Something significant occured in Berkeley, CA in 1966 that continues to affect students, thinkers, and visitors till this day.  Was it the famous riots on Berkeley campus? The establisment of the People’s Park? Or, perhaps the induction of a revolutionary philospher?  Nope.  1966 was the year a New York transplant and connoisseur opened his hot dog hut, Top Dog.

The establishment is a small little place run by one guy and there usually isn’t a spot to sit.  The server is a wonder in efficiency and can usually take an order, give change, grill a dog, toast a bun, and comment on your funny outfit all under 30 seconds.  The dogs and the service are tops, and will probably keep generating business for years to come.  As for me, my current favorite sausages are the Calabrese and the Chicken Apple, but my goal is to down the Wienie-Veggi dog next.

Yet, if you can peel your focus away from your sauerkraut laden dog long enough to take in the propaganda filled walls, then you just may come away a bit wiser as well as a bit fuller. There is the iconic mural of Berkeley from a Weenie’s point of view, and bunches of satirical comics and deep quotes. My favorites are, “Believe what you are told, there would be chaos if everyone thought for themselves” and “Freedom – Voluntary Exchange.”  The Road to Success poster is also worth pondering while munching away.

Most people in Berkeley City don’t agree with the views of the Top Dog establishment and a pesky protester or two may come into annoy the master, weenie roaster, but every kind of person will make their way into Top Dog for a bite.  Amazing how a little bit of excellence can create a moment of gastronomic peace among enemies and rivals!

Look for the Sign!

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