Tubby Dog

3.5 star rating
52 reviews Rating Details

Category: Hot Dogs  [Edit]

1022 17 Ave SW
Calgary, AB T2T 0A5
(403) 244-0694
Hours:

Mon-Thu, Sun 11:30 am - 12 am

Fri-Sat 1 am - 4 am

Fri-Sat 11:30 am - 1 am

Good for Groups:
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards:
No
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Price Range:
$
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take Away:
Yes
Waiter Service:
No
Outdoor Seating:
No
Good For:
Late Night, Lunch
Alcohol:
Beer & Wine Only
Noise Level:
Average
Ambience:
Trendy, Casual
Has TV:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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"The peanut butter is all melty which really makes it." (in 11 reviews)
user photo
"If you're feeling lucky try the Cap'n Crunch." (in 4 reviews)
user photo
"They have ol' school video games, like ms pac man, rampage..." (in 4 reviews)
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52 reviews in English

  • Review from Kenny M.

    Calgary, AB

    4.0 star rating
    11/22/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Tubby dog! A novel place to get a dog or get a wild gourmet explosion !! They got all kinds of toppings here from the normal ketchup and mustard to captain crunch or wasabi! CRAZY!

    I have been coming here probably three times a year for the last five years, needless to say it hasn't been the greatest 5 years for me personally but man I tell you everytime I get one of their dogs it makes me smile inside and out! Just really fun and really great tasting dogs!

    Some of the dogs here are not for the faint of stomach! Their famous a bomb will blow your insides into a knot and make you scream for mercy! The japenese dog is an asian invasion on your tongue, that wasabi will sting you like a bee!   The peanut butter and jelly dog is surprisingly good and not as weird as you might expect.
    The cheetah is my fave here! Cheese sauce and sauerkraut and other stuff I can't remember! Was it bacon?? most likely so..... I also recommend you eat a pickled egg here! It's really good!

    Tubby dog actually is more than just another kooky joint, it has live music ! A very cool venue actually! watching a band here sort of feels and sounds like watching a band in their own practice space!

    So come on down to one of Calgarys hot dog institutions, FYI dont bring your best shirt you are gonna get filthy! You can't not enjoy it here!

    22/30

  • Review from Tiffany N.

    Calgary, AB

    3.0 star rating
    2/3/2012

    I once wandered in to Tubby Dog after Beer Fest, extremely drunk and craving EVERYTHING. You know the feeling. You also know the after "Oh my God, I can't believe I ate an entire tub of butter last night" feeling the morning after.

    Tubby Dog serves Tofurky sausages under the name "Not Dogs" and you can get them served whichever way they do the meat versions on the menu :). Unfortunately, twice now I have gone to Tubby Dog and have gotten served a sad, leathery Tofurky sausage both times. Come on, Tubby Dog! Not Dogs don't need that much time under the heat!

    However, the Yam Chips were awesome and I inhaled half a tray. Next time, I'll know just to order those :).

  • Review from Emma G.

    Calgary, AB

    2.0 star rating
    11/27/2011 1 photo 2 Check-ins Here

    My first taste of Tubby Dog was a long time coming. Not only had I been meaning to go since I moved here three years ago, but I've tried unsuccessfully twice.

    The first time, I drove downtown to try it and unfortunately they were closed. Their website says "till late" (which I always find a bit of a cop out), but it was only like, 10:30 maybe? So that was a bummer.

    The second time we went in, not knowing they were a cash only place. The lady at the counter greeted us pretty lackluster-like, so I waited to order while my friend went to the ATM. After about five minutes of the ATM saying "processing" (while holding her card), it finally said it wasn't working. We told the people working there that it wasn't working, and she was like "yeaaaaaah sometimes it doesn't work". OH OKAY COOL. Honestly if you're going to be cash only at least have a working ATM...also it's one of those no-name ATMs that charges like $2.50 per use. Such a turn off. I was annoyed about that so I decided to forget it for the day. (Obviously it isn't their fault that the ATM was broken but if it's a consistent issue, maybe it's time to take care of that.)

