Hot Doug's - the Best Kind of Dog House
Javier Silva
Issue date: 5/1/09 Section: Arts & Culture
The scintillating aroma of hot dogs and fries invades the neighborhood of Riverview Park, at the crossing of California Avenue and Roscoe Avenue. Responsible for this essence is a restaurant known as Hot Doug's sits on the corner. Only three blocks away, a Burger King competes for attention, but this is no run of the mill hot dog joint. Inside, owner Doug Sohn lists more than just wieners on the menu, and serves 600 - 700 hot dogs a day.
Hot Doug's, subject of a short Youtube documentary and featured on "Check Please!," offers a list of celebrity-inspired portions, including "The Elvis," ($2.50) "The Paul Kelly,"($3.50) and "The Salma Hayek" ($4) just to name a few. These playfully created names best describe both the celebrity as well as the cooking. "The Elvis," a polish sausage that's smoked and savory seems just like the King, except the King's not polish. "The Paul Kelly" bratwurst passes your lips, "soaked in beer - sort of like Paul" on a date with "The Salma Hayek," an Andouille Sausage, as spicy as the actress herself.
The "Paul Kelly" comes with an overwhelming amount of freshly cut fries and a bottomless cup for $7. With the bratwurst sliced in half and cooked on the grill for ensured tenderness, this feast fills the stomach, topped off with brown mustard and a thick layer of sauerkraut. Although the sauerkraut takes up a hefty chunk of the bun, patrons still savor each fixing distinctly. The restaurant also features the "game of the week" sausages. They're made out of game meats such as elk, buffalo, kangaroo, rabbit, alligator, and ostrich.
In the documentary, Sohn admits, "Running one is more than enough." He has no plans to open another and insists you must "do what you love." The restaurant motto assures, "There are no two finer words in the English language than 'encased meats,' my friend."
The interior splashed in vibrant ketchup and mustard colors impresses patrons with its navy blue trim. The combined condiment color scheme and checkered floor gives the restaurant the feel of an old-fashioned rock n' roll hangout. The establishment often rocks a softer side of 80's punk rock. Hearing the B-52s or The Strokes, customers can gaze at the massive menu, examine the walls adorned by celebrity headshots, or educate themselves on the history of the hot dog. Due to limited seating arrangements and high demand, customers often patiently wait outside the eatery.
Hot Doug's, located at 3324 N. California Ave., opens at 10:30 a.m. Monday - Saturday and closes at 4 p.m.
Hot Doug's, subject of a short Youtube documentary and featured on "Check Please!," offers a list of celebrity-inspired portions, including "The Elvis," ($2.50) "The Paul Kelly,"($3.50) and "The Salma Hayek" ($4) just to name a few. These playfully created names best describe both the celebrity as well as the cooking. "The Elvis," a polish sausage that's smoked and savory seems just like the King, except the King's not polish. "The Paul Kelly" bratwurst passes your lips, "soaked in beer - sort of like Paul" on a date with "The Salma Hayek," an Andouille Sausage, as spicy as the actress herself.
The "Paul Kelly" comes with an overwhelming amount of freshly cut fries and a bottomless cup for $7. With the bratwurst sliced in half and cooked on the grill for ensured tenderness, this feast fills the stomach, topped off with brown mustard and a thick layer of sauerkraut. Although the sauerkraut takes up a hefty chunk of the bun, patrons still savor each fixing distinctly. The restaurant also features the "game of the week" sausages. They're made out of game meats such as elk, buffalo, kangaroo, rabbit, alligator, and ostrich.
In the documentary, Sohn admits, "Running one is more than enough." He has no plans to open another and insists you must "do what you love." The restaurant motto assures, "There are no two finer words in the English language than 'encased meats,' my friend."
The interior splashed in vibrant ketchup and mustard colors impresses patrons with its navy blue trim. The combined condiment color scheme and checkered floor gives the restaurant the feel of an old-fashioned rock n' roll hangout. The establishment often rocks a softer side of 80's punk rock. Hearing the B-52s or The Strokes, customers can gaze at the massive menu, examine the walls adorned by celebrity headshots, or educate themselves on the history of the hot dog. Due to limited seating arrangements and high demand, customers often patiently wait outside the eatery.
Hot Doug's, located at 3324 N. California Ave., opens at 10:30 a.m. Monday - Saturday and closes at 4 p.m.
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