Hank's Haute Dogs: Chicago, Chorizo & More

Kakaako location (image credit: leyliagray/flickr)

When I first visited Hank's Haute Dogs in the Kakaako area of Honolulu to have the Chorizo Dog I was hooked. For me visiting Hank's is like a special event. At six or more dollars for one of the specialty dogs, it's a habit that can become expensive so I limit my visits. This weekend my appetite was for the Chicago Dog with all the classic toppings.

For first time visitors I recommend to start with the Chicago Dog ($4.95) topped with yellow mustard, raw onions, neon green relish; tomato, dill pickle, celery salt and hot peppers. You can have it with all the toppings or a combination. Otherwise my other favorites are the Chorizo ($5.50) grilled with brown mustard, grilled onion and cilantro; and the Andouille ($5.50) grilled, spicy with onions and Cajun spiced mustard. Each of these are delicious to the last bite. The only menu item I was disappointed with is the Fat Boy ($5.95). It's wrapped in bacon and deep fried which I found overcooked. I really love bacon so my expectations were really high.

Above: Chicago Dog. Below: Fresh Ginger Soda & Onion Rings.

On each day of the week Hank's offers an unusual dog not part of its everyday menu. The schedule is advertised as follows: Italian Beef Sandwich ($6.95) on Mondays; Alligator Andouille ($8.30) on Tuesdays; weekly specials such on Wednesdays; Buffalo Brat ($7.50) on Thursdays; Lobster Sausage ($10.50) on Fridays; Duck & Foie Gras Sausage ($9.50) on Saturdays; and the Kobe Dog ($8.50) on Sundays. All the dogs are made to order so expect a short wait depending on the crowd.

Add a side of onion rings dipped in panko batter ($3.75) or twice-cooked fries ($2.75-$3.95) with a root beer and it is a satisfying meal. For you vegetarians there is the No Dog ($3.75) comprised of avocado, tomato, onion, cucumber, Chinese parsley, spicy chipotle may and cheddar. Today I added a Fresh Ginger Soda ($3.25) from short list of tropical cocktails. It has that ginger 'bite' lacking from ginger ale soft drinks.

The eatery has free parking in the lot behind only Sundays and the limited street parking is metered. Visit the Kakaako location as the Waikiki location's menu is limited. The Kakaako location is open Mon-Fri 10am-4pm; Sat & Sun 11am-5pm. There is very limited seating inside and outside of Hank's. Otherwise grab your meal to go and head over to nearby Kakaako Waterfront Park. But hurry you definitely want to consume your meal while it's hot.

Visit hankshautedogs.com for more information. Hank's Haute Dogs is featured in an episode of the Food Channel's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives". Click HERE to view the segment.

Kakaako location interior (image credit: monajc/flickr)