1400 NW 23rd
Opened 5/18/11

Gallery

I love the menu as well! Very creative and interesting ingredients!

Won't be in the city today, but this is definitely looking like a must try. I like that there is indoor seating available.

That place looks incredible. Cannot wait to try it out.

Went in at lunch today with a couple of friends. We spent $78 on hot dogs sampling the menu. Surprisingly the line was non existent when we arrived at 11:30 but by 12:30 it was 7-8 deep, but not bad at all.

I fully expect people to rave about the place simply because its the new, cool place by the Big Truck gals.

But (as Steve will point odd I'm sure) I'm just a negative whiner.

It wasn't bad by any measure, but it wasn't great or even really good. The toppings were unique and they had a good selection, but the dogs themselves were pretty blah.

Amongst the 5 of us (2 attorneys, a DEA agent, and a owner of several car dealerships in town) we all agreed it was a bit of a disappointment and we find Sonic or Coney Island more satisfying. The dog we disliked the most was the $9 Kobe dog. Weird sweetness that nobody liked. Our favorite was the S'noran ~ wasn't 'great' but had potential.

The fried pickle spears were good and the duck fat fries were very good.

I kind of hesitated to post a luke warm to negative review on opening day. But I'm not writing it off my list and I think it's worth a visit to develop your own opinion. I'm sure it will get a bit better when all the kinks are worked out and comments are sorted through.

The building itself though was very cool.

I'll be back, but probably not for a month or two.

A couple of students went and they were quite happy. Something about a falafel dog?

I've heard nothing but rave reviews about this place. Depends on what you get I guess.

If someone in the know would be so kind to explain to the clueless amongst us, (then again it's just me) ... why are taters fried up in duck fat so vastly superior in taste to regular fried up taters?

Drove by at about 6pm and saw the place was PACKED! Some other time... some other time.

Drove by at about 6pm and saw the place was PACKED! Some other time... some other time.

I bet it will be that way for awhile as soon as word has gotten out. I'm anxious to see which dogs are most popular so I can see if I like then any better.

I tried it last night as well. My first impression was very positive. Surprisingly, I was more thrilled about the basic build-it-yourself dog (called "Best in Show") than about the specialty one I tried. What I love about the build-it-yourself is that it's $3 and a good portion for that price. You also get to choose between beef, chicken or falafel dog. I had the falafel with all of the "free" toppings available (some toppings cost a little extra but some are free to include). So, to get a falafel dog on a great bun with a ton of toppings for three bucks? I was very pleased with this value. Looking forward to going back and trying more options.

Also, I found out from one of the owners that they aren't making any of their franks in-house just yet, though they have purchased the equipment to do this and it might be coming later on.

Also, I found out from one of the owners that they aren't making any of their franks in-house just yet, though they have purchased the equipment to do this and it might be coming later on.

I'm going to have to try the basic dog and I'm very glad to hear they are looking to make their own dogs! I love dogs with unique flavor like a Flint dog or the Red & Whites from NY.

Here's the S'noran - which my favorite of the four dogs I sampled.....

http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/8383/imag0625.jpg

The Snoran' is a staple in northern mexico and in Arizona. Bbates, how did the duck fat fries taste compared to regular fries? Can you compare them to anything. I'm also anxious to try the Primanti Dog, I've been wanting to get to Primanti's in Pittsburg for some time now. How was that dog?

Also, don't be surprised about the slow start, they haven't really been promoting it other than word of mouth, and I haven't seen a sign out front yet either and I drive by daily.

The Snoran' is a staple in northern mexico and in Arizona. Bbates, how did the duck fat fries taste compared to regular fries? Can you compare them to anything. I'm also anxious to try the Primanti Dog, I've been wanting to get to Primanti's in Pittsburg for some time now. How was that dog?

Also, don't be surprised about the slow start, they haven't really been promoting it other than word of mouth, and I haven't seen a sign out front yet either and I drive by daily.

