Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Duff’s Doggz – San Diego
Duff's Doggz - San Diego
Photo from Duff’s Doggz
Duff's Doggz at a glance
San Diego Carmel Mountain Ranch
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 86 of the guests
#223 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#8 American Restaurant out of 24 in San Diego
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
366
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful hot dogs
- Friendly staff
- Clean environment
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- Parking lot ambience
- High prices
The American restaurant Duff’s Doggz in San Diego’s Carmel Mountain Ranch neighborhood offers a fantastic spot for a quick bite. You’ll find a casual yet trendy atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re looking for lunch or dinner, this welcoming eatery provides a great experience with convenient service options like outdoor seating, takeout, and delivery.
Overview: Introducting Duff's Doggz
Duff’s Doggz consistently delivers on its core offerings, with many guests praising the quality of their main dishes. The hot dogs themselves are often highlighted for their flavor and variety, making for a satisfying meal.
The staff also contributes positively, frequently described as friendly and efficient. While the food and service generally impress, some aspects of the dining experience, particularly the ambience, receive mixed feedback.
Guests also note that the price can be a point of contention for some, suggesting a balance between quality and cost.
Good
7.9
out of 10
366
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
51
negative
15
neutral
300
positive
Overall, Duff’s Doggz earns a solid 7.9, indicating a generally positive experience for most diners. This is further supported by a strong 82% customer satisfaction rate, reflecting that the majority of guests leave content.
These insights are drawn from a considerable 366 customer opinions, with 300 positive remarks outweighing 51 negative ones, painting a clear picture of what to expect. The Food (8.2) stands out as a primary draw, consistently receiving high marks for its quality and variety.
Service (8.1) also performs well, with many appreciating the attentive and friendly interactions. While the Ambience (7.3) is generally seen as good, it’s not quite as universally praised as the food or service.
The Value (6) is perceived as average, suggesting some find the offerings a bit on the pricier side for what’s delivered.
What people like
- Flavorful hot dogs
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Clean and comfortable
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Parking lot setting
- High price perception
If you’re seeking a satisfying hot dog experience with genuinely good service, Duff’s Doggz is certainly worth considering. The focus here is clearly on the food and the people serving it, making for a generally positive outing despite some minor caveats.
With a strong recommendation score of 8.2, it’s clear many find this spot a worthwhile stop. Just manage your expectations regarding the setting and be prepared for prices that some find a bit high.
It’s a solid choice for a casual, flavorful bite.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Duff's Doggz
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
Duffs Dogz truly shines when it comes to its culinary offerings, boasting a good score of 8.2 and a good customer satisfaction of 86.3%. With 182 positive remarks out of 211 total, guests rave about the upscale hotdogs, delicious lobster rolls, and the variety of toppings that ensure theres something for everyone. However, not every bite is perfect, as 22 comments point to some areas for improvement.
A few diners noted issues like luke warm hotdogs, soggy buns, and not melted cheese. Some also felt certain items were overpriced, suggesting a need for more consistent quality in their food preparation.
Food
211
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
22
negative
7
neutral
182
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Upscale hotdogs
- Delicious lobster rolls
- Great variety
What people don't like
- Luke warm food
- Soggy buns
- Overpriced items
Often praised
- foodHonestly, it just doesn’t feel great having the owner of the business tell you how much he wished to sell the place, ride away on his sailboat and never look back all while waiting for a few pieces of cheese to melt. Anyways, the grilled cheese was good, as the food always is. But the experience was not.
- hot dogsMy experience at Duffs Doggz was fantastic! This cool little hot dog stand, located in the Home Depot parking lot, served up some truly delicious hot dogs that hit the spot after a morning of surfing. Parking was easy, and despite a line, the service was amazing.
- dogsAll the dogs are delicious
- hotdogsI'm so happy to have found this cute awesome place. Best hotdogs in San Diego are now in Poway at Duff’s! Everyone from all over San Diego should come visit the Rancho Bernardo / Poway area just for Duff’s hotdogs.
- lobster rollsMy experience was with upscale hotdogs from the Home Depot parking lot, and they were always delicious! I also tried their fantastic lobster rolls, and they even offer a kit to go if you want them for dinner. The loaded grilled cheese sandwiches were another hit.
