The hot dog is the ubiquitous street food. No matter where you wander in the city, down to the Battery or up to Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, you can always count on being able to nosh on a frankfurter. If you think nothing can be done to dress up this snack favorite, then you haven’t been to Crif Dogs on St. Mark’s Place.
Brian Shebairo and his childhood friend, Chris Antista, did two years of research before launching this local eatery in October, 2001, a month after 9/11. Perhaps after that tragedy, the city was ready for some real comfort food. Crif Dogs certainly filled that need back then and has continued to grow in popularity.
Ironically, one of the restaurant’s most popular hot dogs is meatless. The Veggie Special is a veggie dog garnished with onions, tomatoes, cucumber, and jalapeno. Try that after a hectic day at the office!
Unlike street hot dogs that are steeped in water, or deli ones that are grilled, Crif Dogs are deep fried, and most are wrapped in crispy, flavorful bacon. The Tsunami House Dog, rightly named after a force of nature, is not only wrapped in bacon but also doused with teriyaki sauce, pineapple, and green onions.
The Chihuahua Dog takes on its ethnic persona adding avocados and sour cream to the bacon. It’s colorful and delivers a surprisingly pleasant taste combination.
We could go on and on—the BLT, the Philly Tubesteak, the Temptee Dog, the Corn Dog—but part of this excitement is discovering the offerings for yourself. And don’t forget the sides-fries, beans, slaw, avocado, tater tots—to top off your meal.
Keeping it retro downtown cool, the small yet pleasantly comfortable seating keeps up with the feel of the area and the casualness of the hot dog. Decorated with nostalgic game systems, it gives the feel of an “older, cooler” neighbors house that just so happens to cook amazing, savory, divine hot dogs!
Of course once you arrive…keep an eye on that wooden booth…
Crif Dogs
113 St. Mark’s Place, near Avenue A
212-614-2728
www.crifdogs.com
