There are many ways to enjoy a hot dog. Relish, ketchup and mustard are favorite garnishes for this American tradition. In Tucson, things are done a little differently.

The “Sonoran” or “Mexican” hot dog has been a staple in the Southwest since the early 1990’s. Small stands can be found in various parts of the city, from 4th Ave. to Oracle Road.

Although there are many places to purchase a dog, one of the most famous restaurants in Tucson, El Guero Canelo, attracts crowds from all over town to its two locations.

When it opened in 1993, El Guero Canelo operated out of a tiny 6’ by 8’ metal stand. As crowds continued to grow, the Contreras family decided that the restaurant needed to grow as well.

Luis Gomez, an employee of El Guero Canelo for the past two years, works at the south side location, 5201 S. 12th Ave., and serves up Sonoran hot dogs to hungry Tucsonans every day.

“On a typical week day, we make about 200 a day,” he said. “But on the weekends, when there are many more people, we go through 800 hot dogs a day.”

So what attracts people to the hot dogs?

“They’re something new,” Gomez said.

A Sonoran hot dog is certainly a new twist on a meal almost anyone is familiar with.

The hot dog is wrapped in bacon, slipped into a freshly baked bun, and covered with pinto beans, onions, tomatoes, mustard, mayonnaise and jalapeño sauce for a kick.

Perrin Willis, 23, enjoyed a Sonoran dog for the first time at El Guero Canelo, and was not disappointed.

“Being from the East Coast, I had never had anything like it,” he said. “It was amazing. I really like how it’s wrapped in bacon.”

Then there are those who are well acquainted with the Sonoran hot dog, and make it a weekly staple in their diets.

Adrian Valdivia is one of those people.

“I tried the Mexican hot dog about two years ago for the first time,” Valdivia said. “I come here every Wednesday to get one.”

That is because on Wednesdays, hot dogs are only $1.75, down from the usual $2.25.

Sonoran hot dogs are special to the Southwest, and anyone living in Tucson or just visiting should make it a point to try this local delight. Or try making your own!



Click here to view our interactive restaurant guide for directions to El Guero Canelo and to find more great restaurant options around Tucson.