Want to know why people line up at lunch to get a hot dog at Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace in downtown Columbus? Or why the bar is full as soon as they open at 11am? Take it from me and my family, you haven’t had a hot dog until you’ve had one at Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace!
Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace Review
During our recent trip to Columbus, we were told we HAD to go to Dirty Frank’s for a hot dog. Really? How special could it be? I heard people line outside the door because it is so good. Well, I gotta tell you, writing this article is not easy. I am seriously craving a hot dog right now from Dirty Frank’s! Let me tell you about the hot dog palace.
Dirty Frank’s is an eclectic downtown eatery that is fun and lively as soon as you enter. There is seating at the bar and at small tables. During lunch time, people even stand and eat! It’s a really fun place to eat. My kids loved checking out the walls decorated with plenty of sports and band memorabilia.
They only play all local music. The menu says if you don’t like it, make your own! Love the attitude. My daughter especially liked the fresh and upbeat music as she danced in her seat!
Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace Menu
The Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace Menu is a little overwhelming at first. I had no idea there were so many ways to eat a hot dog! For first timers, they waitress will happily explain the options and ordering process – or you can read the menu to see how it works.
There are lots of choices. First, you choose your dog. Vienna All-Beef, Tofurkey Veggie Dog, Jumbo Beef Dog, Polish Sausage in meat or veggie, or Bratwurst beef or veggie. Next, choose your vessel. Steamed poppyseed bun, romaine lettuce wrap, or gluten-free wrap. Hot dogs come steamed or you can choose ripped or charred which totally changes the taste too!
There is something for everyone at Dirty Frank’s. Here’s a sample of their hot dogs:
- Ohioana with spicy corn relish
- Chicago with fresh tomatoes, onions, pepper, relish, pickle, and mustard
- Sauerkraut Dog with sauerkraut, brown mustard, and onions
- Amy’s Big Boston Dog with Boston baked beans, onions, and sharp cheddar
- Classy Lady with cheese sauce and crushed potato chips
- Lara’s Pittsburgh Princess with slaw, fresh cut fries, and vinegar.
Not into all the fancy toppings? You can get your wiener any way you like it, including the classic chili dog. I thought it was great that there are many hot dogs that can be made vegetarian or vegan, so there seriously is something for everyone at Dirty Frank’s.
What I love about Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace is that everything is made fresh daily with many ingredients made locally in Columbus or Ohio. They take pride in supporting local businesses.
We decided to go with a few of the Top 10 dogs since there were so many choices! My husband, Matt chose the Puff the Magic Popper. It comes with cheddar cream cheese, jalapenos, and real bacon bits. YUMMY!
Although it looked tasty, I passed on the spicy jalapenos! It was perfect for my husband who likes food a little spicier.
I tried the Cowgirl Carmen that comes with coney sauce, cheddar cheese, and crushed Fritos. I’ve never had a hot dog like that before! It was delicious, messy, flavorful, and very filling. I could go for another one right now!
We couldn’t pass up the Texas Tommy either. It is a bacon wrapped hot dog stuffed with cheese! They cut it into 4 pieces so we could test taste it. I could have eaten a whole one if I wasn’t already stuffed! It was my favorite.
My kids had the ever so cute Octodog! It is a hot dog cut up to look like an octopus complete with a scary face. My kids thought it was so fun. The macaroni and cheese is home-made and the creamiest mac n cheese I’ve ever had. So delicious! My kids ate it up!
As a side, we had their fresh hand-cut fries and Tater Tots. They make everything, including the tots and fries home-made daily in the kitchen. You can really tell when something is made fresh! Both were super delicious. We devoured the whole basket with lots of dipping in ketchup and splashing with vinegar!
Not that there was any room left but we just had to try their desserts! We shared an order of Funnel Fries, Jeni’s Ice Cream, and Glad Annie’s Old World Baklava.
The Funnel Fries were so melt-in-the-mouth delicious that I ate way too many. I just couldn’t resist. They were better than funnel cakes at the fair! My daughter especially liked them too! They made the funnel fries fresh daily in the kitchen from scratch.
Jeni’s Ice Cream is made right in Columbus, Ohio. It is a sweet honey vanilla bean ice cream. Even though we visited Dirty Frank’s when it was just 15 degrees outside, the ice cream was too tempting to pass up! Creamy, fresh, and delicious! The ice cream paired with the Glad Annie’s Old World Baklava was just heavenly. The sticky goodness of the baklava was so scrumptious. It is made right in Worthington, Ohio with Ohio honey and Amish butter. It was so super fresh that you would almost think it was good for you. 🙂
The next time you are in Columbus, look up Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace! You’ll be glad you did. Dirty Frank’s has a friendly atmosphere, excellent home-made food, variety to suit every taste, vegan and vegetarian options, local business that supports local business, and good prices. It has easy on-street or across the street parking. Located close to downtown Columbus.
Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace
248 South 4th Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 824-4673
LIKE Dirty Frank’s on Facebook
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Open daily from 11am to 2:30am
Kitchen open until 2:00am daily
This was not a paid post. My own opinions were used based on my perceptions and experience. Thank you to Dirty Frank’s who provided lunch for the review.
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Will also send you a note regarding a product review and giveaway. I am impressed by your explanation of your reviews.
Have a wonderful weekend, Paula