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Crif Dogs
Category: Restaurants Hot Dogs Hot Dogs [Edit]
113 St. Marks Pl(between 1st Ave & Avenue A)
New York, NY 10009
Neighborhoods: East Village, Alphabet City
(212) 614-2728
- Nearest Transit:
-
1 Av (L)
2 Av (F)
3 Av (L)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 12 pm - 2 am
Fri-Sat 12 pm - 4 am
Sun 12 pm - 1 am
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Dive-y
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
981 reviews for Crif Dogs
Review Highlights
"Also the spicy redneck is a definite keeper."
(in 160 reviews)
"always try its bacon-wrapped hot dog."
(in 266 reviews)
"The sides are great also expecially the Tater Tots."
(in 183 reviews)
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981 reviews in English
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Review from Tiffany L.
New York, NY
2/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Hubby has a major emotional attachment to place since he used to come here with all his Cooper Union buddies back in college. We made it out last Friday night to indulge in a very unhealthy dinner.
We got the Garden State dog, the Spicy Redneck dog, and the Corndog, with a side of baked beans and tater tots (SO GOOD. Reminds me of my cafeteria days in elementary school, only these tater tots are sooo much better.) The Garden State dog sounds like it should be healthy, but it's a ham wrapped hotdog with pepperoncini's and a slice of american cheese. :) The Spicy Redneck (bacon wrapped with Chilli, coleslaw, and jalapenos) was awesome, but could stand to be spicier! My favorite was the CORNDOG (which, side note, is waaay better than Shake Shack's 4th of July corndog special).
We snagged the arcade game/table, but the arcade was broken so we couldn't play. :(
Still the best hot dog I've had in the city. Hopefully one day I'll make it into PDT. -
Review from Ngoc P.
Jersey City, NJ
2/9/2012
I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. I feel mutinous to the hundreds of people that swear by Crif Dogs but this place did not live up to my expectations. I've been looking forward to eating here for almost a year and I wasn't wowed by what I had. However, I should be crowned for eating the spicy redneck with little to no mess at all. Do you still hate me?
I came around 11-12, and ordered 2 spicy rednecks, a chihuahua, the Jersey's finest, and some cheese fries (I forget the chili everytime!). I got some iced tea too but that was gross. When the spicy redneck came out, I immediately saw that it wasn't the same spicy redneck that people have been raving for. It wasn't coleslaw, it was almost dry. I'm completely convinced that it was a bad night for them or something. It was good but I didn't taste the spice, or anything else. It was like I was eating a salad with a juicy hotdog. The hotdog itself was really good. Juicy and the bacon was actually crispy. The buns are just the regular hotdog buns I usually have, kind of dense which I don't really like. The chihuahua was my favorite although it could have used more avocado. I had to smear ketchup on it though. I didn't try the Jersey's finest (my friend ate it) but it looked like a chili dog and my friend said it was okay. Cheese fries were good, they're just waffle fries, I mean how good can they get.
I was so convinced I went to the wrong Crif Dogs and I came back home and double checked. I mean how many other places have huge pictures of girls with sausages between their legs? Every joint is entitled to have a bad night and last night may have been theirs. Like I said, the spicy redneck didn't look anything like the pictures everyone posted so I WILL try another one. Maybe they ran out of redneck sauce or something. Despite my disappointment, it wasn't bad or anything, it was okay. I was just hoping for a closed-mouth moan full of hotdog is all. -
Review from Stefana V.
