Pittsburgh hot dog joints

Hot Dogma, located in the basement of a downtown church, has been fighting a lawsuit from a Miami Beach restaurant over its name. According to the paper this morning, the lawsuit has finally been settled.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06297/732392-46.stm

Also, Yovi's, which has seemingly been in the Pittsburgh cultural district forever, closed down over the summer. Here is why:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06286/729751-100.stm

I haven't made it to Hot Dogma yet, but I have heard nothing but good things about their dogs. I will miss Yovi's, who had really good Chicago style hot dogs (at least for Pittsburgh) and fries.

We'll have to make it to Hot Dogmas since the Dirty O has closed also.

Oneiron339-
The Dirty O (Original Hot Dog Shop) is still open. I just called and they open at 11:00 for lunch. I do remember a while back when there were rumors that the place was being sold and might close, but that didn't seem to happen.

I thought the Dirty O actually has two locations, only one of which is closing. Yes? No?

Buddy

Buddy-
I assumed (which I shouldn't have) he was speaking of the original location in Oakland, near the University of Pittsburgh. Just in case, I went ahead and called the second location in Plum Borough. They are still open also.

I don't know why the restaurant (Dogma Grill in Florida) that initiated the lawsuit would care that another place hundreds of miles away would use a similar name. It's not like one place would steal customers from another.

A small microbrewery near me, called Climax Brewery, was sent a letter some years back threatening legal action if they didn't change their name. Seems that a brewery in California had the same name, although there was some dispute as to who had the name first. California is a long way from Jersey. The owner of Climax, a friend of mine, ignored the letter, and nothing became of it.

My understanding is that the folks who own the Dirty O would like to be out of the business and would sell if the right offer came along. They might have a long wait. The last few times I have been there business was very slow - not like the old days.
Speaking for the old days, I heard that someone had reopened the real Original Hots Dogs - the one that used to be on Station Street and had to move to Broad when East Liberty was reconfigured. Anyone been out there recently?

quote:

Originally posted by KJoseph

My understanding is that the folks who own the Dirty O would like to be out of the business and would sell if the right offer came along. They might have a long wait. The last few times I have been there business was very slow - not like the old days.
Speaking for the old days, I heard that someone had reopened the real Original Hots Dogs - the one that used to be on Station Street and had to move to Broad when East Liberty was reconfigured. Anyone been out there recently?

I have driven by the place on Broad Street and it looks like it has been reopened. I might have to try it just for grins...I have memories of my father taking me to the Station Street location and this one on Broad Street, although in my mind over the years I had been thinking they were in the same spot with just a new building...

quote:

Originally posted by KJoseph

My understanding is that the folks who own the Dirty O would like to be out of the business and would sell if the right offer came along. They might have a long wait. The last few times I have been there business was very slow - not like the old days.
Speaking for the old days, I heard that someone had reopened the real Original Hots Dogs - the one that used to be on Station Street and had to move to Broad when East Liberty was reconfigured. Anyone been out there recently?

Can you please tell me if and how the Original Hot Dogs you mention is related to the Original Hot Dog Shop in Oakland?

Unless it changed hands recently, it was one and the same. Can't speak for the quality or experience compared to the Original Dirty O, though.

I have to disagree with Oneiron on this. My recollection is that the old The Original Station Street Hot Dogs in East Liberty had nothing to do with Oakland Original. I think at one point there was even talk of a lawsuit over the name. I don't know who has reopened Station Street (now on Broad Street) but I very much doubt it is the Simon family, the folks that own Oakland Original.

Th Original Station Street Hot Dogs finally reopened last Friday, after being closed at least 20 years, maybe a lot more. You have a choice of three all-beef dogs (natural casing, skinless and kosher) or ham bbq, pulled pork, chicken or fish. I can vouch for the skinless - they were worth the trip from downtown. Nice joint; I'll be back.

Thinking of driving out to Pittsburgh this Friday. The weather report is not good. What do you think...your vibes as a native?
The Bear
P.S.---Where's Original Station Street Dogs? Hours?

