Steve's Snappin' Dogs

I apologize for getting behind on my hot dog reviewing. We really have been to more hot dog joints than the blog has let on. I seem to find myself a little busy this summer. I blame this on U.S. foreign relations. See I am currently taking a class on the history of U.S. foreign policy and it is taking up more of my time than I wish to admit. So hot dog blogging has been put on the back burner. Since today I am procrastinating writing an essay on the evolution of foreign policy from Washington to Truman, I think now would be a great time to get you a little more informed about where to get your hot dogs around here.

Last weekend, Aaron and I were able to eat at Steve’s Snappin Dogs. Actually we ended up eating there on both Friday and Saturday nights! It was the combination of these two nights that has put Steve’s way into the lead. (I am tempted to give them five weenies, but that is reserved for the winner. So if Steve’s can’t be beat than I reserve the right to adjust their score once the summer is over.)

Before I get into the judging I have to let you in on a new fact. I have officially come to the conclusion that my love for hot dogs only exists if the hot dog is ALL BEEF! I am not sure why that was left undiscovered until this point in my life. Maybe because I had only ever had all beef dogs. I was finding myself a little disappointed in some of the hot dog establishments. I couldn’t put my finger on why until I realized I had been eating some half pork/half beef dogs. So in order for this girl to be satisfied I need beef. Just know that from this point on if I am judging a hot dog you can assume it is 100% beef. Otherwise you will definitely hear about it!

Judging time:

Value- Price was just right. I paid 11 and some change for two hot dogs, two chips, and two drinks. $11 seems to be the magic number for that combination of food. They are right on track with price. Not at all too expensive. My Chicago Dog cost $3.65. Aaron's Memphis Dog cost $3.65.

Preparation- These were grilled. You can see your dog being cooked right there in front of you.

Presentation- This was AMAZING! Check out the dogs below. I had the Chicago Dog. Aaron had the Memphis Dog. On night 2 I had the Jersey dog.

Chicago Dog- green relish, spicy mustard, red onions, celery salt, sliced tomato, dill pickle spear, and sport peppers.

Memphis Dog- BBQ sauce, grilled red onions, bacon, and coleslaw

Jersey Dog- green relish, spicy mustard, caraway sauerkraut, red onions and bacon. (Sorry no picture. Just imagine the Chicago dog minus the pickle but add tons of sauerkraut)

They looked delicious! The toppings were piled on. I am from Chicago and I grew up on hot dogs with endless toppings. This was ideal for me!

Ambiance- Near perfection! The only downfall might be that it is located on Colfax. Since we live so close we decided to walk on over there and in the three minutes that it took us to walk, we did get hit up for money by a homeless guy. But everything else about this place was great. This hot dog joint reminded me of a fun summer afternoon barbecue. That is the exact feeling I have been looking for. Steve's was set up with picnic tables and even though I am a strict believer that dogs and hot dogs should have nothing to do with each other they do offer convenient seating for your dog if you want to walk him or her on over to eat with you. Great atmosphere!

Taste- Again near perfection! This is where the combination of the two nights and my "all beef" rantings come in.

Night # 1. I got the Chicago dog. It was delicious. The combination of topping was delectable. The bun was nicely toasted. I actually enjoyed the bun and I am very picky about my hot dog buns. I was also introduced to my new favorite topping… Spicy Mustard! Everything tasted divine except for the dog itself. It definitely snapped in you mouth like they promised. It was flavorless and disappointing.

Night #2. I didn’t have a hard time deciding what to get because the night before I debated whether to get the Chicago or the Jersey. So Jersey it was. I just wasn’t looking forward to the actual dog itself. That is when I noticed that they offered hot dog options! I didn’t have to get their special Thumanns brand. I could get an all beef Kosher dog. So I did and I loved it! I didn’t love the combination of toppings of the jersey dog as much as I did the Chicago. There was a little too much sauerkraut and not enough spicy mustard for my liking. But when I go back to Steve’s I will get the Chicago dog with an all beef hot dog. It will be prefect!

Now to wash down your dog, they give you cans of pop. I really loved that it gave it more of the at home barbeque feel.

There you have it! Go to Steve’s. I promise you will love it even if you are not a hot dog lover. My sister-in-law was able to order a Philly cheese steak sandwich. I forgot to ask if she enjoyed it. It did look good. They also have some fun sides like fried green beans which thank to our friends we were able to sample, they were delicious. If you want to go all out you can even get you hot dog deep fried!

Overall rating: Steve’s Snappin Dogs receives 4 weenies.