    Finally went today and had cash and they were open so I was excited to finally try it. I ordered the A-Bomb, which is cheese, bacon, mayo, potato chips, ketchup and mustard. It takes a few minutes for them to make these giant hot dogs. The store is really kitschy and cute, lots of Batman photos! I loved that.

    The food came out and I was so stoked to try it. These are HUGE. Like massively huge. They come on a little cardboard plate that is nowhere close to big enough to hold these bad boys. (Also, super wasteful. Not nice!) You definitely need a knife and fork for your dog.

    The bun and the actual hot dog part were both delicious. They tasted fresh and high quality...yum! I would happily eat one of them with just mustard.

    However I really didn't like the toppings at all :( they seem to have sourced the cheapest stuff possible and just thrown so much on top that you'll pay $7 for them and be grateful that you got so much. Also there's really no way to get a bite of hot dog, bun and toppings on your fork at once, haha.

    Obviously Tubby Dog fills the void for greasy, fatty, drunk food - and if I was drunk I would probably be in love with it! But sober I found it kinda blech and not worth the calories. Not my fave.

  • Review from Cory R.

    •  
    • 3 friends
    • 60 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    2.0 star rating
    11/24/2011

    I would recommend you go here once at least and decide for yourself if its cool or not.  So in that way Tubby Dog isn't on the avoid list.

    BUT, I always leave wondering what exactly they are trying to be? A semi-bar? A "unique" food destination? A trendo-scenester hang out? OR all of the above?! Hahhah.

    SO you can get a HUGE but overpriced hot dog with captain crunch cereal as a topping. I suppose this makes you trendily "weird" in a cool, funny way to order such a thing. Also, you can order a regular sized can of beer for about $6. Occasionally, you can see a local band play here, stuffed into the back corner of the place with no stage or real floor area.

    Mainly "alternative" scenesters hang out here, but late at night klub douches may swing in for a hot dog to soak up all the Jagger-bombs.

    I'm sorry, the hot dogs here just are not as great as their reputation, and are certainly overpriced.

    Like I said DO come here and decide for yourself, but if you MAY be disappointed :)

  • Review from Lisa D.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    3.0 star rating
    2/16/2012

    I love that they have vegetarian dogs.  They're well grilled, large and yummy.  What I don't like is how they're served.  The dogs are so heavily topped it's impossible to eat them without getting stuff all over your clothes.  I work on the avenue and so when I visit, it's for lunch.  I want to eat my lunch, not wear it.  Also, all that stuff overwhelms the taste of the dog, which is actually really good.  I get around this by telling the person taking my order to go easy on the toppings and to make sure they all fit inside the bun.  Most of the staff can handle this and I end up with a delicious veggie dog.  (I like mine with coleslaw and potato chips.)  There's one idiot working there though, with big dorky glasses who can't seem to manage this.  Whenever I order he says, "That's not the way we make 'em man."  (I'm a woman.)  Then gives me a stupid overloaded dog.  If I see him at the counter I go elsewhere for my lunch.

  • Review from Kimberley H.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 21 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    2.0 star rating
    10/21/2011

    I have been twice, and it is a quirky place with weird toppings, with a substandard hot dog sausage and an average bun.

    The person at the counter left us with the impression we should know what we want immediately when we walked in, not saying that is the case, just our impression.

    The staff seem tired, so does the environment, and the hot dogs are way OVERPRICED for what you get.

    The best part is the giant tip jar at the til: for what? staring me down obnoxiously while we try to figure out what our order was? For taking my payment?

    So overpriced hot dogs, tired environment, and customer service that needs some review by the owner/boss. All in all, try another spot.

    K

  • Review from Kyle S.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 19 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    2.0 star rating
    1/5/2012

    For all the hype I've heard about this place... eh...

    The place was quite flithy and the staff just seemed very uninterested (Also looked like they were both wasted, there were quite a few half consumed beer bottles not hidden very well and saw them swig a few times while cooking.) Attempted to order Onion Rings, "We're all out" at 2pm? What on earth? This was on a Tuesday as well. Had the A Bomb dog, very... lackluster for the price. Maybe it's because I'm not overly a major fan of hot dogs or I just didn't "get" what makes Tubby Dog so popular, it's a shame. I did want to enjoy visiting after hearing so much but... this was a disappointment.

