L.A.-style chili dogs in Philly?

Here is an excerpt from Craig LaBan's online chat of Aug. 30, 2016:

Reader: I'm new to Philly. In L.A., where I come from, they have great chili dog and chili burger places like Tommy's and Pinks. Anything like that here?

C.L.: Hi and welcome to Philly! I'm sorry to tell you, though, we are not a good hot dog town, as much as some places have tried. I love Tommy's in Westwood - and its chili burger was even mentioned in the chorus of a little song I did years ago in homage to my favorite burgers. But, no, we don't have many good chili dog options here. I say that as a native Detroiter. On occasion, American Sardine Bar will do a Coney dog special Detroit-style that's pretty awesome - and I can say that because I just got my 2-on-1 fix at Lafayette Coney Island in early August. Philly doesn't have a hot dog culture like that. But there are a couple places serving Texas Tommy wieners with an almost-chili sauce. Also try Loco Pez in Fishtown, a gastropub with loose L.A.-Mex inspirations that has a lot of fun with Sonoran Dog. Another good possibility for a fix, also in Fishtown, would be a burger over at Sketch Burger. The owner also makes probably the best chili in town. Pair the two (like you invented it!) and you're halfway home to L.A.

Reader: As a child, I remember eating Texas Tommies regularly from Nifty Fifty's. Not quite like Pinks, but a good dog with bacon/cheese nonetheless.

C.L.: I agree that Texas Tommies (try the Texas Weiners on Snyder Ave. behind the Melrose Diner, I believe) are worth a try. Or try it the Philadelphia way and visit Johnny's Hots (1234 N. Delaware Ave.) and try a Philly 'surf-n-turf,' a hot dog with a fish cake. Definitely something different. Spice that combo up by swapping out a hot sausage for the dog. Add pepper hash, and you'll quickly become an honorary Fluffian.

Reader: Continuing the hot dog line - the mortadella hot dog with cabbage relish and pistachio at Alla Spina is very creative; hard to stop at only one.

C.L.: Thanks for reminding me of the mortadella dog, which is absolutely awesome. In that same vein, the duck that Peter Serpico used to torque into a doglike creation in a bun over at Serpico is next-level hot doggery (or duckery, rather), though I'm not sure it's on that menu anymore.

Reader: Love Martha for solid veggie-heavy small plates and good drinks. Have a daughter with a dairy allergy and love their options for her and a great yard for her to run around while adults enjoy food and drink. Menu is a little sparse, but what they do they do well. Any other good allergy-sensitive spots for little ones?

C.L.: I'm a fan of Martha Bar, too, though I need to get back there to spend some quality time in the yard. I like your description - "veggie-heavy small plates" - with plenty of pickling, etc., plus tasting boards of charcuterie and funky riffs on banh mi. It's more like an extensive nibble stop than a destination for a meal. But so much fun. As for your allergy question, this is something we've dealt with personally after realizing our son was lactose-intolerant (not the same as an allergy.) I've found most good restaurants are highly tuned in as to how to deal with special food needs these days. Many fine-dining places - like Laurel, for example - will even ask you ahead of time if there are any allergies (or even aversions) before crafting the tasting menu.