When it comes to hot dogs, what toppings do you usually think of? A hearty helping of chili and cheese? The ballpark staples of ketchup, mustard, and relish? The pickle, tomato, and celery salt that differentiate a Chicago dog from the rest? Although there are many different ways to dress a dog, there is none quite as regionally different as the Sonoran hot dog of southern Arizona.
Most often grilled on large outdoor grates, these dogs are wrapped in a layer of bacon that tends to melt into the hot dog, leaving a smoky flavor. Sonoran hot dogs also are differentiated by their bread—dense bakery-style rolls slit most (but not all) of the way down the length of the bun to form a pocket. The bun is important because it keeps the mounds of toppings shored in. Among these toppings are chopped tomatoes, pinto beans, onions, cheese, and hot peppers. Top all of that off with a few squirts of condiments designed to replicate the Mexican flag (ketchup, mayonnaise, and either tomatillo or jalapeño salsa), and you have one stunning culinary experience that will leave you wanting more.
Although BK’s is best known for hot dogs, the menu includes tacos, tortas, burros, and caramelos. Mesquite-grilled carne asada, recommended to us by Arizona friends Jacque and Janice, is great on a torta (Mexican-style sandwich). The tender grilled meat and shredded lettuce toppled from the toasty roll, leaving much debris to clean up with a fork at the meal’s end. Other available fillings for tortas, tacos, and burros include pastor (seasoned pork), borrego (lamb), and, for those with a real sense of culinary adventure, cabeza (cow’s head).
BK’s landmark is the huge hot dog cart in the front parking lot: a fancy, custom-made cooking center, as opposed to the ramshackle carts found in every other empty corner lot around the city. The tantalizing scent of grilled dogs insinuates itself into your car even before switching off the ignition. All hot dogs are prepared outside, then taken inside the restaurant for serving.
BK’s is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner starting at 9 a.m. each day, so get ready to be converted to the “Estilo Sorona” (Sonoran style) of Tucson. (Note: the original store is located at 5118 South 12th Avenue)
Sunday | 10am - 9pm |
Monday | 10am - 9pm |
Tuesday | 10am - 9pm |
Wednesday | 10am - 9pm |
Thursday | 10am - 10pm |
Friday | 10am - 11pm |
Saturday | 10am - 11pm |
Other Nearby Restaurants
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Aqui Con El Nene
Tucson, ArizonaSome of Tucson’s best Mexican street food at Aqui Con El Nene includes Sonoran hot dogs, beautiful tacos, quesadilas, and burritos.
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5 Points Market & Restaurant
Tucson, ArizonaHip, culinarily sophisticated, all about local groceries & flavors, 5 Points balances trendy & traditional by serving food that is delicious by any measure.
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Tania’s 33
Tucson, ArizonaIn a city of countless excellent Mexican restaurants, Tania’s stands out for superb tortillas, expertly-crafted meats, and lots of vegetarian & vegan options.
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Prep & Pastry
Tucson, ArizonaAt this breezy breakfast and lunch cafe in Tucson, inventive dishes include duck confit hash and S’mores French toast. Mimosas are a specialty.
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Ruiz Hot Dogs
Tucson, ArizonaAn empty-lot cart with a semi-attached dining area, Ruiz serves one of Tucson’s best Sonoran hot dogs.
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Tumerico
Tucson, ArizonaInventive vegan Mexican food has made Tumerico a popular Tucson beacon of enlightened eating. It’s all from scratch. The menu changes daily.