Great dogs! Been here a couple times, always a line out the door, but they are amazingly efficient. Just have to be patient and well worth the wait. read more

1st time customer got 2 top dogs & they were so good, I went back next day & got 2 more. All food is cooked fresh & served hot. Free toppings/condiments are available 3 types of mustard, onions, sauerkraut & relish.. Can't beat an all beef dog for $4.50, fountain drinks $1.75..No seating inside it's small & busy..Cashier)cook is very friendly.. read more

This place is very nostalgic for me since I used to come here during my college days and also when I came back to campus for Cal football games. The service is friendly and the place is like a time machine because it still looks and feels like it did when I was there many years ago. Luckily the prices are still very reasonable for such yummy hot dogs and sausages. I love how flavorful the dogs are and all the condiments that are available including the warm sauerkraut. The food is warmed to order but it is worth the 5-10 minutes wait. My go to are the top dog, chicken and apple and the hot link. Go give this place a try! read more

Top Dog - Hot Dogs Near Me - Berkeley, California

Tiny little hot dog place that is a true staple of Berkeley. I am rarely here sober and I love it every time. The chicken apple sausage is so rich and flavorful - always cooked to crispy perfection. Served on a crunchy exterior, soft interior baguette. Very cool interior, been around since the 60s. Fun place to drop by. Always a line but never a crazy wait, always worth it!! read more

Top Dog - Chicken apple sausage - Hot Dogs Near Me - Berkeley, California

I'm not a huge hot dog fan besides the occasional hot dog after a concert, but this place was amazing. The store was very quaint and homey, as well as, the owner. We originally ordered a garlic frank and it was so good (I recommend adding some of the sweet mustard for some tang!) that we had to go back and ask for his favorite dog, which he recommended the bockwurst! We also enjoyed this but both of us aren't huge on pork but it was still delicious. Love the vibe and the late night bite here. read more

Top Dog - Garlic (german) Frank - Hot Dogs Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Just walked in for the first time, and the guy behind the counter is yelling and swearing at a customer trying to order. I think he was mad at the customer for double checking his order. It was hard to hear the customer because he wasn't yelling. I've never heard an employee swear that loudly over and over again at a customer in a threatening way. This was not a kid working behind the counter, this guy had grey hair. That employee ought to be ashamed of himself for throwing a tantrum like that. I bet the food is decent, but my word... This guy had a complete meltdown. I can't describe just how rude and nasty he was being to this customer over a misunderstanding read more

Top Dog is absolutely the one of the top sausage/hot dog places I've been to. As a New Yorker, it's been Nathan's, those Papaya places (Gray's, Papaya Dog, and Papaya King,) and of yesteryear Nedick's. In college, I'd go to any time of day or night to Pittsburgh's Original (a.k.a. Dirty O's) in Oakland (PA) to get a chili cheese dog and a boat of fries. Certainly, Top Dog is the type of place college kids flock to, but if you're in Berkeley you don't need to be collage age to stop by this exceptional hole in the wall Top Dog for experiencing a fantastic "frankfurter" or one of their many types of sausage! WOW! Fair prices and served on a crusty French roll, Top Dog's sausages come in their classic 100% beef Frankfurter, Garlic (beef & pork), Hot Link (Louisiana style beef with 4 kinds of pepper), Smoked chicken apple, Italian Calabrese, Polish Kielbasa, German Bockwurst or Bratwurst, Lemon Chicken, Spicy Mango, or the Wienie (vegetarian). The toppings shelves provide complementary onions, relish, sauerkraut, ketchup and assorted mustards. Chili topping is extra and sold as a side. Top Dog sells also potato salad, but you can't get fries. (Hey, another dog would be a great substitute for a large fries!) I wanted to try their classic Top Dog Frankfurter and Bratwurst. So glad I did! They all grill right in front of you. Added kraut, onions, and mustard on both (Sweet mustard on the bratwurst.) The roll was fresh and crusty. Both delicious sausages snapped like they should! The flavors - amazin'! [Note - No seating. Only a tiny ledge and a nominal counter that I imagine always, as then, were obstructed by people waiting.] Top Dog is awesome! Wish I had one in NYC! Yeah, we have Nathan's and those different Papaya guys, but fuggetaboutit! I'd like a Top Dog! (Btw, a location of Artichoke Basille's Pizza, originally from our East Village, is next to it, but I find their slices are really geared for tourists and non-native New Yorkers. When in NYC, just go to Joe's! See my review.) From my understanding, Top Dog's owners are old and uncertain of its future beyond them, so make sure you enjoy this amazing while you can! Long live Top Dog! read more