  • Review from Éva B.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    5.0 star rating
    10/9/2011

    Been coming to Tubby Dog for a year now. It's my go to for occasions and meeting up with friends. Hot dogs are more than just hot dogs. They each have their own personality made special just for you.

    I always get the A-bomb but I wish I would have tried the Thanksgiving special it looked amazing and it came with a side of Pumpkin Pie. Took my brother for his Birthday dinner here tonight he had the A-bomb to. He loved it.

    I actually like that they take cash it reminds me of my other favourite cash only venue Peter's. There's always such a neat mix of people the staff is always friendly and great to talk to. It's hard to go to a venue and find staff who really love their job.

    I always leave full but not overly full and I always leave happy.

  • Review from Sabahat N.

    Calgary, AB

    4.0 star rating
    11/18/2011

    Giant hot dogs with anything you can dream of as toppings! Such a fun idea!

    The hot dogs themselves are pretty big, and with the toppings on them, make it impossible to eat with your hand like a traditional hot dog. A fork and a knife are necessary. As for the toppings themselves, you can have chips, chilli, bacon, cheese, peanut butter (yep), cap'n crunch (and yep), the list goes on. I assume this might be a great place to end up after you've had a heart night of drinks.

    The decor is great. Bright, retro and just plain cool.

    I've taken out-of-towners here and they've thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Check it out. You're missing out on a Calgary specialty if you don't.

    18/30

  • Review from Peter T.

    Fountain Valley, CA

    USA
    4.0 star rating
    9/27/2011

    Tubby Dog, a "gourmet" hot dog establishment.  While that concept may not work in California, it appears to be alive and well in Calgary thanks to Tubby Dog. Their hot dog links are really big, as is the buns that enclose the hot dog.  I ordered the A-Bomb, the toppings were piled high.  
    Yam Fries are freshly fried, and cut in whole oblong pieces, rather than in typical "fry" shape.  

    It was unusually warm in Calgary that day.  They utilized the "Open Window" method rather than AC.

    Be warned, this place is cash only.  Bathroom reasonably maintained.

  • Review from Erin D.

    Calgary, AB

    5.0 star rating
    9/24/2011 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    I agree with every 4 to 5 star review posted here. I love Tubby Dog, not only because the hot dogs are delicious, and hilarious and made with care, also because the environment you eat your hot dogs is so great. There is always a great old movie or tv show playing while you eat and plenty of old timey video games and pinball machines for you to muck around with after inhaling your GIANT hot dog. A tip for anyone who is overwhelmed by the size of the hotdogs, have one of their classic dogs, junior style. It's a little smaller size and just as delicious.

    I am also a fan of the mix of patrons at any given time of the day, it's never just one type of person there which is great. I always feel like it's a place I can't wait to take my own kids to one day because I know I would have loved it when I was a little kid.

    I find the staff friendly and helpful, I have actually never had lousy service there which is rare when it comes to businesses almost solely being operated by people under 25. It's always a pleasure to visit and it makes my husband really, really, really happy which is always a highlight as well.

    I love you Tubby Dog, I really, really, really do.

  • Review from Crystal W.

    •  
    • 35 friends
    • 270 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    3.0 star rating
    8/20/2011 1 photo

    I only heard about Tubby Dog six months ago and somehow never noticed it, even though I've lived in Calgary since it opened.  I read Leonard C's review today and couldn't believe his comment about bagel size onion rings, so I finally had to check it out.  Sure enough.  They might be small bagels, but the onion rings really are that big and dark.  I was kind of scared to eat one but they actually are really good, so of course I had more.  I also had the Tubby Dog and my spouse ate the A-Bomb.  Thumbs up.  His bottled pop was kinda pricey but there's no doubt that everything you pay for is probably five times the calories you need to consume, so truly you're getting your money's worth.  I'm sure there are few people that leave without tight pants.  

