3.5÷5, +.5 for service For some strange reason, I was craving a hot dog on Christmas Eve after work, but I wanted something a bit gourmet instead of your typical streetmeat in many downtown intersections. A Unilocal search found this place for me, and after reading the menu and reviews I decided to try it out. This place is quite open concept, and the layout of the seats means you’re sharing a large table with other customers. It’s not a place where I would take my significant other or come in with a large group, but it’s a place where I can grab a quick bite and expect quick, efficient service. After looking at the menu board for a few minutes, I went with the Seattle Frank. I was in Seattle last year but never managed to try their hot dogs, so I figure a Seattle Frank would revisit my memories of what could’ve been a Seattle hot dog. The hot dog was quite good! I’m not a huge fan of mustard and would probably order something without mustard next time, but the sausage itself was very juicy. For $ 7.50 the price is a little bit steep, but it’s a gourmet hot dog so that’s expected. I still had much better hot dogs at Japadog in Vancouver, but seeing how that’s over in the west coast I’ll settle with a place like this. Service was excellent. The person who took my order is very energetic and made the whole ordering experience very enlightening. He also seemed like a nice boss, as both workers(who looked like university students) were having a great time making people’s food. I know there are a couple of other gourmet hot dog places nearby, but Fancy Franks looks like a place that temporarily fits the hole left behind of my awesome experience at Japadog during my west coast trip.
May T.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Markham, Canada
I’m really really liking this place. Not because food is amazing — even though it is, but the service there is HILARIOUS! I met the asian guy who was there… I forgot his name. But he was funny as hell. He was super dooper friendly and greeted me with so much energy. His energy radiates across the room and no one there, I took note, was sad or upset with the food or anything. Sometimes, even when the food isn’t the best, and when the service is amazing, the food doesn’t seem to matter anymore. Nonetheless, I had the original Chicago Dog and it was so good! I found that I didn’t like the bun(but that’s a personal preference — I don’t like eating much bread) but everything in the hot dog was delicious! Would I come back? YES! Just for that server!(ok fine. and the food)
Thomas J.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Montreal, Canada
Fancy Franks has some of the best hotdogs I have ever had. I went there today and testedx it out and was extremely full and satisfied. I had the original(the Franks Coney Island), a poutine and a dozen mini donuts. It was all delicious. I will be back.
Jon-Jon G.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Scarborough, Canada
Toronto’s answer to Chicago’s Hot Doug’s and New York’s Crif Dogs; gourmet hot dogs with unique topping combinations that are bound to satisfy your cravings. I went shortly after the lunch hour and customers were trickling in and out, little by little. The girl working the cash register did not look like she wanted to be there which was a bit off-putting when studying the menu and placing my order. I ordered the Franks Got Seoul and the cajun fries and was told they would call out my order when it was ready. It was a standard size hot dog and the bun was lightly toasted. The hot dog was nice and juicy, the beef ribs was tangy and sweet, and the kimchi lacked the spice I was hoping for. It had the«burrito effect» where some bites I would just get the beef ribs, and other bites I would just get the hot dog. As for the cajun fries, it came i n a large portion and they had a liberal amount of the seasoning and had a nice kick to it. You Gotta Eat Here? It was between Fancy Franks and the nearby Clubhouse Sandwich Shop(which I’ll check out next time). It’s worth checking out for its novelty and the creative menu options. I was more satisfied with the cajun fries than the hot dog. I would come back to try their poutine as selections seems to be a bit more unique than Smoke’s Poutinerie. Overall, it was a good(not great) meal.
John K.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Toronto, Canada
service was good but I had better hot dogs other places such as Smoke’s Weinerie. There are a lot of option to choose from but Hot dogs were plain and not good enough for my taste. Also poutins were not bad but smokes are much better
Paul N.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Toronto, Canada
The biggest problem you’re going to have here is deciding what to order. No joke, I would check their menu online and try and decide in advance, or you’re going to be staring at their menu board for 10 minutes. The dogs are great and all, and they do have some pretty creative toppings/names, but there certainly wasn’t much to make me want to be a regular/come back often. Also, when they say a hot dog comes«with fries», they don’t mean on the side…(and that isn’t a complaint).