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Came here again after 3 years. The food was amazing as always. I got the hot links and my boyfriend got the the garlic Frankfurt ? Haha the service was fast and quick. The place is super small but honestly the quality of the meat was amazing . read more

Top Dog - Hot Dogs Near Me - Berkeley, California

No picture , hot dog was gone before I knew it . Great little place to grab a hotdog and go . It's really tiny don't plan on eating here nor standing inside if there is more than 4 people. But definitely go ! read more

I'll always crave Top Dog whenever I'm in the area. It's quick, it's cheap, and it ALWAYS hits on the flavor scale. When I'm hungry, I usually get two hot dogs, and one of them is always the classic "Top." Chicken Apple Sausage, Garlic Frank, and Hot Link are also faves (hot link has a really nice kick!) And then load them up with all the options from the condiments bar - ketchup, mustards, relish, onions, sauerkraut. They used to be cash only, but now I see they've started to accept cards and Apple Pay. I will say, this place has been around for decades... So come in, know what you want to order, don't waste their time, don't be difficult, order, and get out. Especially when it's busy. read more

NEED BETTER CUSTOMER SERVICE Last night I stopped by to get a brat as I usually do when in Berkeley. The food itself is great but the employees (not all) from time to time are really rude to the customers. Last night I witness a white man with glasses and a hat yell at two ladies and then afterwards cuss at them as an excuse for his terrible behavior. Not sure if the man was on meds or what but he was really awkward and rude to the customers (mind you the 3 groups of us all had strange interactions). This isn't the first time as some employees almost act like they are doing us a favor for eating there and are just plain rude. Please fix this behavior as many will stop going witnessing this! read more

If you love hot dogs or even just like them as a snack, give this place a test. The higher ratings for something as simple as a hot dog speaks for itself. Nothing fancy about the dogs except for the nice flavor of the meat. Juicy, crisp hot dog break, simple toppings. It's a small shop so there really isn't room for lounging around here. It's an in and out situation, but the weight isn't terribly long. I'm sure it can get hectic on game days and or events at the university it is next to. Saying that, parking can be hectic too. There are paid spots on the street, but very limited, but there are garages around. I don't know if there was a whole staff but the man and cook of the hot dogs was friendly and helpful with the small questions. read more

Top Dog - Top Dog - Hot Dogs Near Me - Berkeley, California

Have been going to top dog for over 30 years at various locations. The positive: quality has been consistent and ingredients are good. The prices can't be beat. The spaces are clean and service is fast. The negative: portion sizes have gone down; so while it's still a great deal to get a sausage nowadays, most people have to have more than one to fill up, which means essentially that the price is doubled. My main gripe is the surliness and attitude that we were received with yesterday. I'm pretty sure I'm aware of who the owner is and that like everyone he has his own personality and have just accepted that his surliness as part of the experience. Yesterday however, he was also rude. When I ordered i started to say "Coke" but saw on the menu that said cola I quickly changed it to "Cola" but he cut me off and interrupted and snapped, "We don't carry Coke!" A few minutes later when I asked for some mayo while holding my dog he wanted to confirm that I what I ordered from there... as if I was going to try and steal packets of mayo from him! I would've gone back to get a second dog, but both of the interactions that I had had with him were so incredibly unpleasant that I went down the street to get something else to eat. I will try again maybe in another six months to a year but if it's lousy again, I won't be going back.. read more

A nice selection of tubular meats, and of highest quality. There isn't any place to sit, so plan for that. Prices are excellent for the quality. read more

Top Dog is an institution in Berkeley and in the East Bay. I'm not sure if this is the first location, but it's one of the most popular on Durant within walking distance of the U.C. Berkeley campus. I've never had a dog there I didn't like but my favorite is the hot link or bratwurst. I enjoy ketchup and relish on my hot dogs, but at Top Dog I pile the sauerkrat as well as the hot mustard. Hot dogs there are now $4.25-$4.50. The staff are nice there and they tend to turn around orders pretty quickly. There isn't space inside to eat, but there's a plenty of space outside to eat in the area by campus. I enjoy going there, it also makes me feel young. read more

