Great hot dogs, chili dogs and burgers. Cash or debit only. No frill but consistently good and cheap. read more

Pat's Drive In - Hot Dogs Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

The location is really awful. The eating facilities are sad too, with little seating. You might have to eat leaning over the hood of your car. The dogs are cheap Bar-S or Farmer John's type junk. So why four stars? I really like the chili sauce. I buy it in bulk and bring it home and slather it on good quality wieners (not too good though -- Usinger's shouldn't be ruined with hot dog sauce), fresh onions, good buns -- you get it. Here's a tip: They require advanced notice to buy jugs of chili. However, you can order several bowls of chili that are about 8 oz each on the spot, and get the same thing. And, if you do the math, it's cheaper. read more

After hiking seven miles to Wasson Peak, I was craving some Pat's and decided to stop by. I will admit they have some cheap tasty chili dogs and awful fries, but when they want to charge me a dollar to use my debit card - THEY CAN SUCK IT!!! REALLY? It's 2011. Unless you are a gangsta or some tax evader getting paid under the table in cash....who freakin carries cash around all the time? I don't. Even BK and Guero Canelo take debit. SO, instead of making an extra convenience buck, they just lost a $5 sale. Not a good business model. I'm going to get some Wolf brand chili and make the same thing at home. read more

Not sure what all the hype is about, this place is the worst. Took my hubby here got the special 4 hamburgers and fries for $8.60. The burgers were dry and tasted like rubber. I could of let it pass if they at least had some flavor to them. The fries were limp and soggy warm at best. Not sure why everyone likes this place but we won't be back. Yuck! read more

This is a relic, a place that time forgot. A dinosaur, with a dangerous parking situation in a sketchy neighborhood and you had better bring cash. If it was on a busier street in a faster-paced neighborhood, it would have been eaten by the chains. Perhaps. But they have the old-school flavored flattop fried burgers of my earliest memories, fantastic nasty-ass chili dogs with a great following, and the bestest fries you can find outside of the Benelux border countries. The fries are worth the trip alone. And for $8.40 you get a shoebox full of them and FOUR BURGERS. Suck it, Five Guys. read more

Super secret Tucson awesomeness! Coming from Detroit - home of Coney Island hot dogs (before you New Yorkers jump down my throat on this, look it up and read the history) - I am always on the lookout for good chili dogs and Pat's delivers the goods. I'm not saying it's Coney - Pat's is uniquely Southwestern. The chili comes either mild or hot (get the hot) and is more of a red sauce with beans. It is dangerously addictive and it's therefore easy to order too much, which is why they helpfully suggest taking a sack home with you. Another favorite is the Big Pat burger. Pure and simple griddle burger that makes me think that if In-and-Out were all it's cracked up to be, this is what their burgers would be like. I don't get the fries because they're shoestring and I prefer thicker, but they have a strong fanbase due to their being fresh cut. The place is hidden on Grande which no one ever drives down unless they live around there or they know the area. That's probably why you've never seen the place. The building is an older-than-dirt drive-up with walk-up window ordering. It is the best kind of dive and its popularity becomes apparent immediately. This is the kind of place you would fondly remember going to after Little League games and is considered by many to be a local landmark. read more

I was talked into going here by a friend, and we're so much better friends because of it. Pat's has the perfect balance of how much food you're getting, the price you pay for it, and the quality it is - probably even higher. We scored - and didn't even finish - the family special. I would have never thought I could enjoy boiled hot dogs (the only downside) so much. The bun is nice and soft, they slam some mustard and onions beneath the chili, and the combo is awesome. The chili itself is incredible. I had both the regular and hot, and if you can handle the spice you really need only the hot chili to satisfy. And if you need some greasy fries, look no further. They're fresh, delicious, and are a great side with the dogs. One last note. Their character/mascot seriously looks like the offspring of the wienerschnitzel hot dog guy and the Pillsbury Dough Boy. read more

