It’s lonely in the dog house.
So let me begin with a tail-between-the-legs apology to the collective Denver Post readership.
A slip of the pen had me erroneously reporting in this column last week that on a recent trip to the Windy City, I had “ketchup” instead of “mustard” on a glorious lunchtime Chicago hot dog.
Oops.
Of course I didn’t have ketchup on my dog. They didn’t even offer ketchup in the joint. Besides, I woulda been run outta that toddlin’ town faster than a Cardinals fan on game day.
What can I say? The wires got crossed. As any true Chicagoan will tell you (and dozens of them told me, via phone calls and voicemails of varying decibels last week), ketchup has absolutely no place on a Chicago dog. Even I know that.
So, to all the Chicagoans, real and spiritual, who were offended: My bad.
There.
Now, while we’re on the subject, hot dog season is nigh. Baseball’s in full swing, school’s almost out, and it’s time to get out there and stuff yourself with summer’s best lunch. Here are a few of Denver’s top dogs.
Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs: (Corner of 16th and Arapahoe; bikerjimsdogs.com). Technically more of a link stand than a hot dog stand, Biker Jim (perhaps one of Denver’s best natural culinarians) offers downtown office rats like me excellent, and exotic, dogs. Offerings change frequently, but include reindeer, pheasant, elk and buffalo. Also, cheesecake.
Chicago: (6680 W Colfax Ave., Lakewood, 303-233-0500). Specializing in the real Chicago deal – big dogs, poppy seed buns, and no ketchup (see above), Chicago’s had a headlock on the Chicago-dog market in Lakewood for many years. Don’t come in unless you at least act like you’re a Cubbies fan, or you might not get served.
Mustard’s Last Stand: (2081 S. University Blvd., 303-722-7936; 1719 Broadway, Boulder, 303-444-5841). The brains behind Mustard’s Last Stand know what they’re doing; they’ve located their two area shops smack in the middle of thousands of hungry, budget-conscious college students. Great deals.
Old Fashioned Italian Deli: (395 W. Littleton Blvd., Littleton, 303-794-1402). There’s more to eat than wings in Buffalo, which like Chicago and New York City, has valid claims on American hot dog supremacy. Littleton’s long-standing Old Fashioned serves a fine take on the Buffalo variety: shaved onions, spicy mustard, and red pepper relish.
Sam’s No. 3: (1500 Curtis St., 303-534-1927; 2580 S. Havana St., Aurora, 303-751-0347; samsno3.com). An excellent example of that celebrated, Coney Island-borne variation on the hot dog, the smothered chili cheese dog. Chili cheese fries (red or green) and an orange-vanilla float on the side.
Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs: (3525 E. Colfax Ave., 303-722-7936, stevessnap pindogs.com). One of the newer kids on the block, Steve’s offers a robust menu of specialty dogs, including a splendid corn dog. Fried carrot sticks and green beans on the side. Also on the menu: Frito pie.
Swift’s Breakfast: (930 Santa Fe Drive, 303-623-9743). Coney Island- style red chili dogs are the house specialty; get two heartily-smothered dogs for $6, and plan on an afternoon nap.
Dining critic Tucker Shaw can be reached at 303-954-1958 or at dining@denverpost.com.