Keith F.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Scarborough, Canada
I stopped in for a quick bite on a Friday evening. The restaurant has a large selection of Frankfurt’s. There is a good number of topping you can add to your meal. The price is a little high for a Hotdog, but it was damn good.
Jerome J.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Toronto, Canada
Deciding to try this place since me and my friend were in the area and hungry. I’m not a fan on Hot Dogs so i ordered a poutine instead. It was very decent but I wouldn’t really recommend getting a poutine here. I felt like it tasted bland and overpriced. Maybe the Hot Dogs are much better, but will not go here again to get a poutine
Alana C.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Toronto, Canada
There are other way better hot dog joints in town. I had the Coney Island and the casing of the hot dog was too hard for me to bite through. That led to a very messy lunch and I must have gone through 15 napkins. My friend and I also tried the cajun fries and there wasn’t much cajun about them. They had little to no spice and to be honest, the experience was so underwhelming I think I’m done composing this review. On a positive note, they put a boatload of chili on that hot dog, so they don’t skimp. But what’s good about having a ton of food you don’t truly enjoy?
Jasmine S.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Toronto, Canada
I have been to this location twice, I really enjoy their food. Yes it’s kind of pricey for a hot dog. However they have a great variety/selection for everyone’s flavour preference. There are different toppings you can add to your already loaded dog. Can get messy so make sure to grab lots of napkins. We tend to order a poutine along with our dogs, and they’re all seasoned well — not too overpowering that makes you down a gallon of water. I knocked off a star due to the service being very on and off. I had to ask them if I got toppings added, they may not always ask you. So if you see something you want to be added let them know if they haven’t offered it to you.
Ahmed G.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Church-Wellesley Village, Toronto, Canada
This place wins!!! Awesome food! Awesome staff!!! The buns are perfect and the dogs are all you think they would be! The steamies and hickory sticks are a nice touch for sure!
Maria L.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Toronto, Canada
Stopped by for some fresh donuts and hot chocolate. We got the nutella and crushed biscotti donuts and they were pretty good. Freshly fried and drizzled with nutella and bits of crushes biscotti. The dough could have fried a bit more, the insides were quite soft especially since there was no donut hole. The hot chocolate was disgusting — imagine milky water with a bit of cocoa. It wasn’t even sweet. Will be back to try their franks and poutine.
Tracy T.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Toronto, Canada
To be honest, I’m not really a fan of hotdogs. Processed meats are usually a turn-off for me. Despite that, I am a huge foodie and after hearing about Fancy Franks, I couldn’t resist myself from trying out these so-called«gourmet hotdogs». My friend and I shared the Fancy 90210, Frankie Goes To Buffalo, and Lemon Curd & Powdered Sugar + Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donuts. Fancy 90210 was«nice». I’ll give it that. But then again, fresh avocados and tomatoes on anything is nice! The hotdog tasted good but I think you know where I’m going with this one — I didn’t feel this was too special. Frankie Goes To Buffalo however, was an interesting twist that I feel rightfully deserves its«gourmet» claim. The outer crunchiness of the panko complemented the inner softness of the sausage and created a very satisfying mouthfeel that you normally don’t get from hotdogs. The mini donuts were yummy. Nothing too special but the sizes were very appropriate considering it’s just a side snack and you still have a main meal! The one thing I really liked about this place is that you can customize your hotdog regardless of what you get and there is a wide selection of toppings! All in all, I would love to try all of the different items on their menu but the prices are a little deterring. Since it is just a hotdog after all, I probably wouldn’t come back for its current price. Also, I’d like to give a shoutout to Alexa, one of the employees, for being so cheerful and providing such awesome service.
Barbara D.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Toronto, Canada
This was my first time at this location. The service was great — super helpful(which we love)! I asked what was popular and what the guy recommended. He suggested the Frankie Goes To Buffalo(panko fried weiner). It was good, nice mix of textures, crunchy, chewy, spice with a bit of kick to it. Very flavourful. Love the varied menu. Clean funky washrooms. Wish it was a tad cheaper, but apart from that, I’ll be back!
