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Hot Dogs On The Row
Categories: Restaurants Hot Dogs Restaurants Food Stands Hot Dogs, Food Stands [Edit]
Valencia Park3055 Olin Ave
San Jose, CA 95128
(408) 666-4469
- Hours:
Mon-Wed, Sun 11 am - 10 pm
Thu-Sat 11 am - 2 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
55 reviews for Hot Dogs On The Row
Review Highlights
"5 for a Chicken Apple sausage."
(in 8 reviews)
"Hot dog stand in Santana Row that gives you a huge meal for..."
(in 24 reviews)
"It was a nice day to eat a hot link outdoors."
(in 12 reviews)
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55 reviews in English
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Review from Cheri M.
5/20/2011
My BF really wanted a hot dog and he hates weinerschnitzel. So I went on my yelp app and this place came up. So we went here - it wasn't too far from our house and we knew the area pretty well. We parked in the parking structure across the street and walked over. No one was in line so we were helped quickly. I wanted a polish sausage but he said they were making them and it would be a wait so I opted for a chicken apple sausage - the BF got the all beef hot dog. The price was okay. Not too expensive.. but not Costco cheap! ;)
My chicken apple sausage was really good - although it was considerably smaller than the bun which I personally find annoying. My BF's hot dog was bigger than the bun and pretty damn good.
Overall it was good and definitely worked for the hot dog craving. -
Review from Rany M.
Oakland, CA
10/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
The hot dogs are okay here..
but their cheese steaks are what you should get or think about getting..
garlic fries are alright.. just wish there were real garlic in it.. -
Review from Cherryl D.
San Jose, CA
4/27/2011
My Ratings:
Quantity: 3 - Good
Quality: 3 - Good
Price: 2 - Good
Location: 2 - Good
Parking: 2 - Street Parking
Service: 3 - Ok
Speed: 3 - Good
Overall: It's like Costco hotdogs in Santana Row.
My Opinion/Story:
We were shopping and got hungry. Saw the hotdog stand and got us some dogs.. it was ok and reminds me of Costco hotdogs except I'm eating it in Santana Row and you can add more condiments. -
Review from Kevin P.
Santa Clara, CA
4/8/2011
Crappy dogs for an even crappier price. Dogs came out lukewarm and placed on a bun straight from the bag. Sure they offer a handful of condiments but it just doesn't justify the price tag. Major facepalm.
This gives me an idea though! You ever feel belittled by all the "ballers" on the row with their Ferrarris and other big boy toys? Here's a tip!
Go to the grocery store buy some dogs, buns, your favorite condiments and prepare your own gourmet hotdog in the comfort of your own home. Dress up in Sunday's best and drive your crappy, old Civic to Santana Row with hotdogs packed and bring it to the little food eating area. Bust out your hot dog bling and floss what you got. You'll be the hot dog envy of everyone, and you only paid a fraction of the price. Talk about being fiscally responsible! You'll save enough money to buy that Porsche in no time. -
Review from Patricia L.
San Jose, CA
2/7/2011
Hot Dogs on the Row is located on the corner across from Urban Outfitters. It's nice that it's located in an open area and has seating near it.
After hitting up some of the bars at SRow, we decided to stop by and satisfy our drunken hunger. The bf and I ordered one chicken apple sausage and one hot link to share. Both were nice and juicy. Both were good, but I liked the hot link more because it was deliciously spicy.
$5 might be steep for a hot dog, but considering this stand is located at SRow...it's expected to be a bit pricier.
Good drunk food - definitely hit the spot. It was better than I expected. -
Review from K. A. R. G.
Santa Clara, CA
4/26/2011
Chicken apple sausage dog is pretty yummy after drinking and bar hopping on the row.
Minus two star for it being a cart. That part kinda creeps me out. -
Review from Victoria G.
San Jose, CA
11/22/2010
I may have been drunk and I know that this is Santana Row and all.. but seriously? $5 for a Chicken Apple sausage? NO THANKS.
First of all bun was cold, like straight out of the bag cold. Not warmed up toasted whatever.
