Quick-serve sausages including specialties & veggie options served in a minimalist setting.
Hours
| Friday | 10 AM–3 AM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–3 AM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–2 AM |
| Monday | 10 AM–2 AM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM–2 AM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–2 AM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–2 AM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 2534 Durant Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704
Phone: (510) 843-7250
Website: http://www.topdoghotdogs.com/
Menu Photos
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top dog
top dog grew out of a boy’s love of sausage, a staple in his German immigrants’ New York home over the WWII years. Steaks? Tubesteaks!
Top Dog – Visit Berkeley
2160 Center St. Phone: (510) 849-0176. Oakland 3272 Lakeshore Ave. Phone: (510) 419-0333. Blogs.
Berkeley’s legendary Top Dog to soon be down to one location
TIL the terms Top dog and Under dog are thought to originate from saw pits used in shipbuilding. Wood to be cut was placed on planks called ” …
Reviews
Brant Brown
What a treat. Total hole in the wall joint serving some of the best grilled dogs you’ll ever find. No seating, it’s grab and go all the way, but that’s part of the charm. The owner has that perfect mix of crusty and friendly that makes the experience memorable.
I had the brat and the garlic frank, both fantastic, smoky, and served on a perfectly grilled sesame bun. Prices are super reasonable, especially for the quality. They take cards, but cash moves faster. Drinks are basic but fit the vibe.
You’ll probably pick up a quick dose of Berkeley street philosophy while waiting in line, which just adds to the fun. Open late, fast service, and full of character.
Bottom line a must-stop gem for anyone near campus. Grab two dogs, some chili, and enjoy the nostalgia.
… moreI had the brat and the garlic frank, both fantastic, smoky, and served on a perfectly grilled sesame bun. Prices are super reasonable, especially for the quality. They take cards, but cash moves faster. Drinks are basic but fit the vibe.
You’ll probably pick up a quick dose of Berkeley street philosophy while waiting in line, which just adds to the fun. Open late, fast service, and full of character.
Bottom line a must-stop gem for anyone near campus. Grab two dogs, some chili, and enjoy the nostalgia.
Olivia C
Absolutely incredible, hot dogs don’t get better than this! We were on a road trip and were a tad intimidated by the long line outside. These were so worth the wait, the crispy yet chewy hot dog bun, and the flavors of the bratwurst, garlic, and the all beef frank were amazing! Best hot dog I’ve ever had!
… moreMika Lam
What can I say about Top Dog that everyone else hasn’t already commented on? The vibes are just as expected, and true to what should draw you in. It’s an old fashioned place and it works. You go in and order a hot dog, there’s a few side orders like potato salad or chili. I love chili, but I wanted to try out the potato salad. Honestly, despite it not being store bought (according to who I asked) it was definitely leaning towards that taste because it was a little sweet. However, it had a texture that made it feel classic, and I appreciated that.
I asked about their popular hot dogs and was pointed in the direction of the Hot Link. Genuinely, I was surprised over how small it was (ha ha). As someone on the shorter side, I want to struggle a bit while l eat a hot dog. HOWEVER, it was perfect for what it was, which is: a hot dog with toppings in accordance with what YOU like and what’s YOUR desired amount or whatever YOU want to omit. In here, you’re the “Top Dog” (unless if a worker makes you feel bad I guess, according to some other reviewers, who should just cry about it instead).
I like a place that runs a good deal. For 6-7 bucks I got a Hot Link with free toppings of sauerkraut, relish, onions, ketchup, and mustard (didn’t spot the mayo or anything else I would’ve added it, like a person of culture), along with a potato salad side that’s put in an 80z–but definitely still has space to move around–container. I devoured the hot dog on the way home. A close to 8 minute experience. The bread wasn’t too soft, the perfect slight crunch, mixed with the straight of the grill hot dog was heavenly. The toppings added to the flavor of the sausage and toned down the spiciness. The sausage wasn’t that big compared to the roll, so the toppings were mostly on top (I would recommend opening your own roll and placing some toppings deeper inside, or get ready to take some strategic bites).
