Shop & Dine: If You Crave Hot Dogs, Then Fab's in Reseda Is For You

It’s the place where every dog is made to order and sauces are freshly prepared all day long. Some say it’s the best dog this side of NYC. So, when you hear about a dog that’s this good, you’ve got to try it.

But, I must confess, I generally don’t eat hot dogs because, let’s face it, they’re not high on the healthy food chain, but after taste testing some Fab Hot Dogs, I must say if I’m going to eat a dog, I’m going to eat it here.

Fab Hot Dogs moved from its original tiny storefront on Reseda Blvd to a larger place in the Loehman’s Shopping Plaza in Reseda about a year and a half ago. Owned by New Jersey native, Joe Fabrocini, a 30 year restaurant veteran who started the original Fabrocini restaurants in the 818, Fab is not your typical hot dog joint. These dogs are named from locations all over the country and have accompanying sauces that are surprisingly sophisticated with a mix of various vegetables and seasonings freshly cooked and simmered until just right.

My taste testers (okay, that would be two teen girls) and I tried three of what are considered Fab’s top dogs. The Ripper is the real deal Jersey dog — it’s very lightly fried in a deep fryer, so it’s crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside — and topped with the Bald Eagle Sauce — a special tangy relish whipped up from carrots, cabbage, onions, mustard, Mexican oregano and cider vinegar. Next up was the LA Street Dog — a bacon wrapped all-beef dog  topped with mustard, mayo and ketchup with freshly grilled onions, bell peppers, diced tomato and jalapeños. It’s a spicy kick in your mouth. Last up was the Chimichurri Dog — a grilled dog topped with thinly sliced steak, grilled onions and an authentic Chimichurri sauce. Although the LA Street Dog is their number one dog, I liked the simpler flavors of the Chimichurri Dog — and well, I’m just a fan of that South American sauce.

Fab offers 22 specialty dogs ($4.25-$6.95). Plain all beef dogs in natural casings run from $3.25- $6.25. Build these with your choice of toppings at .35 to .65 each. Polish sausage, turkey dogs and veggie dogs are also available.

In the mood for something more outrageous? Try a Texas Burrito Dog — two all-beef dogs, bacon, chili, cheddar, onions, mustard and Frito chips wrapped in a grilled flour tortilla. The big secret here is that after the burrito is rolled its then grilled in the same spot as the bacon that was just prepared.

Fab isn’t limited to just dogs. They also serve burgers made with 100% Angus Beef. There’s even a Garden Burger and a choice of a wheat bun.

And what’s a dog without some fried goodness on the side? Fab makes some mean crispy tater tots, as well as plain fries, garlic fries and chili cheese fries. You can get your tots with cheese and chili too.

You only live once. Try a Fab Dog. It’s worth it.

Fab Hot Dogs  6747 Tampa Avenue, Reseda  (818) 344-4336www.fabhotdogs.com