Second, my sausage was smaller than a hot dog.
I'll give you that you had sauerkraut which can't be found at most places but nothing out of the ordinary. Oh yeah, you take card too.
I got jipped. -
Review from Brooke R.
Bay Area, CA
9/17/2010
Hot Dawgs On the Row is located in the grassy area with the stage, in the Plutos/Counter/Kara's/Starbucks center.
I finally visited this little hot dog stand and tried the beef and the polish. I actually asked for two polish which they let me pay for and then later told me they only had one polish left. But they wouldn't let me get a refund for the other. So I got a beef... but the polish is more expensive than the beef and they didn't make up the difference with any complimentary anything.
The beef was only average. I'm partial to Costco beef hot dogs and these guys' beef hot dogs are not as good. The polish dog was definitely more standoutish, but it was only ok. Also, these things are 5 dollars each. Cmon now. I expect more out of my hot dog for that price. I would pay 2.50 for one of these, which ironically is what they cost on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Sometimes they forget about you. After you pay, you stand there and wait. And wait and wait and wait. Finally they'll ask you why you're still standing there. What do you think?
For 5 dollars you could get a small salad at Plutos. Or one of the giant appetizer fries at Counter. Or a kids meal at Chilis (across the street, and adults can get kids meals too). Or a couple cupcakes. Or a couple Starbucks drinks. Just think about where you wanna spend your five dollars. -
Review from Amanda B.
8/17/2010
************* REVIEW 234 ****************
I tried Soy link (really? yeah for vegan), Chicken Apple, Polish, Italian, but the Hot Link sausage is the best! It's spicy, tasty & perfect at midnight! Extra jalapeño, mustard, onion, & spicy sauce, yum yum yum!
Remind me of 1 of those stands on Broadway & Spring Street in NY when I was living there! -
Review from aldouse h.
Milpitas, CA
12/31/2010 5 Check-ins Here
Monday/Tuesday hotdog bogo deal! chicken apple sausage FTW! located right on the corner between maggianos and urban out fitters in santana row, its the perfect place to have an after drunken meal from roux, rosies, and the other bars at santana row.
pricing is fair, but the hot dogs are sooo good. but then again, i've always been drunk when i've ordered hotdogs from here, so it could just be me having the munchies. -
Review from Luis C.
2/13/2009
This is a little food stand located on a corner of park valencia in Santana Row, sharing the block with Kara's cupcakes, Pluto's, Wahoo's fish tacos, The Counter gourmet burgers, etc.
I recommend the polish sausage ($4.75 including tax). Great taste, although bun is subpar. Taste is similar to Happy Belly in SF, but that dog is smaller.
Their website is no longer active. An online search revealed that a new owner acquired this business in August 2008 for $86,000. Wow! they'll have to sell a lot of hot dogs to recoup their investment.
Menu:
- 1/4 lb, 8" All beef hot dog
- 1/3 lb, 8" Polish dog
- 1/3 lb, 8" Hot link dog
- 1/3 lb, 8" Italian apple sausage
- Chicken apple sausage (per owner, costs less cuz it's smaller)
- Soy hot dog (low fat, vegetarian)
Assorted drinks & chips.
Open until 2am on Friday & Saturday.Listed in: Nonstaurants (non-restaurants), Burgers and Hot Dogs
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Review from Ocee D.
Los Angeles, CA
7/4/2010
1 Star
Bought a coupon book as part of a fundraiser to help the search for missing children and decided to put it to use today. Had a coupon for this place and the only restrictions listed were that it can't be used w/ any other offer and only one coupon per visit.
When we got there, the guy said that he was told by the owner to only accept those on mondays and tuesdays. Understandable if it was mentioned on the coupon like other places that have day restrictions, but it wasn't.........so we decided to go somewhere else.
It's a bit shady for a business owner to offer something for charity, then make up some bs restrictions afterwards.......I doubt I'll be back on a mon/tue to use this anyway. -
Review from Chris C.
