Bites: What’s up, dog?

There is absolutely no shame in using a knife and fork to eat a near-gourmet hot dog at Frankie’s Dawg House on Perkins Road. A simple, traditional hot dog starts off the menu at $2.95 for an all-beef version and typical condiments, but the stakes are raised at $4.95 for more complex dogs with some serious flavor. While serving up signature styles, Frankie’s also gets an “A” for creativity with toppings like Mac-n-Cheez plus bacon on “The Situation” Dawg. If you can’t handle something that heavy, there’s the Southern Style Chicago Dawg with relish, tomatoes, purple onion, sauerkraut and pickles. The Frito Dawg with homemade chili, cheese and corn chips is a tasty heavy hitter.

Frankie’s also offers specialty dogs made with gourmet sausage from duck, to gator to tofu. The Erin Andrews for $5.95 puts the “hot” in hot dog with a spicy smoked sausage, pepper jack cheese, jalapenos and banana peppers. Although the hot dogs can be intense, diners can enjoy them and the cooling weather on a quaint patio, which perfectly accommodates families and small parties. Frankie’s even offers family packs and catering options. With so many varieties of meat and toppings, these dogs have plenty of bark and bite.

2319 Cedardale Dr. | 389-6255 | frankiesdawghouse.com