Freaked Out About Processed Meat? Try These 7 Alt Hot Dogs
Housemade seitan sausage with caramelized onions and jalapeños at Beez Neez
Image: Molly Woodstock
On October 26, the World Health Organization classified processed meats as carcinogenic—in other words, hot dogs and bacon can cause cancer. A few days previously, a California start-up had announced that it had found human DNA in several hot dog samples. Between these two news bulletins, we wouldn’t blame you for taking a break from sausages for a while. And with so many tasty alternatives in town, you may never miss the meat:
Beez Neez Gourmet Sausages
Best known for its ¼ lb Alaskan Reindeer dogs, this classic 3rd & Washington food cart also boasts a hefty vegan sausage made with housemade seitan, mushrooms, carrots, and spices. Load up on caramelized onions and cart-made condiments like curry ketchup and escabeche for guaranteed success.
Black Water Bar
Venture inside this unmarked Northeast Broadway punk bar for an unparalleled array of greasy, plant-based diner grub. Order a foot-long frank topped with either sauerkraut, mustard, and onions, or “Coney style” with chili and cashew cheese. Best of all, like all of Black Water’s chow, the dogs are made in house.
Donnie Vegas
You might not see it listed on the menu, but Alberta's flashy Donnie Vegas offers Seattle-based Field Roast Frankfurters done up however you like, be it Banh Mi style or "Dirty Hawaiian." Pair your five-dollar frank with a cocktail straight from the tap, or a pickle back if you're feeling frisky.
East Side Deli
This deli's non-east-side outposts offer seven hot dog specialties available with Lightlife soy dogs. Opt for a Shihtzu (sweet chili sauce, onion, and carrots) or Chihuahua (pepper jack cheese, pepperoncini, jalapeños, and habanero sauce), or build your own meatless masterpiece with custom dressings, toppings, and seasonings.
Hungry Tiger
Do corn dogs count as hot dogs? Either way, the vegan corn dog baskets at this veggie-friendly bar have reached cult status—especially on Wednesdays, when they’re available for $2 each or 3 for $5, all day long.
Next Level Burger
Hawthorne’s new vegan burger joint offers four ways to dress up its frankfurters, each featuring organic ingredients and sprouted whole grain buns. Choose between the Kraut Dog with sauerkraut and pickled jalapenos; the Ballpark Dog with onions, ketchup, mustard, and sweet relish; the Next Level Dog with veggies and special sauce; and the Chili Cheese Dog with, well, chili and cheese.
Zach’s Shack
This divey Hawthorne hut may be best known for its annual hot dog eating contest, but it also maybe the only spot in town to offer two types of veggie dogs. Swap out that beef frank for a Tofu Pup, or upgrade to fancy Field Roast for a dollar. From there, select from fourteen signature dogs, or craft your own creation from 30 available toppings. (We dare you to order ‘em all!)
Are you avoiding processed meats? Did we overlook your favorite veggie dog? Let us know in the comments!
