It’s high summer and summer and hot dogs go hand in hand. And, it just so happens that July is National Hot Dog Month; in fact, today, July 26th, is National Chili Dog day! So, naturally, I had to go out exploring hot dogs in the Cincinnati area. These franks are more gourmet than your typical backyard barbecue dogs (unless your barbecuer happens to be a master chef). While we did taste a lot of great hot dogs on our own hot dog tour, for this post, I’m going to focus on three of my faves: Eli’s BBQ, Mr. Gene’s Dog House, and Piper’s Cafe.
Eli’s BBQ (east side and OTR):
- Locally owned and operated
- Took me a long time to try a hot dog here because I love the ribs (but that hot dog is oh so good)
- Dogs served on toasted buns
- All beef dogs are topped with slaw, barbecue sauce, and pork chitlins
- Great texture and taste; sinfully messy and gloriously good
- Comes as an order of two
- Can eat inside or sit outside under the big tent
Mr. Gene’s Dog House (west side):
- Another locally owned and operated business
- At 56 years it’s a west side staple
- Walk up windows (eat in car or tables out back)
- Hot dogs and sausages are sourced from Queen City (also local)
- Love the Chicago-style dog fully loaded (onions, peppers, tomatoes, pickles)
- Great Italian Sausage topped with sauteed onions and peppers
- Super nice kick in the Hot Chili Cheese Mett
Piper’s Cafe (northern KY):
- Located in Covington (Mainstrasse)
- Again, all beef hot dogs (uncured)
- Walk up windows with tables outside for sitting
- So many interesting choices (we kept going back for more)
- Love the Reuben Dog because the sauerkraut has a nice crunch from the cook on the cabbage
- The Bat Masterson is the most interesting (sage, worcestershire sauce, and spicy mustard); has almost a wasabi taste; plus, dog split down middle and grilled open face
- Chili dog is a Tex Mex kind of chili made with goetta and topped with white sharp cheddar (my fave chili dog for sure)
I know many locals are die hard coney fans so I decided to stay away from talking about the typical Cincinnati cheese coney because everyone has their opinion about which restaurant is best! Not originally from Cincinnati, I learned all too quickly about that great Cincinnati debate. So, if you have a favorite place to get a gourmet hot dog, I’d love to hear about it! Or, if you’re like my dad and an all beef hot dog is a lunch time staple, what do you take on your dog?
GO THERE (Mr. Gene’s, Piper’s Cafe)! TRY THAT (Chicago-style dog, Chili dog)!
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