Dat Dog

Dat Dog at 5030 Freret Street in the Uptown area of New Orleans, Louisiana, is the original location of a local mini-chain devoted to gourmet hot dogs and sausages. The Freret Street shop helped anchor the revival of this commercial corridor, and additional locations followed on Magazine Street and in the French Quarter. It is a casual, colorful counter-service spot with a lively, student-friendly atmosphere near Tulane and Loyola universities. The signature appeal is the range of sausages. In addition to beef and pork dogs, the menu features Louisiana-style options such as crawfish sausage, alligator sausage, Cajun sausage and andouille, as well as vegetarian and vegan options. Toppings are a major part of the experience and range from the classic mustard and onions to creative Louisiana combinations including crawfish etouffee, Creole mustard, pickled vegetables, and sauces. Sides include tater tots, fries and onion rings, and the bar serves local beer, cocktails and frozen drinks. The big covered patio with picnic-style tables is the most popular place to sit, and the interior is bright with wall art and a loud, social energy. Music, game-day crowds and late hours make it a popular post-concert or late-night stop. There is no dress code and no reservations. Customers order at the counter, are given a number, and servers bring the food to the table. Expect to spend about US$10-16 per person, which makes it one of the cheaper meals in the city. Hours run late, but they should be confirmed on the website. Freret Street is also home to restaurants, bars and shops, and the location is reachable from downtown by streetcar and a short ride or walk, so a stop here can anchor an afternoon in the neighborhood. Families are welcome during daytime hours, and the menu has simple options for children, while the bar and late hours draw an older crowd after dark.