    The retro decor is cool and yet it has the grubby, arena type atmosphere which leaves you feeling like you may want to change your clothes or shower after the entire experience.  I'm not complaining though because I'll go again to try other stuff and I think it's a novel place to take visitors.

  • Review from Melissa L.

    •  
    • 12 friends
    • 83 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    1.0 star rating
    10/17/2011

    Despite the fact that I was falling over drunk, I could immediately tell that the veggie dog ("Japanese"-style) was one of the Top Five Worst Food Items I Have Ever Consumed.  It made me long for the delicacies of Tiraspol, Transnistria.  On the plus side, the food was so bad it had my friend and I in a fit of giggles until we finally threw the hotdogs away.  Depressed?  Feeling down?  Tubby Dog might just put a smile on your face, but for all the wrong reasons.

  • Review from Mia T.

    Calgary, AB

    3.0 star rating
    10/17/2011

    I remember when this place opened, something different than pizza at 2am after going to the bar. Its got a kitschy decor and some interesting hot dog combos..never had the guts to try the Capt'n Crunch Dog, or Wasabi Dog, dont think I ever will..so my usual is Choose your Own Adventure or the A Bomb. THey onions rings are massive..and are a bit darker than standard A & W esque rings, I find they ont have much flavour. The yam fries or maybe more similar to wedges? are pretty good though. They are VERY HOT when served, so be careful.

  • Review from Justin B.

    Calgary, AB

    4.0 star rating
    11/17/2011 4 Check-ins Here

    Such good hot dogs, enjoy!

  • Review from Dan D.

    Calgary, AB

    4.0 star rating
    3/15/2011

    Tubby Dog is a gem of our fair city.

    Hot dogs, sporadic punk shows, kitsch ...
    What more could you ask for?

    I always find it nearly impossible to resist the A-bomb (cheese, bacon, potato chips ... y'know ... the essentials!), but the other hot dogs are all really good as well.

    I was surprised how good the Cap'ns Dog was when I first tried it. I thought it would be more of a novelty, but the crunch of the cereal and the salty/sweetness of the PB&J actually makes for a really unique, well-balanced hot dog.

    What more can I say?
    Great hot dogs, slightly on the pricey side for a hot dog (roughly $7 apiece), but always a fun experience and sometimes it is JUST what I am craving.

  • Review from Dustin H.

    Calgary, AB

    4.0 star rating
    2/7/2011 ROTD 7/8/2011

    There's a commercial I keep seeing lately for the Delissio Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza that says something along the lines of, "If there's one thing guys like more than their two favorite things, it's a third thing MADE of those things." This seems to be the idea behind Tubby Dog... but then again, they don't stop at two.

    I've only been to Tubby Dog once, and was subjected to a hotdog covered in peanut butter, jam, and Cap'n Crunch. It was like a conucopia of different dishes packed into one item that, short of including ketchup and Kraft Dinner, could not have more accurately encapsulated my childhood. Yet, with every bite, I could almost hear my arteries clogging and my doctor pronouncing a time of death. This sure aint your personal trainer's most recommended spot, but damn is it a lot of fun. Hell, they even had the peanut butter warmed up to just below melting, so it spread like any other topic - a minor touch you wouldn't THINK would matter, but somehow it made all the difference.

    The prices are good, the food is definitely an experience I think everybody should have once, especially if you've been taking things too seriously lately and need to return to a time of naive innocence filled (at least for me) with memories of humanoid turtles ordering pizzas with marshmellows and chocolate chips. Every thing about this place, from the food, to the decor, to the attitude of the staff just screams pure, stupid, unpretentious fun.

    That being said... I'm VERY glad I don't live too close to it.

    PS - Any place that sells giant pickles instantly becomes epic in my books!

  • Review from Wendy P.

    Calgary, AB

    4.0 star rating
    11/14/2010 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    Tubby Dog, oh Tubby Dog, where for art thou my Tubby Dog?

    Turns out they're in a handy little spot on 17th Ave. And a great stop for late night munchies.