This was my favorite of the 4-5 dogs I tried. I wasn't "amazed" by any of them, but none were 'bad' either. But I wasn't a big ban of Big Truck when it first opened either and now its a regular stop for me and friends.

Hard to explain the fries, but I definitely liked them and we had regular fries (with jalapenos) to compare them to. I LOVED the fried pickle spears.

I had a thing in NYC once - it was a shish-kabob dog - stick with chunks/slices of different kinds of dogs and sausages. Served up hot with various sauces. Wish they'd do that, it was awesome.

I'm gonna take the wife this weekend. She loves dogs more than me and she was skeptical when I told her I wasn't all that impressed with my first visit.

You know, I know this will sound crazy to some, but I absolutely LOVE the new dog from Sonic. I was told to try it and didn't expect much - I was wrong. I'll be checking out Mutts very soon.

I hate that I love hot dogs so much. This place is going to be the death of me...In a good way.

$78 for hot dogs? Are you insane or did you just hit the Lottery? LOL

especially when you said this:

It wasn't bad by any measure, but it wasn't great or even really good. The toppings were unique and they had a good selection, but the dogs themselves were pretty blah.

$78 for hot dogs? Are you insane or did you just hit the Lottery? LOL

especially when you said this:

We didn't want to form an opinion from just one or two dogs, so we ordered all different kinds and split them up.

The Snoran' is a staple in northern mexico and in Arizona. Bbates, how did the duck fat fries taste compared to regular fries? Can you compare them to anything. I'm also anxious to try the Primanti Dog, I've been wanting to get to Primanti's in Pittsburg for some time now. How was that dog?

Also, don't be surprised about the slow start, they haven't really been promoting it other than word of mouth, and I haven't seen a sign out front yet either and I drive by daily.

the sign went up on the 17th ..

Went back this evening with the real hot dog aficionado - my wife.

We shared the Windy City and the Kung-Fuey with some fried pickle spears (see pic).

Gotta say, this visit was much better than the first and we really enjoyed both dogs. She definitely wants to go back. All depends on the dog you dig.

http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/610/imag0627.jpg

I need to get it there, but looking over the menu it's fairly clear most of the rank and file dogs are going to be left for others. I'm just not adventurous enough, and way too picky an eater sometimes, for most items on their menu. But oh, do the others sound yummy.

Those pickles look yummy!

We went today and it was good, but $26 for 4 dogs was steep. It would be fun if you could try the different specialty dogs on a plate without any toppings, just to be able to sample the different types of meats.

We went today and it was good, but $26 for 4 dogs was steep. It would be fun if you could try the different specialty dogs on a plate without any toppings, just to be able to sample the different types of meats.

Yeah, the prices would probably keep me from being a regular. The pic above would probably be a typical order for two people (two dogs, a side & 2 drinks) and it was about $19. Though I guess $10/ea for dinner isn't bad. Maybe its just a psychological thing and I just can't get over paying more than $2 for a hotdog.

We went today and it was good, but $26 for 4 dogs was steep. It would be fun if you could try the different specialty dogs on a plate without any toppings, just to be able to sample the different types of meats.

they would probably be willing to leave off all their toppings if you asked. Seems even more pricey w/o the fillers though

Interesting, tasty and pricey.

Yeah, the prices would probably keep me from being a regular. The pic above would probably be a typical order for two people (two dogs, a side & 2 drinks) and it was about $19. Though I guess $10/ea for dinner isn't bad. Maybe its just a psychological thing and I just can't get over paying more than $2 for a hotdog.

LOL Thats what I was trying to say about the $78 post earlier. For a reg sized dog, just cant see paying over $3. Remember balking at the $3 dogs at the Brick several years ago (1st season) and refusing. Couldn't even get onions on it! The only eating place in the entire place that had onions was the onion fried burger place and they wouldn't do raw. The various places said it wasn't cost effective for them to do the prep on the onions. AT the time, for $3/dog only have to sell a couple to cover the labor in peeling/chopping a whole #50 bag of them!

