By Christopher Short
Staff Writer

What represents ‘Merica and sends the taste buds into a nostalgic frenzy? The All-American hot dog.

“What’s more American than a hot dog? Nothing. I’m always down for one,” said Korey Cain, 21, an incoming California State University, Bakersfield electrical engineering major.

This is where Bakersfield’s own gourmet food truck, Atomic Dog, steps up to the plate.

With a fifties flair, Atomic Dog features 100 percent all beef hot dogs, fresh Pyrenees buns, and a condiment selection to die for. The dog’s come in two sizes, a regular six-inch dog and a deluxe eight-inch quarter pound dog.

“From the look of our trailer to the taste of our dogs, we use good quality ingredients and care about every item we place on our dogs,” said Cassie Lueck, Atomic Dog founder and owner. “We want every customer to be as happy with our food as we are and strive to meet that expectation every time we serve.”

For a taste of what Atomic Dog offers, check out the menu.

“Eating an Atomic Dog, especially their Cowboy dog, is thankfully not the same as eating a hot dog in some other parts of the world,” said Jesse Roach, 23, a CSUB philosophy major.

Atomic Dog serves several other American favorites including regular nachos, deluxe nachos with chili, jalapenos and onions, pretzels and hand-scooped ice cream.

Atomic Dog is a breath of fresh air for Bakersfield.

“We provide a fun atmosphere and foodie vibe that Bakersfield has been lacking,” Lueck said. “The idea came when we saw that there was a serious need for a good hotdog here in town.”

Atomic Dog is currently located in the Pep Boys parking lot on the corner of 24th and F Street on Saturday’s and also makes appearances in other downtown locations throughout the weekend.

“On a normal week, we like to cater to the downtown crowd on Friday’s and Saturday’s. We also do a lot of events, including non-profit and charity. However, we are currently looking for a lunchtime location for Thursday’s and Friday’s,” Lueck said.

For an All-American food experience, check out Atomic Dog.

What’s on Atomic Dog’s menu? Here’s just a taste:
Bomber: A mouth-watering dog with chili, cheese and onions.
Flying Tiger: A blazing dog with nacho cheese, jalapenos, atomic sauce and cheese.
Savage: A killer dog with chili, nacho cheese, atomic sauce and cheese.
Cowboy: The dog of the West with BBQ sauce, French fried onions, cheese and onions.
Zeppelin: A high flying dog with sauerkraut, pickles, sweet relish, mustard and onions.