    The first time I ever had a Tubby Dog was over the summer. It was after hours, and by after hours I think closer to 3 am, so only the walk up window was open. But being that it was a nice summer night, I ordered my A-bomb and sat down on a nearby bench to gobble it up with my friends (note: they were chowing down on their own dogs).

    The next time I stopped in at Tubby Dog was during a bachelorette party, it was also a late night munchie stop, but we managed to talk ourselves past the door just as they were switching over to the walk up window only.  This time round I had me a classic. It was just as big and messy as the A-bomb.

    I have yet to hit up Tubby Dog for any of their live events, though I've heard good things about them (bands and movie nights), so that's next up on my list besides sniffing out the other items on their menu.

    A little insider tip: Don't be afraid to grab a fork.

  • Review from Dana W.

    •  
    • 6 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    4.0 star rating
    4/4/2011 1 Check-in Here

    My husband and I took our son to Tubby dog as a birthday treat. We went around noon when it just opened and there was lots of parking out front. I thought it might be pretty busy but we were able to get a table without much trouble. There aren't many tables though so be prepared to sit at the counter.

    It was the first time there for all of us despite living in the city for many years. My husband and I both got the Tubby dog which is basically a really good chili dog. My little guy got a Cap'ns Dog (PB and Jam with Captain Crunch).  We all really enjoyed them. I was surprised how good the Cap'ns Dog was. The peanut butter is all melty which really makes it.

  • Review from Brian B.

    •  
    • 18 friends
    • 1 review

    Calgary, AB

    5.0 star rating
    6/22/2011

    Specifically TACO TUESDAYS!

    Not only is the staff rad and the environment fun but....

    These are the closest thing I have had to a Los Angeles Style Taco since I move back to Cow town! Brings me back, in fact they are sooooo good I suspect, like me, you will have to keep going back an trying each and every one!

  • Review from Spencer B.

    •  
    • 39 friends
    • 56 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    5.0 star rating
    9/24/2010

    The best thing about Tubby Dog is that it's a 5 minute walk from my house.

    The worst thing about Tubby Dog is that it's a 5 minute walk from my house.

    Tubby Dog is a great collection of hot dogs, every topping imaginable, fries and sweet potato fries, the occasional all-ages punk rock show, pop culture TV shows on certain nights.

    You can easily bring anyone here. From out of town tourists to kids under 10. Tubby Dog seems to serve anyone and everyone and will accommodate any palate (for example they once served a friend of mine a PLAIN hot dog).

    Couple that with the fact that they're open until 4am on weekends (be prepared to brave the boozy line-ups) and you have a local institution.

    One that is deliciously and dangerously close to where I live.

  • Review from Robin S.

    •  
    • 98 friends
    • 180 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    4.0 star rating
    10/11/2010

    I've been hearing about this place for years from bands who've headed down from Edmonton to play one of Tubby Dog's free shows and stuff themselves with gigantic, topping-heaped dogs.

    I finally got the chance to try one firsthand last weekend when I went down with a couple musicians. Being Thanksgiving weekend, the weekly special was called "The Gobbler": a turkey dog covered in mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, and applesauce, with a side of pumpkin pie and whipped cream. I tried the all-veggie version, with a veggie dog and sans gravy and stuffing; it was so huge, I couldn't even finish it lest there be no room left for pumpkin pie.

    After eating, I worked it off playing their super-fun Funhouse pinball machine. Almost everything about this place ruled, from the cheap arcade games to the kitschy decor to the huge yam fries to the Looney Tunes cartoons projected onto a screen behind the bands.

    I definitely don't need to eat a hot dog for another few months, but my next trip south will probably include a stop at Tubby Dog.

  • Review from Zain K.

    Raleigh, NC

    USA
    4.0 star rating
    4/3/2011

    Hot dogs and kitsch aren't really my thing, but if they were I'd be here quite often (and would probably move closer in order to facilitate this!).

    I had a veggie dog with chili (odd combination, yes, and one which seems to confuse people, but I just really like both veggie dogs and chili), and it totally satisfied.  Possibly overpriced by a loonie or so at $7, but reasonable enough.