Bring cash or debit. Credit cards not accepted. Shaded parking (the drive-in part), limited outside seating, and yes there is indoor seating. Order at the window. Pay when your order is ready -- cash or debit. Chili, chili dogs, chili burgers and chili by the gallon are featured menu items. "Family pack" of four dogs + giant batch of fries, or two burgers and fries for less than $10. Chili dogs in a soft bun and we could eat the dogs without knife and fork (not true for chili dogs everywhere). Note: The mild chili is VERY mild. If you like any kind of spicy, don't do the mild. The onion rings were deemed to be excellent. Fries are not crisp, but obviously fresh cut, and initially VERY hot. Also, my dogs thought they were excellent. "Sun tea" tasted in fact like iced sun tea. Excellent and refreshing. A bit of a dive, but clean, orderly, efficient -- the staff take their work seriously. Not vegan friendly. read more

Nothing to write home about. First the good: Less than $2 for a chili dog. Drinks are served with crushed ice (which I love). Place seemed fairly clean. Service was quick. The bad: For anyone who says the chili dogs are the best ever probably never had a real chili dog. It's a basic hot dog and bun. I chose the 'hot' chili over the not-hot and it did have a bite to it. But its just pinto beans, onions and sauce. So if you're looking for a meaty flavorful chili dog, you'll be disappointed. The onion rings were hot but tasteless. I ordered two chili dogs, onion rings and a medium drink: tab came to $9.37. So cheap? I don't think so. Also, bring cash or get charged an additional $1 for using their debit system. No credit cards accepted. I came, I tried it, I won't be back. I knew I should've stopped by one of the many other mexican food joints in the neighborhood. Oh well. Lesson learned. read more

If you are from Tucson and are craving a hot dog, you're probably thinking about Sonoran Style Hot Dogs from the likes of BK and El Guero Canelo. You probably think a good ol' fashioned chili dog does'nt exist in this town. Well my friends, I bring you great news! Pat's is here to fill the void! Pat's isn't exactly new to Tucson, their sign bragging that they've been serving Tucson for over 30 years! When we went, we both ordered a chili dog, and a chili burger, both with the HOT chili. We also split a box of fries. Let's start with the pros. The chili is FANTASTIC! Just a little bit of a kick that I can't see being too spicy for anybody. I highly recommend going with the hot chili. The fries are just as good! They are fresh cut and left to you to salt for yourself! I personally loved them plain, as will anybody who is a connoisseur of fried spuds. Oh and don't forget about the price! This place gives you a lot for a very modest price! Unfortunately every place has its cons, and Pat's has its share. The hamburgers are tiny, comparable in size to what you would get off the dollar menu at Mcdonald's. The chili was the only saving grace for the burger. They also do use cheap hot dogs, but in my opinion "A hot dog is a fricken hot dog!" It certainly didn't taste bad smothered in chili! Last, and the ultimately most tragic (in my opinion anyway), no free refills! They do have a different type of burger on the menu, I believe it's called "Pat's Big Burger." Next time I go I plan on giving it a shot and seeing if they pull out a better quality hamburger. Consider getting that if you're REALLY in the mood for a chili burger. Other reviewers have commented on the restaurant as being filthy. When you walk up to the window, you have an entirely unobstructed view of their kitchen. I took a very long look after reading some of the reviews here, and found nothing to discourage me from ordering. It actually looked quite clean! My recommendations for your first visit are pretty simple. Get a couple chili dogs and a box of fries! A box fed the two of us pretty comfortably. I also feel safe in suggesting you order their chili cheese fries. They only accept cash, so come prepared. Their is an ATM inside the dining area, but I doubt you want the 2 dollar charge. Their dining room is a bit of a joke, so take a look before ordering "for here." I personally didn't have a problem with it. Consider going before dark, it is in a pretty "ghetto" neighborhood. Finally, DO NOT bring your vegetarian friends here, they'll probably hate you forever. Overall, I was quite impressed. I would almost give it five stars, but the super cheap ingredients drop it to four. I will certainly go back anytime I'm in the mood for some good, unhealthy, and cheap food! Happy dining! read more

