Pittsburgh hot dog joints

Re:Some Pittsburgh hot dog thoughts (ScreenBear)

Tue, 14 May 2013 17:14:52 GMT

Kenny Joe,

Thanks for staying on the job so vigilantly. It sure would be nice if the sandwich place had at least just one hot dog on the menu...a foot-long beef/pork Smith Provisions, served on a foot long Schwebel's roll, simply as an homage to the Pickle Barrel. But then, perhaps I've been seeing too many movies.

The Bear

Re:Some Pittsburgh hot dog thoughts (Michael Hoffman)

Tue, 14 May 2013 14:59:19 GMT

John, I don't know. I really couldn't tell the other day.

Re:Some Pittsburgh hot dog thoughts (John Fox)

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:15:58 GMT

Michael,
Is the Boar's Head dog all beef or beef and pork? Both are good, but I prefer the beef dog.

Re:Some Pittsburgh hot dog thoughts (Michael Hoffman)

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:43:34 GMT

On Sunday I enjoyed a hot dog at the Brady's Run Grille & Guesthouse in New Brighton, Pennsylvania. Every Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. they offer a hot dog free to anyone buying a drink (alcoholic), but whenever I've been there on a Saturday I've always skipped this offer. Big mistake. The natural casing Boar's Head dog is grilled on a flattop and served in a perfectly toasted bun. I ordered mine with spicy brown mustard, relish and chopped raw onions. It was delicious. But you can get your dog with lots of stuff, including chili. But don't ask for bacon. While I don't really believe it, word is they threaten the lives of people who want bacon on their dogs.

By the way, the Bloody Marys there are fantastic, although I usually get a Smithwick's, which Trish always has waiting for me on the bar when I walk in the door.

http://bradysrungrille.com/

Re:Some Pittsburgh hot dog thoughts (ScreenBear)

Tue, 14 May 2013 09:04:59 GMT

Ditto!

The Bear

Re:Some Pittsburgh hot dog thoughts (buffetbuster)

Tue, 14 May 2013 08:11:42 GMT

Kenny Joe-
You aren't kidding it has been a long time. Looking forward to your report back!

Still miss the Pickle Barrel.

Re:Some Pittsburgh hot dog thoughts (Kenny Joe)

Mon, 13 May 2013 22:10:26 GMT

In what must be a record long lease negotiation for a greasy spoon, the Real McCoy Sandwich Shop finally appears ready to open in the storefront that formerly housed the late, great Pickle Barrel. The Sandwich Shop's former location several blocks down Carson Street now houses a new eatery and signs announcing the Sandwich Shop's imminent opening are up at 1301 Carson Street. When it's open, I'll grab a bite and report.

Re:Some Pittsburgh hot dog thoughts (Kenny Joe)

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 11:35:27 GMT

The former premises of the Pickle Barrel remains vacant. Either the deal with the Real McCoy Sandwich Shop fell through or it existed solely as a product of my overactive imagination. I'll ask around and see if I can learn anything about the situation.

Re:Some Pittsburgh hot dog thoughts (buffetbuster)

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 11:22:47 GMT

Sorry I don't have an answer for you, but it appears it would be right up Kenny Joe's alley. I am curious to hear about the place, too.

Re:Some Pittsburgh hot dog thoughts (ScreenBear)

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 11:19:48 GMT

P.S.---Buffet, Kenny Joe...has the transition from burned down Pickle Barrel to Real McCoy Sandwich Shop taken place?

Thanks,

The Bear

Re:Some Pittsburgh hot dog thoughts (ScreenBear)

Thu, 31 May 2012 23:17:20 GMT

Idealist that I am, I kind of have high hopes for the Real McCoy Sandwich shop in the space where The Pickle Barrel was. Reviews I've read of the sandwich shop are mostly positive, touting the portion size, quality, and dedication to good service. OK, so it's not a hot dog place, but at least it sounds like a concern dedicated to serving good food. Gee, though....wish they'd sell a good dog in addition to their sandwiches. Just sayin'.

