ORANGE Magazine is recommending Austin’s vegan and gluten-free twists on the summertime staple: the hot dog.

Story by Alexis Fischer

Illustration by Sarang Kim

Austin is a great city to have a hot dog. Luckily, the simple combination of a frank between a bun can be modified to accommodate different dietary restrictions while still maintaining its charm. Many vegan and vegetarian restaurants have found success in the creative food scene in Austin, and make it easy for people of all dietary restrictions to enjoy flavorful and filling meals.

Despite regional differences and the controversy over toppings (looking at you, Chicago), hot dogs are a classic summer past-time. In Austin, everyone can enjoy veggie dogs. As the days are become warmer and longer, it is time to enjoy the first frank of the season. Pair your hot dog with an old baseball cap to feel that summer nostalgia.

Doggie Style

603 W Live Oak St.

Everything in this food truck is house-made and vegan. In the past, the truck has had specials like the poutine fries, covered with gravy and cheese curds. The Walking Taco – still a hot dog, despite the confusing name – is a customer favorite and includes a vegan dog with chili, queso and Fritos. The truck is open Tuesday through Saturday.

Frank

407 Colorado St. and 2416 Guadalupe St.

With one location residing in Space 24 Twenty and the other near Fourth Street, Frank’s is the go-to joint for hot dogs. The vegan meat doesn’t taste like it is imitating the taste of meat, but has a natural flavoring with juices when cooked. Vegan dogs can be substituted for no extra charge, and they also have vegan sausage. Vegan cheese is available for 75 cents and vegan chili for one dollar. Staying true to a proper Chicago dog, the bun is coated in black sesame seeds for added texture. Frank’s locations have gluten-free buns available.

Mission Dogs

1701 E Cesar Chavez St.

This food trailer is hidden behind a 24/7 Mexican restaurant (Las Cazuelas, another place worth checking out!), and allows vegetarian substitutions for any of their hot dogs. Vegetarian bacon can also be wrapped around the hot dog. The Asian-inspired menu holds eclectic plates like the Dogijuku, a hot dog with pickled ginger, cucumber slaw, nori, teriyaki glaze and wasabi mayo. Like them on Facebook for updates on their specials.