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After our disappointing foray into the world of Park Slope picnic fare, we scoffed at the neighborhood's promise of a gourmet hotdog. But Willie's Dawgs, the Technicolor lovechild of husband and wife team Ellen Lutter and Tom Anderson, may well have turned the tides.
The menu features Karl Ehmer all-beef natural casing dogs ("Mutts") as well as a grass-fed "Pedigree" beef dog, Turkey and Chicken dogs and two vegetarian options. The pair have cooked up a series of combinations--like the Spike, topped with red onion sauce and jalapeños, and the Frankie (bacon and caramelized onions)--each tucked into a house baked challah, rye or multigrain roll.
Excited by the range of franks available, Gothamist deviated from our hot dog protocol (we’re really a ketchup, mustard and sauerkraut kind of blog) and ordered the Blue (blue cheese, tomato and chopped onion) and the Heidi (sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and grainy mustard). The combinations are built on Mutt dogs with Pedigrees setting diners back an additional 50 cents. It’s a wise investment, however—the Mutts were a touch too mild, their salty flavor lost somewhat in the miasma of bun and topping. The Pedigrees were noticeably more flavorful, with a satisfying snap that spoke of the quality of the casing. Topped with a bright vein of yellow mustard (Willie’s features countless varieties), it neared hot dog perfection.
Willie’s offers the requisite sides—crispy French fries that tasted wonderfully fresh, onion rings and knishes from Gothamist favorite, Yonah Shimmel. A selection of house-made desserts, like a whoopie pie, bread pudding and a decadent brownie are also available.
Riding the 'dog' theme ad nauseum, Lutter and Anderson commissioned a dizzying mural of flying hot dogs on the south wall and a series of playful shadow boxes featuring photos of rescued dogs on the north. The place is named for the couple’s late black Labrador who, according to Anderson, would beg for hot dogs in front of the fridge. The dog’s likeness keeps vigil next to the register.
The restaurant needs a few weeks to get on its feet (hind legs??) but with a friendly vibe, a warm weather garden and the occasional gourmet detail, Willie’s Dawgs are definitely barking up the right tree.
Willie’s Dawgs
351 Fifth Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11215
718.832.2941
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Check out Hot Diggity Dog - also in Park Slope. :)
Ketchup? On a hotdog?
ketchup on a hot dog!?! and you're writing a review of a hot dog joint?
Sounds yummy, but Gray's Papaya is still my favorite.
Wait. So you wrote off all of Park Slope's "picnic" dining because of one bad burger at the crappiest burger place in the Slope?
Try Bonnie's. You won't be disappointed. Except for maybe with the service.
What's wrong with ketchup on a hot dog? Hot dogs and ketchup is pure American old-fashioned. Why do you hate America?
That Blue looks yummy.
Is this Gothamist or Park Slopist?
Pedigree! hah!
Time to think up a new name for that one dog, preferably one the dog food companies haven't used already.
What's next, the Alpo dog? How about a "hooves and tail" dog.
The best hot dogs I've had were at Sparky's in Williamsburg. They use Niman Rach fearless franks and they have a special bun. The service isn't anything special. They opened another Sparky's around Houston and Bleecker, but don't go there unless you like your hot dogs served with a hearty side of indifference.
There's something about indifference that is so unattractive in a food establishment - makes you wonder if they're indifferent to cleaning up too.
Crif Dogs is still my favorite dog house (their Philly Tubesteak is droolworthy) but the pedigree at Willie's Dawgs served on a challah bun with spicy mustard was doggone all-right.
My favorite will always be the old Nathan's Famous down at Coney (with a side of fries
in a newspaper cone) but you sure can't say Willie's dogs are boring, either.
My favorite will always be the old Nathan's Famous down at Coney (with a side of fries
in a newspaper cone) but you sure can't say Willie's dogs are boring, either.
Although it's already quite obvious that New York is inferior to Chicago with regard to hot dogs...if one is looking for sexed up hot dogs, one should go to Hot Doug's on California and Roscoe on Chicago's north side...y'know...if you ever have a business trip.
www.hotdougs.com
Seriously...duck and foie gras sausage with truffle moutarde...
...or ground ribeye sausage with Chimmichurri.. Hot Doug's is the best sausage joint in the universe.
ha ha, this ain't America, it's New York. Actually, I've never tried ketchup on a dog. Exotic! What brand?
Color/Markings: White and Brindle
Age: 16 weeks
Gender: Female
American Pit Bull Terrier
Description: We currently have one more male pup avail! If you are looking for a beautiful pet with papers,then look no further.He will grow to be an excellent example of the pitbull breed in strength,looks and obedience! He is already doing excellent with potty training!He is $600 This pup is from our dam Ivy with sire Gauge(courtesy of Gauge Pitbull Kennels) Gauge is 77lbs of solid blue! His blood consists of Watchdog and Chaos and he is is ADBA registered. Our Dam is Ivy who is an excellent structured female.She is CKC registered and is the of the Oldham Rebel Bloodline.She is black with white markings.We are expectiing blues,blacks and other awesome colors from this breeding.Pups will be registered with all current vaccinations and health certificate.Pups will be $800 for first male and female and $600 for all other picks.Pups are due on or around December 20th
Hey, Mr. Simon - you missed the point of Willies' "dog connection." The shop photos are of rescued dogs, not "bred" dogs. The whole point of the art is to promote the notion of adopting rescue pets that are so very much in need of homes.
I've been to Willies twice and I'm going back and bringing friends down from as far away as Mahopac. (Chicago, Bah!)
=)