8/22/2010 1 Check-in Here
I came here with a friend and his girl at midnight-ish on a Saturday night. I tried both the Italian and the Hot Link. Both were pretty tasty and looking at the bar scene around, I couldn't help but think the location is perfect for a late night bite.
That being said, I felt the condiments could have been managed a little better (I was fishing for kraut and onions!) but for semi-cheap eats in Santana Row, it was not a bad experience. The guy even accepts credit cards. I can't remember a hot dog stand that does that. If you're craving hot dogs at a time when very little is even open, this is a pretty legit choice...if not one of the only ones. -
Review from Tera S.
San Jose, CA
6/16/2010
Mediocre at best.
I was excited to see a hot dog stand near my work. My experiences with hot dog stands were always positive and I hoped to continue that streak. Hot Dogs on the Row, however, didn't satisfy me. At almost $5 a dog, my expectations were high. I tried the chicken, jalapeno, cheddar dog. It was alright. I honestly would much rather have a polish sausage from Costco, complete with a drink.
They should learn from authentic hot dog stands-grilled onions and peppers, large all beef hot dogs, and decently priced. I think their perception of being in Santana Row has caused them to think too much about the products. Simple is almost always better...and cheaper!
On a plus note, Mondays and Tuesdays they offer buy one, get one free hot dogs. BUT, this is a big BUT...my co-workers were dying for hot dogs so we decided to come back. On a Monday, they proceeded to order only to be told they ran out of all-beef hot dogs and it would take 20 minutes. OK. So we waited. 20+ minutes pass by, still no sign of more hot dogs. So the attendant calls his boss and is told it will be another 20 minutes. In addition, he needed cooking time. WOW too much trouble for a few hot dogs. After waiting 40 minutes or so, we gave up. We went on our merry way across the street to Safeway to pick-up all the fix-ins to make our own dogs. Cheaper, bigger, tastier and less wait-time. What a shame. -
Review from Omid T.
11/9/2006
Has it really come down to this? Is my Yelp addiction really making me review a hot dog cart?
Well, this isn't just any old hot dog cart. It's a Santana Row hot dog cart. Which means, like much of the Row itself, it's a bit posh, a bit overpriced, and - let's face it - a bit of a letdown.
They call these things gourmet hot dogs, but isn't that a bit like polishing a turd? Sure, they use those nice sourdough Francisco hoagie rolls, but the sausages themselves? Frighteningly average.
If anything, that 1/3 pound Polish sausage is working its way through my gut right now like a sandworm out of Dune, painfully wriggling its way through my GI tract to the thump of my soon-to-be clogged heart, and I have the taste of grease and celery salt still coating my mouth. Ugh.
To their credit, they do have celery salt on their condiment bar: a rarity here in California. And they truly are one of the cheap (under $5) dining options at Santana Row, and for that I throw them an extra star. -
Review from terence t.
San Jose, CA
11/11/2009
I came to Santana Row to study, but decided to go on a food haunt. Cheap fast food was on top of my mind, so my friend recommended me to this place.
$4.5 for a hot dog? This is Santana Row, and I was so glad I didn't have to spend another $8 on a meal. The dog was big, fresh made, hot, steam, everything you could ask for in a hot dog.....The bun is soft and complements the dog very nicely.
- 1 star because of the wait. My friend and I had to wait for 10 minutes for the hot dog to come out. -
Review from Haily W.
San Jose, CA
12/17/2008
I'm not a big hot dog fan. In fact they sometimes make me down right sick with all the chemicals and preservatives in the them. But sometimes a good dog does hit the stop....this was not it.
Me and the bestie had just gotten our nails done on my 21st birthday and were wondering around the Row. We wanted to grab a quick bite and she spoted this. Ok, I'm down. She had the polish sausage and I just had the regular hot dog. It would of been nice if they had noted it was a CHICKEN hot dog, eww yuck. In the blue moon I do decide to eat these things I do not want chicken and no where did I see beef hot dog as an option, the menu just said "hot dog". I had to force myself to eat it and not vomit. Covering it up with pickle relish was the only thing that helped.