Brooklyn, NY
2/8/2012
In New York City, hot dogs are as common as a yellow taxi; everywhere you turn you can get one of these street meat meals. If hot dog stands aren't your thing, and the thought of a dozen Oscar Meyers cooking in a steam bath for god knows how long isn't causing your mouth to salivate, I would have to say, I'm right there with you. Something about hot dog stands in the city, any city, gives me the heebie jeebies; but since I enjoy a hot dog here and there, I was eager to try the famous Crif Dogs. Tucked down below street level on Saint Marks in the East Village is this legendary hot spot. Crif Dogs is always buzzing with people who want a mouthful of explosive flavor in just a few bites. Walk up to the counter and search the one of a kind menu for a dog that gets your culinary adrenaline going. Here are a few of their super original creations, just a sneak peak to get your taste buds working:
Chihuaha: a hot dog wrapped in salty smoky bacon with avocadoes and sour cream
Philly Tubesteak: a hot dog drenched in a creamy yellow cheese sauce and sautéed onions
Garden State: a hot dog wrapped in taylor ham cradled between a slice of American cheese and topped with peppechinis and mustard
Spicy Redneck: a hot dog wrapped in bacon and topped with chili, cole slaw and jalapenos.
Having tried a few (ehm ehm) myself, (what...they aren't foot longs!), I highly recommend any of these selections! Don't leave without trying their cheesy waffle fries, something that will warm up any New Yorker's belly on a cold snowy night!
Bottom Line: Crif Dogs lives up to their hype, no doubt. -
Review from Morten H.
New York, NY
2/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place used to be one of my favorites in my neighborhood. The place was fun and quirky and had pretty decent food. The hot dogs are ok, and the toppings are pretty good, but for god sake - someone has to do something with those buns. The people working there, especially the asian guy, is nice. But as my friend used to say: "nice just doesn't cut it". They owners have to put a little more heart and soul into the food.
This place used to be pretty busy at nights, but after the Groupon deals - you can not get a table, and if you are lucky to get one, people will bump into you every other second. It's loud filled with obnoxious buffet-style people. What used to be a cool hot dog joint is gone, and it now more feels like someone is giving out free hot dogs inside a packed train in Beijing.
Last time I was there I waited 45 minutes for our food, and when I went to ask for it, they said they had to redo the order because it was for some reason lost. Then we asked what was in the bag RIGHT behind her, that had be standing there for 25 minutes. Yes, it was our cold and soggy food. Not even an apology.
Groupon ruined this business.
I have started to go to Westville East and Asiadog instead and recommend them to everyone who is tired of this place. -
Review from Maggie Y.
Woodside, NY
2/5/2012
Finally got a chance to come here!! I was not disappointed. I had the chihuahua dog because I love avocados! My friends got a new yorker and the spicy redneck. We had the large tater tots to share.
The place is small, seats about 10 on the side with booth seating and about 5 by the wall. Many toppings to choose from and service was pretty quick. Waited about a little less than 10 minutes. Everything was fresh, the only complaint I have was the bun, it pretty much came apart when I took the first bite. My chihuahua dog was creamy and delicious. The sour cream goes well with the avocado and the bacon wrapped dog was juicy and the bacon was crunchy :) The taters were good but I think I would prefer to have it with cheese.
Definitely gotta make it back there to try out they other dogs! -
Review from Lisa L.
Flushing, NY
2/2/2012
I tried the Spicy Redneck and Chihuahua hotdogs here. They were really good, but I personally don't like bacon soo I took it out LOL. I also had their tater tats (recommended) and chili cheese waffle fries, which I didn't like that much. But I definitely recommend everything else! :)
Oh, there's also a hidden bar. -
Review from Jaime W.
Jersey City, NJ
1/19/2012
If you don't like this place, there is something wrong with you. It's unamerican to not like this place, it's hot dogs for crying out loud!
I almost always go with the Morning Jersey-a taylor ham wrapped dog, deep fried to crisp things up, and laid on top of some american cheese and an egg. Sounds pretty perfect, right? But wait, there's more! They also have tator-tots or waffle fries (i go tots) with cheese and/or chili. All served up with an ice cold PBR.
So what that it's a little grimey, with low ceilings and bad lighting. Nobody really cares, everyone just wants to get their cheap grub on and eat something to sober them up just long enough to stay awake til they hit their train stop.
