Doggie Diner Head: Every doggie has his day in the Sunset

July 30, 8:53 AMSF Travel ExaminerEd Uyeshima

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Back to its former glory (Photo: Ed Uyeshima)

His beet-red skin proves he may have been under the tanning machine too long (…or perhaps it was a bun warmer), and there may be evidence that he's had some Botox injections. However, even on its solitary pole, the Doggie Diner head still looks good - all shiny and revitalized especially after his purported chin lift in 2005. The last of its line, that glorious head calls the Outer Sunset District home at the intersection of Sloat Boulevard and 45th Avenue.

(Graphic: SF Chronicle) 

Back at the height of its popularity in the 1960's, Doggie Diner was my dining destination of choice when I was six years old, full of youthful optimism and indifferent to calorie counting. Now I’m more cynical and watching my cholesterol, but the memories linger. Born in 1949, the Doggie Diner chain grew to about two dozen restaurants in the Bay Area before its untimely death in 1986. Their beloved trademark was a three-dimensional head of a dachshund that rotated. Impeccably attired with a chef’s hat and starched bowtie, he would give that reassuring, Mona Lisa smile to all of us who praised his hot dogs and burgers.

Facing hard times in 2001 (Photo: SF Chronicle) 

Now that it’s moving from a whimsical icon of a bygone era to a possible historical landmark, it may be hard to remember what a rough life this particular canine cranium had. Once the Doggie Diner on Sloat and 46th Avenue closed and became the Carousel Restaurant, the poor head faced an identity crisis since his namesake was taken away. In 2001, he toppled over onto Sloat and broke his snout.

The Chronicle reported it was due to the 45 mph winds. However, rumor has it that he felt suicidal and had no choice but to throw himself into the oncoming traffic. Like any true legend, he has bounced back and is in fighting trim on the median strip on Sloat at the old entrance of the San Francisco Zoo. Come visit him in all his shiny glory. Bring offerings like a Kibbles n' Bits quiche or a Milk-Bone casserole. Even if he doesn’t rotate anymore, he deserves your puppy love.