Using a pillowy bun as a barrier, hot dogs are safely protected from environmental hazards such as open manholes and greasy-handed schoolchildren. Enjoy snugly shielded franks with today's Groupon: for $6, you get $12 worth of gourmet hot dogs, sausages, and more at Dawgs! in Scotts Valley.

Dawgs! offers a mouthwatering menu of savory links in a laid-back setting. Sink your chompers into a comforting classic such as the American Kobe beef dog on your choice of french or sesame-seed roll ($5.50), or nosh on alternative eats such as the hickory-smoked vegan dog ($5.25). Though traditional toppings make an appearance at the condiment bar, premier combinations such as the Parthenon—with sundried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and feta cheese—adorn any dog, sausage, or open palm for $1.25. Sidekick-worthy sides include ranch or barbecue-seasoned house-fried potato chips ($2.25) and a frosty flotilla of ice-cream shakes. Potential patrons who aren't swayed by gourmet combinations and home-cooked flavors will certainly be lured by the siren song and dance of the devoted, anonymous employee who, decked out in full dog regalia, stands guard outside the establishment.

Reviews

The Santa Cruz Sentinel and the Press-Banner featured Dawgs! Eight Yelpers give it a 3.5-star average.

• Their specialty, however, is topping combinations. For example, the “Ole” topping — suggested for any hot dog, smoked brat or Louisiana hot link sausage — combines guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo salsa and jack cheese. The most popular order so far, Beason said, is the Louisiana hot link with the “Island” topping, a flavorful blend of mango, pineapple, peaches, red bell pepper, mild jalapeño and onions. – Peter Burke, Press-Banner