Since they're open til 4:00 am on the weekends, there's no excuse to go home hungry. Just follow your nose....and the big overhead hot dog sign with the swirly mustard yellow "Eat Me" written on it to pure weiner bliss. -
Review from ReviewHaiku F.
Manhattan, NY
1/29/2012
Let's talk BLT;
Much better with a hot dog
However, PDT!!! -
Review from John P.
Updated - 2/3/2012 1 photo
Made my way back here last sunday with a groupon for $20 worth of food. At first it looked like there was a huge line of people waiting to order, but it ended up being people waiting for PDT. I went with a jon jon with bacon and split a corn dog and chili cheese fries. The jon jon is great for everything bagel lovers. I was a little skeptical of cream cheese on a hot dog, but it was amazing. The corn dog was also awesome. It was cooked perfectly and had a ton of batter around the hot dog. The chili cheese fries were very good, but i'd just go with cheese fries the next time. The chili was pretty bland, it really didn't add anything to the cheese fries.
Listed in: Late Night Eats
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/10/2011
I came here on a Friday night around 3AM and was happy to see that there was no line. I ordered a… Read more »
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Review from Lisa H.
1/23/2012 6 photos
The 4 of us ordered 7 dogs, 1 corn dog, 2 chili cheese fries and 2 orders of tots. Yes, we were way too excited for our own good. I apologize Crif Dogs, even though I've fallen deeply in love with your dogs.. I don't think I'll be returning for a while after this overindulgence (who am I kidding? I'll see you tomorrow).
My two favorite dogs were:
The Spicy Redneck - bacon wrapped dog with chili, jalapenos and cole slaw
Jon Jon Deragon - bacon wrapped dog with cream cheese, scallions, and everything bagel toppings
The tots were bomb also. Crunchy and so damn fun to eat. -
Review from Malia P.
1/17/2012
A deep fried hot dog that isn't greasy? Believe it.
I want another one that's bacon wrapped with avocado and sour cream. -
Review from HL H.
Brooklyn, NY
1/26/2012
I went during lunch on a weekday and surprisingly there were tons of seats and room.
The staff is friendly and are not afraid to be themselves! So don't take things they say seriously!
I tried the Jon Jon which has cream cheese and scallions. I didn't know what to get but the guy stated this was his favorite so I obliged. It was good and tasted way different than I were to expect...but I admit secretly...it doesn't have the snap as it does as Top Dog in Berkeley but nonetheless it is good with the different sauce and toppings!
PLUS I LOVE tater tots and theirs was cooked to perfection! YuM! -
Review from Paul H.
Decor: 3.5/5
-Double dragon, Spy hunter, Lil homies on the pipes Oh My!
Food: 3.5/5
-Corn dog was made to order so expect to wait. The corn dog came out hot and fresh. It was definitely great but I had higher expectations from the the Yelp ratings.
-Half and half lemonade/ice tea was okay. I like Chick-fil-A's half and half better. -
Review from Tiffany F.
Manhattan, NY
1/4/2012
After years of walking past Crif Dogs, wondering what a $6 hot dog would taste like, I finally caved and tried it. In fact, the only reason that I actually tried Crif Dogs is because I am cheap and there was a groupon deal that I snatched up a few months ago.
Being the vegetarian that I am, I'm always excited when a restaurant carries veggie dogs (which I LOVE). Load it up, baby!! Relish, onions, ketchup, mustard. And YES, I do want cheese on my french fries.
This is the perfect LES munchie pit-stop that just might save your life mid-way through a night of raucous drinking. Hell, when I stopped in, it seemed like this WAS the party. As far as the eye could see, there were drunk hipsters sucking down their $2 PBR, laughing and giggling, just having a grand old time. Being the old fart that I am, I couldn't tell whether they were doing the same thing that I was (trying to sober up) or whether this was just their pre-game, a novel intro to a night of debauchery. Given that it was only 10:30, I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that it was the latter.
