Big Cheese Dog House @ The Golden 1 Center

Anyone here a fan of cheese? I know I am! Well, if you love cheese then Big Cheese Dog House at the Golden 1 Center might just be the ticket to a delicious meal while enjoying a basketball game. The items here feature cheese as their star attraction. This location on the concourse also features a large amount of sweet desserts to satisfy anyone looking to finish off their savory meal. 

Food -
Pulled pork grilled cheese sandwiches (or the regular variety), hotdogs, and nachos... these are the main items of interest at Big Cheese Dog House. All of these items feature cheese and, if you like, chili as well. On my visit to Big Cheese I chose to try their standard grilled cheese sandwich and a chili cheese hotdog.

The grilled cheese sandwich was pretty well made. I make a pretty mean grilled cheese sandwich, so it's hard to impress me. More often than not I've found myself disappointed in the grilled cheese creations at places I've visited. Thankfully, the one at Big Cheese is pretty simple - and that's what makes it good. The bread is nice and buttery crisp and there is a decent amount of cheese inside it. That's really all you need! I was surprised to find out that you get a side of deliciously seasoned chips to go along with the sandwich. It was a nice addition!

The chili cheese hotdog was very difficult to eat because it was extremely messy. There was so much chili and cheese in it that I couldn't even find the wiener! It almost like a man-which type sandwich at first. This item packed a ton of flavor, but it was just too difficult for met to handle. At a game, I'd have to bring back tons of napkins back to my seat in order to feel like I could get cleaned up after eating it.

I didn't get a chance to try the desserts, but it was surprising how many different varieties there were. They had cakes, tiramisu, and tarts all available. It was actually quite a stunning amount of sweets to choose from. For a place that serves up carnival-like foods, these refined desserts ready for consumption were quite surprising.

Service/Atmosphere - 
Like most of the large concession stands at Golden 1 Center, Big Cheese is easy to navigate with many cashiers ready to take your order. The set-up is modern and looks good. The menus on the screens are bright so you can easily figure out what you'd like to order.

Price -
The grilled cheese sandwich and chips at $8 was a very nice deal I thought. This is something I'd definitely get again. The big messy hotdog I got was $9. Overall, I think the prices here are just a smidge lower than the other places around the arena.

Special Tips and Recommendations -
If you're going to go for the chili cheese stuff, make sure you get plenty of napkins and a fork/knife combination. Don't use your hands! It's a huge mess and you'll thank me for this suggestion later!

Bottom Line - 
The food here at Big Cheese may be the best value for your money at Golden 1 Center. The taste is there but things can get out of hand if you're not careful handling your meal!

Letter Grade

B+

Getting ready for some cheesy goodness.

Where is the wiener? It's buried under all that meat and cheese.

Stretchy cheese in my grilled cheese sandwich.

The name really says it all.

The Hotdogger at the Davis Farmer's Market

Hamburger places seem to be all over the place... but what about the other classic American 'sandwich'? Well, if you're in Davis, Ca you can go to the Hotdogger. This little restaurant specializes in hot dogs. You can visit its main location in downtown Davis or catch them at their tent during the Davis Farmer's Market. 

Food -
It's pretty simple at the Hotdogger... just get a hot dog! Select from the original hot dog, or get a Polish, chicken, hot link, or corn dog. Once you receive your dog, feel free to pile on the condiments at their station to the side.

Purchasing a hot dog to eat isn't that common. I mean, I rarely go out to a restaurant and order a hot dog. It's a food item that I think of when I host a BBQ or go to a sporting event. The Hotdogger's hot dogs are excellent though. They are certainly not the cheap ones you find at the grocery store for $.99. The wieners in these things are lengthy with plenty of girth. It's a premium dog!

The bun is great too. If you're going to serve a hot dog as your main menu item, the bun is going to be pretty important. These buns are soft, but with the slightest bit of chew to them. They aren't something you could find at your typical grocery place. The bun does its job well without getting in the way of the meat's taste. And that's important.

For me, one hot dog will get my half full, but two would be too much. I'd say these dogs are great for a walk-around snack at the Farmer's Market, but if you're looking for a full on lunch, you may need to go for more food.

Service/Atmosphere - 
The main Hotdogger location is tiny! You definitely couldn't fit many people in there, but it's perfect for dolling out hot dogs to people hanging out in Davis. The Farmer's Market has a totally different vibe. The atmosphere is much more frenetic and there is usually at least a small line for the dogs. After ordering your hot dog you typically have to wait a few minutes for it to be prepped before you it is handed to you. When it does get to you, it's nice and hot!

