Very interesting combo of wagyu in hot dog texture. Delicious and fun to try. The matcha lemonade is sour snd refreshing. We got #1 which comes with one hot dog, 3 squid balls and matcha lemonade. read more

JAPADOG California - Japanese Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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There are a lot of hot dog vendors around the Santa Monica pier. Japadog is different than the other ones. They have a few dog options..their signature one is with pork dog, mayo, seaweed, onions and sauce. It is simple but, tasty. Prices are on the higher end with the signature one being $13 now. It is tasty read more

What We Ordered: -Kurobuta Terimayo $10.28 -Wagyu Bacon and Cheese $13.98 We decided to play at the beach for the day and we started to get a little hungry. I popped over to the pier to JapaDog to get us some dogs for lunch. I ordered the Kurobuta Terimayo for the wife and I to share and the Wagyu Bacon and Cheese for our son. The Kurobuta Terimayo was the perfect balance of the flavors. The prices are a bit steep, but considering the location and quality of the food. I can understand. We would definitely order the Kurobuta Terimayo again and we hope to try some other dogs! read more

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My bf and I were craving a little something to snack on but nothing too heavy, honestly we just wanted a regular hot dog but came across this stand! This was like the only hot dog stand along the Pier too which was very odd. Haven't been to the pier in years so it felt different than before. They have very limited seating but that's always been the case. But the view of the ocean and all the open air smells is great! We ordered the Kurobuta Okonomi Dog which is inspired by Okonomiyaki which we absolutely love! Food took a bit but also it was busy and line was kind of long. The size of the hotdog was good and they loaded and sauced it up nicely. I think I would've enjoyed it much more without the bonito flakes because it made it a bit too fishy for my taste. Otherwise it's a great hotdog stand and very unique Japanese fusion! IG: @ammysalamii read more

JAPADOG California - Kurobuta Okonomi Dog IG: @ammysalamii - Japanese Near Me - Santa Monica, California

A great dog on the pier In California for my most recent trek, took a stop at the Santa Monica pier and saw this little hot dog vendor in the middle of the pier. Intrigued, we went over to order. The chef was busy cooking, but eventually turned around and directed us to a tablet to order our food. We get a pork and beef dog with their signature spicy blend on the beef and a teriyaki slaw for the pork. We get shrimp skewers and Takoyaki as well. Then as a last minute addition we put in for a yuzu matcha lemonade. Food comes out quickly, and we duck into the shade of the arcade awning to enjoy our meals. Overall, very good! The dogs had a great bun to dog ratio. The pork had a pleasant snap to the casing and the teriyaki was the right combo of sweet and salty to compliment the pork. My only gripe was there was a funky fish flavor coming from either bonito or nori which didn't work as well. Still really good, just unexpected. The beef dog was much less dense than the pork. The bun was fresh, the toppings were spicy but not overwhelmingly so. Was more like a spicy relish than anything else, which worked well for the dog. The grilled shrimp and takoyaki were okay. The grilled shrimp were seasoned well but slightly overcooked. The Takoyaki were not as crisp, and the octopus inside was not very tender. Not as great bites, but still not bad. The yuzu matcha lemonade was a great idea on paper but executed poorly. Was way too sweet, obliterated any tea or yuzu in this drink. We could only sip it a few times before discarding due to the sugar content. Overall though, a good dog on the pier. I would probably just stick with the dogs, get done pics by the pier and enjoy your gourmet bites on the pier! read more

The snap on the hot dog is very good with lots of juice from the Japanese pork sausage. The toppings are simple, but pair well together. One of the best boardwalk hot dogs you will find. Give it a try! read more

JAPADOG California - Japanese Near Me - Santa Monica, California

We had to try Japadog in Santa Monica because the Food Network said it was good and they were right. We ordered the Wagyu Beef Terimayo (because who doesn't love Wagyu, especially by the ocean?) and the Wagyu Bacon & Cheese (because who doesn't lover bacon + Wagyu). After finishing both, we immediately went back and ordered two more. Don't judge me :) The first bite is everything, you hear and feel the snap of the casing, and the flavor that follows is absolutely magical. It does take a few minutes to cook, so don't show up hangry. Grab your hot dog and take a walk to the end of the pier. Sit on the steps, look out at the horizon, and enjoy what might be the best hot dog in California. read more

