I had the opportunity try Winky Dinky at the Yelp event and it was one of the top things I tried,…read morewill definitely be stopping by, and any way you can remind me what we sampled? I want that!!!

I've been here once before and had their hot dog, which I actually really liked. So I decided to…read morecome back and try something different this time--I ordered the garlic pepper wings, fries, and a drink (about $35 total). Unfortunately, that turned out to be a big mistake. When I opened the container, the wings looked like they just had minced garlic thrown on top with the chicken sitting on chopped lettuce with no real seasoning. I gave them a try anyway since I paid so much. But they tasted like old oil--almost a fishy flavor--which was really off-putting. I instantly started feeling sick and ended up throwing the whole meal away. I broke the chicken just to make sure it was all cooked because of the taste and it was fully cooked. Super disappointing, especially since I had a good first experience with the hot dog. If I ever come back, I'll definitely stick to that. But I'm still feeling sick from it.

I was in the area and decided to stop into Top Dog. I got their Bockwurst sausage again!…read more The service was friendly and efficient. After a few minutes, the sausage was hot and ready. You have a good selection of condiments from sweet & spocy mustard, deli mustard, yellow mustard, ketchup, diced onions, relish, and warmed sauerkraut! Yum.

I was reading in the local news, that the iconic hot dog place of like 100 years, Kaspers Hot Dogs,…read morehas closed. Now, I read that this iconic Oakland Top Dog location is closing soon, due to a dispute with the new landlord. I figured I better get over her quick before it closes for good. https://www.sfgate.com/food/article/berkeley-top-dog-closing-oakland-location-21102867.php My Oakland guide, who grew up as a child in this Lakeshore Area, tells me of the old days here right at this location where the Top Dog is. It used to be a restaurant called Edy's and they had the best lime freezes. His mother used to take him here in the 1960's! I can't believe that was over 60 years ago! This Top Dog has been here for a long time, around 21 years. The little alley way that has an entrance to the Top Dog, now goes to Trader Joes, but he tells me that used to be a Lucky grocery store before. The parking structure wasn't there either. My guide is a long time Top Dog fan, from the original Berkeley locations. He even made friends with the girl cook at the north Berkeley location and ended up getting free hot dogs! He says the prices sure have gone up since the 70's ... a Kielbasa was just 70 cents! That's $4.50 now! This location runs like most locations, you just tell the cook what you want and the sausages are already cooked or cooking on the flat top grill. The buns get heated there too and then you have condiments to add. I've been a fan of Top Dog, more the Berkeley location, but it's sad to see this location close. Soon, it will just be the original Berkeley location open at the south campus.

This is a local spot for casual eats on Park and Central…read more We had a chili cheese dog and pupzilla. The chili cheese dog was sound, a true classic, with generous sauce and a good balanced seasoning. The Pupzilla is fun featuring pork sung, onions, katsu sauce, kewpie mayo, and furikake (toasted seaseme seeds & nori flakes). Next time I will ask to go a little lighter with the sauces. Will def return here.

Be open when your sign says open Waiting over 15 minutes…read morestill not ready to serve unless you don't want black customers

Now don't get me in the middle of the East Bay hot dog rivalry between Casper's and Kasper's. I'm…read morenot that much of a frankfurter connoisseur, even though I have compared Coney dogs in Detroit between two classic purveyors, Lafayette Coney Island and American Coney Island. I wasn't looking for a Coney dog when I decided to stop by at Kasper's with a 'K'. I'm surprised I had never been here because it's in Oakland's familiar Dimond district. Kasper's is housed in a cool, mid-century vintage standalone building and has a parking lot like most fast food eateries back sometime in the last century. There were two people behind the counter, both obvious veterans who split responsibilities between dressing the dogs and handling the register. The menu was pretty straightforward: nine different dogs and a chili bowl plus soft drinks and fizzes. I was hoping they might have a Chicago dog but no such luck. Instead I went for the $7.39 Quarter Pound Dog with Chili ($1.29), Cheese ($0.99), and Diced Onion (free). So kinda like a Coney but not quite. Still quite tasty and filling as it was an all-beef dog with a massive amount of chili (photo: https://yelp.to/nG4KKo0L6Y). I dared to get a $1.69 bag of chips and a $3.05 Diet Coke, but in hindsight, I should've gone for an Orange Fizz to evoke my Orange Julius-filled childhood. I used to love those. FOOD - 4 stars..,pretty classic beef dog with chili & cheese AMBIANCE - 4 stars...liked the mid-century vibe because it felt real...expect to see a lot of regulars SERVICE - 4 stars...they sure know how to serve the dogs fast TOTAL - 4 stars...Kasper's with a 'K' if you want a tasty big dog cheap and fast RELATED - Exploring Oakland? Here's my collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2ObVcpQ

The history, the story, the food. What's not to appreciate about Kasper's?! Serving Hot Dogs for 95…read moreyears, this was actually my first time here. I enjoyed it very much. Joann, the manager has been working for 56 years here. She's an awesome person and she makes the food that much more special. I ordered a chili cheese dog. It was a real satisfying meal. There's plenty of seating inside this location and a parking lot. I'll be back for another Kasper's dog soon.