I stopped here in a drunken stupor (as does everyone else) and still managed to snap a photo of the restaurant exterior for my self anticipated Yelp review. I ordered a BRATWURST and it was delicious! There's no seating inside so it's a to-go order thing but the wait is fairly quick. This place saved my life that night... and for a reasonable price! I'd definitely recommend for a Hot Dog in the area. They also have all beef hot dogs! read more

Top Dog - Exterior - Hot Dogs Near Me - Berkeley, California

Me and my BF were in Berkeley and we were hungry and wanted to get something quick to eat. A quick bite and we seen this place and decided to try a new hotdog place. When I walked it I was greeted right away and placed my order very quickly! I ordered us a chili hotdog. I really wish it came with cheddar cheese on top. I felt like that would've made the hotdog way better but unfortunately they don't have cheddar cheese. Overall the hotdog was really good just wished it had cheddar cheese on top that really would have topped it off! Definitely would come back whenever I'm craving a hotdog and I'm in B town I'd stop by here again! read more

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This place is a Berkeley classic . The most affordable and yum meal in town. Thanks Top dog read more

Top Dog - Hot Dogs Near Me - Berkeley, California

I love this spot. I heard about this place and wanted to visit soon after. It was said that they are the best, and they were not lying. The hot dogs are a little small filled with lots of flavor. I ordered a bratwurst and chicken & apple. I also got a side of chili. Lots of veggies and no meat really. You should really know what you want by the time you get inside the door. This is the type of place that moves quickly since it is an establishment. There's no seating, so you'll have to expect to eat outside or in your car or even on the go. Once you get your order, you'll find the toppings on a counter. You can find onions, relish, sauerkraut, mustard, ketchup, and deli mustard. read more

Top Dog - Hot Dogs Near Me - Berkeley, California

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The new worker, that's a woman made the best hot link! She toasted the bread to perfection!! It was so good I had to get in line for another

Best hot dogs and sausages in town. Get some before all locations close. The buns are great too.

When thinking about places to eat around UC Berkeley, I often hear about Top Dog. I thought to myself, it's just a hot dog place. Well this day, I decided to try and see what this hot dog place was all about. Looking at the menu, it seemed like the only all beef hot dog was the Top Dog. Which I didn't mind. I went ahead and ordered that with their chili, so I could go over the $5 limit to pay with my card haha. As soon as I ordered, the lady behind the counter took my payment and placed my dog on the griddle. She also put the bread on there to get it toasted. Oh, she also asked if I was taking it to go, because if I was, she could out the chili on the side to not make it soggy. That was a nice offer. Of course I ate it there though haha. So there are no tables or seats. It's basically you order, pick up your food and get out haha. My name was called, I got the dog and I was out of there haha, But I took my first bite right when I got outside the door. Man that first bite was so good! I don't think I ever had a hot dog with a "snap". That snap for some reason made the dog extra good haha. And the bread, even though it was big, seemed just right. The bread was very light, almost airy when eaten alone. Hard to explain haha. When I'm around the area, I am definitely getting myself another Top Dog! read more

I had the hot link hot hot hot, it was GREAT and i'd have it again. GREAT service and very clean store. read more

After coming to top dog, I get it. I get why it's been around for so long and still continues to be so popular. It's affordable, fast, and a perfect snack/lunch depending on what you're in the mood for. I love the potato salad, so if that's your thing and you're a bit hungry, I recommend getting that in addition to a dog! My friend also likes to buy their dogs/buns in bulk and bring them home to eat. So that's also an option if you need! I think they sell them in packs of ten and the buns are separate so it might be helpful for a large gathering! read more

Top Dog - Veggie dog with Sauerkraut, Sweet Relish, Ketchup and Spicy Brown Mustard - Hot Dogs Near Me - Berkeley, California

You haven't been to Berkeley if you haven't been to Top Dog. This is my go to hotdog joint since it is affordable, convenient, and open late. The Smoked Chicken Apple Sausage is delicious and they have a variety of toppings you can get. read more

My first time here. 9pm on a Monday and this place was still so busy. There were probably 4 or 5 parties in front of us. The person working seemed like he was nice, making jokes with a little kid. But as soon as someone asked for something slightly inconvenient you could see his mood change. Got a garlic dog, and it came out super hot and super delicious. Not too much garlic flavor, but I would definitely get again. The place is standing room only, and there's no where outside to sit. But there's a couple places a short walk away to sit. Or just walk and eat. read more

