Hank’s Haute Dogs

Had a great variety of dogs plus a seafood option. Service was efficient and friendly. Will definitely be back!

First time eating at Hank’s and the service and setting is awesome! Cashier was very kind and even gave me a cup of water even though I didn’t ask for it for I appreciated the generosity. I ordered the Hawaiian haute dog and it was such we yummy. You could either eat inside or outside on the benches.
My mom and I ate outside and apparently we made friends with a couple of tiny birds who wanted a piece of our food. I can’t blame them lol
Anyways, I’ll definitely be coming back if I’m craving for hot dogs.

Hanks is right near my second job. I usually work evenings so it is not open when I am working. However I worked early one day and grab Hanks for lunch. The hotdog and the mango salsa was super good, the french fries were some of the best I’ve had on island, but the hibiscus lemonade was what I keep thinking about. I want to go back and try all the daily specials, and figure out which one is my favorite. The workers at the counter were super nice. I recommend going if you’re looking for a good hotdog, but don’t expect Costco’s prices

Hank’s Haute Dogs is without question, the only place to go for a stellar hotdog on Oahu. The hotdogs here are standout & possess a modern flare that draws the crowds back, ensuring a consistent line out the door of their new digs on Coral Street. This popularity serves as a testament to the love & care Hank has put into creating a damn fine hotdog. In fact Hank cares so much about the quality of his Dogs that he orders a good portion of his ingredients from Chicago.
I’ve been coming here now for 4 years & each time I visit the island, venturing up to Hank’s from Waikiki is virtually all I can think about. With hotdogs such as the Lobster Dog & fries drowned in truffle cheese, you know this place is good.
Inclusive of their daily specials, I’ve eaten my way around this menu more times than I care to admit. Each time I try something different, I’ll be honest, my favourite dog shifts towards something unexpected. Current favourites include the Hawaiian Dog, Chorizo Dog & Sunday’s Japanese inspired Kobe Dog.
I wholeheartedly love this place… Tell Jimmy ‘The Australian’s sent you’!

Stopped by earlier after picking up a painting at Lana Lane Studios and despite the line, the food came out fairly quick. I bought a «no dog» hot dog which was really good, French fries and a pineapple ice. Their pineapple ice is my favorite thing ever. They offer validation and the workers are always so friendly. I love this place.

After trying a burger from Shake Shack in LV, I was on the hunt for a burger just as good here on Oahu, so I headed over to Hank’s Haute Dogs in search of a tasty burger with fresh veggies. I took my daughter and her bestie on a Saturday during peak lunch hour. The wait from arriving, to ordering to getting our orders was around 30 minutes. Pretty long, but that’s what I get for going during peak hours on a weekend. Despite the long wait, the service was friendly. When we finally got our burgers, it was hot, fresh and and our fries were perfectlly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. I love it when the potato skins are left on fries. The burger was overall pretty good. I love that it is charbroiled and that patty is homemade. Was it just like Shake Shack? Almost, but I was missing that fresh, dark green Romaine lettuce — Hank’s uses iceberg, which is ok and like most other burger places. Burgers start at $ 6.00 and there are no kid burgers. Overall, I’ll go back to Hank’s for a burger any day! I’ve also had their spicy chili which is yummy and their duck fat fries. Totally, sinfully good. Ironically, the one thing I haven’t had is their hot dogs yet.

Only in Hawaii can you open up a place and charge $ 5.00-$ 7.00 for a hot dog. For real? They sell’em at Costco for $ 1.50 with a drink. O.K. O.K. that’s not fair, they don’t dress them up at Costco but I know ya’ll feel me. It’s a hot dog yo. I can only guess that there is a demand in the area for these hot dogs. There was nothing spectacular about them, they are just regular hot dogs although they do have specialty dogs, try one of those if you are in the mood for a different type of hot dog. If you are in the area I guess you can stop by.

