The Happiest Hour

While mustard consistently ranks as America’s favorite hot-dog condiment, the popularity of other toppings varies regionally (Midwesterners take their dogs with ketchup, Southerners with chili, Los Angelans with mayonnaise, and New Yorkers with onions). Belltown’s Shorty’s wisely acknowledges the diverse needs of the hot-dog-consuming public by featuring these dressings along with an assortment of others (relish, celery salt, sweet pickles, hot peppers) as accompaniment to their perpetually bargain-priced wieners. (Meat or veggie Shorty Dogs and German sausages are $3; add chili and cheese for $1.50.) Speaking of bargains, the whopping happy hour at Shorty’s—noon to 8:00 p.m., seven days a week—features Pabst and Rainier for $1.75, and for those unconcerned with budget prices, the Trophy Room back bar carries fancy top-shelf liquors.