Jordan F.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Toronto, Canada
Specialty Hot Dogs. There’s really not much else to say here — obviously what they make is delicious, because it is hot dogs. And it fills a niche market that undoubtedly exists. It is also pricey for something that you can make for a couple bucks at home in less time than it takes to make kraft dinner. All you have to do is math: you would otherwise buy Toronto streetmeat for 3 bucks(3.50 for a vegetarian, 4 for a sausage). At Frank’s you can top that with Breaded Shrimp, Kimchi Noodles, Eggs and Bacon, et al. Sometimes, this will be a great idea. Is it at whatever point in time you happen to be at College in the Kensington district? Last night my dog partner and I split a Po Boy vegetarian dog. It was a great idea. We did the math.
Liana N.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Memphis, TN
Wow, I am honestly shocked this place is rated so low. Besides that, My friend and I swung by this place late after an event to grab some snacks, and Eric served us with a giant smile, and was super helpful in terms of giving us suggestions, tips, and information about the shop. We had the hotdog with eggs(which were perfectly cooked over easy), and cajun fries(could that basket get any bigger?!) with the nutella biscott donuts on the side(I saved two for my husband, he wad in love). The place was incredibly clean, and the staff even handled drunk, unruly customers that came in, just as normal(I’m sure they’re used to it, it’s college.) I have nothing but great things to say about Eric and the food that was served. I am an immediate fan and can’t wait to bring my husband here to try all of the other franks(I have my eye on the pulled pork one, obviously).
Rick M.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Caledon, Canada
Fancy hot dogs for sure * I’ve been here twice and have never been disappointed. It is a bit pricey, but the hot dogs have good flavours and have TONS of toppings Make sure to try the Nutella biscotti donuts * they are fresh and taste great. Apparently the veggie dogs are really good as well Good eats!
Yorgios C.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Toronto, Canada
Ok seriously now, fancy hotdogs !!! Ok seriously now, tried em, LoVeD em !!! Fries with fried eggs AND BaCoN sooooooo good !!! Only problem is it’s going to take me forever to try all the different combinations. .. Mmmmmmm hot dogs
Foodie M.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Toronto, Canada
Staffs really friendly and the hot dogs are delicious with like a million toppings to pick from! Had the Franks got Seoul hot dog and it was totally delicious :)
Karen S.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Toronto, Canada
Hm. It was an interesting experience. I love me a good sausage(har, har) and I couldn’t wait to try this place out. The service was friendly and relatively fast and efficient. I had the Franks Got Seoul dog that came with Korean short ribs, kimchi, sesame and scallion. I got them to hold the kimchi and replaced with sauerkraut though as I’m really not a fan of kimchi, but I really wanted that kalbi. It was good — there was a lot of toppings on it — I definitely got my meat cravings satisfied. However, I can’t say that the kalbi was really distinctive enough for me to definitively say that that’s what it actually tasted like. It just tasted like marinated meat. We also got a regular poutine to share. It was yummy in the beginning, but got way too salty very quickly. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had gotten a Fancy 90210 that comes with avocado and tomato(and bacon!) which may have cut down the salt a bit and added that hint of healthy eating. Who am I kidding? I’m having a loaded hot dog! I’ll just have to drink extra water and walk an extra, extra, extra steps to work it all off.
Mark B.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Paris
Entièrement dédié aux hot dogs, cet établissement ouvert tard le soir vous permet d’éponger les nombreuses pintes prises dans Kensignton Market. Le principe est simple, commandez le hot dog de votre choix, donnez votre nom puis quand vous appelle donnez les assortiments désirés sur le fameux hot dog. C’est rapide, pas cher et souriant ! //Entirely dedicated to hot dogs, Fancy Franks is a good solution after having a couple of pints in Kensington market. Concept is quite simple, order your hot dog, give your name and when you come to pick up your prize, ask for the desired sides and sauces. It’s quick, cheap and welcoming!