I can't say much about what the weekend will be like. In a few hours, I'll be off to San Francisco for the weekend, so I haven't been paying much attention.
If I recall correctly, Station Street Original's hours are 10-8 M-F and 11-9 Saturday, closed on Sunday.
It's on Broad Street in East Liberty near the corner of Larimer. (Station Street no longer exists.)

Kenny Joe-
I'm slightly embarrassed to tell you I am completely unfamiliar with Original Station Street Hot Dogs. I'm sure that the fact they have been closed for 20+ years is the main reason why. Thanks for the tip and I will have to head to East Liberty next week to try them.

Great! Let us know what you think.

Thanks to jury duty, I have been able to eat at a few places downtown I normally wouldn't be able to. One of these is Franktuary, which used to be known as Hot Dogma. They had to change their name due to a lawsuit, mentioned in the original post in this thread.

It is in the basement of a church on Oliver Street, which only adds to the unusual atmosphere. The decor is rather funky and includes famous paintings changed to include the hot dog theme. I ordered a New Yorker, which comes with sauerkraut, brown mustard and vidalia onion sauce. The hot dogs they use are 100% beef and was quite good. They use quality buns, too. I also got a red (strawberry/banana) fruit shake. The one disappointment was the side of pierogies, which seemed to be store bought.

They are only open M-F from 8:30 to 5:00, which is why it had been so difficult for me to get there.

http://franktuary.com/

Kenny Joe-
I found this article in the Trib about the Station Streel Hot Dogs recently reopening. I think it is great that they brought it back to life after so many years.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_500063.html

I am going to eat there tonight, on my way to the Pirate game. I will let you know what I think.

Steve's New York Hotdogs on the Northside are the best .80 a dog with all the fixins

Irene and her sister rock.

Kenny Joe-
I did make it to Station Street Hot Dogs last night. First of all, I was expecting some old building, but this place looked new. Maybe that was because it was immaculately clean.

I got a natural casing combo, with chili and onions. My buddy got the same with chili, mustard and pickle. I thought the dogs were quite good, but I liked the fries even more. I wouldn't put them on the same level as the "O", but I still really enjoyed it. I will go back.

What type of dogs do you get when you go? Thanks for bringing this place to my attention!

mattyb15601-
I have never heard of Steve's New York Hot Dogs before. Unfortunately, with their limited hours (yes, I have already looked into it), it will be a little tougher to get there. Maybe on one of these Saturdays coming up I will be able to get there.

As far as the building goes, I guess old is relative. It's not the 1915 building, but it is the 1969 building, nicely cleaned up.

The one time I was there, I had the skinless. The guy in front of me had one and it looked good. I haven't had a chance to go back yet. It's hard to talk my coworkers into hopping on a bus and having lunch in East Liberty, even when its a beautiful day. If this weather keeps up, I'll be back his week.

Michael did nice review of Weiner World. Downtown would be a lesser place without it.

The beautiful weather and Buffetbuster's report were all I needed for a return trip to Original Station Street at lunchtime today. First, a correction to my post of 4.30.07: I did not view the Skinless All Beef because the fellow in front of me ordered it. I saw it at the register, where all four varieties are on display.

This visit, I started off with the kosher and finished with the original casing. Both were very good, but if I had gotten a third today, it would have been the original casing. It's tasty, but the texture distinguishes it. One thing special about this joint is the fat white bread buns. They're a nice touch (though not as nice as he poppyseed buns at the late, lamented Yovi's).

Rereading this thread, I want to point out two things. I think that Rick8051 is right or almost right about the location. The streets in this part of East Liberty were relocated, but this part of Broad is where Station used to be, and if this building isn't where the old building was, it is within a couple of hundred feet.

Also, a thread on Pittsburgh hot dog joints needs to mention the bar on Butler near 37th (is it Frank's?) that serves delicious foot longs.
Even if the dogs were mediocre (they aren't!), the atmosphere would place it in Pittsburgh's top 5.

Went to Station Street over the weekend and was very pleased. Had the natural casing dog with a huge mound of kraut, dark mustard and the neon-green relish (they have regular relish too). The combo came with a heap of very good fries (looked like they 1/2 fry a batch first, then do the 2nd fry as ordered) and a fountain drink.