Growing up in Tucson, going to Pat's was always a treat reserved for dad's payday. I liked it then and I still like it today. The chili is the same as it always was, don't fix what isn't broke. (I recently learned that you can buy Pat's famous chili by the bucket, if you're so inclined.) And the bag o' fries...yum - In n' Out's got nothin' on Pat's! It's fast, cheap and greasy! Word of advice, take cash because they charge $1 per credit/debit transaction. read more

Pat's Drive In - Hot Dogs Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

I LUV Pat's! Our family has been going to Pat's for many years. I go every time I an back in Tucson to visit. The chili cheese dogs and box of fries are the best. Add a Corona w/ lime and you are in heaven! Thanks Pat's, I'll be enjoying chili cheese dogs, box of fries and Coronas next week! PS- You can buy the chili 1/2 or gallon sizes and take it with you. I buy some and freeze it in lunch size portions to get my Pat's fix in between visits to Tucson! read more

We recently moved back to Tucson from San Diego and have been back for about 3 months; we have been frequenting Pat's, at the very least, once a week. My boyfriend, for the first month, went every single day. Needless to say, their food is bomb. The business. Fire. Only suggestion to make to Pat's employees, maybe write down the orders customers make and have an organized line system because they get so busy things can become hectic, orders get forgotten and old people cut in line -_-. ALSO: many of the consumers would appreciate if you brought back extra hot chili. Thanks. read more

Not impressed. My husband has been hearing about Pats for years. Everytime he talks about Pink's in LA, people tell him to try Pat's. They just rave about it. Today we happened to be in the neighborhood and thought we'd try. I'm so disappointed. Either Tucson doesn't know good chili dogs or they have very different tastes. Chili lacked flavor, fries were "natural" and very overcooked. Everything was just kind of soggy. This is the last time I believe locals when they say a restaurant is great. read more

Not happy with Pats today! Not ever coming back! I have never been treated so rudely! First let me say I have been eating at Pats since 1983. I basically lived on them going to school at Pima in the mid 80's. So here I am older white guy early 60's. I live on the east side of town so I don't get to Pats that often anymore. So I am standing in line waiting to place my order but nobody would. Then some guy cuts in line and they are going to take his order before me. So I said "excuse me but I was here first" then I got this attitude from the girl who finally took my order. They then proceeded to fill three orders placed after mine before my order. 20 minutes waiting for these lousy hot dogs that believe me don't taste like they used to. If you're not Mexican be prepared to wait! read more

Y.G.W.Y.P.F. (You get what you pay for) Despite Pat's legacy as a near-ledgendary Tucson establishment, I found it extremely disappointing. I'm down with getting ghetto, but I'm not down with getting Hepatitis. Pat's Big-Burger: Two patties of sketchy beef, fake cheese, a marshmallow-like bun. There was just not much there, but very cheap. Fries: A little soggy and not quite up to par. Piña-Colada Drink: Tasty, middle-of-the-road sugar-bev. I will not be returning unless I am almost totally broke and desperate. read more

I know this place is a Tucson tradition, but some traditions I think are not worth keeping. I mean, the food here is not terrible. But it was not at all what I was hoping for. Part of that is on me, and part of that is very much on them. First, I don't like beans in my chili. Ill take responsibility for that fact, and recognize the fact that their chili has beans means that Im really not going to be that into it. I tried both the hot and regular, and as with others recommendations, Id say go with the hot. I wish instead of hot vs regular, they had only hot with and without beans, but alas, no. The burgers are so so. Very thin patties that essentially leave you with a burger of no greater quality than McDonalds dollar menu. The fries were pretty good, but super greasy. Im ok with that, but they dont last very long that way. And of course the hot dogs...well, nothing all that special. Nothing I couldn't make on my own. So, sadly, I have to say that this one is not for me. Id rather get a chili dog at Weinershcnitzel to be honest. read more

I saw a worker throw a used rag that they cleaned with over the fries and I was pretty much done coming back here after seeing that..

