GRDine

So after a grueling month and a half of boycotting the Dog Pit for not being served before close one evening, I decided I have too big of a weakness for chili dogs that the boycott could never last.  The Dog Pit on Monroe Center is now in good standings with GRDine.

Last week I was downtown for a meeting and when the meeting got out I just needed something quick and easy for dinner.  I considered the new Pita House next to the Dog Pit, but how could I resist eating unhealthy?  When I entered the Dog Pit, I was greeted by none other than who I had once referred to as Man-boy.  Let’s call him Keith (I don’t know his real name, but he deserves something other than Man-boy).  Keith wasn’t very busy and served me very well.  I went with a Junkyard Dog, and Frito Nachos…Fantastic!  It must have been my pent up guilt over the last little while I left Keith with a nice tip as an offering of my apology…Not like he’s seen this blog, but it made me feel a little better.

I’ve moved on.  I’ve forgotten the poor experience.  The previous experience has been masked by chili cheese Frito nachos.   We can all move on with the weight lifted off of our shoulders.  Go to Dog Pit!

-Jon Dodge

We can hardly have a Grand Rapids food blog without commenting on one of the most loved and recognized eateries in all of The Rap.  Forever entrenched into Grand Rapids culture through the film “American Pie“, this eatery has been serving delicious dogs for over 33 years.

As most know, Yesterdog is located on Wealthy Street in Eastown.  As you walk through the door of the restaurant, it immediately feels like you are in a hot big city spot because there is always a line of people waiting to order or get their dogs.  Now, I have to mention the ordering system at Yesterdog and I’m sure this will spark some debate and criticism.  There is a page on Yesterdog’s website devoted to the ordering system which is called “Yester Rules.”  Here is what it states:

1. When entering Yesterdog PLEASE walk down to the end of the counter.  Form 2 lines if needed.

2. We take HOT DOG orders FIRST. We start left and move right.

3. After dogs, we take drink orders, after drinks we take chip orders.

4. Once all dogs, drinks and chips are ordered, we will then begin to charge you for your order.

5. Once you are paid up you will then get your dogs on a tray or bag and seat yourself.

I would be willing to bet that most people aren’t aware of Yesterdog’s website. When I’m in there, I see a lot of customers who are confused and intimidated by this system (including myself). Because there is always a line of people at Yesterdog, it’s hard to know whether they are waiting to order or waiting for their hot dogs.  I would simply suggest a make line similar to Qdoba so customers could order, pay, and get their dogs while keeping a flow of traffic.  Not sure how that would work, but I will leave it at that.  I’m sure Yesterdog knows best and does what it can to serve its’ customers as quickly as possible.

With that out of the way, let’s move onto the money-maker:  the dogs.  The menu is very simple with 6 dogs (although I have heard there are other secret hot dogs available) chips, and drinks.  My wife and I actually went there for a late lunch, so we were looking for a filler to hold us until dinner.  I ordered the staple – 3 Yesters (pickles, chili,and a bunch of other good stuff), and my wife ordered the Ultra Dog (Yester w/ cheese).  Yesterdog usually does a great job putting a good amount of condiments on the dogs, but I can never have enough of the shredded pickles.

As you hold your tray full of your favorite, delicious dogs, it’s time to make your way through the restaurant to find a table.  There is antique and vintage artwork all over the walls along with photographs of people in places around the world wearing their Yesterdog shirts.  On the booths and then whatever part of the wall that is left visible there are wood carvings of names, sayings, and whatever people  want to leave imprinted at the restaurant.  Yesterdog is the ultimate late night food:  messy, greasy, delicious..  There are plenty of napkins at each table, but it may even be a good idea to bring a wet wipe with you.

Yesterdog has great dogs.  That is not a secret.  I’m sure most of you have been there before.  If you haven’t been there in a while, you need to go more often.  If you’ve never been there, you need to go now.   -TM

The Yesterdog Documentary Trailer

I have very few rules that I live by, but one that I stand by…Never trust a man who doesn’t drink beer or doesn’t enjoy a chili dog (unless that man is a recovering alcoholic…in which case I will let the beer slide).

Grand Rapids has a pretty impressive selection of chili cheese dog offerings.  It goes unsaid, but I will state the obvious…Yesterdog is the master of the chili dog kingdom of GR when it comes to overall experience.  However, there is a place I would like to highlight based on an enjoyable experience I had last night.

Ritz Koney (http://www.ritzkoneyisland.com ), located at 64 Ionia, has a stranglehold on the majority of the late night bar crowd…It was genius to not only lock down a liquor license, but to serve countless varieties of chili dogs.  I am willing to make the argument that their dog selection gives it a major advantage over Yesterdog when speaking in terms of options.  They have a full bar menu ranging from salads (and other needless fillers), to burgers, brats, and the dogs.  They have 10 variety of dogs and at least 8 of them you couldn’t dream of getting at Yesterdog.  The fact that they proudly display Michigan State gear throughout the interior décor makes it feel like home.

A couple of good friends just introduced me to the perfect dog a few months back…It has become a part of every meal I’ve had since revisiting The Ritz.  The O’lay dog deserves its own recognition.  It is the perfect proportion of chili and cheese, but then adds the unconventional topping that gives it the name O’lay…Crushed Fritos.  Nothing needs to be added, but adding a splash of hot sauce finishes off this dog perfectly.

Yesterday, I went into ala cart mode and had the Ritz Koney, the Ada Koney (Koney with crushed chips), and of course the O’lay dog.  Nothing beats a Pabst Blue Ribbon and the O’lay dog.  What’s the best chili dog in GR?  -JD

PS: You can get a discount on every visit by becoming a member of Rewards Network (www.rewardsnetwork.com ), and it is free to join.