JAPADOG California - Japanese Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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I love me a good street dog!!! My friends and I were starving walking around the pier and kept walking by the hot dog stand and couldnt help but to try one out! The smell of the hot dogs really reel you in! Even though we had plans to get dinner elsewhere that was pricier, I am glad we made our dinner plans here! We all got the kurabuto terimayo and I wasnt sure what to expect out of it. The hot dog itself was snappy and juicy! The toppings complimented it as well and I loved the mayo on top. Sometimes hotdog buns are too bready- but the buns were soft and tasted fresh! Not super heavy or salty! Highly recc to grab one as you walk around! read more

JAPADOG California - Japanese Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I love hot dogs and I love Japanese food, and JAPADOG is a perfect blend between the two. Poised as an unassuming hot dog stand on the Santa Monica pier, I was drawn in by the unique blend of cuisines and boy did it not disappoint. Each bite of the hot dog is deliciously savory and not too salty, creating bursts of flavor with every munch. Although it was a little expensive ($11) for one hot dog, it felt worth it to try something so unique. Looking forward to trying the other options next time! read more

JAPADOG California - #1 Kurobuta Terimayo Dog - Japanese Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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My friends and I were craving and LA street dog until we stumbled upon this by the pier and my goodness, HOW LUCKY WE WERE TO FIND IT. The japadog that we all got was the Kurobuta Pork Hot Dog. This was a SNAPPY pork sausage topped off with kewpie and nori. It was honestly the perfect mix with the perfect amount of umami. I'm pretty picky with hot dogs but this was thick and snappy perfection. We also got takoyaki's which were good but nothing that stood out. The person grilling was so kind and fast. Everything seemed pretty clean for it being a street dog. I def recommend to anyone on the pier. It's right next to the entrance of the park so you can't miss it! read more

JAPADOG California - Japanese Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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I was visiting Santa Monica Pier yesterday and this small hotdog cart jumped out to me with its unique asian-fusion flavors and I was hungry as it was lunchtime so I decided to grab a hotdog. The lady taking my order at the cart was friendly and offered the most popular hotdogs for recommendations and I opted to go for the 1. Kurobata Terimayo which came with a Kurobata pork bratwurst, onions, teriyaki sauce, japanese mayo, and seaweed. My hotdog only took a few minutes before it was ready and the lady even gave me extra mayo when I asked for it and that was nice of her. The hotdog was delicious with the richness of the kurobata pork brat and the onions on top mixed with the creamy kewpie mayo. The seaweed added a little extra flair that helped tame the strong flavors and the teriyaki sauce added that sweetness that was needed to make for a great hotdog. Pricing was reasonable for Santa Monica and my hotdog cost around $12. If you are looking to try something unique and walk around the pier, you should definitely try a hotdog from Japadog! Walking around with a delicious hotdog on a chill summer day is something else! read more

I had the Wagyu Bacon & cheese which was pretty good! Cool little convenient spot on the pier. I would get another one if on the pier. The worker was nice. read more

JAPADOG California - Japadog - Japanese Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I tried Japadog during my trip to Vancouver and absolutely LOVED it, so I was ecstatic when I found out there was this location in California. The store is moreso just a cart on the pier that's really small and easy to miss. When I went, there was only one employee working so things were moving really slowly and I felt bad because he seemed overwhelmed with the amount of orders to be cooked and by the people who were waiting to order. I ordered the wagyu beef tarimayo which is what I had before in the Vancouver location. The hot dog itself was really good and the flavors in it complemented each other really well. Although I enjoyed this, I wasn't blown away like I did at the Vancouver location. It is also over $11 for a hot dog and I feel like the price doesn't justify the food. If you're on the pier though, I'd still say this is a solid option to try but I wouldn't go out of my way for this. read more

JAPADOG California - Menu - Japanese Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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If you like hotdogs and Japanese street food, you'll love Japadog. We got the kurobuta (pork) terimayo hot dog and it came with a juicy hot dog topped with teriyaki sauce, mayo, grilled onions, and nori on a soft bun. It was sweet and savory and delicious! I thought it was reasonably priced for being on the pier in a popular tourist spot, and the employee we talked to was friendly. I recommend the terimayo dog, but there are a lot of other options on the menu including takoyaki. read more

