HOT DOG REVIEW in New York: Dog Day Afternoon

Perhaps the New York hot dog is going the way of the pizza and gaining influence from out west. New Yorkers know Detroit-style pizza is as ubiquitous now (if not more so) as coal oven pies and it seems like most of the new hot dog places are ignoring the sauerkraut for a drag through the garden.

For those that don’t know, a “drag through the garden” refers to all the fix-in’s on a typical Chicago hot dog. And that seems to be the latest and greatest Weiner variety in all of New York.

After Bobbi’s and Emmett’s, I made my way to Dog Day Afternoon, which continues that trend. This little nook also has re-created a nostalgic 80’s vibe. It feels very much like a working class local fast food joint that I would have frequented in my childhood. They got it all – down to the Ms. Pac-Man game and the LPs for sale.

Dogs are the focus, but there are also Frito pies and shakes. I’ll save those guilty pleasures for another trip down memory lane.

This was not the neatest example of the Chicago dog, with the soft poppy seed bun giving way to the heavy messy veggies. But as I held the monster together, I found the link incredibly snappy and garlicky. The toppings were all perfectly layered from the tangy yellow mustard to the bright fresh tomatoes, the crisp pickle, the pungent diced onions, and the unmistakable celery salt.

I actually was in the neighborhood with my friend who is originally from Chicago. I had to bring him by to at least see the dog (we had just had a big brunch). Needless to say, it got his seal of approval. And it gets mine too.

Does Dog Day Afternoon have the best hot dog in NY? It’s another example of the Chicago dog and while it is very different from what New York is known for, there is room for all and this nice example gets an 8 out of 10 for being nostalgic and satisfying.