Either way, Crif Dogs has that "je ne sais pas" that makes it one of the only places in NYC where paying more than $2 for a hot dog is somehow justifiable. But don't be plain jane. This is your one chance to have some random-ass toppings on your dog. Go crazy. Live large. -
Review from Charlee L.
New York, NY
2/4/2012
This place pretty much just sales you stuff that is deep fried which everyone seem to love. However any place that wants to stand out needs a gimmick, in this case is a dressed up hot dogs. I had the morning dog which was okay. The bun was very ordinary, I least expected it to be toasted. The egg was not hot, must have been made in batch and thrown on when there was an order. The cheese was not melted. In other words, the food could have been made better.
I feel this place is very similar Big Gay Ice Cream Truck. The food itself may not be amazing but the idea is. -
Review from Dan O.
2/1/2012
Look, sometimes you want to eat a bacon-wrapped hot dog, nestled in a bun topped with cheese and a fried egg. Rest easy, for Crif Dogs has you covered. If you're a fan of topping your dogs with a variety of tasty foodstuffs, I can't imagine that you wouldn't be able to get your fix here. Great specialty dogs, tater tots, good prices, and even a couple of old-school arcade machines. Just go here.
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Review from Linda T.
Los Angeles, CA
2/4/2012
Came here after bar hopping and this totally hit the spot. Loved the menu/variety. Ordered the spicy redneck.
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Review from Jeanette G.
Manhattan, NY
1/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
YUM YUM!!
Who wouldnt like a DEEP FRIED BACON WRAPPED DOG that doesnt drip grease?!
This is totally a small hole in the wall spot. I personally never heard of this spot until I watched Anhtony Bourdain's new New Layover show. He featured this spot on his NY episode.
I tried this spicy redneck which is bacon wrapped with chili, jalapenos and cole slaw. It was fantastic! I loved it!! It could have been spicier. I love spicy foods so I will always want an extra kick in my food. I highly recommend the spicy red neck.
Had a bite of the tsumani (MY bf ordered it) and didnt think it was great. Nothing special about it- I didnt taste the teriyaki. Toppings consist of teriyaki, pineapple and scallions- bacon wrapped too.
I ordered cheese fries which were great!! Then again, who messes up cheese fries?!
IMO, this place is GREAT, creative, and sinfully unique. Im not a big fan of hot dogs so having one from here with crazy toppings is a PLUS in my eyes. The decor fits the hole in the wall enviornment- its small, dingy and crowded. -
Review from Jeff M.
Jersey City, NJ
1/2/2012 1 photo
Came here early morning after getting picked up by my lil brother and his girl from my California trip! I was half asleep but the moment I walked into the hot dog smelling haven, it woke me right up!
What kind of hot dog did I order early in the morning? The "Good Morning" Hot dog thats what!! Its deep fried hot dog wrapped in crispy bacon with melted cheese and fried egg! If thats not a good morning I dont know what is! I had two of those. Then I had one Chilli dog, which was just the right amount of spices and the meat was A+.
I figured I needed a litte side order of something, so my bro and his girl bought me tater tots! Oh it was soooooo crispy just like how mommy used to make it when I was in 8th grade! Very good experience. A small tiny hole in the wall, but as liong as their food was good. Thats all that matters to me ;) -
Review from Chrissie S.
Oakland Gardens, Queens, NY
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
When your sister-in-law just gave birth and is craving for a hot dog after the delivery, her request was very specific to hit up Crif Dogs for an avocado, bacon and egg on a hit dog times 4!!!! So I happily oblige to see what the hype was all about. You would seriously miss this place if you didn't know the exact address and to go down the stairs a bit in this literal hole in the wall. I waited about 10 minutes for the order though it was not crowded at all on a weekday afternoon around 4pm. I didn't try the hot dog until about 1+ hr later when I was at the hospital with her, so I thought it was decent. Really not the best that I have ever had but it satisfied her craving and she gave me one to try. I will have to try it fresh off the grill next time or however they cook it since you can't view any of the back kitchen. I think the draw here is the customize option of having whatever you want on your hot dog, no judgements.