    I also loved the old classic arcade games in the back.  Again, not really my thing, but I'll admit to having wasted more than a few hours of the '90s playing the 'Funhouse' pinball game, and I was quite happy to see it and know where I can find it if the urge ever strikes again.

    I'm holding off on giving 5* only because I think the menu could offer more in the way of higher quality topping options (for example, things like sauteed mushrooms or peppers might be nice).  Otherwise, I applaud this unique and welcome addition to 17th Ave (and to Calgary in general)

  • Review from Kaeleigh E.

    Calgary, AB

    3.0 star rating
    8/26/2010

    Heard so much about this place. I used to walk by it all the time and at night it's a bit of a party spot where all the hipsters hang out so I never went in because I would get stared down as I passed by.
    However one of my friends is a firm believer in Tubby Dog and took me here one day after a long exhausting day of shopping.

    The hotdog itself is great quality. Lean, not greasy, nice flavour.
    However the toppings are too much. I got the one with chilli and cheese. The chilli is nothing great. It's actually kind of gross. The cheese tastes like it hasn't been properly fridged and was all powdery.

    I also tried hers, the one with PB+J and captain crunch cereal. Not my deal. And it shocks me how they can take cheap household items such as cereal, peanut butter, and crappy chilli - slap them on a hotdog and charge 6$+ for them!! I mean these are some of the cheapest foods around right? Hotdogs and crappy household condiments?

    I won't be back to tubby dog nor would I recommend to my friends. It wasn't the worst thing I've ever eaten, and I have to say the fries were delicious!! However it's not enough for me to save this place.

  • Review from Malloreigh M.

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    12/20/2010

    Tubby Dog is a ridiculous hipster hangout with campy decor and weird toppings for hot dogs. Last time I was there, which was, admittedly, over a year ago, they served Tofurky dogs as their veggie dog - if this is still the case, I appreciate that they're bigger than the average tofu dog, but I really prefer tofu dogs without funky spices. That said...

    My dog is a stripe of wasabi and peanut butter and jam melting on top. Incredible. Nobody ever believes me, but it is.

  • Review from Brad G.

    •  
    • 46 friends
    • 31 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    5.0 star rating
    11/18/2010 1 Check-in Here

    Affordable eats that fill you right up to the top, and you'll have a gas while you're there perusing the hot dog related memorabilia and catching up with old cartoon pals.  The cafeteria tray FULL of fresh sliced fries is one of my all-time favourite indulgences here. . . but the dogs really take the cake.  Outrageously stuffed with toppings, I insist on foregoing a knife and fork (although most who are faint of heart would likely cling to them for support) roll up my sleeves and tuck in.
    The beer selection is eclectic and spot on.

  • Review from jon h.

    Calgary, AB

    4.0 star rating
    10/21/2010

    Great hot dogs and interesting decor.  Had the regular 'tubby dog" ($7) with cheese, mustard, chilli - wow - made  quite the mess...  but it was so worth it.

    They have ol' school video games, like ms pac man, rampage, and a pinball machine.  Neat old toys, and pictures on the walls.  Seating area is small.

    Enjoy.

  • Review from Calvin S.

    •  
    • 9 friends
    • 8 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    4.0 star rating
    6/24/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Best pain I choose to digest once a month.

  • Review from Sapna G.

    •  
    • 1291 friends
    • 1114 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    5.0 star rating
    6/23/2010

    I'm giving Tubby Dog 5 stars based on the fact that because of the ingenious idea behind this business, Calgary is known across the country.

    When I lived in Toronto, any time I'd mention that I had moved from Calgary, people would instantly make reference to Tubby Dog. It was quite shocking to me that Tubby Dog is that notorious, but it is! Even coworkers who would travel to Calgary for a variety of shoots would make it a point to have at least one stop in at Tubby Dog.

    With a variety of hot dogs that even your wildest dreams cannot muster up, Tubby Dog is a true gem in our city. Although I personally do not frequent it often, I recognize that it's as popular with locals as it is with tourists.