So, I skipped brekky and headed out to check out this place I’ve heard so much about. The lobster hot dog was the first thing on my must to try it out list. We also got the Greek hot dog and the truffle cheese fries. I was expecting the Greek dog to be just okay but to my surprise it was super juicy, flavorful and very tasty. The lobster dog was so yummy, I barely shared it with my boyfriend. Now, for the truffle cheese fries, so yummy. I think I will try the mac and cheese option next time.
They also have a duck and foie gras sausage! I will have to come back to try out that one. Sadly, I can’t afford all the calories to make me a frequent customer but it’s worth the extra workout to burn off all those calories. This place is legit!

Awesome dogs!
Different varieties, humble workers and a beautiful area to just hang out and enjoy their dogs.
This place hits all the spots for a hot dog day!
And the workers there are just loving their job! They are really nice! Talk to their customers like they’ve known them forever (even if it’s your first time), and also acknowledge their regulars!
Can’t wait to go back!

Once you’ve had a Costco dog… it’s all downhill from here. The lobster dog was sweet and encased in pork… didn’t really like it. Also had the polish dog… it was decent but nothing amazing. Hanks frank was plastered with an alien green sauce…
I gave it a 4 because everything was fresh… which believe it or not is hard to come by. Garlic aoli sauce was the bomb… but when isn’t it…
Cute ambiance and outdoor seating!
If your visiting Hawaii it’s NOT a must do…

The family met me for lunch while I was on my lunch break. The new place is super nice and has a lot more seating outside. It’s nicely shaded which made it a plus.
I got the Andouille — it was REALLY good! I think that will be my go to whenever I go there.
The hubby got the Fat Boy and Chicago — I took a bite of each and I thought the Chicago was great and the Fat Boy was ok. I forgot to make sure there was no relish on the Chicago because my hubby doesn’t like relish but there was hardly any relish in the dog anyway. Good for him but if I ordered the Chicago myself I would have been disappointed for the lack of it.
The son ordered the cheeseburger with everything. He liked it.
We had fries and onion rings as well. Fries were good. Onion rings are the best I’ve ever had! It was sweet and crunchy — cooked to perfection!

I only tried their fat boy and their french fries, but everything was absolutely delicious and I can’t wait to go back.

$ 23 for 2. Came with a hotdog, drink, and fries. Not sure what the hype is all about but parking was a pain here… Had to Parkin front of Drive Inn $ 4 parking, they do validate but when they gave us the validation it didn’t work for the front parking so I’m thinking there’s another parking structure that we have no idea where! Anyways… I got the Fatboy hotdog with pineapple freeze and a garlic aioli dip for my fries — you get to choose whichever you want for the drinks and your fries dip. It was good over all, and customer service was on point. Only downside is the prices, but hey it’s Hawaii haha… Oh And it was really busy, approximate wait time was about 10 minutes. they do have lots of tables outside though, so that’s good! Overall I would skip the fries and drinks and get the hotdog alone (hotdog alone ranges from $ 5 to $ 7). Enjoyyyy!

Checked this place out on a whim. Heard a lot of good things about it so figured why not. I got me a some kine of Portuguese hotdog with lilikoi relish or something like that made it a combo and my girl friend got their greek hotdogs special. Now I know this gourmet hotdogs but really it costed a lost 30 bucks for 2 hotdogs 2 fries 2 small drinks. This is one of those places try it once and never again.

They got the best Hot Dogs AND Burgers! Customer service is still great too!
Didn’t need to go Teddy’s Burgers either. I like this one better, and u paying the same amount, if not cheaper.
Love their garlic aioli sauce!
I ate a few different hot dogs and still not disappointed. I have yet to order one I don’t like.

BEST haute dogs on the island! My favorites are the andouille, chorizo & lobster roll. The Lobster roll used to be only on the weekends, but it’s not on the regular menu! They have a good «fat boy» which is a bacon wrapped.
They’ve even expanded the menu by adding burgers, that looked good, so I’d have to try it the next time.
I really like the feel of the new location (right next door to the old location in Kakaako), however the parking was difficult. Not sure if there is validation @ the Highway Inn or Salt parking lot. Ended up lucking out w/​street parking.

I’m sad. Hank’s no longer offers vegan/​vegetarian dogs.
It’s ok. I got to try their breakfast fries. Say what? Fries for breakfast? Yup. I tried that and thought it was yummy! Yes, it comes with lots of guilt. LoL. I felt so guilty for eating fries for breakfast.
… I just really wish they would have vegan/​veggie dogs again. Please?

