Fab Hot Dogs — Review by Food Network
Reseda, United States — Hot Dogs
Fab Hot Dogs in Reseda showcases owner Joe Fertini's 30-year restaurant expertise and passion for hot dogs collected from across the country. The restaurant features innovative creations like the bacon-wrapped LA street dog and the signature ripper from New Jersey, all made to order with housemade sauces and toppings. Guy Fieri was impressed by the quality, variety, and the bald eagle sauce that became so popular he joked about creating a bald eagle salad.
What was great: Creative hot dog varieties with unique flavor combinations, housemade sauces and relishes, fresh daily preparation, the signature ripper hot dog with bald eagle sauce, LA street dog with bacon and caramelized peppers, owner Joe Fertini's passion and expertise
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
Fab Hot Dogs offers an impressive array of creative hot dog varieties. The Chicago dog features classic toppings while the Polish firecracker is deep fried and wrapped in bacon. The Reuben dog brings traditional deli flavors to a hot dog format. The standout signature item is the ripper, a specially made hot dog imported from New Jersey that's designed specifically for deep frying. Taking about 8 minutes in the fryer, it emerges light and crunchy with a unique texture. The ripper is topped with the bald eagle sauce, a complex housemade condiment featuring mustard, relish, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, garlic, Mexican oregano, Hatch chili powder, diced onions, celery seed, cider vinegar, and Dijon whole grain mustard that takes a full day to develop its flavor profile.
The LA street dog, described as the best thing on the menu, features an all-beef hot dog wrapped in bacon, deep fried, then topped with mayo, mustard, ketchup, caramelized onions and peppers, jalapeños, and tomatoes. The teriyaki dog brings Japanese influences with teriyaki sauce, raw onions, and grilled pineapple for a perfect balance of sweet and savory. The Carolina slaw dog and other regional variations showcase the owner's nationwide hot dog research. Guy Fieri was so impressed with the bald eagle sauce that he joked about creating a bald eagle salad with lettuce cups and the famous sauce.
The Experience
Owner Joe Fertini is a 30-year restaurant veteran who grew up in New Jersey but fell in love with hot dogs from all over the country. He meticulously made notes wherever he traveled about different hot dog preparation methods, eventually compiling them into a notebook of ideas. His passion for hot dogs is evident in every aspect of the operation. Critically, every hot dog is made to order with no pre-made dogs wrapped in foil. The kitchen operates with precision, and Fertini personally guides the preparation of signature items. The atmosphere conveys authenticity and dedication to craft rather than volume.
Value & Pricing
Specific pricing was not mentioned in the review, but the focus on fresh, made-to-order preparation with housemade sauces and imported specialty ingredients suggests a premium positioning for hot dog stand pricing.
Notable Moments
I'm the only one on the West Coast that has it.
Fertini's statement about the New Jersey ripper hot dog underscores the exclusivity and uniqueness of what Fab Hot Dogs offers. Guy Fieri's enthusiasm escalated throughout the visit, culminating in his joke about creating the Triple D Bald Eagle Salad and declaring the bald eagle sauce so good he'd put it on a salad.
The Verdict
Fab Hot Dogs is a destination restaurant for serious hot dog enthusiasts who appreciate craft, creativity, and quality ingredients. Owner Joe Fertini's decades of experience and his unique approach to sourcing and preparing hot dogs from across America make this establishment stand out. The made-to-order approach ensures freshness, and the complex, housemade sauces elevate simple hot dogs into memorable meals. This is best for adventurous eaters willing to try unique flavor combinations and those seeking the highest quality hot dog experience beyond standard toppings.