Reviewing Haute Dogs: a gourmet spin on hot dogs in Washington D.C.

Hot dogs are the ubiquitous summer food. At the ballpark, from a roadside stand, or on the grill in your yard on the 4th of July, hot dogs are loved by adults and children alike. The biggest controversy surrounding the easily portable meal is what to top them with: some argue for ketchup, others for mustard, and a few wild people (myself included) go for both. 

Unconventional toppings abound at Haute Dogs

But what about hoisin sauce & cucumber? Bruschetta? Mango pineapple relish? These are just a few of the unconventional toppings you’ll find on the hot dogs at Haute Dogs. Taking the easy summer food and flipping it on its head, Haute Dogs has created well, just that. Gourmet, unique hot dogs ranging from the typical – Chicago or New York style – to the wildly imaginative – Banh Mi or Steakhouse.

Try a Chicago dog – in Washington D.C. at Haute Dogs

We stopped in for a casual lunch, something we’ve done many times before. Sometimes ordering off the menu and sometimes using the “create your own” option, we’ve come to see Haute Dogs as a quick and easy but always satisfying place to grab a bite. On this visit, we both chose the Chicago dog – piled with onions, pickles, tomato, sweet relish, banana peppers, celery salt, and yellow mustard. The dogs themselves are cooked to order, and the open kitchen behind the counter allows guests to watch as their creations come to life. 

The beef hot dog is large enough to hold its own under the mountains of toppings, with the rich flavor of the meat coming through despite any additions it might have. An oversized bun is used to serve these works of art – heavy enough to support the different options, the bun is toasted on the outside but soft and chewy inside. It is buttery and golden, creating the perfect base for any flavor combination. The Chicago dogs are a balanced sweet and salty combination, with the bright pickles and relish playing against the tangy celery salt and mustard. It’s an explosion of flavor in your mouth. There’s nothing portable about this hot dog – it is a messy endeavor (but well worth it)! 

In addition to their delicious creations, Haute Dogs has fully embraced the “dog” on a literal level. Wallpaper of cartoon canines lines the bathroom while local dog photos adorn the front wall of the restaurant. You’ll find a jar of dog treats on the counter for your furry friend, and of course, their front window displays the image of the ultimate hot dog dog – the dachshund.  

Haute Dogs Final Review

Offering a menu with unique flavor combinations, a selection of local beers, and a veggie dog option for those who don’t eat meat but still want to upset the ketchup purists, Haute Dogs is a great spot for a quick but delicious meal. You can grab just a hot dog, or make it a meal with their available sides – they offer several different flavors of fries, tater tots, and onion rings. In addition to two walk-in locations and a spot at Nationals Park concessions (of course!), Haute Dogs also operates a food truck to take their dogs on the go.