I have been going to this place since I was a young kid. I live out of state currently but I have family in Tucson. So when I go to visit I always make sure that I make time to go to Pat's and have a chili dog and of course the fries. Best comfort food no way healthy but who cares it tastes amazing. I usually order to go because the place is a little run down. But again worth it. read more

I literally have not been to Pats since I was a small child when I lived in Tucson. Went back recently and thoroughly enjoyed the mild and hot chili dogs! read more

See all

For chili dogs, this is the place to go. Fast service, CHEAP, and heart palpitating levels of salt. The burgers and sandwiches I've tried along the way have been pretty meh, though that's ultimately my fault for not getting everything smothered in chili. This isn't the Dish. This isn't Feast. This is Pat's, and it is exactly what it is supposed to be. read more

The chili cheese fries are HUGE! The to-go container was over flowing!! The French fries are fresh made to order. So from whole potato to fries in 10 minutes so it does take a little bit for your order. They have a sign saying as such when you order. Seating only outside. I don't recommend eating there because there are a ton of bugs. They fly in to your food constantly. Hot dogs and burgers are average size but cooked to perfection! read more

Review of food, service, quality, and setting: I've been going here since I could walk. And Pats is basically a must try/ staple in Tucson, been around forever. I'm actually not a huge fan of the chili dogs themselves but my personal favorites are the fries, chili cheese fries, fish sandwich, and pats sissy (chili burger on toasted bread) good combo plates too. I always order the fish sandwich, and always have since I was 5, it's really good. Once in a while I'll switch it up! They give you different levels of heat for your chili and it's delicious. The portion for chili cheese fries is HUGE! Charlie is a wonderful business owner has been pleasant since I can remember! His workers not so much they always mess up on orders, because they write nothing down, and are pretty rude. Honestly the thing that makes me sad is that the prices have gone up, not so much the quality, but so has the cost of living so it's understandable. The place is pretty grungy, really needs to be revamped so I think those higher prices should be put to better use. Pats I love you, but you need a makeover... Sincerely all of Barrio Hollywood, and long time customers. read more

Good food, cheap price In tucson for work and while getting ready to head back wanted a burger and found this place. At first site this place is a dump... but a PACKED dump. Parking is almost non-existent so prepare for that. Also some seating is outside and a SMALL inside seating area. The menu is pretty basic, Burger, hotdog, fries. you can get any of these with Cheese, chili, both, thats about it. I ordered a double chili cheese burger, fries and a large drink. my total was $6.87 so this place is cheap. The burger was really good, the chili tasted really good too. the fries were skinny and a bit soggy but i liked them. overall this place is legit and i will be back next time i'm in the area (which i hope is a long time from now, cause Tucson kinda sucks! hahaha ) read more

Pats = some of tucson's best! yes its CASH only but for $10 your feeding 2-4 people. (or one of me on the right day) I see other people have already written volumes on Pats so Im going to try and keep mine short and sweet. the fries are a kind of soggy style which to be honest is not my favorite way BUT grab a fork and some ketchup or chili because im eating em anyway. Yes the mild has a tiny bit of kick but give me the hot every time... Also you can ask to add cheese to your dog... doesn't cost that much more and I like it. MMMM did you just get done mtn biking? I will sometimes order the family meal for myself.... yeah thats right 4 chili dogs and an order of fries for $7.... how can you beat that? I ate here 1-2 times a week when I was going to pima west, it was on the way to and from school, right when they open everyday there is a line of regulars waiting to be servered we all cant be wrong about eating here. read more

It's Pat's chili dogs nothing more needs to be said but I'll say it anyway been here forever always rate dogs the hot is phenomenally great in the mild is as well. If you've never been here it's a must try for Tucson read more