The Bear

Re:Some Pittsburgh hot dog thoughts (buffetbuster)

Thu, 31 May 2012 15:01:11 GMT

Thanks to Kenny Joe for replying to a question I didn't know the answer. That really is a shame the Pickle Barrel went out the way it did. It deserved better. This probably isn't the right thread, but please let us what you think of the Real McCoy Sandwich Shop.

Re:Some Pittsburgh hot dog thoughts (ScreenBear)

Tue, 29 May 2012 09:31:15 GMT

Thanks for the reconnoitering, Kenny Joe. I guess the only thing I can hope for is that, as a paean to The Pickle Barrel, the sandwich joint adds a hot dog, preferably a foot long Smith Provision, Beef/ Pork, cooked on the griddle, served on a toasted Schwebel's frankfurter roll ( http://www.schwebels.com/freshly-baked-breads/buns/foot-long-buns) of equal length...the way I always had it at the Pickle Barrel on my sojourns to Pittsburgh.

Aw, you can never go home, eh Thomas Wolfe? That's why I always tell folks, if you really like a food joint, go as much as you can, because one day, as even Mama Leone's proved, it won't be around anymore.

The Bear

Re:Some Pittsburgh hot dog thoughts (Kenny Joe)

Mon, 28 May 2012 16:49:24 GMT

I am not Buffetbuster, but as I frequently may be found on Carson Street, I will respond.
I have been out of town but as of a week ago, no one had moved in and the "for rent" sign was still up. However, I noticed a few weeks ago that there was a sign in the window of the Real McCoy Sandwich Shop at 2010 E Carson saying it was moving to 1301 Carson Street - the location of the late, lamented Pickle Barrel. I have never had anything from the Real McCoy (mostly because it is take out only) but I know some folks who think it is the best sandwich shop in town. I'll check it out this week.

Re:Some Pittsburgh hot dog thoughts (ScreenBear)

Sat, 26 May 2012 00:25:53 GMT

Hey, Buffet,

Has anyone taken the space at 1301 E Carson St Pittsburgh, PA., where once proudly stood one of my 5 favorite hot dog purveyors in the United States of America, "The Pickle Barrel?

The Bear

Re:Some Pittsburgh hot dog thoughts (gostillerz)

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 22:10:53 GMT

John, do you mean Silver Star?

I was never a fan the the Dirty O. They opened one up in Southside maybe 10 years ago, and we're charging insane prices, lasted a few months. When I was a kid, we rarely crossed any river because, well I dunno, maybe a hunky thing. I grew up on Mike's Lunch in Mt. Oliver, the Pickle Barrel, the Red Caboose on 51, and that one past the county airport going towards McKeesport. Also at the Sunoco below Baldwin High School (97) where you got 3 for a buck with fresh minced onions. After they let me out, I started going to D's in Regent Square and M&P Coney Island up in New Castle.

Brighton Hot Dog Shoppe is terrible for dogs. I prefer the jalapeno sausage things from Sunoco over them, but chili-cheese burgers and fries are much better. Very good FF breakfast too. There's a guy running a cart across from the Harley shop on 7th in Beaver Falls with a Sabrett's umbrella. I have to try him next.

D's and M&P Coney Island are by far my favorite places to get a hot dog. Downtown, I only tried Wiener World, since I usually went to Aiken's or Page's when I got back home.

I think most people go for the toppings because you can buy good hot dogs at a deli or butcher. That's easier to get than poppyseed buns, onion sauce or a good chili recipe.

Re:Some Pittsburgh hot dog thoughts (buffetbuster)

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 20:25:53 GMT

WJ-
I have always grown up calling it "the dirty O". And so it shall remain lovingly called!

My buddy and I hit Joe's Hot Dogs in Robinson Twp. tonight. I will post photos and write something up next week, but we really liked the place.

Re:Some Pittsburgh hot dog thoughts (John Fox)

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 20:04:48 GMT

Once again a feature on hot dogs that places more emphasis on the toppings than the actual franks. I didn't notice the brand of dog being mentioned anywhere. And the one place that claimed no frills dogs prepared them on a roller grill!. I know Franktuary has good dogs. Go for the regular Boars Head natural casing beef dog. The O should have been on this list. Quality Star brand hot dogs prepared well on a griddle.

