Tucson's Hot Sonoran Dog

Cities strive for recognition of their "signature" dishes around the globe. Philadelphia has its cheese steak. Cincinnati adores its chili. Boston boasts its clam chowder. So it should come as no surprise that the folks in Tucson, Arizona want to shine the culinary spotlight on their Sonora Dog and we felt it our duty to enlist a local Tucsonian and find the poshest dog for you.

Recommended by a local as hands down the best in town Los Michoacanos stand at 3030 N. 1st Ave. was our first stop. Top dog Sylvan showed us the "standard ingredients" of a Sonora Dog: a hot dog wrapped in bacon topped with tomatoes, onions, mayonnaise, mustard and Jalepeno pepper sauce engulfed by a pocket-style bun.

Our first taste turned out to be our favorite, as our local host had predicted. The bun was toasted crispy and the bacon was crunchy as well. We opted first to try one without the pepper sauce, not wanting to burn out our tastebuds in the first round.

Los Michoacanos Sonoran Dog

We next tried some of the most noted spots on the local scene. Unlike our first spot, BK is a full restaurant serving steaks, burgers, tortas, tacos, salads and much more. The ability to sit at an indoor table would come in useful during the hot Arizona summer. Located at 2680 N. 1st Avenue.

BK Sonoran Dog - with Jalapeno pepper sauce

Our next stop was at another stand - Sammy's, near Grant & Country Club. Sammy's is a no-nonsense stand but we noted that the dog did not come with bacon wrapped around it. If you don't want the bacon, Sammy may suit you.

Sammy's Sonoran Dog

For our final taste test we visited what has to be the biggest and best known of the Sonora Dog vendors, Guero Canelo. We went to the 2480 N. Oracle Ave. location where a little white trailer out front bears the sign "where it all began" and is dwarfed by the large, colorful restaurant that now houses the thriving establishment that now exists.

El Guero Canelo's Sonoran Dogs

El Guero Canelo's vast condiment choices.

While the Sonora Dog comes with standard toppings, all the vendors have additional condiment offerings. Included may be shredded cheese, sliced mushrooms, avocado cream, and more. These vendors have multiple locations and locations are subject to change. Please double-check before you dash out and dine.

PoshPorts Sonoran Dog tasters Dr. Ted Hariton and Diana Laskaris.

As we mentioned, our favorite Sonora dog was Los Michoacanos' with its toasty bun and crispy bacon wrapped dog. As you can see, we are serious about our responsibility to bring you local insights for the best dog in town. So if you're in Tucson and looking for the signature dish, don't miss it!