I like Hanks yes it can be on the pricier side but the quality is a lot better compared to a hot dog you get from the movie theaters. Plus you have a lot of options to choose from. Be spontaneous and try something new. It’s not like you eat a hot dog ever day

«Now open in their newly renovated storefront, Hank’s provides a creative play on the all-​American favorite by offering tasty meats ranging from alligator to rabbit. Our fave pairing is the Chicago dog and unreal onion rings!» — Emi Hart
New York Times rates Hanks 5 stars!
«When I ate the alligator dog, it changed my life»
«Hank gives you confidence!»

Hank’s really is haute, for a hot dog place!
If you’re hankering for some franks, Hank’s Haute Dogs is the way to go! Seriously. They gots that fancy stuff… But they also have the classics! Get a chili dog, a lobster dog, a polish dog, and more!
I am always down for Hank’s Chicago Dog. I can’t get enough. I can devour the thing in less than 30 seconds.
The dog is delicious, but the toppings are what make this dog special. That #greenrelish is really glowing green and tasty. And that celery salt really adds a nice pop of flavor. The pickle always has that wonderful «snap,» as does the hot dog!

I have always wanted to come to Hank’s Haute Dogs, but it seems like something has always come up. No parking was usually it. This time, I was determined because it is Restaurant Week! Hank’s has a Hankfast Sampler for $ 10 that basically was driving my need to get there ASAP. (It is only offered during 10am — 11am for Restaurant Week 11÷16÷15 — 11/​22/​15.)
Current construction in Kakaako has made parking a pain. There was no street parking available, so I parked in the lot of Six-​Eighty. I wasn’t sure if I could, but I was going to risk it for a taste of Hankfast.
Hank’s is located on Coral Street. If you are heading toward Ala Moana Blvd., it is on the right. You can’t miss it. It is marked with a large sign on a small enclosed bench on the sidewalk. Before I walked in, I looked at the signs posted in the windows. I found out you can park in the Ala Moana Blvd lot for an hour (where I parked) or in a structure on Keawe. There is also street parking, if you are lucky to get it!
I walked in around 10:45 am and there was just one other person waiting for their order. A few seconds later, 5 more people walked in after me. The cashier came up (he was in the back helping with orders) and greeted me. So friendly! I ordered the Hankfest with a smile & he rang me up pronto. As I waited, I took a look around inside of Hank’s. There is a counter that seats about 6 facing the sidewalk. The menu is displayed behind and up of the ordering counter. It lists all the different hot dogs, burgers, and drinks. The condiments, napkins, and cutlery is located to the left of the cashier. There is a refrigerated case to the right of the counter. It has the crème brûlée and other chilled side (such as cole slaw). The décor is cute. There is a small figurine of Bob (from Bob’s Big Boy) on a shelf. The walls had cute signs. I’m not sure if the a/​c was broken, but it was HELLA HOT inside. Most of the people went outside to wait for their food.
Ten minutes later I got my food. And boy was the packaging adorable! My food came in a reusable bag (see pictures). (Please note, I was told that the bag is only for Restaurant Week.) Included in the Hankfast is a Breakfast Dog, Breakfast Fries, and an Iced Coffee Whip. The Breakfast Dog is the only item in the Hankfast combo that is regular size. The Breakfast Fries and Iced Coffee Whip are sample sizes. The Breakfast Dog a fresh pork link sausage wrapped with cheese and egg on a toasted bun. It was good. I didn’t last the maple syrup in the bun that someone else had mentioned in their review. The Breakfast Fries have cheddar cheese, sautéed onions with a poached egg and Hollandaise sauce. I felt that these were scrumptious! I would probably just order the regular size and be done! The Iced Coffee Whip was a little bitter, but I think that because it was in a slushy form, I had the expectation of it being sweeter.
I ate outside in the covered area (near the kitchen’s exit door and bathrooms). There were about 6 benches out there. There is also a long counter with high stools covered with umbrellas, and benches with umbrellas. It was nice if you aren’t bothered by the sound of construction. I was fine with it.
As I finished my food, I still felt like I needed something for dessert. I really didn’t want a crème brûlée (what? shocker!). But, I was eyeing up the Pineapple Ice. I went back & order it. A great deal for $ 2.50. It just hit the spot on such a warm day. In fact, I’m craving it right now.
Now that I have visited and sampled what Hank’s has to offer, I definitely will come back to try the rest of the menu out!

