tour of dedicated hot-dog destinations in the Valley:

Wienerschnitzel, 11 locations. If you’re a fan of Wienerschnitzel, please read no further. Stick to what you know. It’s close, it’s cheap, and it has a drive-through. Enough said. Saturday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.-midnight.

Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, 5 locations (Fashion Show Mall, The Palms, The Venetian, New York-New York, Las Vegas Convention Center). Famous? Yes. Overrated? Possibly. The renowned franchise of the archetypal Coney Island hot-dog stand can be a bit blah, but it’s good to know there’s a decent dog available when you’re out on the town. And they do serve Hot Dog Nuggets. Hours vary by location.

Famous Uncle Al’s Hot Dogs & Grille, three locations (10690 Southern Highlands Parkway, 7835 S. Rainbow Blvd., 6010 W. Craig Road). What’s up with every hot-dog vendor’s lust for fame? Famous Uncle Al’s is a great hot-dog destination, featuring signature dogs from 10 cities, with multiple variations. The ingredients are fresh, and the restaurant is clean, if small. Sprecher Root Beer on draft. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Hot Dog Heaven, corner of Lake Mead Blvd. and Boulder Highway. This is one whip-ass hot dog stand. Utterly tasty and authentic, down to the general surliness of the guy behind the counter. It’s a bit of a trek for most of Vegas, but worth it if you’re going that way. Good fries. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-6:45 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Chicago Tasty Dogs, 9711 S. Eastern Ave. Clustered among other food shops with communal (and covered) outside dining, Chicago Tasty Dogs has high-quality franks and a relaxed attitude. Expensive, but hey, it’s Henderson. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Westside Deli, inside Circus Circus. You know you want a Giant Hot Dog. Go get one. Daily, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Pink’s Hot Dogs, inside Planet Hollywood. Devotees of Hollywood’s legendary Pink’s can find their dogs (or a reasonable facsimile thereof) during football games at the race and sports book. Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

The hot-dog stand in front of Home Depot, 861 S. Rainbow Blvd. You wouldn’t think it, but these guys make a killer dog. Decent prices, too. Plus, it’s right in front of Home Depot. What more could you ask for? Pick up some sheet-metal screws while you’re there. Open when Home Depot is open.