    Not only does Tubby Dog build a mean hot dog, but they build character in our city and for that they get 5 stars hands down.

  • Review from Ljubica T.

    •  
    • 17 friends
    • 45 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    3.0 star rating
    7/14/2011

    This place is definitely missing a roller rink. It's all old-timey sort of smelling/atmosphere with a lot of new built into it, like a projector which plays anything the staff feels like putting on (during Comic Expo it was a retro Star Trek cartoon) and arcade machines. I ordered the "Tubby Dog". It was... alright... but I wasn't feeling so great afterwards. Probably the grease... it's my own fault anyway. Cash only.

  • Review from Gabe A.

    Calgary, AB

    4.0 star rating
    3/21/2011 1 Check-in Here

    One of the true eccentrics of our city. The ambiance is great, kinda like a run-down dorm, and the food is highly entertaining. I usually stick to the tried-and-true sauerkraut dog, though I suspect I will one day try the Cap'ns Dog. And when you can, get it with the Polish sausage - so juicy! Detachable jaws are highly recommended here.

  • Review from Katie C.

    •  
    • 72 friends
    • 357 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    5.0 star rating
    10/14/2009 3 photos

    I heart Tubby Dog. A lot.

    The reasons (from least to best) are the:

    -Funky insides (think yellows and reds)
    -Fun employees
    -Licensed
    -Cheap beer
    -Deep fried twinkies (just ask!)
    -Old school movies and TV shows
    -Awesome old video games
    -T-rings
    -Selection of weird hot dogs
    - ***A BOMB***

    What is the A BOMB you ask? It kills your arteries with a juicy hot dog smothered in cheese sauce, covered in mayo, bacon bits, and cheese and ketchup. It is impossible to eat without being disgusting. It is the greatest hot dog ever made.

    If you are lame you can make your own hot dog too.

    If you're feeling lucky try the Cap'n Crunch. Just try it.

    I take anybody who visits me here. Best of Calgary for sure.

  • Review from dinah g.

    •  
    • 298 friends
    • 798 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 11/13/2009 1 photo

    Noticed a vacant store front next door to present Tubby dog with news papered windows and a Tubby Dog awning; this yelper decided to investigate.

    Staff looked like a British indie rock band today or like they just got off a fishing boat in Nova Scotia but they were exceptionally friendly as always.  Seems like Tubby Dog is expanding its location to create a bigger one, perhaps in the next couple of months.  

    What the heck I am already inside why not order a Slaw Dog and a root beer.  Both rang up for under 8 bucks, counter guy asked if I wanted cheese which he so lavishly sprinkled on my coleslaw and chillied hot dog.  Delicious.  

    Today the place looked so clean, I wondered if they were closing early, counter guy chuckled "no, we are open till 4am in the morning".  I settled into my booth and watched a projected rerun of Seinfeld on the wall and some animated cartoon with French music in the background.  Again a very satisfying and entertaining meal dog gone it.

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      10/24/2009

      This yelper loves a good hotdog; I have eaten hotdogs on the streets of New York City, in Montreal,… Read more »

  • Review from Kait K.

    •  
    • 26 friends
    • 47 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    5.0 star rating
    11/3/2010 ROTD 10/1/2011

    There isn't too many places in Calgary that you can honestly say give you the full package -- but Tubby Dog does.  Where else can you see a local rock band, eat space cheese and ketchup chip-topped hot dogs and yam wedges, play vintage arcade games, watch cheesy B-movies and cartoons, run into a lot of your friends, drink beer and/or glass bottled Coca Cola, people watch in the open window during the summer, look at cool pop art on the walls, and the staff is really awesome?  I am thinking the only place is Tubby Dog.  Awesome Awesome Awesome!

  • Review from Danny F.