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Review from Caroline K.
Queens, NY
1/18/2012
Tried the Spicy chili dog which was mhmmm. Boyfriend had the spicy redneck which he said was good too. Root beer floats were a bit on the sweet side but it was a nice accompaniment to the greasy foods we were eating.
Cheese fries are a must! They drip with all of that calorie laden goodness and fat that makes you hate yourself after awhile but it's sinfully worth it.
Yay, I'm a fan. -
Review from Jayson N.
12/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
What goes on a hot dog??? ketchup.. mustard.. relish.. maybe some grilled onions or pickles? sound about right?
What about wrapping a hot dog in bacon and pairing it with avocado and cream cheese? Or better yet.. We'll wrap it in bacon.. put some cheese on it.. and.. and.. add a fried egg in.. Yesss. brilliant, bloody brilliant..
If you love new, weird, creative? hot dogs that aren't on your everyday menu, then Crif's is the place for you.. They have a ton of dogs which they aptly named based on the ingredients they've placed within..
On our epic trek through nyc's lower east side night life, we wanted to try and get into 'please don't tell', which is the speakeasy in which you enter through the oddly placed old fashion telephone booth in Crif's Dogs. To our dismay or should I say luck? PDT was full and not accepting any more customers for the night..
Being somewhat disappointed that we walked a long distance for PDT, we decided that we may as well eat a hot dog since we are here.. I tried the phily tubesteak which is a hot dog with grilled onions and cheap melted nacho? velveeta? cheese which i love so much.. I also took a bite of my friends good morning which had the fried egg on it.. I have to say the creativity to come up with some of the dogs are genius.
I love the creativity. The style of the place is very dive-y but its a hot dog joint that serves the night owls of NYC..
You can grab some brewskis at this place and the fries here are pretty noms as well...
Hey if you want your run of the mill nathan's hot dog with mustard or ketchup.. then take a hike.. But if you want scallions, cole slow, or other interesting combos to try then definitely check out crif's if you are in the area.
http://www.crifdogs.co... ... here is a menu for those that are curious as to what they serve! :) do it!Listed in: Jayson and the City...
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Review from Michael D.
Boston, MA
1/12/2012 1 photo
TINY TINY little joint that houses the telephone that allows entry to PDT so its ALWAYS packed at night.
Came here after hittin up a few bars and was in the mood for something breakfast-y so we got the "good morning" (bacon wrapped hot dog with egg and cheese (http://www.yelp.com/us...). Tasted exactly as it sounds, but nothing to write home about.
ALSO, the cheese fries were served kinda cold and hardened so I ended up tossing half of em. Jenny S. had told me that they served BOMB cheesy fries when they're hot.. so I guess I got a bad batch.
I'd say my experience was mediocre, but the one saving grace they had was the SPICY REDNECK. OH EM GEE, I wish I had ordered one myself, but instead I just took a bite of my friends. The spiciness of the dog was cooled and complemented with the sweetness and creaminess of the coleslaw. YOU NEED TO TRY THIS if you come here.. and I don't even like spicy food!
I'd give it 4 stars for the spicy redneck.. but only 2 stars for my particular order on this date.. -
Review from Nick R.
Manhattan, NY
1/24/2012
This place is all about commitment. You need to fully commit to the food. No half-assing.
If you go into Crif Dogs and try to be healthy, neat, highbrow, or fancy you are gonna get run out on a rail.
Those hot dogs are "it."
Get the spicy redneck and some tater tots like a real sick-o. -
Review from Tamika W.
Jamaica, Queens, NY
1/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
Saw a groupon for Crif dogs and I thought "what's the big deal about a hot dog?". Boy was I wrong.
Dont ask me to say the combinations I got because I can't tell you. I just know one had jalapenos and one was bacon wrapped with some kind of cheese. The person behind the counter let me apply the groupon value($58) and asked that I put my trust in him to order for me. What the hell, you only live once. The least I can do is be adventurous when it comes to a hot dog.