Two stars cause the bestie enjoyed hers.Listed in: Only if hell freezes over...
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Review from kim n.
11/18/2006
I'm always looking for the New York Street Vendor experience around the area and hot dogs are one of those things you don't see too much of, except at sporting events and concerts. I was told that there was a stand in the middle of Santana Row (how un Santana Row I thought) so I had to give it a try. The place sits in the middle of a plaza near one of the main parking garages. It was about 70 degrees and sunny outside so it was a perfect day to kick back and enjoy the weather.
My friend and I got a regular hot dog and a hot link respectively with a some roasted garlic kettle chips to boot. The dogs were not too salty and had a good firm snap to the bite. My hotlink actually had a decent kick to it, which was surprising since I generally eat spicier than the average person. The dogs were solid but not extraodinary like what you find in NYC. If you had a good butcher (ie Dittmer's) you could probably make an equivalent or better dog. The other problem is there's not too much selection (about 5 dogs) and they're a bit on the pricey side. However if it's a nice day outside it's a fast way to get some grub and sit out and enjoy the day. -
Review from David Y.
Cupertino, CA
4/1/2008
After watching a special on Food Network about hot dogs, I had this craving for one for a long time. Being in the South Bay, I never heard much of a unique or gourmet hot dog place around here besides Costco, so one time my coworker decided to look for one and found one in Santana Row. Of course, things in Santana Row is guaranteed for one thing and that it's expensive, but I was determined to try a different hot dog for once.
When we get there, we didn't find it straight off the bat... I was assuming it was actually a store, but it was actually a stand that says "Gourmet Hot Dogs" across the street from Urban Outfitters. It's all good though, there's plenty of places to sit around outside and do some people watching while I'm at it. I bought a polish dog like I usually do at Costco and put on every topping they had. From what I remember, it was the usual toppings you find for your typical Californian hot dog: ketchup, mustard, onions, relish, there may have been one or two more things, but I don't remember.
It's a good hot dog, I have to say, there's a sense of freshness to it and there were some flavorful spices inside the hot dog. Nothing mind blowing that I was hoping for after watching that Food Network special, but it was decent. Though not a really a huge dog either and it costed about $4.30 for one, and buying a bag of chips and a drink reached the total to around $8.
Would I go back there? Maybe if I see another hot dog documentary. I actually do like it and it is one of the better quality hot dogs I've had in a long time, but for the price for what you get, I don't think it's quite worth it, which brings my recommendation down. If Santana Row and spending money is your thing, then raise my rating to 3 stars. I think I still rather save my money and spend a $1.50 for a Costco dog and drink. -
Review from James L.
Santa Clara, CA
7/25/2009
Open until everyone's gone.
If you have the munchies after bar hopping at the row, why not stop by for a polish dog with the works. -
Review from Kristin O.
Cupertino, CA
7/20/2010
Awesome location. Great quick bite in a lovely area with happy people :)
The dogs aren't that great, but hey, I'm in Santana Row. The food isn't that great anyway (except Plutos and Left Bank! ;) )
Maybe I just loved this place so much because I was with a couple of my fave peoples and we split a hotdog together like old times. Everything is brighter and more colorful when I'm in love with my loved ones~ -
Review from Leanne P.
3/17/2010
So a couple of my friends have been telling me that this place has the best hot dogs everrrrrrrrr and after (finally) trying them, I have to say.... MEH.
Don't get me wrong... I like the idea. Grab a dog, sit on the beautiful little tables in the gorgeous sunshine and people watch for much less than you would spend at any of the other Santana Row restaurants.... BUT, I just found the food lacking. I got their standard all beef dog and a bottle of water while fiance got a polish with a bottle of gatorade.... I added my standard ketchup/mustard/relish... took a bite and....
Nothing. I felt like I was eating a Costco hot dog but a little thinner. And three bucks more.... and I didn't get a free soda.
I mean the dog was all right... but for almost $5/hot dog, I'm expecting fireworks or a chorus of "hallelujah" or SOMETHING. I honestly couldn't taste any difference between this "gourmet" dog and a hot dog I've gotten at the movies/from Costco/HELL even from those I buy from the grocery store.