    •  
    • 12 friends
    • 63 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    3.0 star rating
    10/5/2008

    Apparently you actually can eat irony.
    Tubby dog serves several different themed hot dogs perhaps the most unusual is 'The Captain's Dog' which includes, of course, a hot dog (or a veggie dog if you are of the persuasion) peanut butter, jelly (the flavor escapes me though) and a generous handful of Captain Crunch cereal. The staff and the patrons are largely part of the scenester Varity but don't hold that against them because they actually do serve up a decent hot dog and keep an eye on the notice board because every once in a while they will play a retro or cult movie on one of the back walls.

  • Review from Erin B.

    •  
    • 7 friends
    • 12 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    4.0 star rating
    2/19/2009

    I enjoy Tubby Dog. A large serving of heart attack isn't always the best thing in the middle of the day or even at 3 in the morning, but it sure is fun! Maybe not the best food I've ever had in my life (or even one day, after breakie at Diner Deluxe), but as a vegetarian in cattle country, I'll take anyone up on an offer for tasty veggie dogs. Or the opportunity to eat chips with mustard, ketchup and relish and not get wierd looks (everyone else is focusing on not getting 'dog all over themselves). Or wasabi and horseradish. Or PB&J and Cap'n Crunch on a hot dog.

    Come on, you know your tastebuds want an adventure after all the prairie food.

    Remember to bring cash unless you want to get suckered out of $2.50 by the cash machine in the back.

  • Review from Christopher W.

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    • 13 friends
    • 307 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    2.0 star rating
    10/15/2008 1 photo

    Well, they're trying. What exactly, I'm not sure. The decor is cool, I guess, and if you like peanut butter and Cap'n'crunch on a hot dog, this is the place to go. But it seems they only offer these crazy toppings to cover up the taste of the actual hot dog you're paying for.
    The dog I had came loaded with cheese and bacon and onions, but the dog itself was terrible. The skin (??) on it was tough and it was actually hard to cut with my teeth. It was like a poorly cooked smokie. They say you can get it grilled though, so that's what I'll do if I go back. They should also give a list of toppings to choose from so you're not spending five minutes trying to determine them from behind the sneeze guard, which they made me feel was really bothering them.
    Ah, if you're drunk, it doesn't matter anyway, right?

  • Review from Dylan S.

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    • 3 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    5.0 star rating
    1/3/2009

    You walk into this place and look at the menu. What the bloody hell you say! Who would ever have a hotdog with chip, cheese, bacon, mayo, and so on? Or even sushi fixins?! To that I say, fortune favors the bold, and you'll be duly rewarded for giving this place a chance. Then again, if you don't want to try any of their "weird" selections, you can always do a custom order and stick to your figurative bread and butter. Conversely, there's the other side of the coin where you try as many combinations as you like!

    The dogs themselves are fine in my book, after repeat orders, I've had only one occasion where I was disappointed. That was with D'Jewel's Ultrafine, but that was because I figured I can do my own dog with sriracha, mustard, and horseradish mayo (and have!) Besides, when is the wiener the most important part anyway? Just as clothes make the man, it's the dressing that makes the hot dog palatable in the first place.

    It's a relaxing place to sit in, listen to some songs you haven't heard in ages or ever, and the staff are actual humans, not fake plastic smiles. It doesn't bother me too much that they're hipsters, but some of my best friends are hipsters.

  • Review from Arc P.

    Calgary, AB

    2.0 star rating
    11/14/2010

    No doubt the decor is fun and retro.  I just feel the fix-ins dominate the dog and can't help but think that it should be the other way around.  The wieners are ok, but I've had much better quality sausages from regular stands in downtown Calgary (and for cheaper too).  Nothing against cheese wiz, chili, bacon or Doritos, it just doesn't feel right in a hot dog.  Give me a quality sausage over excess fix-ins any day.  Fun place though.

  • Review from Elizabeth N.

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    • 2 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    5.0 star rating
    9/9/2010

    I can only go maybe once or twice a year because it always makes me feel like a nap after the huge hot dog I force myself to finish, but it's so worth it. I love the look of the place, the decorations are awesome and I love the cartoons they play on the projector. I haven't been to an event there yet, but I'd like to go sometime. The hot dogs are delicious. The fries are delicious. This place is awesome, I highly recommend it.

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