Top Dog - Hot Dogs Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Nothing is hitting more than Top Dog at 2 am! Every time I go here it's the same dude that's probably been grilling them dogs for years. This is one of the most iconic late night eats in the Bay Area. Best believe i'm loading that mf up with sauerkraut, mustard, and onions. read more

Everytime I visit home top dog is a must stop, specifically this one. It brings me back to my childhood. I pray it never shuts down, I would be devastated (so please stay open lol). The dogs are consistent and delicious, and the lady who was working, was so kind, and provided great service :) 10/10. read more

A grand tradition with the same great quality and fixings that this location had when I attended Cal in the 80s. Great hot dog casing snap and Top Dog flavor. Miss that they no longer serve the New Yorker. Takes credit cards for orders over $5 so I had to add a soda to make the bar. read more

Top Dog - Top Dog - Hot Dogs Near Me - Berkeley, California

What can I say after not having stopped by for over 15 years... still amazing. No frills, yummy hot dogs that are reasonably priced.

Top Dog was always a good time as a student and I'm glad to see this place is still thriving. There's nothing more refreshing than a nice crispy bun and a delicious hot dog to go with it. We bought four hot dogs and shared between three people (kielbasa, hot link, chicken and apple, and garlic frankfurter). There's no seating inside, this is more of a buy and eat as you go kind of deal. The workers are always super nice and they put condiments out next to the shop on game day to accommodate the inflow of people. This is a must to try while you're in Berkeley! read more

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The illustrious Top Dog. A Berkeley classic... come here for the cheapest and fastest meal you will every eat in this college town (about $5 for each hot dog). Mainly a late night snack due its late hours but perfect at all times of the day. The menu is simple (no seasonal changes, no fancy add ons, no confusing combos), you go in and order your dog to the griller, they look at you and nod, then you go to the register to pay. You wait outside til they call out your order and then add your own toppings as the counter. Minor admin: credit card for minimum $$ amount purchases, no seating, no parking read more

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Cool place to eat after your night out festivities ! My friends and I went here after a concert and for all three of us we paid a little over $13! Pretty great deal! I ordered the smoked chicken sausage. My friend ordered the hot link and my other friend ordered Italian. Service was great too , he was also the one making our hot dogs. Such a great casual spot to end a night out or for a quick bite out in the town. read more

Top Dog - Smoked Chicken Apple - Hot Dogs Near Me - Berkeley, California

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"The ladies with the large order!" Yes, that's us. Not the best hotdog around, but it does satisfy my cravings. Simple, affordable, and open late. They offer a lot of different options for your hot dog. Bratwurst, Hot Link, Garlic Frankfurther, and Smoked Chicken Apple are all great. It's greasy, and could get pretty sloppy, but hits the spot when you have drunchies. read more

The dogs were tasty and the service was excellent. It's been a few years since my last trip to Top Dog and it did not disappoint me when I returned back to the location read more

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Delicious dogs! Whenever I'm back in the area, I'm definitely hitting them up for more. Sad I only tried them on my last day here.

Never thought I'd have a 10/10 hot dog but I had one here. Doesn't even need condiments, really. It's grilled, juicy, and on a hard roll. The place is tiny, there was a line out the door when we got there. No place to eat, inside or out, so you either have to take it with you somewhere or just eat standing outside. Quite inexpensive--two Top Dogs and a lemonade was a little over ten dollars. read more

This is the best Hot dog in Berkeley. They are an institution on Telegraph. With so many old Berkeley Staples like Fat Slice gone it's heartwarming to know Top Dog is still there after all these years. read more

Sausage on a bread roll, mmm always tasty. I still remember 10 years ago when each was $3 instead of the $4.50 it is now. My favs are the Kielbasa, Calabrese, and Bratwurst. You can't go wrong with any of the options (except Bockwurst, that one has always tasted strange to me). A great snack any time of the day! read more

Top dog is one of the last remaining places in old Berkeley. A literal shack that serves hot dogs and only hot dogs. A gruff cook. No seating. Perfect. Prices there have skyrocketed and I swear the dogs have shrunk. And it's not just the cold. Top Dog is still in the increasingly rare "I just need lunch for $5" categories. Dogs were $4.50 as of June 2024. You'll get just one dog and it may not fill you up but it'll knock some of your hunger off especially if you pile on the free onion/relish/sauerkraut toppings. read more