- Chicago dogthe Chicago dog from Duff and it was very tasty
- hot dogMy experience at the restaurant was delicious, with quick and friendly service. I highly recommend it for a quick bite if you crave a hot dog.
- dogThe Slam Diego was incredibly flavorful and deep. The dog was cooked perfectly, and the homemade corn salsa was incredible. The Coney Island dog was also pure perfection.
- optionsLots of options to choose from
- something for everyonethey have something for everyone there
Frequently criticized
- Chicago dogNo spicy peppers are in the Chicago dog
- dogI stopped in for the In and Out Dog, which turned out to be an insult to the original. My dog was cold, and the bacon was also cold. I ate in the parking lot, so travel time wasn't the issue.
- hot dogMy experience was with an overpriced hot dog located in the Home Depot parking lot. I found the price to be quite high, ranging from $8-20 for a single hot dog.
- In and Out DogWhat an insult to In&Out.
- Topo Chico$15 for a Chicago dog and topo Chico.
- baconbacon was too.
- cheeseMy experience at the restaurant was disappointing. I came in expecting a warm hot dog with chili and grated cheese, but my cheese was not melted at all and the hot dog itself was only luke warm. The overall food quality was a letdown.
- chiliChili same
- chili cheese dogsmall salsa cup full of chili and barely any cheese for a $7 chili cheese dog
- foodthe food was below avg
If youre craving creative hotdogs or a satisfying lobster roll, Duffs Dogz is definitely worth a visit for its generally delicious offerings. Just be mindful that a few experiences mention inconsistent temperature or value, so manage your expectations for every single item.
Service (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
Service here is definitely a highlight, scoring a solid 8.1 and boasting an impressive 81.9% customer satisfaction. Based on 68 positive remarks, guests frequently praise the friendly staff and attentive service, often noting how quick to get your food they are. Many appreciate the Southern hospitality and overall welcoming vibe.
However, 12 negative comments point to some areas for improvement. A few experiences mention horrible customer service or a lack of communication, with some finding the ordering line frustrating. There were also concerns about unprofessionalism from certain staff members, suggesting inconsistency in service quality.
Service
83
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
12
negative
3
neutral
68
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Staff is friendly
- Service is quick
- Staff is attentive
What people don't like
- Service is horrible
- Staff unprofessional
- Ordering line slow
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed their great hotdogs and the really good service. The place was very clean, and the workers were wearing gloves, which added to the sense of hygiene.
- staffThe staff is always friendly and professional.
- ServiceService:5
- DuffDuff was very friendly and helped me pick out my order
- Friendly staffFriendly staff
- Nice peopleNice people working there
- Southern hospitalitywith Southern hospitality
- allergies or dietary restrictionsWe were asked if we had any allergies or dietary restrictions
- always friendlyAlways friendly
- attentive serviceattentive service made the evening feel incredibly special.
Frequently criticized
- blonde girlThe blonde girl working here sounds like she’s sick.
- catering servicesextremely difficult and frustrating Catering Experience
- commentI understand you were 20 minutes from close when I approached, so that inconvenience I will take into account. However, I feel the comment of “Well I’ve got one hotdog left and nothing to put on it but I guess that’s just what happens when you come 20 minutes to close” was a bit unnecessary, particularly following my order of a grilled cheese… not a hot dog. Honestly, it just doesn’t feel great having the owner of the business tell you how much he wished to sell the place, ride away on his sailboat and never look back all while waiting for a few pieces of cheese to melt.
- communicationlack of communication
- horrible customer servicehorrible customer service (sarcastic remarks)
- offered to make another oneThe young man working the stand took it personally and said something quick under his breath when I took it up to him and told him. He never offered to make another one, so I had to ask. 😕
- ordering linethe ordering line was only one line
- ownerHowever, I feel the comment of “Well I’ve got one hotdog left and nothing to put on it but I guess that’s just what happens when you come 20 minutes to close” was a bit unnecessary, particularly following my order of a grilled cheese… not a hot dog. Honestly, it just doesn’t feel great having the owner of the business tell you how much he wished to sell the place, ride away on his sailboat and never look back all while waiting for a few pieces of cheese to melt. Anyways, the grilled cheese was good, as the food always is.
