Having just completed Humboldt’s most epic Fourth of July weekend in memory, LoCO is going to go ahead and assume there’s a good chance that you are feeling confident and practiced enough to step into the temporary role of respected county hot dog connoisseur. (You did it!) With that in mind, this seems like as good a time as any to use our dumb weekly popularity poll to crown Humboldt’s hot dog king, right? Who’s your doggy, Humboldt?

Now, we want to get out ahead of an inherent controversy with this particular category. Yes, we’re aware that if Costco was a candidate in this poll it would win in a landslide. LoCO will be the first to admit: Costco hot dogs are good. However, with some exceptions, we have historically tended to exclude non-locally owned businesses and corporations from these contests and this week provides another fine example as to why. You’ll agree that Costco is playing by a different set of rules here. They are big enough that they can essentially give hot dogs away so that you’ll be their friend. Is that fair? LoCO says no. Thank you for understanding.  

You have a week to venerate a wiener, Humboldt. If you think we should add someone to our list (other than Lord Costco) let us know. 

🌭 RIP: SHANTY DOG 👼

Best Gym: HealthSPORT, Arcata
Best Drive-Thru Coffee: Jitter Bean Coffee Co. 
Best Neighborhood Store: 3 Corners Market
Best Rural Store: Murrish Market
Best French Fries: Arcata Pizza & Deli
Best Vintage Clothing Store: Little Shop of Hers
Best Place to Watch Sports: Humboldt Brews
Best Island: Woodley Island
Best Movie Theatre: The Minor
Best Haircut: Linden & Company Salon 
Best Tax Preparers: Demello, McAuley, McReynolds & Holland
Best Burger: No Brand Burger Stand
Best Bridge: Fernbridge
Best Outdoor Seating: Gill’s by the Bay 
Best Music Store: Mantova’s Two Street Music
Best Chinese Food: Szechuan Garden
Best Hardware Store: Pierson’s Building Center
Best Salad Bar: Eureka Natural Foods
Best Furniture Store: Living Styles
Best Italian Restuarant: Gabriel’s Italian Restaurant
Best Bookstore: Booklegger
Best Fish and Chips: Gallagher’s Restaurant and Pub
Best Car Dealership: Harper Motors
Best Bread: Brio Breadworks
Best Place to Christmas Shop: Old Town Eureka
Best Movie Filmed in Humboldt: Return of the Jedi
Best Hotel: Carter House Inns
Best Place For Kids: Sequoia Park Zoo
Best Veterinary Center: Myrtle Avenue Veterinary Hospital
Best Food Truck: Pineapple Express Food Truck
Best High School: Arcata High School
Best Eureka Bar: The Shanty
Best Arcata Bar: Richard’s Goat Tavern & Tearoom
Best Live Music Venue: Arcata Theatre Lounge
Best Food Event: Arcata Bay Oyster Festival 
Best Wings: Rax on Rax Wings
Best Beach: Moonstone Beach
Best Ferndale Restaurant: Ferndale Pizza Co.
Best Fortuna Restaurant: Double D Steak & Seafood
Best Arcata Restaurant: Renata’s Crêperie 
Best Old Town Restaurant: Sea Grill
Best Sushi: Tomo
Best Barbecue: Porter Street Barbecue
Best Pizza: Paul’s Live From New York
Best Annual Event: Kinetic Grand Championship
Best River: Trinity River
Best Dispensary: Humboldt County Collective
Best Donut: Happy Donut 
Best Chocolate: Dick Taylor Chocolate
Best Torta: Speedy Taco 
Best Broadway Fast Food: In-N-Out
Best Brewery: Redwood Curtain Brewery