Whiskey Dogg to Bring Gourmet Hot Dogs and Hooch to N. Olmsted

Joe Kahn, owner of the popular Barrio taco shops in Tremont and Lakewood, is working with Joe Longo to reconcept the old 2nd Floor Lounge in N. Olmstead to the Whiskey Dogg (24532 Lorain Rd., 440-716-0825). Slated to open January 8, the “hot dog saloon” will specialize in gourmet hot dogs, craft beer and whiskey, says Kahn.

“Any comparisons to Happy Dog are fantastic, but this is different,” explains Kahn. “We’re not doing build-your-own; we just want to bring quality hot dogs and some fun to N. Olmstead.”

The 85-seat bar will offer a host of creative hot dogs, dressed up in a myriad of ways. The 100-percent beef hot dogs are from Kris Kreiger’s K Squared Meats, while the buns hail from Mediterra Bakehouse. Menu items will include the Chili Cheese Dogg, topped with housemade chili, onions and cheddar beer sauce; the Whiskey Dogg, loaded with chili, fries, coleslaw, beer cheddar sauce and whiskey BBQ sauce; and the Cosby, a beef and bacon wrapped hot dog that is deep fried, wrapped in a puff pastry and baked — on a stick! Most cost just $4.

Fries and tater tots come with or without chili, plus a choice of dipping sauces that include Whiskey Dogg BBQ, habanero aioli, beer cheddar sauce, curry mayo and wasabi mayo.

In addition to a half dozen draft beers, the hot dog joint will carry 50 bottled beers and 50 whiskeys.

Whiskey Dogg is located across the street from Fat Heads Brewery and Saloon.

This article appears in Dec 25-31, 2013.