PicturedSonoran Hot Dog from La Carreta del Rorro

A Blog About Sonoran Hot Dogs: What Are They & Where Can I Find Them in Marana?

Anything and everything you could ever want to know about Sonoran Hot Dogs, and where to find them in Marana!

What Is A Sonoran Hot Dog?

The Sonoran Hot Dog is Southern Arizona and northwestern Mexico's twist on the classic American street food. Traditionally, it consists of a bacon-wrapped and grilled hot dog, topped with pinto beans, tomatoes, onions, mayonnaise, and mustard. Those are the standard toppings, but there's debate about additional ingredients - some places top their Sonoran hot dogs with jalapeño sauce, Oaxaca-style cheese, or even ketchup.

Although they can be and sometimes are served on traditional hot dog buns, they are traditionally served on a Mexican-style roll known as either a bolillo or birote. The bun is usually browned with some butter on the grill and takes the whole thing to a new level.

A roasted yellow chile pepper is usually served on the side - sometimes bacon-wrapped and stuffed with cheese!

Where Did Sonoran Dogs Originate?

As the name suggests, Sonoran Hot Dogs originated in Hermosillo, the capital of the Mexican state of Sonora, sometime during the 1980s. Due to the strong connections between Sonora and Southern Arizona, they quickly spread and became popular (some would say a bit of a cultural phenomenon) in Southern Arizona.

Although Sonoran Hot Dogs can be found all over Sonora and Arizona, they have gained the most popularity in the Tucson area. They're considered by many to be a "signature street food" of the city and surrounding areas. Fun fact: the Spanish name for a hot dog stand is a doguero.

PicturedAngela's Mexican Food

CreditJackie Alpers

Where Can I Find Sonoran Hot Dogs in Marana?

Marana is home to several different restaurants and food trucks that offer Sonoran Hot Dogs. Here are some of them (in no particular order):

La Carreta del Rorro (5505 W. Cortaro Farms Rd.): A food truck with a permanent, shaded patio constructed around it. In 2017, they won "Best Overall" in the Sonoran Hot Dog Challenge!
Taqueria Plaza's: A Food truck which also serves tacos, burritos, chimichangas, and other Mexican classics. between the Main Street Grocery Store (13865 N. Sandario Rd.) and R&R Pizza Express at the intersection of Sandario Rd. and Marana Main St. in Downtown Marana, open Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 6 PM.
El Bebo's Street Tacos & Hot Dogs (located at Grier Rd. & Sandario Rd. near Downtown Marana, in the parking lot of Family Dollar): El Bebo's has locations all over Arizona, serving up Mexican street food classics, including Sonoran Hot Dogs, tacos, quesabirrias, burros, and more!
Sophia's Mexican Food (located in the parking lot of the Chevron at Marana Road & I-10): A food truck which opened in 2025, offering Sonoran Hot Dogs and other authentic Mexican street food classics, with several unique offerings to set them apart.
The Blacktop Grill (located near the intersection of Thornydale Rd. & Cortaro Farms Rd.): Known for hot dogs with a twist (not just Sonoran Hot Dogs), quesadillas, nachos, and tacos, with some keto and vegan/vegetarian options, as well as traditional offerings.
La Olla Mexican Cafe (off of Silverbell Rd. in the Continental Ranch area): Mexican restaurant, serving up Sonoran-style dishes that have an "upscale feel without the upscale price".
Reds Tacos & More: Located in the Market Hall at the Tucson Premium Outlets at Marana Center, the name says it all - enjoy delicious tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and yes- Sonoran Hot Dogs! It's all made from fresh, high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients.
Angela's Mexican Food (on Coachline Blvd. in the Continental Ranch area): an authentic, counter-service Mexican restaurant, popular among locals.
Catalina Brewing Company (located near the intersection of Ina Rd. & I-10 in southern Marana): Bike-themed microbrewery with a rotating selection of beers made with ingredients sourced in Marana. They have specials on Sonoran Hot Dogs every Sunday -- only $10 for a Sonoran Hot Dog, side of chips & guacamole, and a pint of beer!

Marana also has a wide variety of other Sonoran Mexican Food restaurants! Learn more about what makes this type of Mexican cuisine unique and some other signature dishes to try. Or, check out this article by local food photographer and author Jackie Alpers that goes into even more detail about the origins of Sonoran Hot Dogs, and 8 unique takes on them you can find in Marana.