JAPADOG California - Kurobuta Terimayo Dog - Japanese Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Almost forgot to write this one. We stopped at the Santa Monica Pier on the way to the airport. I'm so glad we did! I really enjoyed Japadog! I've heard about Japadog before but never tried it. None in Hawaii...yet?? It's hard to miss Japadog while walking on the pier. Especially, if you're hungry. The smell guided me right to the stand. Friendly English/Japanese speaking staff greeted us. Easy ordering and the hot dog was prepared quickly. The Japanese inspired flavors on these hotdogs work so well! The Wagyu Terimayo hotdog was amazing. The ingredients were high quality and fresh. The flavors were well balanced and delicious. Wagyu Beef, Seaweed, Teriyaki Sauce, Japanese Mayo and Fried Onions combined to make for a really tasty dog. I've thought about the Wagyu Terimayo dog a few times since returning home. If you like Japanese flavors and quality hotdogs, Japadog is for you. read more

JAPADOG California - Stop here for great Japanese inspired hotdog creations - Japanese Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Such a great fusion of flavors. Super tasty, fast service, great amount of toppings and can't beat the boardwalk and beach environment. Only down side is it's a little pricey and you'll definitely want more than 1! read more

JAPADOG California - Kurobuta Terimayo Dog - Japanese Near Me - Santa Monica, California

The price for the hotdog was semi reasonable costing 11 dollars. But I think it was definitely worth it. Tasted great with the onions the white sauce and the brown sauce all mixing together. The dog was also massive. The staff very helpful and kind. It deserves another come back if you are in the area. read more

JAPADOG California - Japanese number 1 - Japanese Near Me - Santa Monica, California

After trying both beef and pork hotdogs, I definitely recommend the pork one. Stick with #1. I think its okay to try once, but I doubt I will come back here for this overpriced hotdog. Also, be careful and guard your hotdog. A seagull swooped in on my hotdog after I took a bite and flew away with it. I told the guy working the cart and he was generous enough to make me a new one. They should put up a sign about the birds! I'm sure its happened to others! read more

I have been wanting to try Japadog for some time and we finally got to at the Santa Monica location! It is a small little hotdog stand on the pier. If we ignore the fact that we are on the Santa Monica Pier, then woohoo it was a great experience! However, I will admit it is a pretty convenient to have the stand on such a tourist heavy attraction. I normally am not the biggest fan of hotdogs since they are pretty boring. With Japadog, it adds different flavors from your traditional hotdogs. We got the Wagyu Beef Terimayo, which has onions, teriyaki sauce, Japanese mayo, and seaweed. Definitely not your typical hotdog ingredients. The gentleman that was working the stand that day was patient with us as we decided on what to get and made sure we were aware of where the napkins were if we needed. read more

JAPADOG California - Wagyu Beef Terimayo Dog - Japanese Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I had been wanting to try this place for so long. I'm sure like most people, because of the fame surrounding this place and the celebrities that have stopped by. I finally tried it with my boyfriend and his family who were visiting because we were doing touristy things like going to the pier of course. There was a small line but they took orders quickly. Since we ordered 4 dogs, I think they pushed our order back a bit because there were people with just 1 or 2 dogs after us that got theirs before us. I think we did have to wait around 10 minutes or so. My boyfriend's mom and sister both got the bacon cheese dogs while we got the wagyu terimayo and the kurobuta terimayo. The bacon and cheese dogs were what you expect, nothing too special. The bacon and cheese on top weren't piping hot. The terimayo dogs were pretty good. Very unique because I've never had asian flavors with hot dogs before. The hot dogs themselves, although coming from fancy packaging, didn't taste too special. It was a fun experience. I would recommend trying at least once but I also feel like it could be somewhat replicated at home for a lower price since each hot dog is more than $10 (makes sense for the pier). Also recommend trying to order when there isn't a line (specifically a line of people waiting for the food since ordering is quick). However I would be down to try their food at their other locations in Canada since there are many more options. Probably would have never thought to if I didn't try their cart first! read more

JAPADOG California - Wagyu Beef Terimayo Dog, Kurobuta Terimayo Dog, Bacon and Cheese Dogs - Japanese Near Me - Santa Monica, California