- professionalismlacks the professionalism to operate a customer-facing business
- solutionslack of consumer attention and solutions
Overall, the service here is generally a strong point, making for a pleasant dining experience. While most visits are met with friendly and efficient staff, be aware that a few guests have encountered less-than-stellar interactions. If you value quick, welcoming service, it's likely a good bet.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
The ambience here scores a good 7.3, with customer satisfaction at a strong 79.2%, indicating a generally positive vibe. Many guests appreciate the patio and outdoor tables, often highlighting the kid-friendliness and relaxed atmosphere. With 38 positive remarks, its clear many find it a "great place" to chill, even calling it a "hidden gem" for its cleanliness.
However, not everyone is thrilled, with 8 negative comments pointing to some drawbacks. Concerns often revolve around the "atmosphere" being a "Home Depot parking lot, " with "seating" that "leaves something to be desired" and the view of "parked cars. " Some also questioned the lack of "bathrooms, " suggesting the outdoor setting isnt for everyone.
Ambience
48
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
8
negative
2
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Relaxed outdoor patio
- Very kid-friendly
- Clean and comfortable
What people don't like
- Parking lot atmosphere
- Limited outdoor seating
- No restrooms available
Often praised
- atmosphereIt is very comfortable and nicely decorated
- parkingThe expanded patio area is nice, the dogs are really good, and the employees are personable and awesome. There’s plenty of parking since it’s a kiosk apart of the Home Depot parking lot. I recommend any dog you haven’t had before and you won’t be disappointed.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Del Mar race trackit’s nice that they are at Del Mar race tack too now
- Kid-friendlinessI was initially drawn in by the promise of a great dog, and this place truly reintroduced the Hot Dog to me. The reviewer's comment, "What's more kid friendly than a Hot Dog? " perfectly captures the accessible and enjoyable nature of the food.
- boyshaving a gourmet hot dog with my boys
- candlelit tablesThe candlelit tables...made the evening feel incredibly special.
- cleanlinessVery clean
- convenient placegreat convenient place to stop
- cultureTruly great culture
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe Home Depot parking lot is not great atmosphere
- bathroomsWhat about bathrooms where does the. Ok wash her paws ?
- experienceAnyways, the grilled cheese was good, as the food always is. But the experience was not.
- locationsthere aren’t enough locations
- parked carsstaring at parked cars in the Heat
- seatingthe seating is only outside and leaves something to be desired
If youre looking for a casual, kid-friendly outdoor spot with good food and dont mind a relaxed, unpretentious setting, this place is a solid choice. However, if a sophisticated indoor atmosphere or dedicated restrooms are a must, you might want to consider other options.
Value (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
Many customers (12 out of 24 opinions) find good value here, often highlighting the generous portions and reasonable prices. Terms like discount, cheap, and reasonably priced frequently pop up, with many feeling the food is worth every penny. The overall score of 6 suggests a generally fair assessment of the pricing.
On the flip side, 9 opinions express concerns, with some finding items a bit pricey or expensive, especially for hot dogs. The sentiment that its hard to bring a "family" without spending a lot contributes to a mixed customer satisfaction of 50%, showing theres room for improvement.
Value
24
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
9
negative
3
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions
- Reasonable prices
- Discounts available
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- Expensive for hot dogs
- Not family-friendly
Often praised
- priceIt's located off to the side, so there's no traffic if you choose to eat at their outdoor tables. We got 3 dogs, 2 chips, and 2 sodas for $21.
- pricesThe generous portions of heavenly toppings were overflowing, creating a perfect blend of textures and tastes. While it's an indulgent treat, the prices are reasonable for the size and quality. Duffs Doggz is a must-visit for a mouthwatering hot dog experience with exceptional service and unbeatable flavor.
- Price per personPrice per person:$1–10
- cheaphow cheap they are
- couponsThey took my coupons and now I am very happy.
- discountyou get a discount
- dogsthey are worth every penny!
- price per personPrice per person:$1–10
- pricinggreat pricing
- reasonably pricedThis place specializes in hot dogs. They're delicious and reasonably priced. We enjoyed a dine-in experience.