My son and I had the opportunity on a Saturday last month to go on a lunch date (a rare occasion so I wanted it to be awesome!). I asked him what he felt like eating. He’s eight, so I was expecting one of the usual responses — «hamburger,» «pizza,» or «katsu.» He surprised me with «hot dog!»
Okay, I knew just the place to take him. I hadn’t been to Hank’s in about six years (the last time I think I fed the kiddo mac and cheese while he sat on on my lap!). Anyway, we headed across town and discovered that Hank’s had moved, but luckily just next door.
It was still pretty early and the restaurant hadn’t been open long. Only one customer ahead of us. My kid wanted the Fat Boy (bacon wrapped dog) and I got the chili dog (no onions). We also got the truffle cheese fries to share, a pineapple ice for him, and a diet coke for me.
The wait was longer than I was expected (about 15 minutes), but I’m guessing they were still getting everything going since it was early. The service was friendly. The prices seemed reasonable for good quality dogs and sides.
Here’s the rundown on our meal:
Fat Boy — Super messy, but he didn’t mind. He devoured the whole thing in under 10 minutes. I tried a bite and thought it was okay (just not really my thing).
Chili Dog — Also quite messy, but doable. I’m used to having the cheese on top, rather than under the chili. The chili was fine, nothing amazing, but at least it didn’t taste like canned chili like a lot of places.
Pineapple Ice — This was really delicious. The hot dogs and fries were so salty though that we should have ordered waters too, as we both ran out of our drinks pretty quickly.
Diet Coke — Not good. I’ve said it before, I’m kind of a diet coke snob (connoisseur, if you will). McDonald’s sets the standard — consistently amazing flavor. This soda was just off. Pretty gross, really. Almost like an old diet pepsi. I drank it because I was thirsty, but I should’ve just taken it back and gotten a water.
Truffle Cheese Fries — These were pretty good. Honestly, I don’t know what truffle tastes like. I’m not much of a foodie. The fries were hot and the cheese sauce was pretty tasty and a good consistency. The issue was when we got near the bottom and I saw a black hair, not like any that belonged to my son or I. Ugh. My stomach turned. Luckily we were done with our hot dogs.
At that point I tossed our rubbish and went back inside to let them know about the hair. I didn’t want them to think I was just trying to get a refund or anything, I just wanted them to know so that they could prevent this from happening again. I tried to pull the cashier to the side since there were other customers standing nearby waiting for their orders and I didn’t want to gross them out. I explained that there was a hair in our cheese fries and said that I didn’t want anything else, just thought they should know. He looked at me like he didn’t believe me and said he didn’t see anything. Um. Okay. Not making that up, dude. I just handed it to him and left. Hopefully he took it back to the kitchen and the cook and Hank saw it and they discussed the problem. Hairnets needed or whatever.
If I was a big fan of hot dogs I’d probably go back. But I’m not. So I won’t. Sorry.

My husband loves hot dogs, and I love weird and interestingly different food, so finding Hank’s was a perfect medium for both of us. We found Hanks from a magazine in our hotel room that claimed the Haute Dogs to be some of the best eats in the Honolulu area, so we gave them a try.
It was raining the afternoon when we went there, but even so it was packed. We ordered the Chicken dog for me ($ 6.25) plus No-​Dog Style ($ 2.00) which just packed it with goodies, and made it a combo (+$ 4.95) which included a Lilikoi soda and Curry Ketchup dip. My husband ordered the Chicago Dog with Everything ($ 6.50), made it a combo (+$ 4.95) with a Hibisus Cooler and Furikake Ranch dip. I thought mine was messy and hard to eat, with a natural casing that made it rough to bite, and the ketchup was ok, but not well blended. Hubby loved his and ate it almost too fast for me to sneak a bite, and his was way better than mine, including his dip which was awesome.
Next time, I’d like to go on a Saturday when the feature Foie Gras dogs ($ 9.50) or Sunday when they have Kobe Dogs ($ 8.50). If not, I’d probably opt for the Lobster dog ($ 10.50) which sounds like a west coast/​east coast magic mix. Major plus points for Hank the owner working there handing out dogs like any other employee, with a smile on his face and friendly conversation, which I think is an epic addition to a pretty neat food concept restaurant.