Price -
For a premium dog, you're going to be paying a price that's higher than you might expect. Their original hot dog is six dollars and the price goes up from there. The hot dogs have a sporting event sort of price to them, so it's not cheap. If you're looking for some inexpensive eats that will fill you up, this is not it. What it is, however, is a treat to enjoy while strolling around on a relaxing Saturday.

Special Tips and Recommendations -
You can top your hot dog with whatever you like, but I would try the different mustards that are available. Most are common, but the Russian mustard is both sweet and spicy. It has a unique flavor that you should see if you like. The Dusseldorf mustard is horse radish based and has a little more kick than your standard mustard. The Dusseldorf is the one I like to go with!

Bottom Line - 
Not all hot dogs are the same. Yes, you can go to Costco and get one of their dogs for a buck fiddy and a drink, but the dogs at the Hotdogger bring a bit more to the table. Perhaps for a college student on a tight budget the Hotdogger may be a stretch, but I do think the Hotdogger is worth purchasing for an extra special hot dog experience!

Letter Grade

A-

Oh Polish dog, I love you!

The Hotdogger sets up shop here at the Davis Farmer's Market.

So many mustard choices to choose from!

Doggeros Mexican Urban Eats

Doggeros combines traditional American diner food like hotdogs and hamburgers with a Mexican flair. The result is a flavorful explosion that will leave you satisfied. Doggeros has just opened, but word of its delicious food has already spread across the town of Woodland. People are lining up to get their taste of what they have to offer!

Food -
If you like diner style food, then Doggeros is a must-visit. First, the dogs. There are numerous hotdogs to select from. Each dog comes on a brioche bun and is all beef. Of course, you can select a plain dog, but for the adventurous there are options like the Papi Chulo Super Doggo which comes wrapped in smoked bacon, smothered in mozzarella cheese, and loaded with chorizo, grilled onions, chipotle mayo, avocado, and special sauces. It's a mouthful... for sure! For heat lovers, try the Fuego Doggo which is a beef hot link with grilled onions and jalapenos, chipotle mayo, and cheese sauce.

If you're craving a burger, there are an equal number of amazing variations to select. On my visit to Doggeros I chose the Carne Asada burger. It was a loaded up burger with carne asada instead of a traditional burger patty. The sirloin steak it was made of went perfectly in the brioche burger bun and was a flavor experience that I had never had before. Traditional patties are also available as well as a burger that comes with a mesquite charbroiled grilled chicken filet. There are so many choices that it is a given to come back for multiple visits just to try them.

Though all this food seems to be rather heavy, they surprisingly have a lighter feel to them. I believe it's because the ingredients they use are fresh. You can spot them when you are making your order. I love that! But if you're not in the mood for hotdogs and hamburgers they have light and veggie options.

One thing that I am very excited about is the availability of elote, a grille Mexican corn. There aren't that many places that have this, but they do! There are a few variations to choose from and you can even get it in a cup.

And that's not the end of it! Doggeros also has tacos and Mexican dessert like churros. I could go on and on, but I think you get the picture. Doggeros has a wide selection of mouth watering food!

Service/Atmosphere - 
Doggeros took over another dive/diner location in Woodland. It's definitely not the most modern looking place, but it has a dive-y feel that is right for the type of food they serve. I found the customer service to be excellent. The cashier was extremely friendly and the person I picked up my food from was helpful and nice. No complaints regarding service, in fact, it was top notch.

If you're dining in, you'll be eating in a covered patio area as there is no indoor seating available. The covered area does the job well and there is a surprisingly good amount of tables and counter space for people to eat at.

On your first visit, you may be confused as to how to get to the ordering window as you have to open up their gate to go inside, but once you figure that out you should be ok.

Price -
Prices at Doggeros are moderate. This isn't a huge budget friendly place, but the prices are not excessive and are appropriate for the quality and portion of the food you get. Their plain hotdog is $3.95 with their specialties going from $7 to $9 dollars. Burgers are in the ten dollar range and come with a side of fries.

Special Tips and Recommendations -
I recommend coming to Doggeros as early as you can to avoid the lines. I came shortly after it first opened at 11am and the line was just fine, but as I sat and ate, more and more people started to come. With the heat of Woodland in the summer, you definitely don't want to be stuck waiting in line in the burning hot sun. Also, be prepared to wait a bit after you order. I found the wait time for food to arrive a bit longer than most places.

