The Original Hot Dog on a Stick

With summer over, it's a good time as any to reflect on summertime favorites - hot dogs and lemonade.  Well, not just any hot dog - and certainly not just any lemonade.  Prominent mainly on the Left Coast and in the western part of the US is Hot Dog on a Stick.  You know, that mall food court staple with a simple menu of mainly dogs on a stick and different flavored lemonades.  Growing up in SoCal, I remember when everything on the menu was just a $1 including tax.  Now, you're probably going to find them closer to around $3 or so.

If you're not familiar with Hot Dog on a Stick - as many on the East Coast may not have seen it before - it's been around since the 1940s and known for its original recipes for freshly squeezed lemonade and sizzling hot dogs dipped in an original batter served on a stick (for those that travel Route 66, you know you don't call them "corn dogs"!).  There are now more 100 locations with many located in malls and easily spotted by the unique red, white, blue and yellow uniforms that their servers wear.

Original Location: Santa Monica, CA

During a summer trip this year to Santa Monica, California, we actually bumped into the original Hot Dog on Stick - located right below the famous Santa Monica Pier on the nearby ocean front walkway, just in front of the volleyball courts.  The stand was small - just big enough for a few workers to churn out some fresh, sweet lemonade and dip those yummy hot dogs on a stick.  Same simple menu as all other locations and tasted just as refreshing as I've always enjoyed it.  This original stand actually had the name, "Hot Dog Stick" - not sure why "on a" was dropped, but it gives it a unique look with the name and red painted wood panelling.


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While I would not suggest going out of your way for this place, it's a nice stop while visiting the Santa Monica pier.  While sweet, I always find the lemonade here refreshing on a hot summer day and the hot dog on a stick is always a nice compliment.