I love this place. Nothing fancy but great high quality hot dogs with fresh tomatoes, onions, etc…read more Service is fast and friendly and always well presented food. Definitely worth many return visits. Patronize small businesses!

A true East Coast style hot dog. Been around for years. No changes except the prices, of course.read more

I went here to grab some dinner, pretty late at around midnight. It's a small place with minimal…read moreseating on the bottom floor. A lot more room to sit and finish the food, is available on the second floor. The hanging artwork pieces on the walls are distinctly striking. The menu is stacked with standard bar fare, with pizza, hotdogs, fries, etc. A sizable beer selection that seems to draw in the nightly usuals. The service was not majorly terrible. Some staff members looked rather bored. I didn't order alcohol. I just wanted to eat. I chose a chili cheese dog, which included Garlic fries. I paid $14, after tip. The large portions are appreciated. Really wished it all had been yummy. I can't say that it was tasty, and memorably delicious. It looked more appetizing than it actually tasted. Which is not great. The chili was not flavorful, and it was almost cold. Not warmed up first, just slapped on top of the dog. Which made for a strange eating experience. Normally the chili is the hottest part of that particular item. A toasted bun (which is preferable) may have made a difference. The dog itself wasn't terrible. The fries were attractive. I'm into the shoestring potatoes. I was not wowed when it came to the taste. Not a huge deal. I probably should've ordered a slice of pizza, which they may be kind of popularly known for. When I am near, in downtown Oakland, I can do a round 2. They stay open really late. I was eyeballing the garlic knots, with a side of marinara. That probably would've been a hit with me or better yet the Mozz sticks. I love those.

I was in the area for a concert, and we decided to get something to eat before the show. Stumbled…read moreacross this place. I got this taco Loco and Aaron got a slice of pizza, we ate outside on the patio, very nice atmosphere The staff was very friendly and welcoming. Highly recommend

This hotdog stand offers Miller All-Beef 1/4-lb hot dogs, as well as tamales, drinks and snacks…read more This hotdog vendor has been at this same location for nearly 20 yrs. It's a good place to grab a quick meal in this commercial-industrial area. YES! A hotdog stand is an outdoor restaurant. This place has a walk up window, prices clearly posted, snacks and drinks displayed, and limited tables and chairs. It's nothing fancy, but this area of West Oakland lacks any fast food places or convenience stores. I usually stop here when I'm in the area. I usually get 1/4-lb All Beef Jumbo Dog w/ mustard and kraut. If I want something different, I might go for a beef tamale in a cup with chili cheese, salsa, peppers, sour cream and raw chopped onions. Also, there's hot links if they're not sold out. It's not gourmet food, but it tastes good when you're on the road. The vendor is really nice, and likes to chat with customers. BTW, this is a busy area for truck traffic. You're near the Port of Oakland and a variety of trucking companies. It's also near major freeway ramps, and everyone's favorite shortcut to the SF Bay Bridge (the West Grand ramp). This hotdog stand is located on the corner of West Grand x Campbell, on the northside of West Grand Ave. Street parking only.

WHEN: Thur @4pm I…read morewanted to come here at opening time for a few reasons: - PARKING: It's downtown so not sure how parking would be. But lucky for us, we found free parking just around the corner! When we left around 5pm, more opened up! I'm guessing it's because the auto repair shop was closing. - THE CROWD: This place is popular and there is usually a line. Though they have a great amount of seatings available (outdoors), but I prefer a space I don't feel like I have to menu ear so much around. - THE FISHWICH THAT SELLS OUT: I was told about this special fried fish sandwich that sells out. So in order to guarantee there will be one for me to order, gotta get there early! It's my first time, and here's what I had: THE FISHWICH - $14.50 Panko crusted rockfish, American cheese, Pickle, Shredded Cabbage, Tartar, Potato Bun. This is a limited supply item that is only available Wed-Sat until sellout. A friend shared it was amazing, but sadly I couldn't agree from one reason: This was bland. I love the softness of the potato bun, the crispy and hot pink-crusted textures, and the generous amount of tartar sauce. But I tasted nothing--just all sorts of texture. I owned up top it though and finished the entire thing. Was I satisfied? No, but my belly is full! THE DRIVE THRU - $10.50 American cheese, Schmalz onion, Pickle, Lettuce, tomato, Special Sauce, Sesame Bun. Overall decent burger, and I enjoyed it. Really can't say more without comparing it to SCOLARI'S but it's a solid burger. HAND CUT FRENCH FRIES - $5.35 Blanched and Fried chipperbec potatoes. I think I enjoyed these fries because they remind me of SCOLARI'S friends, heh. I was surprised I did not see o any of their merch for sale because I'm digging that carton character icon! The brewery it shared a space with has a decent amount of merch though!

