El Caprichoso Hot Dogs

The closest thing Phoenix and/or Arizona has to a signature dish — aside from the much-battled-over chimichanga — is the Sonoran hot dog. When we're called upon to make a case for the importance of this cherished street food, we look to the El Caprichoso Sonoran hot dog cart. Around for more than 20 years, El Caprichoso operates outdoors from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., a hot grill under a parking lot tent. Its grilled, bacon-wrapped hot dog is crammed, almost forced, onto a fluffy, split-top roll that's kissed all over with char. If you're the type who likes a heavy Sonoran dog, order yours with all the fixings: beans, grilled onions, fresh diced tomatoes, guacamole, salsa, cotija cheese, ketchup, mustard, and thick squiggles of mayonnaise. If you weren't an Arizonan before, you are now. New Normal: El Caprichoso now has a drive-thru. Takeout is also available; it can be preordered at 602-561-3723.