Hank’s is not the same.
Was a regular and fan of Hank’s for years. They just moved to their new digs (the brand new building next door to the old location).
The new emphasis is on money, not on product or on the customer. Here are some things that have changed:
Combo — I use to get a combo and upgrade the fries to truffle cheese fries. Upgrades are no longer allowed.
Soda — I wanted a coke with my combo. Not allowed. Tropical drink or nothing.
Truffle cheese fries — much less cheese and the recipe changed This cheese congeals funny. And I would never have known about the truffle if it wasn’t in the name.
Burgers — the patty is thinner and wider, probably same amount of meat. But it lost it’s char grilled taste.
Hamburger bun — use to be smaller with good texture. Now it is the pasty type you by in 8-​packs at Safeway.
Soda — they pour them now, and put in a lot of ice. Refills are now $ 0.50, use to be one refill free.
I guess Hank’s is a casualty of Kaka’ako expansion. We’ll miss you!

Came here after helping a friend pack up and leave the island. Anyone who has done this knows what it feels like
His repayment was a hamburger Or hot dog. Since I did not care about food, because my friend was crossing the ocean… I barely could remember to eat. I had a hamburger, it was OK. Not sure why this place is considered wonderful, aside from that it is cheap and been around. Seating around the place on stools. Just was not that impressed. Service good, prices OK food OK. Just not sure of they hype. Could have been my mood. Parking was easy so that is a plus and napkins were plenty. That is positive.

This review is for Hank’s Breakfast Hours and their newly re-​opened location (next to their old one).
I went on the grand re-​opening morning of Hank’s Haute Dogs and learned they started opening at 10am on Saturdays. I also noticed they had a Breakfast Dog which is basically breakfast sausage, egg, tomato, cheese, in a sweet bun. There is even a little bit of maple syrup in the bun so that it feels like you’re eating a pancake with your eggs and sausage. This is a perfect combination of familiar breakfast foods and really hits the spot.
The new digs features outdoor seating: roof covered benches as well as umbrella-​covered seating. In the late morning hours the sun gets under the umbrellas, so it can get a bit hot at this time of day, so head towards the back of the area for shady seating. Bathrooms have been upgraded and for now there’s just street parking, but I hear a parking garage is in the works for this rapidly developing Kakaako neighborhood.
I’ll be back to try other items on the breakfast menu which runs until about 11:30 /​12 noon as well as to indulge in a haute dog for lunch!

Update 10−28−15 — New location now open: It is literally right next door to the old place. There is air conditioning, and a lower counter and stools so those of us who are vertically challenged and/​or have disabilities can now sit and eat there more comfortably.
There are two steps in front; however, there is a handrail AND more importantly there is a ramp, so it is now accessible for those who use wheelchairs, scooters, crutches, etc.
The old picnic tables have been painted and more tables were added for seating outside the door on the side of the building (these tables have umbrellas) and behind, under an overhang. There’s even a unisex accessible restroom now.
Menu changes: The lobster dog is now available daily. There are more toppings available for the burger. If you purchase the combo, in addition to the dipping sauce and fries, you can also get a tropical drink (e.g., hibiscus lemonade, pineapple ice) instead of just soda. Finally, they also now have «HankFast» — a breakfast dog, breakfast fries, and ice coffee whipped.
Update, early October 2015: Hank’s is not currently closed, as is erroneously reported in some places. Their former location is shuttered and they have a pop-​up open pretty much every day right next door where they offer a limited menu. Check their Facebook page before heading out.
They will be moving into a newly-​renovated space just steps away from the old location, with a nice seating area in the rear. The move was supposed to take place more than a month ago, but the remodeling is still not finished.
Had a couple of my favorites today — the Chicago dog and a chili dog. The snap in the casings was excellent. I’ll be glad when the new space opens as I miss my Hank burger!