While I was eating, a cook dropped a huge piece of fish into the fryer. The fish sandwich will be a must next trip.

Station Street is on the other side of the tracks behind Trader Joe's. It's easy to get to from Penn Ave and just as easy to get back to Penn Ave. Station Street has a fair sized parking lot, and the store itself was spotless.

Thanks,

Kevin

Kenny Joe & KOK-
Are you familiar with the hot dogs at Jim's Drive-in in West Mifflin? It has been several years since I have been there, but I remember really liking the special sauce they put on their dogs.

Kenny, if you can remember the name of the bar with the really good foot longs, please let me know. I want to go check it out!

If either of you have some good suggestions for fish, please post them...there is a thread about that topic under sandwiches.

Jim's in West Mifflin is good and worth checking out. I was there last year and bought a bottle of the sauce to go. It's right in the middle of a residential area and you could easily miss it.

I'll be back in the 'Burgh next weekend and will have to go back.

Thanks,

Kevin

Buffet Buster-

Here is the deal with steve's new york dogs. It is right in the middle of two other hotdog shops.

I am not kidding three dog joints side by side. Toula's , Steves New York and JR's. Take your pick. Nothing like being able to get a ... Chili, Cheese, mustard, onion, pepper and pickle dog at 6:30 am !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Steve’s New York Hot Dog Shop
1110 Federal Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: 412-322-1170
Mon-Fri 6:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Sat 7 AM – 2 PM
Breakfast, Sandwiches, Salads

Toula’s
1108 Federal Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: 412-231-3993
Mon-Fri 8 AM – 3 PM
Sat 9 AM – 2 PM
Hot Dogs, Sandwiches, Salads

When sojourning in Pittsburgh, it’s apparent that this is a town with a hot dog culture.

Among my favorites is the Pickle Barrel, which you’ll find at 1301 East Carson Street on the South Side…a funky, on-the-comeback area loaded with all sorts of interesting stores and restaurants. The Pickle Barrel serves a foot-long Smith's Provision frank out of Erie, cooked on the griddle, about a 5 or 6 to a lb., 65% beef, 35% pork.

They top the dogs about 12 different ways, mostly named after regional preferences: i.e.- Chicago, with peppers, tomato, etc., all for about the same price: $2.50. Adorning the wall, several signs describe what beautifies each dog…though there is no hot dog listed with mustard and kraut or mustard and sautéed onions and thus delineated as a N.Y. dog. But that’s OK. I order my own, Weequahic Section, Newark, NJ. Style Sweetworks (mustard, kraut & relish) and they’re pleased to accommodate.

A best seller is the Pittsburgh. It’s the foot-long with mozzarella cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, black olives and honey mustard. I’ve never tried one, but ultimately will…perhaps next time. Y’know, when in Rome.

Additionally, the roll is impressive…a Schaible. All too many places serve foot-longs on small rolls that prove unwieldy. But this is just right, fresh, bountiful with taste, making more of a meal out of the whole affair…and thereby legitimizing the foot-long concept. Ask for the roll toasted. It’s better that way. I also ask for the frank cooked a little on the crispy side. They’re happy to oblige.

In any case, for about $6, you could have yourself a pretty good meal. I also usually notice people sharing large portions of hearty French Fries, including what looks like a concoction smothered with gravy, cheese and pieces of bacon. Actually, I think The Pickle Barrel is as popular, if not more popular, for their breakfasts as for their dogs. There’s a good-sized counter and several booths, old luncheonette style.
The phone # is 412-431-1114. Just tell ‘em the guy from Jersey sent you.

The Bear

I tried out Station Street Hot Dogs earlier this week. I had the skinless and the natural casing and both were very good.

Any thoughts on Frankfurters in Bellevue or New York Hot Dogs in Carnegie?

rfox-
I used to be a big fan of Frankfurter's in Bellevue. I especially liked the chili, even though since it was on the sweet side, it wouldn't be everyone's taste. I also really enjoyed visiting with owner Marty Armstrong, who is a great guy and loved talking Pittsburgh sports. About a year or two ago, Marty got a better job and sold the place. Unfortunately, I haven't been back since. I know I should give it a try, but doubt it would be the same. How about you....have you been there lately?

