About a month ago, I was listening to Louisiana Eats on NPR and heard an interview with the owner of the soon to be open gourmet hot dog joint, Dat Dog. After hearing the interview, I COULD NOT WAIT for it to open!
Dat Dog's owner, Skip Murray, spent time in Europe schlepping gourmet dogs and sausages and has now brought them back to his home turf, New Orleans. This is no ordinary hot dog stand, folks. This is THE BEST.
The interior is small but that doesn't matter because what you're there for are the incredible dogs. There are a few seats along one side of the room but they're likely to be full since everybody wants a piece of the action. Luckily, dogs are a classic street food and were made for mobility.
The menu is simple, two types of German wieners (pork or beef) and seven imported sausages:
- Polish Kielbasa (From Poland)
- Slovenian Sausage (From Slovenia)
- German Smoked Bratwurst (From Germany)
- Louisiana Hot Sausage (From Harahan)
- Louisiana Smoked Sausage (From Jefferson Parish)
- Alligator Sausage (From the Bayou)
- Crawfish Sausage (From the Swamp)
I also love the simplicity of the pricing; pay one price for the dog (about $5-$6) and get whatever toppings your heart desires. And, oh, there are some great toppings! Check out their menu for a list of toppings and sides.
I opted for the Polish Kielbasa and was very happy, to say the least. This being my first trip, I kept the toppings simple and classic: mustard, onion and cheddar cheese. DELISH! The dog was hot, incredibly juicy and perfectly grilled. Unfortunately, the day we were there the shop was out of their much talked about sour dough buns. Regardless, this was ONE HELL OF A DOG! ...my mouth is watering just writing about it.
My eating companion chose the Slovenian Sausage with a similar slathering of toppings, minus the cheese. Have you ever had sausage from Slovenia? I sure haven't, and certainly can't wait to! The selection here is so unique, it just begs you for a repeat visit.
I know I can't wait to get back there and try one of everything on the menu... well, okay, maybe TWO of everything on the menu. Get yourself over to Dat Dog, 5031 Freret St. as soon as possible.
BTW, I don't know if it's permanent but for now they are a cash only establishment.
So yummy! I can't wait to try the rest of the Menu
ReplyDelete!
Ok, stopped by this unusual place. New Orleans is not known for its hotdog culture. But, and its a big but(t)........This place rocks. This has to be the best hotdog (German Wieners in natural casings) place in the South. Maybe in the US. This guy has to have worked in up market restaurants. Its quality and presentation. Crayfish sausage. Alligator sausage, Smoked Brats on somekind of really unusual bread. Seems they steam the bun then toast the top. Real cheese!!!! Not cheese goo.
ReplyDeleteOk, that's it. What the hell is this place doing in New Orleans. Your guess is as good as mine.
Nice looking blog, Beth M. I just did one with a similar layout but yours has way more punch.
ReplyDeleteFYI, I came here by way of Google image search, looking for a good picture of Slovenian sausage for my next posting, but you have covered it very well.