Re:Some Pittsburgh hot dog thoughts (wanderingjew)

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 18:48:50 GMT

Foodbme

wanderingjew

Foodbme

buffetbuster

This little slide show has nice photos on what they think is the best hot dogs in Pittsburgh.

Surprised the Dirty "O" didn't make the list??????
Seems the list is more about the toppings than the quality of the basic dog.

That's interesting- I lived in Pittsburgh for 5 years (96-00) and never heard anyone refer to it as the "dirty O" ever, it was always "The O"

If you Google The Dirty "O" Pittsburgh, you'll see a number of references calling it that. I think it may be as a result of the place going downhill in appearence and cleanliness the last few years. Originally it was just "The O".

"O"

Re:Some Pittsburgh hot dog thoughts (Foodbme)

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 18:13:14 GMT

wanderingjew

Foodbme

buffetbuster

This little slide show has nice photos on what they think is the best hot dogs in Pittsburgh.

Surprised the Dirty "O" didn't make the list??????
Seems the list is more about the toppings than the quality of the basic dog.

That's interesting- I lived in Pittsburgh for 5 years (96-00) and never heard anyone refer to it as the "dirty O" ever, it was always "The O"

If you Google The Dirty "O" Pittsburgh, you'll see a number of references calling it that. I think it may be as a result of the place going downhill in appearence and cleanliness the last few years. Originally it was just "The O".

Re:Some Pittsburgh hot dog thoughts (wanderingjew)

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 17:54:46 GMT

Foodbme

buffetbuster

This little slide show has nice photos on what they think is the best hot dogs in Pittsburgh.

Surprised the Dirty "O" didn't make the list??????
Seems the list is more about the toppings than the quality of the basic dog.

That's interesting- I lived in Pittsburgh for 5 years (96-00) and never heard anyone refer to it as the "dirty O" ever, it was always "The O"

Re:Some Pittsburgh hot dog thoughts (Foodbme)

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 17:39:09 GMT

buffetbuster

This little slide show has nice photos on what they think is the best hot dogs in Pittsburgh.

Surprised the Dirty "O" didn't make the list??????
Seems the list is more about the toppings than the quality of the basic dog.

Re:Some Pittsburgh hot dog thoughts (buffetbuster)

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:45:38 GMT

This little slide show has nice photos on what they think is the best hot dogs in Pittsburgh.

Re:Some Pittsburgh hot dog thoughts (ScreenBear)

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:11:51 GMT

Oh, OK, maybe 2.

The Bear

Re:Some Pittsburgh hot dog thoughts (ScreenBear)

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:11:30 GMT

Hey Kenny Joe,

In my fantasy of owning a famous, highly touted frankfurter chain that does all the hot dog things just right, The Pickle Barrel site is store #637...one of my favorites and pretty profitable...giving the Dirty 'O' a run for its mustard. (just wish the Italian Hot Dog would sell a little better) If dreams come true, figure at least one free meal on me.

The Bear

Re:Some Pittsburgh hot dog thoughts (buffetbuster)

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 21:37:36 GMT

Kenny Joe, that would be excellent! Right now, it looks like Thursday, depending on the schedules of my buddies who will be joining me. I will let you know later in the week for sure.

Re:Some Pittsburgh hot dog thoughts (Kenny Joe)

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 21:06:48 GMT

If you go this week and want company, let me know. (Next week I'll be sunning myself on the beach.)

Re:Some Pittsburgh hot dog thoughts (Kenny Joe)

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 21:05:47 GMT

Bear, I go past there several times a week - so I'll answer. Several months ago, the landlord finally got the space cleaned up and stuck up a "for rent" sign. So far, it has remained empty. If anyone wants to recreate the Pickle Barrel there, I'm good for three meals a week.

Re:Some Pittsburgh hot dog thoughts (ScreenBear)

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 19:04:36 GMT

Hey Buffet,

Is anything now occupying the space that was once The Pickle Barrel?

Thanks,

The Bear

Re:Some Pittsburgh hot dog thoughts (buffetbuster)

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 18:04:35 GMT

Thanks for the report Kenny Joe. Glad to hear they are still open, despite the legal issues. No doubt that they really could use the business. Depending on my schedule, I will try and get down there this week.