The Appleton Cafe rarely disappoints. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or a quick cup of coffee on the go. Highlights include Wednesday's Hamburgers and the mostly-daily cupcakes. This down-to-earth gourmet sandwich shop in the South End offers up super-fresh soups and delicious prepared foods. Their sandwiches ($7-8) are inventive, like the Empire, which is stuffed with roast beef, caramelized onions, chevre cheese, and roasted red peppers, and are offered on a variety of breads or wraps. If you are not in mood for lunch, try their fabulous muffins. They were named Best of Boston in 2003. Appleton has a strong neighborhood pull and is a South End staple. Far different than the chains and trendy eateries of Copley Square, this place is worth the trip after a long, hard day of shopping. Also, be sure to check out all the other goodies that the Appleton Bakery has lining it's shelves. Gifts and treats, as well as basic grocery items can be found at the bakery. So, whether you need to do some christmas shopping, or need a quart of milk, make sure to stop by. Currently the Bakery has a convoluted but useful special for regular lunchers - buy a sandwich on Thursday or Friday, bring in your receipt Monday or Tuesday and get a sandwich for 1/2 price.

For those who have a craving for a Nathan’s hot dog but can’t make it to Coney Island, Spike’s Junkyard Dogs is the next best thing. At Spike’s, it’s all about the toppings—with a separate table dedicated to everything from Sauerkraut to relish to various types of mustards. Each concoction has a clever dog-themed name—everything from the Junkyard Dog to The Mutt (a plain dog on a roll) Non-meat eaters rave about their veggie hot dogs. And fry enthusiasts love their curly Poodle fries topped with cheese. Super cheap and really filling. The buffalo dogs and grinder dogs can't be beat!! Worth every gut busting calorie that's in these things. Also, if you aren't that tough and want "hot" ask for Buffalo and not "hot" sauce (You'll get the Spike's "freakin hot" sauce). -Buns-toasty and amazing. they don't get soggy and encompass the entire hot dog for maximum bunnery -Hot dog (meat)-not overly spiced, so you're not burping up hot dog breath for the next 15 hours -Hot dog (veggie)-flavorful and filling. You won't miss meat (if you do) and if you don't miss meat, then you'll just feel warm and fuzzy on the inside. -The service is awesome. I mean, how could you NOT be happy slinging hot dogs all day, but these dudes are funny and hilarious

Finally open in the Back Bay and serving up many a crazy dog, with a bevvy of outlandish toppings. Though the do not encourage the consumption of man's best friend, their menu is set up so various combinations of toppings are named after different kinds of dogs, such as the Irish Setter, Bulldog, etc. Sofas, magazines, and a plasma TV are provided for your relaxation while you enjoy their wide variety of hot dogs. Franchise opportunities available.

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From their website: The BostonWaterfront comes to life July 3, 2008 with the opening of The “D” Street Café on the South Boston Waterfront. Boston's newest and best location for fun casual fare! Located at 600 D Street on South Boston’s Maritime Park, the “D” Street Café is a casual serve 80-seat outdoor dining venue focusing on high quality, fresh, fun and family-based fare. Serving such items as: hamburgers, hot dogs, lobster rolls, sandwiches, salads, ice cream and other goodies. The D Street café is more than an outdoor restaurant, it is an anchor for the new Maritime Park on the South Boston Waterfront. Hours of operation for The “D” street Café are Monday – Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 11:30am to close, Thursday: 11:30am to close. Extended hours on Thursday are allotted for special live music acts ranging from Jazz, Latin, Reggae and other World music. The “D” street Café is a joint venture by D’Ventures Limited LLC and Gourmet Caterers.

A pushcart near Macy's.

Corner of Washington Street and Franklin Street

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