The New Top Dogg in Town
Picture this: It’s Fiesta week. You are driving around Southtown trying to find free parking since you’re about to spend a bunch of money on Tacos and $6 beers. Finally, a beacon of hope, only a 15 minute walk from Hemisfair park; a curbside opening with no legal restraints! You park your car and start walking in the blazing noon sun, past old houses, quiet bars, and a few closed businesses. Your stomach is rumbling because all you’ve had since you woke up is a cup of coffee in anticipation of all the Fiesta goodies, when it happens… you spot a bright, shining, freshly-painted new restaurant across South Presa from Pharm Table and Brown Coffee. “Didn’t that used to be Senor Veggie?” you ask yourself, as you approach the vibrant space with its roll-up doors opened, making it all the more welcoming. From a distance you read, “Barrio Dogg.” It is quite literally a sign. This must be the way you need to start your Fiesta celebration.
Okay, maybe I over-dramatized the situation a little bit, but believe me when I tell you, the newest hotdog spot in town does not disappoint. When you walk into Barrio Dogg, it’s immediately clear they care about two things: San Antonio and providing a quality experience. They approach their menu in the same way one might approach building a car - very meticulously. “We’re a hotdog restaurant that celebrates the art, history, and culture of San Antonio,” owner Pablo Rios began. “We start by making our bread fresh in-house every day… We work with a local family-owned farm called Brant Farm.” The hotdogs are 100% angus beef with no hormones, antibiotics, or nitrates.
Co-owner Cisco sold me on ordering their signature “El Xolito” hotdog, their hickory-smoked “Elotitos”, and the “La Toxica” cucumber margarita. Let me tell you, every single bite and sip was exactly what I needed at that moment. The toppings gracing their take on a classic Tijuana hotdog were perfectly balanced. The scratch-made bun was just the right texture and sweetness in contrast to the salt of the hotdog. The Elotitos was topped with a whipped crema that made it look and taste like a work of art. Finally, the cucumber margarita was like an elevated agua fresca, and a perfectly refreshing companion to a phenomenal meal.
After eight years in the making, Barrio Dogg owner Pablo, who opened his first Barrio Dogg location in San Diego, has dedicated this location to San Antonio. The walls are covered in murals from local artists and over 400 carefully curated trophies and photos from the local low-rider scene. With a passion for both art and cars, they did what they could to maintain the history of what was originally one of the first gas stations in San Antonio, circa 1929. “You shouldn’t have to sacrifice quality quick food for a price.” Pablo stated. They aim to provide a high quality, simple, clean meal at an approachable price. “We let the fresh ingredient speak for itself. There’s no reason to complicate it!” Pablo exclaimed. Not only that, but patrons will get the gourmet experience of a seasonal menu with 21 different hotdogs that will be appearing on their menu throughout the year.
Pablo gave me an exclusive tour of the space where I got to meet chefs Levi and Eric, who are equally dedicated to providing a culturally relevant and welcoming experience for all those who enter. Barrio Dogg set the stage for a wonderful Fiesta experience.
Located at 620 S. Presa St, make sure to add Barrio Dogg’s grand opening to your Cinco de Mayo plans!
Editor & Photographer: Zach Jewell
