Hot Diggity Dog

Hot diggity dog, it's summertime, and the living is easy—well, maybe easier.

Cooking can be done outdoors on the grill. There are no frills—just simple foods that cook up nicely. Whether they're charred or lightly grilled is up to you.

And what says warm weather better than hot dogs and a beer? Whether you like your dogs served New York-style, or loaded with everything under the sun, or with only a dab of mustard, we've got you covered.

Here are our picks for the best places to grab a hot dog around town. Oh, and we got a little creative—or, as we in Patchland call it, "Patchy"—with this good-looking dog. It was created and photographed by one of our editors, Fay Abrahamsson.

1. : You can't beat the price of a dog and soda (with free refill) for $1.50 plus tax at either Costco stores in Laguna Niguel. The condiment bar has onions,  ketchup, relish and, of course, mustard.

2. Yeah, we know it says burgers, but the chain also sells a few mean hot dog choices that stand up to the best of them. They include kosher-style, cheese or bacon, or bacon and cheese together. Five Guys also has a mountain of toppings for its burgers, so just ask for them on your dog instead.

3. On Sundays in the summertime, the market best known its fresh produce also has an outdoor barbecue event where it grills up some yummy summer foods. Stand and watch as the grill master cooks your dog the way you ask for it. Be sure to check the store's calendar of events for dates and times.

4. This is the closest you will get to a diner in these parts. Ted's has New York-style hot dogs served on fluffy buns doused with mustard, relish, pickles, onions and tomato.

5. If all else fails, you can sit and stare at our Patch dog slathered in mustard on a crusty hot dog bun and dream.