I'm not familiar with New York Hot Dogs in Carnegie. My girlfriend lives in Scott Twp., so I am down that way a lot. Please tell me about the place!

Interestingly enough, it's been about two years since I was last at Frankfurters; I had no idea Marty was no longer there. The couple of times I've attempted to stop at New York Hot Dogs in Carnegie, they were closed. My wife's boss claims her husband loves the place. The one thing I did notice, was a Boar's Head sign on the window, so I'm assuming that is what they're selling there.

There is also a place in a plaza in Wexford that has Vienna Beef dogs that are pretty good. The name is something like Three Sons Sudz & Dogs, but that may not be exactly correct.

I'm in Butler and it's tough to find a good dog here. Last summer, I ended up taking my wife and 7-year old daughter(who is on her way to becoming a hot dog connoisseur) to Chicago just to sample all the famous dogs.

rfox-
First of all, Welcome to Roadfood!

What about the Burger Hut? I don't think I have ever met anyone from Butler who didn't think highly of the place.

Thanks for the tip about 3 Sons Dogs & Suds. I have never been there before and I work only minutes from there. If I can manage it, I am going there for lunch today.

http://www.3sonsdogsandsuds.com/main.asp?ID=6

Thank you for the kind welcome. I've been a long time lurker and thought I'd go ahead and start posting.

For some reason, Burger Hut's hot dogs don't do it for me. I find them to be rather ordinary. I also find the burgers to be a hit or miss affair. The best hot dog in Butler is probably the angus beef dog that Natili's North serves. They put it on a toasted and buttered bun and it's always pretty good.

A new hot dog shop opened here about a year or so ago, but they serve the cheapest pork mixture dog that's pretty disappointing once consumed. New Castle's Coney Island is kind of the same, yet their dogs taste a little better for some reason.

I still haven't made it to the place in Regent Square (the name escapes me now). Have you had any experience with them?

I should also add that, in desperation, the local Target carries the Vienna Beef weiners. So, if the urge really hits, that's an option. After returning from Chicago last year, I went into hot dog withdrawal. I ended up ordering up a bunch of Vienna dogs from their site and having them shipped.

Dee's Six Packs and Dogs (in Regents Square) is pretty good, though when I was there last year the waitress couldn't believe I wanted fresh fries instead of the cold dead basket she brought. It's also good as you can make up a six pack of various single beers to try a wide variety.

Don't sell the Vienna Beef combo at Target short. At $2 for a quality dog and soda, it's a very under-ratted quicky lunch/snack.

Kevin

rfox-
I'm glad you quit lurking and I hope you become a regular contributor. The fact that you are raising your daughter to be a hot dog connoisseur tells us all we need to know. If you have any suggestions on where to get a good fish sandwich, there is a thread about that under sandwiches.

Back to hot dogs.....

I did go to 3 Sons Dogs and Suds for lunch. I wanted to ask the frankmaster exactly what brand meats he uses, but he got really busy and I had to run. Still, it was a really good dog (I got the Frankfurt and the Warsaw) and they are very generous with the amount of sauerkraut and other toppings they put on. I will definitely go back.

KOK-
I have never been to Dee's Six Pack and Dogs, although I have heard really good things about it. I have generally tried to stay away from Regent Square as I always have trouble finding parking there. Maybe I just don't know the secret places. Give me the Southside anytime!

ScreenBear-
I have only been to the Pickle Barrel one time and thought it was great. Did not get the hot dog, though. Unfortunately, when I am in that area with my buddies, they always want to go to Fat Head's. I'm gonna have to make a trip by myself sometime in the near future. And I agree that Pittsburgh does have a decent hot dog culture. Its not exactly Chicago, Buffalo or North Jersey, but we do love our hot dogs here.

quote:

Originally posted by buffetbuster
KOK-
I have never been to Dee's Six Pack and Dogs, although I have heard really good things about it. I have generally tried to stay away from Regent Square as I always have trouble finding parking there. Maybe I just don't know the secret places. Give me the Southside anytime!

You're right about the parking in Regent Square. Usually have to go down a side street and walk a ways. And there are more fashionistas and sophisticates than I care for, what with the boutiques and the Art House Cinema. MUCH rather be at Big Jim's, though Dee's is good now and again.