This place has always been a go to for me when visiting the Santa Monica Pier. This place is located on the Pier and is a little stand so be sure to keep an eye out! A lot of celebrities have tried these Japanese hot dogs, and they did not disappoint! The hot dog had a nice snap to it while the flavors were smoky and meaty. The sautéed onions, kewpie mayo, and seaweed balanced the hot dog out really well. This is a great snack or even meal when you are overlooking the ocean. But I do have some complaints. #1. The outside casing of the hot dog itself was difficult to eat. The casing kept separating from the hot dog itself which made it hard to eat. #2. Very expensive. One hot dog came out to be almost $10. I don't know if a hot dog is worth this much, but if you are trying to find a unique and better alternative, than I would come here. Overall, it was a solid hot dog and a better option than the other foods on the pier. read more

JAPADOG California - Kurobuta Terimayo Dog - Japanese Near Me - Santa Monica, California

As a decade long fan of the Vancouver spot, I was excited to find it here on the pier! Not even hungry, I got a dog. It was good...but not the kind of dog I could live without. The flavors seem more 'tame' here than what I remember from the Canadian branch. And the hot dog had a lot of snap (if that's something you like). Might give it another go on the pier if I'm there but not a must travel to destination in Cali unfortunately. read more

I am so happy to have finally been able to drive out to Santa Monica for some business and be able to visit Japadog at the S M Pier amidst the bustling carnival and vendors. When I used to live out in Vancouver Canada, they had a cart just like the one on the pier outside YVR airport and a couple restaurant locations with a fuller menu, it was always amazing to get a delicious hotdog right off the plane in YVR. I do not miss this LA traffic but knowing Japadog was there for me after my business, it was tolerable. I forgot to ask for extra kewpie mayo on my dog but I asked the lady working on the dogs condiments and she was so nice about giving me extra :) My hot dog was so delicious and brought back nostalgic memories of my wonderful time in Canada . Definitely worth a try, I recommend the Kurabuto Terimayo. It has a nice snap, it's super juicy, and very tasty! read more

The hot dogs were soooooo good. The snap from the hot dog was literally the best. The service was fast and he was very sweet. The location was so cute right on the Santa Monica pier. read more

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My family and I were browsing the pier and wanted a quick bite, luckily we found Japadog. The line was only maybe compiled of 6 others in front of us so we figured it'd only be a few minutes to get our dogs. The menu on the cart is very simple, with pictures and written ingredient descriptions for each of their weenies. After ordering we waited close by to hear our number be called. It was about a 10 minute wait til our bad boys were ready. They were hot, covered with condiments, and looked very accurate to their pictured menu. I ordered the kurobuta terimayo and i loved the seaweed and mayo combination. The texture and taste complimented each other perfectly. I was lucky enough to try my family's dogs and their bacon/cheese dog is very heavy. It's smothered in bacon bits which makes for a messy bite but nevertheless it was still a quality dog. I do think these hot dogs are pricey but for the convenience, novelty-like presentation and concept they're so great. Overall I'm very happy we had the pleasure of trying this place, they were yummy! read more

JAPADOG California - Kurobuta Terimayo Dog Bacon and Cheese Dog - Japanese Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Japadog is the only food stand I visit when I come to California! I've been coming here ever since I was younger and I've been to this location and the one in Canada. Ambiance: It's a food stand so it's nice to be able to eat your food with the view of the ocean. There is no seating but there is plenty of public seating near the food cart! Wait: There was no line when I arrived to the cart. After I ordered, the line started picking up and there was a decent amount of people waiting. The hot dog did not take long at all to come out and it was less than 20 minutes. #1 Kurobuta: I always order the #1 every time I come to this food stand. I like the teriyaki and mayo sauce they put on top because it adds so much flavor. The hot dog is very thick on a sesame bun. Although, the hot dog meat itself was just mediocre. I'm not sure if they changed the meat they use but it wasn't as good as I remember. read more

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Overall: 3.4/5 We were visiting Santa Monica Pier after almost a decade in June 2022. Our cousin came here a month before and recommended we try the wagyu hot dog at Japadog so we had to stop by. We got the wagyu Beef & Kurobuta Terimayo dogs which were overpriced and not worth it. They both barely had any toppings. The hot dogs were a bit dry and didn't have much flavor. Surprisingly, the Kurobuta was better than the wagyu Beef but both look better than they tasted. read more

