There are few local spots that scream Berkeley quite like Top Dog. Plastered across its walls are pieces of Berkeley history in the form of newspapers, murals and posters — and this is before even mentioning the 10 iconic Top Dog hot dogs themselves.

And yet, not much has seemingly changed in the establishment — the old-school menu and iconic signage outside feel everlasting. However, this month, Top Dog is embracing the new, venturing into Downtown Berkeley.

The beloved Berkeley spot has linked up with bar and pool hall The BreakRoom to open “Top Dog Downtown” inside its establishment, featuring a limited Top Dog menu which will be sold alongside BreakRoom’s beer menu in the coming weeks.

“Everybody I’ve ever talked to has such great feelings about Top Dog and experiences with it. So I thought they’d be perfect,” BreakRoom owner August Wagele said.

According to Wagele, Top Dog’s Downtown location will open with a limited menu of five of Top Dog’s signature sausages, along with its potato salad and chips. While the partnership is indefinite, there is a trial period for Top Dog to “feel confident,” Wagele said.

Wagele described meeting the Top Dog owners a few years ago on a search to change food options at BreakRoom. Looking for options to draw people in, he found the collaboration perfect.

“Growing up in Berkeley, I’m a fourth-generation Berkeleyan,” Wagele said. “Top Dog means a lot to me and the people I grew up with. So (what’s) really important to me is also expanding Top Dog’s legacy and continuing it.”

This partnership marks Top Dog’s first expansion after closing all but the first of their four locations across the East Bay, most recently closing a 14-year-old shop in Oakland on Lakeshore Avenue after the owners decided to not renew their lease.

The restaurant previously operated a shop for 20 years on Center Street in Downtown Berkeley, but that also closed in 2024 due to impending construction.

“Obviously, it’s a staple, and I think the people that work here have a lot of character, so that makes it enjoyable too. I would say it’s got a certain charm to it,” customer and UC Berkeley student Jaden Mena said about the beloved Berkeley spot, adding that he looks forward to checking out the new partnership.