It probably took about 6-8 minutes with ordering and waiting for it to be ready. In that time, I chatted with the man behind the counter. He seemed really nice and considerate. Very patient with my pondering and questions. Very kind to other customers who came in as well.
I will say, it’s deserving of a total 4.5 stars. It’s close to perfect. I would recommend spending 16 or more minutes of your lives to come and buy a hot dog (at least once) from Top Dog.
… moreI asked about their popular hot dogs and was pointed in the direction of the Hot Link. Genuinely, I was surprised over how small it was (ha ha). As someone on the shorter side, I want to struggle a bit while l eat a hot dog. HOWEVER, it was perfect for what it was, which is: a hot dog with toppings in accordance with what YOU like and what’s YOUR desired amount or whatever YOU want to omit. In here, you’re the “Top Dog” (unless if a worker makes you feel bad I guess, according to some other reviewers, who should just cry about it instead).
I like a place that runs a good deal. For 6-7 bucks I got a Hot Link with free toppings of sauerkraut, relish, onions, ketchup, and mustard (didn’t spot the mayo or anything else I would’ve added it, like a person of culture), along with a potato salad side that’s put in an 80z–but definitely still has space to move around–container. I devoured the hot dog on the way home. A close to 8 minute experience. The bread wasn’t too soft, the perfect slight crunch, mixed with the straight of the grill hot dog was heavenly. The toppings added to the flavor of the sausage and toned down the spiciness. The sausage wasn’t that big compared to the roll, so the toppings were mostly on top (I would recommend opening your own roll and placing some toppings deeper inside, or get ready to take some strategic bites).
It probably took about 6-8 minutes with ordering and waiting for it to be ready. In that time, I chatted with the man behind the counter. He seemed really nice and considerate. Very patient with my pondering and questions. Very kind to other customers who came in as well.
I will say, it’s deserving of a total 4.5 stars. It’s close to perfect. I would recommend spending 16 or more minutes of your lives to come and buy a hot dog (at least once) from Top Dog.
玲蔡
I’ve been here 7 years ago it’s as good as I remembered. I had the polish one and the German one this time. Love the polish one a lot more. The bread was amazing not like any hotdog bun I ever had. The store is small but packed with interesting details. There were three different types of mustard and tasty toppings. This place is a must go.
… moreVishruth
Top Dog, with spots in Berkeley, Piedmont, and Oakland, is hands down one of the best hot dog joints around. It’s super local, affordable, and fast. They offer unique options like lime chicken or mango jalapeño, and even the fountain drinks are special, made with cane sugar. I’ve been to both the Berkeley and Piedmont locations, and the vibe is always great, with lines out the door even at 1 AM. I can’t get enough!
… moreBobby Fehr
Just got frozen links to go. Flippin’ great. They come in 6 packs. Brats were amazing; the fresh garlic frankfurters are thee gourmet hot dog, and I can’t wait to fry up my bockwurst.
… morerachana karri
Got the lemon chicken and it was actually really good. Simple, quick, and tasty. Easy spot to grab something without any fuss.
… moreSteve Takata
This is a classic Berkeley restaurant from decades past. It is open very late and is inexpensive. There is no seating so you just have to eat on the sidewalk but the hotdogs and sausages are terrific.
… moreJames Wang
A fast and affordable hot dog shop that offers not just beef but pork and other meat options! They have plenty of topics including sauerkraut. The hot dogs are half of the size of what you’d expect, but have good flavor.
There is no indoor seating, but you can eat outside/around.
Not sure if it’s a bit or the culture, but the staff might be terse, rude, and impatient; however, don’t let that detract from your experience.
… moreThere is no indoor seating, but you can eat outside/around.
Not sure if it’s a bit or the culture, but the staff might be terse, rude, and impatient; however, don’t let that detract from your experience.
Hector
Great tasting hot dogs! The person on the grill looks like he loves what he does and it shows. I asked for a recommendation and left with a yummy bratwurst. 10/10 Customer service and best thing to eat at 1am!
… more