Winning wieners and stellar sausages in Calgary

Hot dogs and sausages aren’t just for summertime grilling or easy kids’ meals. Plenty of meat-happy haunts around the city are dressing them up in new and delicious ways as well as simply refining the classics. Read on to get the skinny on our favourite franks.

Winning wieners and stellar sausages in Calgary
Colin Gallant By

Tubby Dog

1
1022 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2T 0A5

A 17th Avenue Southwest hot dog joint so good they made a movie about it, Tubby Dog is open from 11:30 am on, but happens to be a late-night dining institution. Featuring as much flavour as it does personality, this contemporary diner’s dogs feature odd toppings like Captain Crunch, wasabi and crushed potato chips. Check the eatery’s events calendar for live music performances.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

CHARCUT Roast House

2
101-303 Centre St SW, Calgary, AB T2G 2B9

Serving “urban-rustic” cuisine in the swanky main level of Le Germain Hotel, CHARCUT elevates the sausage to a thing of beauty. With options like slow-cooked country sausage and a rich and savoury sausage burger served with cheese curds, CHARCUT nails porky luxury.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Spolumbo's Fine Foods & Deli

3
1308 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0T3

This spacious and beloved Italian deli in Inglewood was founded by three former Calgary Stampeders. Spolumbo’s handmade, gluten-free sausages are served on a crusty bun and smothered in tomato sauce. Also purchase them raw for take-home at the deli or at various grocery marts.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Frank and Mabel's

4
510 77 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB T2H 1C3

A newer establishment located in the Calgary Farmer’s Market food court, Frank and Mabel’s offers a fresh take on an old favourite. The kiosk serves hotdogs locally made by Rocky’s Sausage Haus. Pair these excellent tube-steak selections with some seriously chunky baked potatoes and gelato.

Old Munich German Sausage House

5
1235 26 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1R7

Over at the Crossroads Market, Old Munich German Sausage House is serving up big taste from its tiny hut. As its name implies, this is a distinctly European take on the conical meat treats. Try the kolbassa baked into delicious, soft baguette.

Grumans Catering & Delicatessen

Grumans offers a hotdog that’s not only kosher, but delicious enough to stand out on a menu that features tasty Montreal smoked-meat sandwiches, Reubens and bagels with cream cheese and lox. This Jewish-deli-style restaurant in the Beltline serves its hotdog on a toasted bun with sauerkraut and mustard.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Pocket Dawg Corp

6
507 Boulder Ck Dr SE, Langdon, AB T0J 1X3

There’s your typical arena hot dog, and then there’s Pocket Dawg. The Saddledome concession serves several varieties of hotdog- or sausage-stuffed baguette. Dress this delicacy with condiments that include mustard, relish, bacon and cheese.

Illichmann's Sausage Shop Ltd

7
1840 36 St SE, Calgary, AB T2B 0X6

This Forest Lawn butcher owned and operated by the Austrian-Canadian Meissinger family has been offering up the highest quality sausages for over 30 years. The exceptional taste of these sausages demands you brush up on your grill skills.

Boogie's Burgers

8
1-908 Edmonton Trail NE, Calgary, AB T2E 3K1

Blink and might miss it: tiny Boogies Burgers on Edmonton Trail Northeast offers some amazing burgers. Its hotdogs are also something special. Try the Red Dawg Clogger, an all-beef dog dressed with cheddar, fried onions and Boogie’s signature red sauce.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:
More from Colin Gallant Colin Gallant
Colin is the music editor for BeatRoute Magazine, a reporter for the Calgary Journal and a freelance communications expert working with not-for-profits. He splits his free time between investigating Calgary's vibrant arts community, eating all the new food he can find and frequenting the dankest of dive bars.
Waffles of wonder in Calgary

Waffles of wonder

Of all the fattening breakfast pastries available, none has seen more recent growth in popularity than the humble waffle. Served with maple syrup, fried chicken and umpteen new twists, the beauty of the waffle lies in its versatility. These hearty cakes of sweet and savoury goodness are available everywhere lately. Here’s our shortlist of some the best spots. [Feature photo: The Brokin Yolk]
Off-campus student snack spots in Calgary

Off-campus student snack spots

Mount Royal University and the University of Calgary boast plenty of on-campus eateries, which is convenient for students. Over the course of earning your degree, however, these cafés, restaurants and bars become very familiar. When you’re in need of an escape from academia as well as a bit of dietary variety, visit the following off-campus food-and-drink spots.
Close menu