The bottomline is that this place is just like Big Truck Tacos: an overpriced food venue that for some reason is really "hip" right now. Even so, it is very nice to see local businesses popping up along 23rd and dressing the neighborhood up, being as how scummy 23rd can be.

I went the other day for take-out. I got the Liberty dog (kraut and brown mustard) and the Windy City Dog (a chicago dog). Raw, uncooked buns. Good kraut. Good fries. Nice clean atmosphere in the place. Definitely does not live up to the "Amazing Hot Dog!" slogan.

This food is no different than an Oscar Mayer wiener you'd make at home. ALSO I asked for extra relish to go and was told "we dont have any to give out for to-go orders." THAT blew my mind and really makes me not want to go back.

Well, it wasn't *amazing*, but it was good and probably reasonably priced if you don't fall into the trap of thinking "it's just a hot dog". Big Truck has the same problem - "it's just a taco", but it's not - it's good quality ingredients put together in an enjoyable (and abundant) package – it just has a “cheap” name.

There is enough variety on the menu that I would like to try it a few more times, assuming it does not become like Big Truck and become more of a hassle to get into than the food is worth. The 11-12 lunch crowd today was very manageable.

The two of us had the:
Tatonka ($7.00) - excellent, but I'm not sure what I got was actually a bison dog. It was indistinguishable from the beef dog in color, taste, and texture. With a bison dog it is probably worth $7.00 considering this could easily be a meal with no sides.
Sweet Caroline ($4.50) - good but not outstanding. Didn't get finished.
Fried pickles ($4.00) - very good. Thicker batter than I am used to, which is a good change. The pink sauce was similar to onion blossom sauce - I was expecting a little more given the pedigree of the place.
Potato salad w/blue cheese (3.00) - Initially I really liked this, however after eating a few bites the cumulative aftertaste was very unpleasant. I couldn't exactly place the taste, but it was like the potatoes had been cooked or marinated in some kind of flavored vinegar.

A few notes:

They should be commended on the smoothness of the operation. Big Truck was a mess for the first couple of months. Mutt's runs like it has been open for years.

If they are going to serve knife and fork hot dogs, I wish they would serve them on something other than paper. The paper gets soaked and rips and tears then you have to pick it out of every bite.

The worst part of the experience is the pressure to turn tables. We didn't even get our last bite down without someone coming by to clear dishes and asking multiple times if we were done yet with the side dishes. At this point the restaurant wasn't even full. It was extremely annoying.

... Even so, it is very nice to see local businesses popping up along 23rd and dressing the neighborhood up, being as how scummy 23rd can be. ...


Over the years, I've noticed lots of folks feel that way about 23rd, especially the stretch between North and South Lincoln Blvd.

Over the years, I've noticed lots of folks feel that way about 23rd, especially the stretch between North and South Lincoln Blvd.

I wish we'd get a couple of eat'n spots on 16th in the Plaza District like this.

...
If they are going to serve knife and fork hot dogs, I wish they would serve them on something other than paper. The paper gets soaked and rips and tears then you have to pick it out of every bite. ...

Ick. I hope they read here or a friend who does reports back to them if you dinna mention it. Let's face it, if you wanna eat paper in your food, there are way cheaper places for that, and in some of them, having the paper flavor might even be a plus.


...
The worst part of the experience is the pressure to turn tables. We didn't even get our last bite down without someone coming by to clear dishes and asking multiple times if we were done yet with the side dishes. At this point the restaurant wasn't even full. It was extremely annoying.

If you dinna mention it to the manager, you should the next time you experience it. Pressuring a customer to get out is a good way to loose long term business. Of course, a polite expression and a "Thank you, but you're providing a tad more service than I desire today" will probably also make the point.

Update: I got an "all-american" dog from Sonic yesterday for 2 bucks. It has mustard, ketchup, onions and relish... so good. It beats Mutts out by a mile.