Meh, probably won't be back. Sorry hot dogs on the row... good try though. -
Review from Lynn V.
6/8/2009
I always order the Polish Hotdog and I'm never disappointed. Really good quality dog/bun and it's steamed just right!
It's such a cute stand.
Just what Santana Row needs. -
Review from Geomar R.
8/7/2009 1 Check-in Here
This hot dog stand is awesome. I usually grab a hot dog when I'm at Santana Row (even after dinner at Maggiano's or Counter Burgers!). I have tried the all beef, polish dog, and apple sausage. The ingredients are fresh and top quality. The apple sausage can be consumed without toppings. The bun is soft and complements the dog very nicely. One big positive is the fact they accept credit cards.
Try this hot dog stand out and have a seat on the grass or chairs and enjoy the surroundings that Santana Row has to offer. -
Review from Nicole W.
6/27/2008
I had a hot dog the other day. It had a strange grayish color and was not at all tasty. Wasn't like any dog I've had in NY. Costco hot dogs are better.
Reading the other reviews maybe I need to try a polish dog instead. -
Review from Preston Y.
Sunnyvale, CA
1/30/2011
In a nutshell, overpriced, mediocre hot dogs. If I'm shelling 5 bucks for a hot dog, it should at least beat costco - that's what I think anyway. The sausage has a tough consistency. The bread is just straight out of the bag. The best part of the hot dog was probably the jalapenos on top. I was even pretty drunk and wanting a hot dog, but it still didn't hit the spot.
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Review from Julia L.
San Jose, CA
7/29/2009
$4.35+ tax for a hot dog? It's Santana Row after all. At least it's a chicken apple sausage hot dog, the fixings are fresh, and there are tables and chairs available.
Hey they even take credit cards (although their "machine" looks like an old broken palm pilot) -
Review from June B.
San Jose, CA
4/22/2011
High prices for barely okay dogs.
I love hot dog vendors. I'm always trying a new dog at a hot dog cart, and I usually love them. But I barely finished this hot dog. Not because it was big, but because it was bad.
I'd rather get a hot dog at the cart outside of Home Depot than go here. Blegh. -
Review from Chris D.
1/28/2011
Hard to say how good this kiosk really is, since I was pretty drunk when I visited, but the fact that it's open after closing hours for the bars gives it enough credit to brave the cold and drunken folks passing by looking to satisfy their late night munchies. The regular dogs are actually well sized and were just the right size to get me back on the sober trail. I have a feeling that I'll be returning often after closing my night at Rosies.
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Review from Daniel M.
San Jose, CA
10/1/2009 2 photos
Felt like eating a big piece of meat today so I opted to try Hot Dogs on the Row as it was right next to Pluto's, where I was originally intending to eat. Got a hot link and a soda and the total came out to around $7. I paid by credit card and the lady pulled out a Blackberry with a cracked screen running some credit card processing app. Took about 20 swipes for the card to go through. Note: If you're going to market yourself as the quickest gourmet experience on the Row, maybe get a new credit card machine.
The hot link was pretty big and had a lot of kick. Yum! Only problem was the tough outer casing which made the dog harder to eat. Props for having kraut and spicy brown mustard though! Reminds me of my Top Dog days, but more expensive.
Summary: 3/5 stars
+HOT link
+Spicy brown mustard and sauerkraut!
+Great service
-Sucky credit card machine
-Didn't have any hot links ready so had to wait longer
-Kinda pricey -
Review from Siobhan F.
Sunnyvale, CA
1/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
They have pretty good deals here and your standard dog. Definitely a win win when you're looking for something hot, quick and cheap in santana row.
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Review from Katie T.
Fremont, CA
7/30/2008
Yummy! Hot dog stand in Santana Row that gives you a huge meal for about $5.00. A little pricier if you want a drink and a bag of chips, but still, its a lot cheaper than other places in Santana Row.