K

Oh, I wasn't shorting the Target Vienna Beef combo; I'm thankful for it on a regular basis.

The last time I was at 3 Sons Dogs and Suds, I believe they were serving Vienna Beef, also.

I haven't been to the Pickle Barrel in awhile, but did enjoy the decor and food. Lots of dogs to choose from there.

What's everyone's thoughts on the PNC Silver Star dogs? I have to say that the Silver Stars are lacking somewhat for my own taste. I actually preferred the old steamed Kahn's weiners.

K, what and where is Big Jim's?

Having never made it to Weiner World, how is it and what kind of dogs do they serve?

I haven't been checking my Roadfood forums regularly enough lately, so this is a very late reply to Buffetbuster's 5.2.07 inquiries.

I cannot recall the name of the Lawrenceville Bar. It is on the Allegheny River side of the street between 35th and 37th. There's an entrance for the drinkers and one for the eaters. I'll try to get out there this week and try to impress the name of the joint on my mind while I eat a couple of footlongs. If you wanna meet for lunch, I'm up for it.

As for fish sandwiches, several years ago a friend of mine and I had a different fish sandwich every Friday in Lent and then kept on going for several weeks after Easter. His favorite was one of the several Wholey's variations, but mine was and is the Original Oyster House version. Happily, there are lots of good ones out there, which I would be happy to list when I find the other thread.

quote:

Originally posted by rfox
K, what and where is Big Jim's?

Big Jim's is a restaurant/bar off 376/22 (the Parkway, I think) kind of between Regent Square and downtown Pittsburgh and south of U of Pitt. They have excellent and huge sandwiches (the fish and veal parm ar my favorites) and all the classic 'Burgh specialties like wedding soup and stuffed banana peppers. Never a bad meal at Big Jim's

Thanks,

Kevin

Big Jim's
201 Saline St, Pittsburgh
412-421-0532

rfox-
I think Weiner World is very good and I would place on a level or maybe just a notch below the "O". Unfortunately, I can't tell you what type of dogs they use. The Sterns also recommend their fish sandwich, but everytime I have tried to order it they were out.

http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Writeup.aspx?ReviewID=115&RefID=115

Kenny Joe-
Under normal circumstances, I would be happy to meet you for a couple of dogs. Unfortunately, I am in the barrel at work this week. Ask me again another time. If you get the name of the place in Lawrenceville, I would appreciate you letting me know.

Here is the thread for Pittsburgh fish sandwiches:

http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=17453

The name is Frankie's. If you want a picture of the side of the etsablishment and the footlong, as served, go to:
http://urbangutcheckchallenge.com/12_2005/frankiesrun.asp
Three sandwiches are available in addition to the footlongs: hot sausage, kolbassi and meatball. All are $2.25, tax included.

Buffetbuster -

Thanks for the Weiner World link. Looking at the photos, I'm thinking I have to get down there soon to try it out.

I noticed in the paper this morning that there's a hot dog place in Market Square, Dogs Dun Wright. Has anyone had any experience there?

Below is a Post-Gazette link to a Munch article on Dogs Dun Wright. If the hours are only Mon-Fri 11 to 3, it will be harder to hit this place on Burgh visits than it was to go to Yovi's which was at least 9-5 (usually) Mon-Fir.

DDW sounds pretty good.

Thanks,

Kevin

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06278/727334-46.stm

Kenny Joe-
I appreciate the info on Frankie's. It sounds like my kind of place!

KOK-
Thanks for the link to the article in the PG. It is too bad that they have such limited hours and since I don't work downtown, it will be very difficult to get there. The only reason I made it to Franktuary is that I was on jury duty.

Kenny Joe-
A buddy of mine and I made it to Frankie's last night. It really isn't too much to look at, but I loved the feel of the place. They do have a small menu, but those sausages being grilled right there sure did look good. I went for the foot long, since that is why I was there and I ordered it with chili and cheese. I liked the dog itself and the chili had a really nice taste to it. But I wish I would have skipped the cheese since it was just gloppy nacho cheese. The taste of the cheese overpowered everything else.