Do you guys know what the crowd is like at lunch?

I work on the Southside, and a group of us are thinking about heading up there for lunch.
Is the line as bad as Big Truck?

No, it's not nearly as bad as Big Truck. You'll hit a normal rush at noon, but if you arrive at 11:40 a.m. or after 12:30 p.m., you ought to be fine. And even arriving at noon won't be the end of the world. If it's a large group of you (more than six) I'd show up at 11:30 a.m. or at 1 p.m.

Thanks man!

I passed this for the first time yesterday. Is it any good? How does it compare to say Coney Islander?

I passed this for the first time yesterday. Is it any good? How does it compare to say Coney Islander?
It's like Texas. . . "it's a whole other country"!! Both are great. . .just worlds apart in style of food and "ambiance" (can you use "hot dog" and "ambiance" in the same sentence??!!)

It's like Texas. . . "it's a whole other country"!! Both are great. . .just worlds apart in style of food and "ambiance" (can you use "hot dog" and "ambiance" in the same sentence??!!)

Hey, if amazing is appropriate, then ambiance can't be a source of heartburn.
8^)

We ate lunch there today, pretty dang good, much better than Man Bites Dog in Austin. I had the Boardwalk (traditional chili cheese with mustard and onions) and we shared a basket of Pups (mini corn dog nuggets), fries and my sister and nephew had the Fried Pickles as well. Will definitely have to take my wife there when we are doing the final move from Austin to Denver.

http://bluedogok.com/mutts.jpg

I haven't tried it yet but one of my co-workers told me a few days ago that he had just tried it because he had heard so much about. He said the food was inedible. I didn't ask for specifics but he said he would never go again. I wouldn't rule it out just because of that but it gives me pause.

Dont get out that way much so have only been there one time. They were very accommodating when I told them about this thing I briefly saw on one of the food network shows by a place in MO called an Okie Dog (didn't catch why it was called that). Anyway, it was a hotdog wrapped with a piece of bacon, dipped in cord dog batter (no stick) deep fried and served on a bun. They gave it a try and it was tasty (but I really couldn't taste the bacon). Other than that it, the place seems a bit pricey for a hot dog place but they arent run of the mill hot dogs either. Think someone called them gourmet dogs and anytime you add the word gourmet in front of something it is probably going to cost you a bit more. Other than the price thing (value for the money) that was my only issue with the place. if in the area with some extra cash to burn and something different, I would go back.

I haven't tried it yet but one of my co-workers told me a few days ago that he had just tried it because he had heard so much about. He said the food was inedible. I didn't ask for specifics but he said he would never go again. I wouldn't rule it out just because of that but it gives me pause.

I don't ever give much credence to reviews/reviewers that are so over the top. I could see where someone might not like a particular restaurant for whatever reason - but to claim an obviously popular restaurant's food is "inedible," says more about the reviewer than the restaurant.

I don't ever give much credence to reviews/reviewers that are so over the top. I could see where someone might not like a particular restaurant for whatever reason - but to claim an obviously popular restaurant's food is "inedible," says more about the reviewer than the restaurant.

Well said. If your used to Rodeo hotdog's and canned hotdog chili, you probably won't care for Mutt's.

Brian, Brian, Brian ... you clearly never went to Applewoods after it was sold by Dick Stubbs to an out-of-state owner. I agree, the use of "inedible" is often out of line, but when it came to the ruination of Applewoods, good god, that word really fit.

YALL need to check out tacoville ,,,man they got awesome hotdogs!!!!

Shouldn't that be awesome TACOS? LOL

I don't ever give much credence to reviews/reviewers that are so over the top. I could see where someone might not like a particular restaurant for whatever reason - but to claim an obviously popular restaurant's food is "inedible," says more about the reviewer than the restaurant.