JAPADOG California - Wagyu beef and Kurobuta Terimayo dogs - Japanese Near Me - Santa Monica, California

The hot dog are OK. It's a bit pricey. Overall the quality is not bad. A touch of seaweed and bonito flakes make the flavor become different from the regular hot dog. read more

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A different twist on the typical boring hot dogs and the usual dirty dog carts you always see. Quality is absolutely there. The sausage was freshly steamed, every bite comes with you trying to catch some air so it would cool down. The toppings were not cheaped out. They used Japanese Mayo so it's not as "heavy" in my opinion but more of a creamier texture compared to the usual Mayo. Located on the RIGHT side of the Santa Monica boardwalk as you're walking towards the ocean. read more

JAPADOG California - Japanese Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Looking for a quick snack in Santa Monica this is the only place you should go! Very good and tasty. The flavors blend well with each other and it's cooked to order so you know it's fresh. The lady at the register was friendly and very informative. read more

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Good hot dog better then expect med keep it up I got a regular hot dog it was really good

Oh, this place was absolutely fantastic. I was here about a year and a half ago. I finally found the pictures amongst my thousands of photos that I decided to organize for the last three hours, ha ha. So Japadog is a kiosk on the Santa Monica pier. I can't recall what I ordered but I think it was a Kobe beef hotdog. It was out of this world. Anybody who is in Santa Monica on the pier? Go here! K read more

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So glad I stopped by. Japadog is a refreshing spin on the classic hotdog; their dog is delicious, and the flavor profile of their teriyaki, mayo, and seaweed is delightful. Takoyaki was also great. With a quick service and a location right at the pier, you can enjoy a warm meal overlooking the ocean. read more

This is a little Japanese hotdog stand on the boardwalk of Santa Monica pier. I was looking for a quick little bite and this definitely filled me up quick. I ordered their #1 and #4. The #1 was Kurobuta Terimayo and I'd def recommend it. Perfect blend of flavors for each bute. #4 was a Waguyu Bacon and Cheese but I didn't like it too much. More for an American taste. They also take card and apple pay which was very convenient. The employees were friendly and also puts out the order very quickly. read more

Love me some japadog. Authentic, greasy, delish street food! Don't go at lunch because the line can get a little long.

AMAZING hotdog! I am picky with hotdogs...particularly with texture. I don't like gristle at all. These hot dogs are so flavorful and cooked to perfection. The bun wasn't particularly special, but it was pretty good and toasted for texture. I got just a plain hot dog with mustard and ketchup, but my boyfriend got the number 5. Both were tasty. I was worried the number 5 would be spicy, but it was actually almost sweet. Friendly service and a perfect meal while walking the beach or pier. read more

We were walking on the Santa Monica pier and stumbled across the JAPADOG food stand. On a whim, I decided to try the terimayo #1. It was great. I especially enjoyed the dried seaweed and the sauce. In fact that evening, I returned for a second dog. This time the dog was a little smaller and not as hot in temperature. Still I enjoyed it. Check out Anthony Bourdain's video on YouTube regarding JAPADOG in Vancouver. read more

JAPADOG California - Japanese Near Me - Santa Monica, California

The people running the stand are so sweet and efficient. Honestly, so much better quality food than I would've expected at such a touristy location. I was pleasantly surprised with the snappiness of the dog itself. It really set the food apart from the traditional American hot dog. The additional ingredients did well to highlight the base flavors. We ordered both the #1 and #2. The #1 was a little on the sweeter side while #2 was more savory. I will definitely stop by again if I'm in the area. read more

JAPADOG California - Japanese Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Japadog at Santa Monica Pier is a solid find for something different. I tried the Kurobuta Terimayo Dog--flavorful pork, teriyaki, and Japanese mayo, topped with seaweed. Delicious! The Okonomi Dog was great too but needed more sauce and the cabbage was a bit lacking. Tip: the wind might snag your toppings. It's a bit pricy, every hotdog in LA is, but for a unique take on a hotdog it's worth checking out. read more

JAPADOG California - Kurobuta Terimayo Dog Okonomi Dog - Japanese Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Oh man is this one great dog. We got a bacon and cheese waygu dog and I instantly wanted about 3 more. So delicious. read more

JAPADOG California - Japanese Near Me - Santa Monica, California