First there was Biker Jim’s, then the Über Sausage, and now the Hawt Dog & Sausage Eatery. Each peddles souped-up dogs with sausages from Continental Sausage—and each shop has its own bent. Biker Jim (aka Jim Pittenger) dreams up wacky combos such as rattlesnake-pheasant sausage topped with harissa-roasted cactus; Über riffs on the classic Swiss street snack; and the two-week-old Hawt wraps its wares in pizza dough, à la the bagel dog.

The best example of the Hawt’s offerings is the Outer Banks: a beef-and-pork Polish sausage, applewood-smoked bacon, Gorgonzola dolce, coleslaw, and Teaspoon Willie’s hot sauce—all bundled inside pipin’ hot dough. Served with spicy pickle chips and slaw, there’s no need to add ketchup, mustard, or anything. (The only thing that would make Hawt better is a liquor license…and, according to managing partner Jeremy Mayer, that’s in the works.)

Bonus: Don’t pass up the grilled Dijon-maple glazed sweet potato wedges (pictured). Cut ’em with a fork and dip ’em into the tangy honey-lime yogurt sauce.

3030 E. Second Ave., 303-355-4298

Amanda M. Faison
Amanda M. Faison
Freelance writer Amanda M. Faison spent 20 years at 5280 Magazine, 12 of those as Food Editor.