Quality/Quantity - We almost did NOT come today. After circling for parking 3+ times, I told the…read morefamily if we don't find a space this last drive by, we will go to a different place for dinner and a different brewery! Got lucky and parked two blocks away. Lovely's restaurant is also here on the Two Pitchers Brewing premises. See pictures and other 5 star Yelp review. The food was amazing! I was worried when I first saw what my daughter and wife ordered as that was not my wife's usual type of food.. Corn Fritters - My order. The oil they fried this in was dark; I was worried that the oil was old...? But it tasted fresh and good. I would get this again, but prefer a lighter oil next time please. The Chili Willie - My wife's order?!?! And this was good. The jalapenos gave it the perfect kick. I told my wife I am here for the beer, and as light eaters I just wanted to share something with them. Classic Fried Chicken Sandwich - No surprise my daughter's order. Well she wanted your sold out Fish & Chips (which is weird because I think she ate that last night also...?). This was also made-to-order fresh! The chicken had a good crisp until the last bite and was moist inside! Fried perfectly. She also ordered Chili Cheese Fries with that; I guess that is the theme today. Lastly, the soft serve looked so good but too bad it would clash with my beer drinking, lol. To compliment my dinner, or the other way around, lol. Two Pitchers Brewing: 10 of their beers are on tap and the rest are guests' taps. So of course, I had to try their $3 Signature Lager which was too light for me. You basically get what you pay for. Next... Pale Ale - $7, now that's more like it! No IPA today, so I had to settle. My daughter got the Yard Bird, Strawberry Lemonade Beer; it suited her. Ready for my 3rd beer, when my daughter said she wanted to go home and party some more?!?! So I abided. Ambiance - Cool space. Lots of semi private spaces that you can rent. See pictures or their website. Very kid and dog friendly! Unisex restrooms with outside sinks, thank you! NO parking! So bad on a Saturday evening, that we almost did not come. Open 6 days a week. See pictures or their website. Closed on Mondays. Service - Counters service. For both Lovely's and the bar. The outdoor bar is WAY faster service than the inside bar, just an FYI. Same team, but more organized. Price - $49 + generous tip. Including a 3% operations fee/credit card fee, see the small print on the very bottom of the menu. Expensive, even for the Bay Area. But that is the price for quality. 20% gratuity for orders over $250. Owner Comment - Congrats to the building since 1919. Congrats on your success since 2021. Glad we were able to visit. Are you the same owners as Two Pitchers Brewing?

Got one of these hotdogs @ El Cerrito Farmers market & it was really good, big in size & very…read morefilling. A little pricey for $9. He also has polish and hotlinks

Excellent street food! Best Polish. Lots of condiments. Takes credit card We'll be backread more

This place is great! The drinks are delicious and very affordable. Service can be a little slow at…read moretimes but that's completely understandable since it's usually packed. Making drinks for a crowd takes time and the staff always does their best. The people who come here are super friendly which adds to the welcoming, cozy vibe of the place. It's the kind of spot where you instantly feel comfortable. If you love a good martini this is definitely a place you should check out.

I'll give it to them, Tallboy is a solid concept with their "tinis & weenies". However, a clever…read moreconcept can carry a place so far. Customer service is a close second to concept. Tallboy's martini menu is well-executed. While I didn't personally try one of the slushies, a friend ordered the espresso martini version and gave it a solid thumbs-up. Unfortunately, the experience falls apart when it comes to food and service. Waiting 30+ minutes for two hot dogs (after paying) is hard to justify. When I checked in with a server, she was curt and dismissive. She was quick to explain there was only one person in the kitchen, with no effort to offer a solution, timeline, or even basic courtesy. I understand staffing issues happen. However, customer service is a close second to concept. How an issue is communicated and addressed is what separates good service from bad. What's more frustrating is that these aren't customer problems to absorb. If the kitchen is understaffed, if tables aren't being cleared in a timely manner at a seat-yourself spot, those are management problems. Guests should not have to choose to leave without the food we paid for. There's a lot of competition out there, and concepts alone aren't enough to bring people back. I genuinely wanted that hot dog. That's probably the most disappointing part of the whole experience. Great drinks, solid ambiance, but the service needs serious attention.