King David Dogs, Indianapolis

Hot dogs get short-changed in the restaurant business. With countless eateries dedicated to the burger, only a few specialize in the hot dog. Dogs are tops at the ballpark but somehow restaurants dedicated to franks are few and far between. Chicago and New York seem to be among the few places where a dog-centric menu is appreciated.

Thanks to King David Dogs, Indy has now pinned a confident flag on the hot dog map. Brent Joseph may be new to the restaurant game but he's a thoroughbred when it comes to hot dogs. Brent is the grandson of William Hene of the Hene Meat Company which operated in Indianapolis from the 40s to the 90s. Brent decided to bring back the Hene family recipe and offer his specialty hot dogs at this downtown eatery. We're glad he did.

I stopped by this week to check it out. KDD is located in one of the busiest areas of downtown, just a block or two from Conseco Fieldhouse. The staff is friendly and does a great job making dog seekers feel welcome.

The menu (available here) features several Signature Dogs including some familiar offerings like the Chicago-style dog and made-to-order State Fair-style Corn Dogs. They also get creative with a Reuben Dog (Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island Dressing), the BBQ Dog (BBQ sauce, cheddar, and onions), and lots more. You can also build your own with your choice of 18 different toppings and several Premium Toppings. All dogs come on a fresh-baked Gonnella Poppy Seed Bun and are available on their own or in a combo that includes a drink and choice of sides. Dogs run $3.99 to $4.99. Add another $1.99 for the combo.

All dogs can be prepared with the 100% beef franks or the smoked chicken dog. KDD specializes in grilled dogs but they can be steamed if customers prefer that method of cooking. Other menu items include Chili, White Chicken Chili, and Chicago's own Carol's Half-Pound Cookies.

I'm trying to watch the calories (down over 30 pounds since October!) so I went with a grilled Chicken Chicago Dog ($4.79) with a small White Chicken Chili ($2.99). The dog was terrific. For me the the grilled dog is the way to go - the outside of the dog gives a little snap when you bite it then gives way to the smoky interior. All the Chicago-style toppings were first rate. For a second I thought I was a block away from the Cubbies instead of the Pacers. The White Chicken Chili was as good as the dog- white beans, chunks of white-meat chicken, vegetables, and warm spices - perfect for a cold January day.

King David Dogs certainly gets a thumbs up from the Hungry Hoosier. If you haven't already, check them out. KDK is located at 15 North Pennsylvania and they are open 11 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday. More information is available at their website.   

Comments

[SCUBAchef]

Man, maybe I need to give the chicken-dog a try, but from my experience with the regular/beef variety, I really have no desire to return. I mean, I love a good dog - went to school in Chicago. Even kept stopping by King David's for a couple weeks before it finally opened. I was not asked "How was it?", but would have had to say it was the worst dog I've had in a very long time; out-of-proportion large and weirdly hard/almost-pickled in texture. I had to fight a feeling of obligation to warn the hapless suckers coming through the door.

[Amy H]

Thanks for the tip, I grew up in Chicago and miss my hot dog fixes!

[Michael A. Smith]

Contrary to SCUBAchef's "glowing endorsement" (NOT!), I have eaten King David Dogs for years (and I mean Y-E-A-R-S!), and have never found them to be anything but delicious! It was a sad day when they were no longer available in my Indy-area grocers' meat cases.
The only other dogs on the market that can, in my estimation hold a candle to them are those produced by "Hebrew National", also an Indy Icon.
For those unfamiliar with either of these classics, by all means, give them BOTH a try...I believe you'll be pleased with, and long for your next one!