A good old fashioned hot dog stand

Happy Hound

a good old fashioned hot dog stand

The Happy Hound is one of those neightborhood food stands that has been around forever. I imagined that the the grandparents with grandkids visiting today ate there as kids themselves with their grandparents. It just has that feel.

It is a small free-standing building wtih some indoor seating as well as some tables on a patio. Probably the more interesting place for a foodie to eat would be the counter seating overlooking grill area. Besides ordering indoors at the counter, Happy Hound has a walk up window as well. Very charming, the idea that people would walk up and not drive through. I saw a number of folks chatting whle in line to order.

The menu board is simplicity: eight dogs, two burgers and one chicken sandwich. Sides are onion rings, French fries, chili and a salad. Even the eight dogs are basically variations on the basic dog.

My chili dog was very good, with lots of meaty chili and the requested extra raw onions. The dog had good texture and taste. The bun was so-so, looking like something from a grocery store. The fries were made in batches and are food service in origin, but OK.

Bottom Line: While charming, the Happy Hound is not the place for hot dog connoisseurs to make a trip to because the hot dogs are not unique or special. However, for families living in the Los Gatos area, the Happy Hound is recommended for its old fashion feel and absence of drive through.

Contact: 15899 Los Gatos Blvd, Los Gatos, CA 408.358.2444
Hours: Monday - Saturday 10:30 am to 9pm; Sunday 11 am to 9 pm
Our thanks to Food Notebook post by Carter Lusher. Photos by Carter using a HP R967 Photosmart camera.

Have you every eaten here?
What did you think?
Please comment below.
Hot Dog Kids