Dirty Franks is Open
Posted by CMH Gourmand on July 1, 2009
Hot Dog Month press release and new website
July 1st marks the beginning of National Hot Dog Month. The first of July also marked day one of Dirty Franks. There was a sneak peak at 2 PM with doors opening to the public at 4 PM. Hours are expected to be 11 AM to 2 AM in the future. As a rare late night dining destination, there is hope Dirty Franks will be the gateway restaurant to grow more spots for those that opine there is no place to dine downtown.
The first item sampled was a Carribean Queen Slush:
(Cherry Slush, Lime Slush, pineapple juice, & orange juice)…no slouch here and the perfect drink for the summer. One can get a scoop of Jeni’s ice cream in the slush. Or maybe I should say – one should get a scoop of Jeni’s ice cream in a slush.
The full taco truck team teamed up to sample each of the side dishes. Honorable mention goes to the Mac and Cheese (which Chef Tanya has been tweaking) and the fries. Our favorite was a very non traditional hot dog side – Fried Leeks.
In the future, I plan to take a crack crew to help me critique and consume all 20 hot dog styles at the same time (I feel bad for the server on day I say “one of everything please”). Today, the hot hot dog was the Ohioana – topped with spicy corn relish (sweet corn, pickle relish & diced jalapenos), & a dash of celery salt. The relish was very good – I was able to get a small morsel from a very hungry Hungry Woolf.
The place was packed. Mayor Coleman dropped in for a hot dog – it was one thumbs up walking in and two going out.
Congratulations to Liz Lessner, Harold LaRue and the rest of the Dirty Franks crew – it has been a long wait. I hope after a few weeks Liz and Harold can take a break so they can start planning their next culinary venture.
Note for July diners from Harold LaRue at Dirty Franks, July 3rd:
We’re happy to be open and are contining to work-out the bugs and implement the knowledge gained in the first few days; to do so, we’re keeping hours of 4pm to 1am for the first week or two (still waiting for some menu items to arrive, like Jeni’s ice cream.)
We’re also taking an uncharacteristic, though much needed, day off to regroup, recharge, and plan for Phase Two of our operation which, as of tonight, includes a fully-operational draught beer system…yay!
We’ve stocked-up on Frost Top Root Beer (you cleaned us out the first day!), added a second steam well dedicated to those warm, delicious, poppyseed buns, set-up a second server station to process orders and payments far faster, and…a hundred other things I’ve already forgotten.
Soooo, we’ll use this Saturday to dream up some more and better ways to feed you, Columbus, and be back at it on Sunday, July 5th, at 4pm.
Harold LaRue
GM, Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace
More DF info here at Nothing Better to Do (Good photos to be seen here)
Columbus Underground on Dirty Franks Opening night with some great photos by Jen Killius
A couple Post Script Post notes:
There is a myth that there is no parking near Dirty Franks – not true, there are a multitude of meters within easy walking distance and several side street meters as well.
On day One – the place was packed from open to close. This will continue to be a busy place, but service is fast so don’t let a small line discourage you – just get a drink at the bar.
CMH Gourmand - Eating in Columbus & Ohio 
Bridget Lessner said
Big love from Philly. Wish we could be there. You guys are awesome.
Diana said
I wouldn’t try all the toppings, but I might stop by and try at least one of the combinations. Thanks for the news.
Harold LaRue said
Thanks for everyone’s enthusiasm, feedback, and overwhelming support; it means a lot!
We’re happy to be open and are contining to work-out the bugs and implement the knowledge gained in the first few days; to do so, we’re keeping hours of 4pm to 1am for the first week or two (still waiting for some menu items to arrive, like Jeni’s ice cream.)
We’re also taking an uncharacteristic, though much needed, day off to regroup, recharge, and plan for Phase Two of our operation which, as of tonight, includes a fully-operational draught beer system…yay!
We’ve stocked-up on Frost Top Root Beer (you cleaned us out the first day!), added a second steam well dedicated to those warm, delicious, poppyseed buns, set-up a second server station to process orders and payments far faster, and…a hundred other things I’ve already forgotten.
Soooo, we’ll use this Saturday to dream up some more and better ways to feed you, Columbus, and be back at it on Sunday, July 5th, at 4pm.
Harold LaRue
GM, Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace
Diana Lesser said
I can’t WAIT to try all of them, so far Chicago Dog, Ohioana, Sirachi, have hit home runs!! totally loved the leeks. ingenious.
Miranda said
Went last night and it was lots of fun. I had Amy’s Big Boston Dog and it was really, really good. The meld of flavors and textures was great. The leeks were yummy and I liked the creamy texture of the mac & cheese. I also had the 2 Tickets to Paradise drink. Very tasty. It was packed so we ate at the bar, but all was good. Definitely going back again!
Buck LaRue said
Howdy, sorry I missed your opening. What the heck is a “leek!!??” Sounds scary to me! Glad your serving Mac and Cheese (Chelsie will LOVE you for it!) and the root beer. Do you post or have available a menu sample on your website so I can ponder what I might try first the next time I’m in town? So glad you finally opened and I wish you and Liz-Beth the very best of success. Dad.
Donna Strain said
Way cool!!! Congrats!! You are close to where I work at 140 Town Center. Can you fax me a menu to 628-1*** @ work. Thanks and hope to see you all soon!!!
CMHG Comment: The menu is on the DF web site. Fax Number changed to prevent mischief.