He picked a bunch of different dogs for me to try along with cheesy tots and cheese waffle fries. I will be back! -
Review from Judee M.
Roselle, NJ
Although the ambiance is not that great, the food is!
I used a groupon and it was no hassle. The service was OK. We were the first customers of the day.
I based my order off the yelp reviews and was not disappointed. Spicy red neck was bomb. Neatly put together also.
It is tacky for them to be taping paper signs on the registers literally calling you a cheap ass if you don't tip. A tip for what? You barely served me...
I also think it's their sense of humor. Seems like the staff/owner have very witty/sarcastic sense of humor.
I'm not sure I'd go back but I'm glad I got to try the infamous Crif dogs. -
Review from RJ M.
Manhattan, NY
1/24/2012
I love this place.
Unbelievably good hot dogs, and great toppings. And they're open late so if you're stumbling around the East Village looking for drunk eats, there is no better place.
Must eat's:
The Spicy Redneck - bacon wrapped dog with chili, jalapenos and cole slaw
Jon Jon Deragon - bacon wrapped dog with cream cheese, scallions, and everything bagel toppings
Chili cheese tots.
You will not be dissapointed. -
Review from Zeke R.
Manhattan, NY
1/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
To write a dissertation on a hot dog seems absurd...but it can be done if you've tried the succulunt, creative, original, delectably sinful, crack addictive creations that go on outside the walls of the overly-hyped speak easy PDT.
This is all you need to know...bacon wrapped hot dog and f'n awesome root beer floats.
If that doesn't sell you, then go to the West Village
-Peace -
Review from Carla C.
Tenafly, NJ
1/16/2012
Maybe I'm picky, maybe I'm not. But this place is just another hot dog place with different toppings to me. Not great, not bad. Just okay. Price is decent. Lines are usually long. Good for post-drink munchies.
I do want to try PDT, though. Heard cool things about it... -
Review from Lindsay H.
New York, NY
1/8/2012
Bacon wrapped hotdog with avocado and sour cream. Crispy tater tots with cheese sauce.
Perfect drunk food...perfect hangover food...perfect for what it is and just makes me happy that these places exist in NYC. -
Review from Molly M.
Littleton, CO
1/20/2012
There are 960 reviews of this place. You know it's a staple of the East Village. What you don't know is that the Jon Jon Deragon is the little known gem...hands down the best hot dog in the place!
Yes, it's filled with drunkards, yes it's crowded. But it's a microchasm of the East Village. -
Review from Suzee Q.
New York, NY
1/14/2012
I visited here twice within 2 weeks - it was so good but, as several other posts have noted, service is not what it should be!
All the dogs my party and I've had are great: veggie special, spicy redneck, BLT, chili dog, chichuahua, corndog. We were very enthusiastic about any of the bacon-wrapped dogs. The cheese- and chili-cheese fries were good, though got soggy rather quickly.
Service was AMAZINGLY BAD on our first trip, much better on the last visit. Order was screwed up both times. Guess they don't care much about service. Each register has a hand-lettered sign assaulting us as "CHEAP-ASSES" if we don't tip.
Tiny space. Place could use a good disinfecting. -
Review from Ray W.
Manhattan, NY
1/15/2012
I really like hot dogs so I will go to just about anyplace to try a good one. However, I was not particularly excited about the hot dogs here. If you come expecting a hot dog piled high and overflowing with lots of toppings, you will be somewhat let down. And they're definitely overpriced at more than five dollars (after taxes).
About a 50/50 chance I will be returning again. It's a cool looking place though. -
Review from Lisa K.
Milford, CT
1/17/2012
Love 'em.
Total hole in the wall joint-small with like 5 two person tables and a small counter with a few bar stools.
