The NoHo Arts District has been home to Vicious Dogs since October 2007, but don’t worry. These dogs won’t tear you limb from limb. Instead, William “Willy” Fedail specializes in a wide variety of hot dogs at his welcoming restaurant. Vicious Dogs has one sea-blue wall that reads, “Welcome Home!” and a logo of a pinup girl in a bathing suit holding a human-sized hot dog.

Yes, you can build your own hot dog, but trust in Willy’s creations. Vicious Dogs has hot dogs geared for “First Timers,” “Adventurous” diners or fire-eaters who prefer to “Spice It Up.” We went “Back For More” and opted for Dogitos ($7), a creative mash-up that combines the best aspects of hot dogs and taquitos.

Two Vienna beef hot dogs are wrapped in corn tortillas and deep-fried so both links get especially good snap. The duo’s served in a paper boat drizzled with sour cream and “plated” with chunky guacamole. Dogitos might not be as "vicious" as a bacon-wrapped hot dog with peanut butter, strawberry jelly and chocolate candy pieces—another option—but that's probably for the best.

5231 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, 818-707-5002