Found it on Yelp after dropping off a U-Haul in the area. If you say you have the best chili dogs in the city, I am going to try them. Well, I tried them and... Not bad but not what I would call traditional chili. This is more like chili sauce. Everything else we tried (went with my niece Aja) was basic fast food fare. One other note for first timers, parking is somewhat perilous. Beware when backing out! read more

I wanted to love Pat's. Hot dogs are my guilty pleasure. Dives are my favorite way to ENJOY guilty pleasures. The place isn't pretty. It's an oldschool drive-in style hot-dog stand. I didn't mind that in the slightest. The menu is straightforward with no surprises. But I heard stellar reviews from people regarding their chili dogs. My friend and I ordered 2 chili dogs and a small order of fries each, along with two fountain drinks. It all came to $17. The fries were served in a paper bag, which was necessary because there were TONS of them. I had to check to make sure I'd ordered the small. The fries were okay. A little greasy, but very tasty. The chili dogs were equally okay. They give the option of Hot or Mild chlii. I chose mild, which was probably a mistake because it had zero flavor. Needed a the spice to give it something. I wouldn't drive across town for Pat's, I'm sad to say. But if I was in the area and needed to clog my arteries a bit, I'd go..but order the hot chili to give them another shot. read more

Ooh boy!! I had to try the "Best Chili Dog" in Tucson or did I? Only 1 Pat's Drive thru in Tucson...however, I feel like I've tried this food before... **There is parking on the southside of the building! Would probably be safer to park on that side than reversing out on the major street and risking getting hit** Pat's is very similar to Wienerschnitzel. It's pretty awful. Yes, it is cheap. Yes, it is not very good. You get what you pay for. They do offer mild and hot chili...however the only difference is a bag of powered spice that they just throw in the chili bin. Pretty gross. Wish I didn't witness that. Save the trip-Definitely not missing out on anything here. read more

Return trip from youth & onward. GOOD homemade hot dogs & fries a definite recommend for those new to Tucson or visiting. Good prices, but no free refills. read more

Pat's Drive In - Pat's Decor - Hot Dogs Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Would love to love Pat's. It's a Tucson institution and it's sad there aren't more places like this anymore. Pat's is one of those places people love because they've been coming here since (insert forever or some other nostalgic event). Unfortunately, you have to eat the food. The hot dogs (water soaked and not grilled) are unexceptional like the kind you'd expect in a school cafeteria. The chili was decent (get the spicy although it's not very) as was the bun. The french fries appeared inside a bag that steamed away any crispness that once might have been. They were slightly salty but otherwise tasteless. I recommend a visit to see what it's all about. Get a dog (the price is right) and then have lunch somewhere else. read more

What can you say. Hotdog stand with indoor and outdoor seating. Very simple. Chili dog and frys. Or other fast food options. But the chili dog is the way to go. Quick and affordable. Been here forever. 4 star. Well maybe not. But when nearby and craving a chili dog. Yes 4 star. But this is a hotdog place after all. Parking stinks. read more

Pats is a Tucson institution! I remember my first chili dog here in the early 80s. I swear my mouth is still burning from that moment. Today I am better able to handle my hot chili dogs, and that only makes the experience even more the richer. The chili is so fresh and so good and comes in different levels of hot to no-hot. I want it HOT. The hot dog itself isn't spectacular but it is very good and when slathered in chili makes it mouth-watering. Pats always offers to buy a bunch and put them in the freezer, and I really want to do that, I just wind up eating it. The fries are so good here. You can see them slicing potatoes in front of you and they are greasy and so good, fresh. My family used to eat at Pats a lot, outside on the little benches or in their tiny room, and hanging on Grande isn't a highlight, but it's the place to be to eat your chili dogs or burgers when they are at their freshest. I think they are cash only, so don't bring credit. Try a large pink lemonade: very refreshing. Pats has been here for so long and I hope it sticks around even longer. It harkens back to a long ago time with that distinctive sign out front. read more

