Beyond the Frankfurter

You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each week, Agoura Hills Patch picks a great restaurant either in a town or nearby that is worth checking out.

Here's this week's choice:

Overview: Under new ownership, Big Joe's Hot Dogs has reopened and is serving the finest hot dogs the area has to offer. With great prices and inventive creations, this is my new summer spot. It's a small restaurant with limited seating but don't let the size fool you. They have amazing creations and are open seven days a week. Big Joe's features all-beef Vienna hot dogs and Polish sausages. A big plus? Their prices are reasonable.

The Basics: All hot dogs can be steamed, grilled, fried or "savage style," which is steamed, grilled, sliced up and pan-seared. Things get a little serious here! A Regular Dog ($2.95), Polish Dog ($4.25), Italian Sausage ($4.25) and Jalapeno Cheddar ($3.95) are the standard options. Caramelized onions, grilled bell peppers, relish, onion and jalapenos can be added at no additional charge. Bacon, sauerkraut, pickles, cheese, chili and tomatoes are 50 cents extra. Big Joe's has a bevy of sauce options like barbecue, mayo, mustard, spicy mustard and ketchup.

House Specialties: With more than 15 different house speciality dogs, it may be hard to choose which one to try. Be daring a go for "The Wheel" ($4.95). That's right, take a spin and let one of six different off-menu creations be your fate. Think bacon-wrapped hot dogs with cranberry-vodka ketchup and more. Stay on the path with some of their homemade classic creations like the Chicago Dog ($3.95) with mustard, a pickle spear, relish and more. The New York Dog ($3.95) is another staple topped with sauerkraut, along with the Chili Cheese Dog ($3.95) with homemade chili. I love the Fajita Dog ($4.25) with onions and bell peppers and the Downtown Dog ($3.95), a grilled jalapeno Cheddar dog with jalapeno, onions, peppers and more. Want to feel like a kid again? Try the homemade Corn Dog ($2.95), dipped to perfection. Other customer favorites include the Bacon Fry Dog ($3.95), the Italian Combo ($5.95) with sausage and beef and the SOB Dog ($3.95), topped with avocado, onions, jalapeno and jalapeno mayo.

Sandwiches: In case a hot dog is not your meal of choice, Big Joe's has some other options for you. Enjoy the Pig Burger ($5.95), an Italian sausage patty with bacon, onions, pickles and barbecue sauce. Try the Grilled Cheese ($3.95), a combination of Cheddar and goat cheese. The Beef Sandwich ($6.95) is Vienna Italian beef covered with homemade jus, topped with onions, peppers and giardiniere pickles.

Sides: Stick to basics with a side of French Fries ($1.85) or Onion Rings ($3.24). Kick it up a notch with some Chili Cheese Fries ($3.75), which I promise won't disappoint. Their house Beans ($2.25) are sauteed with peppers and onions while mixed with spices and honey. Simply delicious and they can be made from mild to wild. My personal favorite is the Mac & Cheese ($1.75) with shell pasta topped with bacon and parsley. Keep it simple with a Weekly Salad ($1.50) or Coleslaw ($1.50).

Desserts: All your favorite guilty pleasures are in one spot. Enjoy carnival favorites like Funnel Cake ($2.00) or a Deep Fried Twinkie ($2.00). Yes, you read that right. Try a Deep Fried Candy Bar ($2.00) or Black Cow ($4.50). Not looking to go too crazy? Enjoy a a simple Ice Cream Cone ($2.00).