Despite what Pgm J. wrote, that particular Top Dog franchise was new in the last 10 years.(I have worked within 3 blocks of Oakland City Center for the last 10 ½ years and remember when it first opened.) I didn’t have any major issues with it but the service was definitely spotty. And the whole point of diet cola is caffeine(at lunchtime, anyway), so having Diet Rite gives calorie-conscious folks no reason to order a soda. Ha, now I’m reviewing closed businesses just to set the record straight. In lieu of Top/Rebel Dog, I recommend Juice Joint on the plaza if you want inexpensive good food with good service(I have no interest in the business, I just work next door). If you want a hot dog, though, well… I think you might be out of luck.
Naomi P.
Place rating: 4 San Francisco, CA
SOINCREDIBLYSAD. A year ago I was sad when Top Dog changed to Rebel Dog, but the quality was the same, the staff was the same, everything was the same but the name. So, I didn’t care. I don’t know what Rebel Dog did, but I stopped by and it is now GONE! So gone that you can’t even tell that it was once there. No signs, no décor, nothing. Not sure what to eat now on my lunch breaks in Oakland :(
P G.
Place rating: 4 Woodside, CA
Stopped in today… CLOSED!!! Bummer, Bummer, Bummer, Bummer! Not even a sign, just an empty building. This place had been there for over 20 years.
Jocelyn M.
Place rating: 4 Berkeley, CA
YUM! This place really hit the spot when I was craving a good sausage. I got the special, Parmesan Mushroom, and it was really really good. I was pleased with all the meat options; there was something for everyone(even vegetarians!) The service was also great. I didn’t catch the man’s name but he was very personable and gave a good recommendations(cautioned the cheese in sausage would be hot!). The price range was good too — regular drink, chips and rebel dog for $ 5. I will DEFINITELY be coming back :)
Kyrah A.
Place rating: 2 Hercules, CA
After longing for a quality hot dog for days, I stopped in Rebel Dog to satisfy my craving. Simply put… my craving still exists and is growing quick. I’m accepting recommendations! Thanks in advance.
Julie C.
Place rating: 4 San Leandro, CA
My boyfriend loves to torture me by letting me know when he hits up Top Dog on his lunch break. So I hit up the artist formerly known as Oakland City Center’s Top Dog(there’s a piece of blank white paper taped over the old logo but you can see a corner of it still) with my daughter. She enjoyed chicken apple while I devoured the Bird Dog. Great tasting $ 3 dogs. That huge roll made me skeptical at first but I ate most of it. I probably wouldn’t order a drink next time because it was the size of a Big Gulp.
Lauren O.
Place rating: 4 Winter Garden, FL
I really love this place! $ 3 dogs, cash only(there’s an ATM a few doors down) — OR you can purchase them uncooked in packs of 6 for $ 10, including buns! Living in Downtown Oakland can kind of be a pain as far as grocery shopping goes — we pretty much have Smart & Final, then a bunch of small businesses, so being able to go here and pick up a bunch of sausages for a cookout was really great, and a good value. The guy who works there is super friendly as well. My favorites are the German(beef, pork, fresh garlic — tastes like a really freaking delicious hot dog) and the Calabrese(all pork, paprika, chili, fennel, semi-hot — tastes like a great, juicy italian sausage). They don’t do regular hotdog buns, but more like flat sub rolls… they’re really tasty though!
Ruthie V.
Place rating: 2 San Jose, CA
My cousin took me here because we both were in the mood for a hot dog. That’s the thing about hot dogs, they are bad for you but sometimes you get a hankering for them. I was happy that there was one in City Center and this would be my come to place. The excitement didnt’ last long because my hot dog was on a big roll and not a hot dog bun, they don’t use buns made for hot dogs. I was more than disappointed and only at the weiner.
Vincent K.
Place rating: 4 Sacramento, CA
Supposedly the old Top Dog… but what’s the difference? NOTHING it seems You can still come here for your $ 3 dogs from an extensive list. I went with the bockwurst… delicious. And some bratwurst, which was ok. The roll in which they throw it in is on the harder side, but for the fast service and nice selection, I’m definitely a fan. Better than getting a nathan’s off a hot dog cart off the street, I’d say.
Victor G.
Place rating: 4 Oakland, CA
this Top Dog is now Rebel Dog. also everything looks the same. except the name«top dog» is whited out on the outside. and they have a different meat supplier: saag’s menu: 14 kinds of dogs(3) with the works, no tax eats: bratwurst: 100% pork with majoram –first time eating this dog so wasn’t used to it, kind of bland taste. crumbs: –same fast service –no seating –cash only