Got a Hank-​ering for encased meat? (chortles dumbly~) Go to Hank’s Haute Dogs.
Location: Located in the heart of Kakaako, parking at Hank’s is difficult (some would say nearly impossible), but it is absolutely worth a couple blocks’ walk from downtown to eat here. You’ve been cooped up in the office all day anyhow — a brisk walk will do you good. Remember, FitBit is watching.
Food: It’s kind of weird writing about a hot dog place, isn’t it? One must avoid being too zealous with one’s armory of sausage puns and cheeky double entendres. But it must be voiced: Hank’s sausages are very juicy, and very delicious. And they’re not too big. Which means you can have more than one. Which means you’ll always leave satisfied.
I had the Chicago dog, which is very traditional, with its onions, pickle relish, tomatoes, hot peppers, and is crowned with a succulent dill pickle spear. When you watch the owners lovingly dress their dogs before serving them to you, you’ll realize how much care they put into the business and how seriously they take their sausage.
Note: You’ll leave upset if you keep thinking of how a Costco dog is $ 1.50 and the one before you is $ 5. Just enjoy it for what it is. Do you really want to go through life only having eaten $ 1.50 hot dogs? Are you that kind of person?
The hotdogs are also served in perky yellow paper boxes, no doubt designed by some earnest, up-​and-​coming or already arrived Kaka’ako graphic design master/​artist. Which makes them perfectly portable, so you have no excuse when your coworkers ask you to pick some up for the office. Pro tip: If you want to impress someone, girl or guy or boss or whoever, you should surprise them by bringing them a couple of boxes of Hank’s Haute Dogs for lunch. Would they be as impressed if you brought them Costco hot dogs? No, they wouldn’t.

I read an article on Hank’s in an edition of the Honolulu Magazine, «Cheap Eats — Nothing More Than $ 6», but the article was from 2014. Okay, and I didn’t have a hot dog, but a Hank Burger.
According to the article, «the secret is in the char» and it is true! A flavorful crispy layer and a juicy burger underneath. The price quoted was $ 5.50, but inflation increased it to $ 6.30 by the time I got here this year… lol! Cheese is extra. Overall, the burger was great and hit the spot. I did think it was a tad small, but I enjoyed it! I also liked the ginger soda.
My only regret was not making it back to try one of the dawgs!

I’ve been here several times before. And they are known for very tasty unique hotdogs.
Atmosphere: the restaurant is right in kakaako. Near restaurant Row. Inside is limited but they have outdoor and indoor seating available.
Service: order at the counter and self-​serve for the most part. Frank seems to be in the restaurant every time I visit always very welcoming. Make sure you keep your rewards card stamps buys you a free hotdog and 20 get you a free shirt. And parking is available on the street. Except all credit cards.
Food: wow! The selection of hot dogs and types of toppings. I ordered the chicken hot dog with mango salsa topping and the Frank’s hot dog with a pickle on top. I enjoyed both but could appreciate why it’s called Frank’s hot dog. Also tried the truffle cheese fries that were very tasty! Top 10 hot dog stand in the U.S. for a reason.
Intangibles: try all the different types of haute dogs and you’ll leave with a smile

When I saw the Caribou (Reindeer) hot dog advertised in the news paper for a limited time I had to stop by and try it out.
Looking at the counter menu and I noticed they had a hot dog special for every day and today it was lamb dog so I couldn’t pass it up either.
The Reindeer dog was good but with no gamey taste that I really dont mind. The relish was florescent green and I’m assuming that was a Christmas theme.
If you like lamb, The Greek is definitely for you. The lamb flavor does not hold back and it has a mild spiciness too. Both dogs were very good. Wash it all down with that ginger soda. Too bad there wasn’t a larger size for that drink.
Parking was kinda tight. I could only find street parking. Customer service was good and the wait time wasn’t bad either. This was my second time here and I more than likely will be back to try the other ones they have to offer.