It’s a Friday night in Cleveland and there’s no better place to be than at a corner bar with friends. Especially if that corner bar is Happy Dog.
The place looks like it’s right out of a bygone era: a center island bar surrounded on all sides by stationary diner-style stools and booths along the walls, wood paneling lending a warmth and feel to the room acquired only from decades of standing watch over loyal patrons, scalloped wood trim along the ceiling with red back lighting, a clock that could be in any school room. And on this Friday, happy hour Polka music courtesy of DJ Kishka, who does it old-school with a turntable and vinyl. You’ll be singing “Who Stole The Kishka” for days to follow.
For these attributes alone this is a great place to hang out, but Chef/Co-owner Eric Williams of Momocho serves up the humble hot dog in cool and delicious ways. Along with a side of tater tots and a beer selection that includes Pabst Blue Ribbon, Stroh’s, Great Lakes, and a nice variety of Czech and Polish offerings, and you know all is right in Cleveland.
The dogs themselves are Eric’s own all-beef recipe inside a light casing. They are cooked on a griddle, not boiled or steamed, which gives each bite a nice crunch. Put that dog in one of the Chicago-supplied poppyseed buns and you’d have yourself an enjoyable treat. But the pièce de résistance are the toppings available to make your dog something special.
With over 50 toppings to choose from you could suffer from a serious case of analysis paralysis before finally deciding on your desired combination. Traditional toppings are there–ketchup, mustard, relish, chili, onions, sauerkraut–but at Happy Dog, the the traditional gets an upgrade with house made ketchup, black truffle honey mustard, “alien” pickle relish, habanero pickled onions, and vodka sauerkraut. Sauces include thai chile and garlic, Marcella’s grape jelly and chile, Oaxacan red chile and chocolate mole, and Kansas City style BBQ. Marinated portobello mushrooms, creole remoulade, onions, kim chee, bok choy Coca-Cola stir fry, garlicky escarole , bourbon baked beans, applewood smoked bacon, Caribbean coleslaw, potato chips, cheese whiz, saffron aiolo, and a fried egg make for some interesting combinations.
Our waitress suggested chunky peanut butter and jelly with caramelized onions and Fruit Loops, but I went with one of Eric’s suggested combos: warm pineapple-ginger-currant chutney, caramelized onions, and French Brie cheese. With a side of cheddar cheese-topped tater tots and an icy-cold adult beverage, this is great bar food taken to a new level.
What completes the experience is a truly happy happy hour. With DJ Kishka spinning polkas, dancing, clapping, and singing along are the norm. Everyone who walked through the door was greeted with a hearty, “Welcome to polka happy hour!”, and the party just got larger. Polkas are like banjo music: you just can’t be sad when there’s a polka playing.
If you’re looking for a fun place, with great food and an atmosphere that will put a smile on your face, Happy Dog is it. You’ll find all the fun you can handle at 5801 Detroit Ave in Cleveland. Call at 216-651-9474.
Na zdrowie!
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
who stole the kischka?
Someone bring it back!
someone call the cops
Sounds like a fun place! In your reviews like this, you should share the address or general location in case I want to get in my car and go.
I recently went to B Spot and think you would like it as well. Maybe for a future review?
Jeff, thanks for the suggestion; I totally forgot to mention the location, but have updated the post. We’ve been to the B Spot and love it. Could be an upcoming review there, too.
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