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was with their permanent "pop-up" style hot dogs. The hot dogs themselves were better than I was expecting, though I found them to be quite expensive. I would recommend coming here if you're looking for interesting hot dogs.
- priceyMy experience at this restaurant involved enjoying some great dogs, though I found them to be a little pricey. The service was a bit hit or miss, depending on how busy the restaurant was at the time.
- familyI can’t bring a family here and get out under $70.
- hot dogsFOR HOT DOGS.
- pricesYou want more customers, drop your prices.
If youre looking for generous portions and dont mind potentially spending a little more for specialty hot dogs, you might find the value here acceptable. However, if you're on a tight budget or feeding a large family, you might find the prices a bit steep.
How are the prices at Duff's Doggz?
You’re looking at roughly $14 per person – reported by 86 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see that most diners are keeping it budget-friendly, with the vast majority of prices clustering in the $1–$20 range.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 86 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
For an American Restaurant in San Diego, we think $14 per person is a pretty fair deal. Its a solid mid-range option that wont break the bank for a casual meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Duff's Doggz
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Absolutely Amazing Dogs!
My experience at the restaurant was absolutely amazing! I tried the In N Out Dog and the Chili Dog, and they were fantastic. I will absolutely be returning!
- In N Out Dog10
- Chili Dog10
- dogs10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Average Hot Dogs, Great Service
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The hot dogs were decent, but ultimately nothing special. They were comparable to what I could make at home.
The quality of the hot dogs, chili, and buns was average. On the positive side, the service was excellent, receiving a perfect score, and the atmosphere was also rated highly. It's a convenient spot if you're already in the area, perhaps after visiting Home Depot.
- hot dogs5
- quality of the hot dogs5
- chili5
Visit Type
- Dine-in
2
Marginal Food, Horrible Service
My experience at this restaurant was quite negative. If you enjoy eating marginal food and dealing with horrible customer service, characterized by sarcastic remarks, then this place might be for you. Personally, I will be staying away.
- marginal food2
- horrible customer service1
- parked cars1
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Dogs and Great Variety!
We were craving chili-cheese dogs and left with an additional kraut dog, Cajun mustard dog, and kielbasa. There are so many more options to choose from to customize your meal. The staff also proactively asked if we had any allergies or dietary restrictions, which was very thoughtful.
The food was excellent, and the service was top-notch. The atmosphere was also very enjoyable.
- chili-cheese dogs9
- kraut dog8
- Cajun mustard dog8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
10
Magical Graduation Dinner at The Maple Lantern
We celebrated my sister’s graduation dinner at The Maple Lantern and it was magical. The candlelit tables, soft background jazz, and attentive service made the evening feel incredibly special. I had the short rib ragu with homemade pappardelle, which was rich, savory, and tasted like a dish from an Italian family cookbook.
Our server added a delightful touch by bringing a sparkler on her dessert without us even asking, which brought smiles to everyone's faces. These small touches truly matter and make you feel taken care of here.
- candlelit tables9
- soft background jazz8
- attentive service10
What Duff's Doggz offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Vegan options
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Catering
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and food options can you expect at Duff's Doggz?
At Duff’s Doggz, you’ll discover a casual and trendy atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed outing. They offer a variety of American dishes, including vegan options, alongside beer and other alcoholic beverages. It’s a great spot for a quick bite or happy hour food.
Does Duff's Doggz provide accessible options and welcome pets?
Yes, Duff’s Doggz is fully wheelchair accessible, with an accessible entrance, parking lot, and seating. For those with furry friends, dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating areas. You can choose from outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, or delivery for your convenience.
How does Duff's Doggz generally rate with customers?
Duff’s Doggz holds an overall restaurant score of 7.9, with customer satisfaction at 82%. The Food (8.2) and Service (8.1) are highly rated, while Ambience (7.3) is good, and Value (6) is considered average.
What kind of food can I expect at Duff's Doggz?
You can expect a variety of delicious hot dogs, including options like the Chicago dog and the Slam Diego. Some customers also mention lobster rolls and loaded grilled cheese sandwiches.
What is the typical dining atmosphere like at Duff's Doggz?
The atmosphere is generally described as comfortable and clean, with outdoor seating available. However, some guests note its location in a parking lot, which can affect the overall dining experience.