Next time I go back, I am going to get a foot long with chili and onion or maybe kraut. And definitely try one of those great looking sausages, too. How are their meatball hoagies?

Thanks again for telling me about this place. I never would have found it on my own.

The only menu item I've had is the foot long. I agree with you that the sausages look good and the only thing that has kept me from gobbling one up is a minor defect of mine: When I find something I like, I have trouble exploring the other options. (My wife does not see this as a defect.) I also agree that the cheese is to be avoided. As for the meatball sandwich, a friend had it once, and he gave it very faint praise.
I think it is safe to say that Frankie's is an excellent establishment, but the atmosphere and character of the place contributes more than the quality of the grub.

Went to the Burgh last minute Friday night and was able to make it to the Pickle Barrel Saturday. All I can say is Grand Slam!

Foot-long dogs with casing that had a great snap. Home made perogies that were as good as I've had (though when they said butter and onions I thought they'd cook the onions in butter, not put butter ON the perogies). They also had a pseudo-Primanti thing going as some burgers (also darn good) come with toppings AND fries as well.

I had the foot-long with chili and kraut, and a side of just made fries that were excellent, along with potato and cheese perogies (they had potato and onion and also kraut perogies). As previously posted, the roll was oversize and not just a generic bun with hot dog sticking out both ends.

They had Uncle Charlie's hot sausage on the menu which I'll have to pencil in for next time.

Pickle Barrel is one of the best recs I've ever seen on Roadfood - Thanks very much!!!!

Kevin

Hmmm.... I must give the Pickle Barrel another try. This is the second rave review for it.

I did go to Jim's Drive-in in West Mifflin on Sunday. They are best known for their hot dog sauce. It kind of looks like a bbq sauce/chili mix and I can't quite pinpoint what it tastes like. But, it is good. I did get a bottle of the sauce to take home. I also enjoyed the perfectly toasted buns they use.

While I was eating, I noticed another guy eating a hamburger with the sauce on it. I asked him how it was and he said he preferred the burgers to the dogs. He also told me that Heinz had once tried to buy the hot dog sauce off of Jim's for a million dollars. Needless to say, I found this hard to believe. I went back up to the order window and asked if that was true. The owner came over and confirmed that Heinz did try and buy the sauce off of his dad back in the 1940s, but it sure wasn't for a million dollars.

What do others think of their sauce? What do you think it tastes like?

Rfox, I haven't been to Big Jim's in several years, but always enjoyed their belly-bustin' Italian hot sausage and Parm pasta. I's a little hard to find, so here's a map link:

http://foodpage.us/71230?showmap=1&toz=

Here's another Big Jim's link:

http://iheartpgh.com/?p=272

I used my Garmin on the way to Big Jim's on Sunday, but when it wanted to take me far out of the way to get there, I ignored it. Luckily, I had been outside it before and so knew exactly where it was. So, it could be tricky if you are going for the first time or using your GPS.

Didn't have anything better to do last night, so I headed down to the Pickle Barrel for dinner. I really like the atmosphere here, especially all the vintage lunch boxes on display.

I ordered the Pittsburgh dog which came with cheddar & Mozzarella cheese, black olives and honey mustard. Why this is called the Piitsburgh dog, I'm not sure, but it was quite good. The bun seemed to be slightly toasted, which I liked also. I also got an order of the homemade pierogies with cheese, since they were out of the ones with kraut and thought they were quite tasty, too.

They seem to have a fairly big menu and I plan on going back and trying more things.

Per this article (link below) it's a Pittsburgh dog as it's black and gold "A Pittsburgh Style ($2.50) hot dog is a foot long, of course, and covered with shredded cheddar and mozzarella, honey mustard and black olives -- black and gold, get it?"

What time where you there as the article said Mon - Sat 8 to 4.

Thanks,

Kevin

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/tribpm/s_477904.html

KOK-
Ah, that explains it. I didn't know if us yinzers were famous for putting honey mustard on hot dogs or not. Hey, we put fries and cole slaw on sandwiches, so anything is possible.

I remembered from the past that they closed early. So, I did call ahead and they said they were open until 9:00. Maybe it is a summer thing.