I went here for 3 8" dogs, all were under $5.00! They had a beef dog, a polish dog, a hot link, a soy dog, a chicken apple dog, and an Italian dog. I got the first 3 and a soda for about 16 bucks! awesome! They give you cold mayo with it upon request which is really great. I basically love any place that gives mayo with its hot dogs. They also have brown mustard (yum!), normal mustard, ketchup, relish, and sauerkraut.
The polish and hot link have a crunchy outside and are really juicy and good. The beef dog is also really good, my brother said it was the best dog he had ever eaten, and they serve all the dogs with a soft sesame bun. -
Review from J.Michelle P.
San Jose, CA
5/29/2009
So after searching "chicken apple sausage" on Yelp one day I came up with Hot Dogs on the Row and vowed to visit sometime. Like 4 months later I finally get around to going.
I got the current 2 for 1 deal and got two chicken apple sausages... probably would have been smarter to get two different sausages but whatever...
The verdict: service=great. Don't know the guy's name but he was pretty nice, he seemed to not know an awful lot about the special going on (he asked for a coupon) but nice nonetheless.
sausages= good... but I prefer the ones I fix at home (mainly because I hate the casing that comes on sausages and remove them before putting them in the oven). The sausages were good and if I happen to be hungry, in Santana Row, and not in the mood to wait at one of the several restaurants around, I'll revisit Hot Dogs on the Row... perhaps I'll get a different sausage though. -
Review from Jesse C.
Mountain View, CA
6/17/2009
I work right across the street from this stand and I come here whenever I need a quick bite to eat. Their selection is pretty unique, they have selections of polish, Apple chicken, Hot Links, Tofu dogs, etc. Be warned though that the Tofu dogs are pretty darn small so I only recommend eating them If you're vegan.
The Hot dogs themselves are all very juicy, tender, and just absolutely delicious. Every dog will run you about $4-5 and their drinks and chips are $2 which is kinda pricey for a Soda and bag of chips that should be $1. If you love Hot dogs then you have to try this stand. -
Review from Jeff V.
San Jose, CA
8/16/2008
Had a jumbo hot-link today. It was merely-OK.
- I'll be back to try the other hot dogs though! -
Review from Dee F.
San Jose, CA
3/9/2009
Hot dogs were steamed. Decent snap. Didn't ask what type of sausage they were using.
I enjoyed my hot dog on the row. -
Review from Jamie M.
Campbell, CA
4/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Gross
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Review from vu p.
San Jose, CA
2/19/2010
This place seems like it's out of place, a hot dog stand in Santana row... I was craving a hot dog and was at santana row and convienently this place was here. I had the polish dog with all the fixings and it didn't really wow me, since then I haven't been back since it never really crossed my mind. To Me it was just another hot dog stand. The hot dog stand with the Korean lady in front of mail jail will always have my heart.
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Review from Natalia H.
San Jose, CA
7/18/2010
hot dogs at 2 in the morning? heck yes!
when my friend asked me if i wanted to get hot dogs after a night out at V bar i thought we'd be going to a restaurant or something...but nope, he was talking about the hot dog stand!
there was already a long line at 2am! this place is legit! big portion and pretty darn good! even better was my friend found a BOGO coupon for this place! hot dogs are around $5. the italian was my fave! :) -
Review from Kate L.
Los Gatos, CA
11/22/2010
Hot dogs is one of those fine foods you can eat on the go and is great for adults and kids- a winner all around!
With my husband in the car (there's NEVER parking on the weekends at the Row) with our sleeping son, my older son and I hopped out of the car to grab hot dogs. We got the all beef one for my son and hot link for Dad.
Well, as we get the total, I hand over my credit card and the credit card machine breaks. I of course had no cash and ran to get the last 6 bucks my husband had which did not cover both hot dogs. I told the guy not to worry about the hot link but he insisted we take it which was kind since we were still about 3 bucks short.
Most people these days would not care and take the food back, but this was a kind gesture and much appreciated.
As for the dogs, hey they don't reinvent the wheel, but the buns were good, not mushy and the hot link was delicious!
Definitely a good stop for a quick bite with no wait!!
