Hank’s Dog House
February 7th, 2008
Hank’s Dog House
2413 W Liberty Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15226
Ambience
As you can see from the picture taken of the front sign I knew this was my kinda joint. Looks a little risky just before you walk in just how I like it. Hank’s is a tiny joint, probably has been around for decades. Its standing room only as you can eat there on the counter or get take out. The menu on the walls is old-fashioned back lit plastic with the little letters. To make that sentence make a little more sense take a gander at the photos. The décor behind the patrons was pretty much just business cards tacked to the wall. Not much for scenery overall. The typical patrons are blue collar laborers looking for a quick all-American bite to eat. The place was a bit grimy and could use a cleaning but I didn’t mind it so much.
Accoutrements
In addition to the barkers I ordered a small fry and a large coca-cola. The fries a golden brown and you could just get ataste in which the cooking oil could use a changin. I doused my fries with some franks hot sauce and made a small pool of ketchup for dipping. Oh yea I dashed a little salt. They had a crisp to them, maybe overcooked just a minute to long. The soft drinks are served in the 16oz Styrofoam cups with way too much ice. A bit of a rip off with all the ice, but it sure did wash down the franks and fries. Not much else on the menu is available other than wiener toppings which fine with me. A lot of the time I like when there isn’t a bunch of choices, makes the decision of what to order a whole lot easier.
Service
Two ladies were working behind the counter. Not the friendliest or women in the world. They were fast though, got your dogs in under a minute. Not much small talk, you kinda felt scared to say anything to them. It was busy though as folks were constantly shuffling in so the small talk woulda been limited anyway.
Hot Dogs
I ordered two Hank’s Specials along with my fries and coke. Hank’s specials are two skinless franks topped with chili sauce, spicy brown mustard, and onions. The bun was your typical cheap Giant Eagle bun. The chili sauce provided a nice fiery kick and really went well with the brown mustard. The onions were chopped a hearty size and were surprisingly fresh as they had a bit of a crunch to them. Before I even finished beating up my two barkers, Warbird decided we should order another barker, this time one with a casing. So I once again ordered another Hank’s special, but this time a frank with casing. It had a slightly different tang along with the extra snap as I took each bite. I like the texture and snap of the casing, but I think the original 2 barkers I mauled were slightly better. Or maybe I was just full from the first two. Not quite sure. If you like hot dogs you gotta check this place out. Very tasty.
Overall
This place is not for the timid. You better know what you want as soon as you walk in the joint Staring at the sign thinking of what to order is a no no. The blue collar folks may look at your funny, but take it all in stride as the two women behind the counter will cut ya some slack if you hesitate when ordering. A mist all the bustle and hustle of folks shuffling in and out its definitely a great hot dog experience. Good barkers and a full belly.
Overall, 15/20
Comments
7 Responses to “Hank’s Dog House”
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Makes me hungry for a dog! Your grammar is excellent.
Moderators blow!
“A mist all the hustle and bustle…”
Love it.
A mist.
LMAO! Thats great.
I heard they call this place Yank my Dogs House too.
My father is the butcher.
My mother cooks the meat.
And I’m the little hot dog,
That runs around the street.
Your moderator sucks ass dogs.