I drove from Redding California for some of these Chili Dogs. Born and raised in Tucson, Pats was a big part of my upbringing. You can smell the chili a block away. I have lived in several California cities and none of them come close to having chili dogs like they serve at Pats. Ask any local, Pats is a Tucson tradition since before I was born! (I'm 67) If you are going through Tucson, do yourself a favor and go by Pats. Be sure to order extra onions. read more

I absolutely love this place! I've been going here since as early as I can remember. I wish Charlie, the owner, would franchise this and even make some up in Phx! We've been telling him for years... pero no. Anyways, their business model is pretty simple... they serve chili dogs (mild & hot) with fries and have a few extras (grilled cheese, hamburgers, etc.). Lovee the grilled cheese here tambien! There are some drawbacks: -The place is cash only, so make sure you hit up your bank's ATM or you can use one inside, but they charge you that dang fee. -Parking is limited for their parking lot, but you can usually find street parking across the street or someplace nearby -The seating space inside is rather small and is bench style so everyone sits on a bench and enjoys their food Other than that, this place is a Tucson classic! I know the whole family, they're great people and it's an honest business! read more

This was my first trip to Pats and for what it is a hole in the wall fast food place it lives up to the hype. I opted for the family pack 4 chili dogs and fries. It's true that the dogs don't have a snap to them and that would be my only criticism. They give you a mound of fresh cut fries way more than you could eat on your own. The fries are deliciously salty and greasy not very crispy but very flavorful. The spicy chili dogs were delicious the bun was nice and soft not soggy and held up well against the chili. The chili itself has a bit of a sweet taste at first followed by a little spice overall it was very good. For about 9 bucks you can eat well and have plenty of fries left over. The service was quick and friendly I highly recommend Pats of you're in the mood for something fast cheap and delicious read more

Been going to Pat's since back in the 60's and still love those chili dogs, the regular or hot!!! Their burgers, cheese or regular, their shrimp, and anything else on the menu is all good!!! But it's the chili dogs and the fries are the reason I can't pass by without stopping!! And the personnel are always good to me, and the family is great!!! read more

What can I say but this is the go to place for chili dogs in Tucson! I have been eating at Pat's since I was in high school in the early '70's. It is a true Tucson tradition. I always stop in for a couple of their hot chili dogs and a bunch of their greasy fries whenever I visit Tucson. My Uncle Gary used to swear that if you had a bad cold, a couple of Pats chilli dogs would make your cold go away. I think he was right, after a couple of the "HOT" chili dogs, the top of your head will start sweating and chase any cold away. Its a wonderful place to do a walk down memory lane. I hope Pats never goes away. read more

Pat's Drive In - One of the best Chili dogs going. A true Tucson classic! - Hot Dogs Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Sorry, I'm biased...I just love this place! 2 chili dogs, hot w/ everything on 'em!!! (also known as 'heaven') :) read more

First Time- I tried the (spicy) chili cheese dog which I'll admit I'm not a big chili fan in the first place. The hot dog had a good snap to it which I liked, but the chili i didn't think was anything out of the ordinary. I could stay home and put a can of Hormel chili on hot dogs and probably be just as satisfied. Pat's Big Burger which was pretty good. It had 2 Patties, cheese, mustard, lettuce and diced onions. It had a good, classic burger taste to it without all the grease. The fries are probably the most controversial because they do taste as if you've just sliced up fresh potatoes and fried them at home, but I actually liked them. The prices are great and don't forget to bring CASH or else they'll charge a dollar to run your credit card. I'd recommend a friend trying it but I'll probably never return. read more

Pat's Drive In - Burger had a good, classic taste to it. Chilli cheese dog was ok, Grea tfries, as if you sliced them n made em at home yourself - Hot Dogs Near Me - Tucson, Arizona