You’re driving down California Boulevard, and honestly, if you aren't looking for it, you might just cruise right past. But the red-and-white signs of Franks Famous Hot Dogs San Luis Obispo have a way of pulling you in. It's a local landmark. A time capsule. Since 1977, this place has been slinging wieners and burgers to Cal Poly students, hungover locals, and tourists who accidentally found the best breakfast burrito in the county.
It isn't fancy. Don't go there expecting microgreens or truffle oil. Go there because you want a 9-inch frank that snaps when you bite it.
The Story Behind the Dog
Most people don't realize that Franks actually started with Don Krall and a couple of Cal Poly students back in the late seventies. Don and his wife Lorene eventually took full ownership in 1979. It moved to its current spot at the corner of Monterey and California in 1988, and it’s basically looked exactly the same ever since. That’s the charm. The floor is worn-in tile. The booths are red. The walls are covered in old photos that make you feel like you’re eating in your grandpa’s favorite diner—because you probably are.
Don's son, Ken, eventually stepped into the mix. It's a family thing. That matters in a town like SLO where everything is rapidly turning into a high-end boutique or a sleek modern bistro. Franks stays the same.
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What to Actually Order (Beyond the Basic Frank)
Look, the standard "Frank Dog" with mustard, tomatoes, relish, and onions is a classic for $7.50, but you're probably here for something more aggressive. The menu is massive. It’s written on those plastic letter boards that someone has to manually update, which is a vibe in itself.
If you’re feeling brave, you go for the Double Dare Dog. It’s exactly what it sounds like: two bacon-wrapped franks with pepperoncinis and all the fixings on a French roll. It’s huge. It’s messy. You will need roughly fourteen napkins.
Then there's the L.A. Style Dog. This is the one people talk about on Reddit when they're arguing about who has the best "street dog" in town. It’s wrapped in bacon, deep-fried, and topped with grilled onions, fresh grilled jalapeños, and mayo. It’s salty, spicy, and perfectly greasy.
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Not Just for Hot Dog Purists
I know it's in the name, but the secret is that the non-hot dog items are sometimes the real stars.
- The Breakfast Burritos: Specifically the junior breakfast burrito. It’s got eggs, bacon, pico de gallo, and cheddar. It’s become a rite of passage for students.
- Chicken Strips: Weirdly enough, these are often the #1 most-liked item on delivery apps. They’re crunchy, not overly breaded, and come with a mountain of fries.
- The Monster Burger: A half-pound patty with bacon and "secret sauce." It’s a solid alternative if you just can't look at another sausage.
The "Fallen Off" Debate
If you spend enough time talking to SLO locals, someone is going to tell you that "Franks isn't what it used to be." You'll hear that prices have gone up—which is true, a Chicago Dog is nearly $12 now—or that the quality has dipped since the "old days."
Is it more expensive? Yeah. Inflation is real, even for hot dogs.
Is it "trash" like some angry Yelp reviewers claim? Hardly.
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Most of the negativity comes from nostalgia. People remember getting a meal here for five bucks in 1995. When you compare it to a modern "gourmet" spot where a hot dog costs $18 and comes with pickled ramps, Franks is still a bargain. It’s honest food.
Pro Tips for Your Visit
Don't just walk in blindly. There is a strategy to eating at Franks Famous Hot Dogs San Luis Obispo.
- Check the Hours: They open early. Like, 6:30 AM early. But they often close by late afternoon or early evening (usually around 5:30 or 7:00 PM depending on the day). This is not a late-night post-bar spot. It’s a "I just woke up and need grease" spot.
- The Sunday Shake Special: If you happen to be there on a Sunday, ask about the shake specials. A chocolate shake after a long weekend is a local tradition for a reason.
- Parking is Tricky: The lot is small. If it’s noon on a Tuesday, good luck. You might have to park a block away and walk, but the smell of grilled onions will lead you in.
- The Salsa: If you get a burrito, the salsa has a kick. If you’re a spice wimp, get it on the side.
Why It Matters in 2026
In a world of QR code menus and "minimalist" decor, Franks is a reminder of what eating out used to feel like. It’s loud, it’s cramped, and it smells like a grill. It represents a piece of San Luis Obispo history that hasn't been polished away by developers.
Whether you're a Cal Poly freshman or someone who's lived in the Five Cities for forty years, you go to Franks because you know exactly what you're going to get. No surprises. Just a solid, bacon-wrapped, deep-fried piece of Americana.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the current daily hours before you head out, as they can shift seasonally.
- Bring a group so you can split a side of the home-made deep-fried zucchini or onion rings—the portions are too big for one person.
- Order the L.A. Style Dog if it’s your first time; it’s the definitive experience of the current menu.