Bottom Line - 
I highly recommend coming to Woodland to try Doggeros. It's a diner that really offers a unique taste in hotdogs and hamburgers. Everything I had was delicious and I am really chomping at the bit to go back for some more!

Letter Grade

A

A little hidden gem in the town of Woodland, Ca.

Explanation of their food concept.

Food served on diner style sliver treys and checkered paper.

Cheese fries with Mexican spices. This is flavor.

I Love Wieners... How 'bout You? Come here for the Best in the Sacramento Area!

Finding a good hotdog place can be pretty challenging. It's the kind of food that you think of at a baseball game, but not something you go to a restaurant and get. Well, the dogs at Ruffhaus Hot Dog Co would change anyone's mind as they serve up the best hog dogs in the Sacramento area. Ruffhaus is a place I would be willing to make a special trip to, and I have done so!

Food -
The main star of Ruffhaus Hot Dog Company is obviously the hot dogs. And they have a TON of them to select from. The menu is full of mouth watering selections. Choices include classics like the Chicago dog that comes with a beef frank, mustard, Chicago relish, tomato, onions, pickle spear, sport peppers, celery salt, and a poppy seed bun as well as more specialized dogs like the Cali which comes with chicken apple sausage, avocado, tomato, pickle spear, arugula, Monterey Jack, sun dried tomato and a whole wheat bun. As you can tell from the descriptions, each dog is absolutely loaded with ingredients. The dogs are meals in-and-of-themselves with the amount of toppings on them!

There are seriously too many amazing choices on the menu that Ruffhaus will definitely absolutely require multiple visits. Even if you are not a huge hot dog fan, I can confidently say that there would be something of interest for you to try off the menu here.

As for sides, select from french fries of many varieties (garlic, sweet potato, chili cheese), onion rings, mac & cheese, slaw, or a nice side salad.

Besides having a loaded up hot dog menu, Ruffhaus is no one-trick pony. Their appetizers and other items offered are pretty unique and impressive as well. Want a Scotch Egg? Well that's on the menu. What about tator tots made with cheddar cheese and chives served with rosemary lemon aioli? Yup, that's on the menu. Gyros? That's on the menu too!

For beer lovers and those who enjoy a drink now and again, Ruffhaus Hot Dog Company is also a pub and tavern. There are lots of suds on tap for you to wash down your amazing meal. For the kids, you can get milk, OJ, soda, or apple juice.

Service/Atmosphere - 
I am a big fan of the environment that Ruffhaus has for its main dining area. The restaurant is filled with eclectic tavern items that transport you to another place. It's fun to just look at all the items that fill up the walls of the restaurant. Think Applebees but not corporate at all.

While Ruffhaus is a sit-down restaurant, it's the kind of place where you order at the counter when you first arrive. You'll see a large chalkboard menu above with the selections you can make. They'll give you a number and they'll bring the food out to you when it is ready.

Price -
The prices at Ruffhaus for hotdogs range from about seven to nine dollars. That may seem high for a simple hot dog, but keep in mind that these hot dogs are anything but simple. You'll be getting a very premium hot dog experience that rivals any other hot dog you've probably ever had. It's hard to compare hot dog pricing when Costco sells them with a drink for under two bucks, but the sausages and toppings they use here at Ruffhaus are really top of the line and I'd say worth it for the experience.

With drinks and sides I'd be looking at spending upwards of fifteen to twenty dollars a person depending on the amount of food you'd like to try. For me, I always end up spending a bit extra because I'm always in the mood to try more of the menu here.

Special Tips and Recommendations -
Some hot dog purists insist that hot dogs should only have mustard on them and maybe some sauerkraut. If you've not had a hot dog in this traditional way I suggest you give it a shot! It is certainly delicious and you'll have that feeling of having a hot dog the way it was meant to be. For me, I'm happy with that version of the hot dog, but I am equally happy doctoring it up for some wild flavor combinations too. Make sure you read over the menu and get the dog that your stomach is calling out for!

Bottom Line - 
I live about an hour away from Ruffhaus Hot Dog Co, but there are days when I'm willing to make the trek out there just to enjoy one of their hot dogs. It really is that good! If you live closer to El Dorado Hills, you owe it to yourself to come here and enjoy a really... really... really... delicious hot dog!

Letter Grade

A

Fries are pretty awesome here.

I love hot the wiener is longer than the bun.

Your eyes do not deceive you, that is crispy bacon in there.

Photo worthy wieners.

Bring a friend and enjoy the big dogs.