Amen. I *always* ask "So what was so bad about it?" if someone says "It sucked" or "It was inedible" or ....... Then I give credibility to their opinion after trying to figure out what they like and how well it aligns with what I like - could be none at all or a lot depending on their answers. It's like the Urbanspoon or Yelp reviews that say "Great food, good service, love it!!!!!!". Absolutely no useful information at all in that type of review.

nm, double-posted for some reason.

Ate their for lunch today. I forget the name of the dog I had, but tried the red skinned potato salad with blue cheese for the first time, and it was great.

We had a great time! Lots of photos with this one :)

The Marionette Online (http://www.hcpmarionette.com/?p=1601)

I ate here for the first time yesterday. I had the Windy City Dog, and my friend had the Liberty dog. We shared an order of fries and both had iced teas. The food was 'okay', not bad, not great just okay. It cost $17.00 plus tip. I guess this is what we've come to. Basically $20.00 for a hot dog lunch. I have to admit, it was very busy.

I tend to view Mutts more as a novelty. It's a nice place to eat at every once in a while, but they're still selling really expensive hotdogs and fries at the end ofthe day, and they're not so amazing to make me crave them.

Just wanted to give this place a shout-out. I don't go that often but when I do, I am repeatedly shocked at how good and tasty it is. They get an automatic win for using actual fresh jalapenos, not pickled. I see lots of comments (here, urbanspoon, yelp) on how much it costs to eat here. I guess I'm someone that doesn't think spending $10 (before beer) on a tasty meal is "too expensive". Also helps that they have falafel dogs (SO TASTY) and veggie chili, which is just delicious. Hopefully the BTT people decide to open this on Sundays too.

Just wanted to give this place a shout-out. I don't go that often but when I do, I am repeatedly shocked at how good and tasty it is. They get an automatic win for using actual fresh jalapenos, not pickled. I see lots of comments (here, urbanspoon, yelp) on how much it costs to eat here. I guess I'm someone that doesn't think spending $10 (before beer) on a tasty meal is "too expensive". Also helps that they have falafel dogs (SO TASTY) and veggie chili, which is just delicious. Hopefully the BTT people decide to open this on Sundays too.

Agreed. I've only been a couple of times, but the food is quite good. Anyone who thinks $10 is too much for a quality, LOCAL meal needs to go back to McDonald's.

Do they use Oscar Meyer or Hebrew national for their hotdogs? I can't remember.

I wish they would switch to Nathans.

Do they use Oscar Meyer or Hebrew national for their hotdogs? I can't remember.

I wish they would switch to Nathans.

I know they posted on the FB page shortly after opening that they use Hebrew National..... I was really hoping they would have their own dogs made with a natural casing but doesn't look like that will happen.

They also recently took the Fried Frisbee off the menu too. It was the best fried bologna sandwich in town.... Or as the manager put it when I exclaimed that upon hearing it was no longer on the menu.... It was the only fried bologna sandwich in town.

Fortunately the day I was there they still had the stuff left to make one so he was nice enough to make one last Fried Frisbee for me.

I know they posted on the FB page shortly after opening that they use Hebrew National..... I was really hoping they would have their own dogs made with a natural casing but doesn't look like that will happen.

They also recently took the Fried Frisbee off the menu too. It was the best fried bologna sandwich in town.... Or as the manager put it when I exclaimed that upon hearing it was no longer on the menu.... It was the only fried bologna sandwich in town.

Fortunately the day I was there they still had the stuff left to make one so he was nice enough to make one last Fried Frisbee for me.

Last I checked......Toby Keith's has a fried bologna sandwich on menu. The opportunity to name it for a year was one of the auction items at the Toby Keith fundraiser for kids Korral. It went for somewhere between 5-10 k if I remember.

Last I checked......Toby Keith's has a fried bologna sandwich on menu. The opportunity to name it for a year was one of the auction items at the Toby Keith fundraiser for kids Korral. It went for somewhere between 5-10 k IFC. Remember.

Took a look and you are correct..... So the Mutt's manager misinformed me! LOL