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Luscher’s Post Oak Red Hots are the creation of The Grape’s Brian Luscher, who started making Chicago-style dogs kissed with oak smoke last year. For now, you can find them at the White Rock Local Market on Saturdays or purchase the dogs to cook at home at Green Grocer, but we’re all dreaming of his new concept slated for Gaston Avenue, which will give these dogs a permanent home.
Last year we pitted The Angry Dog against St. Pete’s Dancing Marlin in a Commerce Street Chili Dog Smackdown. The approach at both these Deep Ellum spots is to go straight for the jugular. There are two primary differences: The Angry Dog is more than liberal with cheddar cheese, but St. Pete’s sources its hot dogs from Rudolph’s Meat Market, which offers a big smoke flavor. Ding! Ding! We have a winner. You just can’t beat quality meat.
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Jerry’s Wood Fired Dogs opened last year on Gaston Avenue bringing the first installation of the California chain to Dallas. The concept focuses on mesquite wood-fired links with a slew of toppings. Literally, there are hundreds of options. The bottom fell out of Scott Reitz’s Chicago dog last year, but it’s certainly a looker.
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Dallas restaurateur Phil Romano grew up in upstate New York and loved the local Hoffman brand of snappy links. And so after he grew up, he (and some friends) bought the company, then opened a Hoffman’s Hots restaurant in Trinity Groves last year. When you’re Phil Romano, you get to do that. This spot makes its own split-top buns and offers 20 hot dog options from classic chili and cheese to bacon maple-glazed numbers.
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Burger House is known for old-school burgers and also has a solid following for its house-made seasoned salt — regulars stop by just to pick up a new shaker. And while this spot has an “institution” status, a side of its onion rings with a chili cheese dog topped with that seasoned salt is definitely worth the trip.
According to its Facebook page, Saturday was Wild About Harry’s birthday. Happy birthday, Harry! In addition to its frozen custard, this spot has classic chili cheese and Chicago-style dogs, which is to be followed by the house-made custard. Of course. Plus, the old-school soda-fountain vibe is fun.
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Motor City Coney Island opened last fall downtown at 1300 Main St., bringing traditional Detroit-style dogs to Dallas. The chili and wieners are sourced from National Chili based in Detroit. Go Michiganders!