Food is delish-Highly recommend the Chihuahua. It's a bacon wrapped hot dog with avocado and sour cream. Sounds totally gross but trust me it is the bomb.
Root beer floats are a must as well. -
Review from Morgan C.
Updated - 1/29/2012 2 Check-ins Here
The plastic was still on a piece of cheese that was on my Morning Jersey. Could have possibly choked on this :(
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/17/2011
Crif Dogs really could be a 5.
Areas of Improvement:
-Customer service (I'm not even asking for a… Read more »
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Review from Ishmal R.
Chicago, IL
12/27/2011
NO, I'm not going to do it. I'm not writing a review about hot dogs.
OK, a quick mini review.
They were fine, yea what ever.
Hot dogs in Chicago are better, more stuff on them, tastier, more interesting, better and of course less expensive.
Sure Crif Dogs are convient if you are down at that end of the street. Would I walk blocks to get there.....NO.
Its all basically street food, I so miss the guy at 14th St and 5th Ave with the great SHISH KABOB they were just so inexpensive and so good. I swear serve those at Per Se and they would get five stars.
But Crif Dogs.....whatever. -
Review from Elssy C.
Los Angeles, CA
1/14/2012
Finally got around to checking this place out...and I have to say it was a pretty meh. Definitely nothing spectacular. Perhaps my expectations were too high? I do tend to do that.
Be prepared for a tiny and cramped location. The hot dogs weren't great; I had the veggie and the bf had the chihuahua (or what i'd call the downtown l.a. hot dog, sans the avocado that was a nice add Crif Dogs). The waffle fries and tater tot orders come in nice big portions. But, alas, that is all. -
Review from Alexis K.
Dude! I've never been to a place like this before! I don't like hot dogs, but I loved this place. We went here after seeing it on Anthony Bourdain's show.
This place puts the weirdest stuff on their hot dogs, but it totally works!! Not to mention the hot dogs are crispy on the outside, which would make me eat more hot dogs if they were all like that.
We got the Jon-Jon Derragon (pretty much an everything bagel on a hotdog), Chihuahua (bacon wrapped, avocado, and sour cream), and BLT (I don't think I have to explain this) dogs with an order of tots. TOTS! What place has tots nowadays? Awesome. They all tasted good.
I was giddy with the whimsy of the food. But I'm taking a star off because it is too crowded in there with the PDT people crowding around the phone booth! Also, the bathroom is bit disgusting. -
Review from Dee M.
New York, NY
1/13/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Welp, I finally made it to Crif Dogs and I can't say that it was worth the wait. It's a small nook of a place with not bad, but not great hot dogs way too far downtown for this uptown gal! I decided to play it safe (which I wont do if there's a next time) and get the "good morning" dog which was ok, but nothing that I'd make my way back there for. A friend had the "Spicy Redneck" which was much tastier than mine.
Maybe if im in the area or have a taste for a hot dog with all kinds of things on it, I'd check them out again but until.... -
Review from Jenn S.
San Jose, CA
1/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
Having seen Crif Dogs on "The Layover" I had to be the tourist and stop in for a dog and a beer when I was in town.
We happened to walk in during the middle of a rainy day and I think the staff behind the counter outnumbered the patrons inside. We came at the PERFECT time!
After staring blankly at the menu and trying to decide what to feed the beast within, I settled on the BLT dog and my fiancee had The Chihuahua dog. No not that actual dog, the hot dog I mean :) We got 2 cans of Pabst to go along with the dogs and waited patiently.
The seating inside is a little smaller than what it looked like on TV. Inside the front door are a couple of play at your own risk video games. Along the same wall is a row of tables, mainly 2 seaters but they can be pushed together for a couple more people. There is a bar along the left side where you can sit as well.
The dogs arrived and we were totally silent through the meal except for knowing glances across the table at the joy that was happening in our mouths. I don't normally eat hot dogs nor could I call myself a fan .. but holy of all holys .. I LOVE CRIF DOG.
I look forward to my next NYC visit :)
