Yesterdog — Restaurant in Grand Rapids

Yesterdog makes great dogs. That's why they are successful, combined with being consistent and simple in design. You go in, wait at the counter (once you know what you want - otherwise stick to the wall), a guy who has worked there for 20 of his 35 years points at you and asks what you want. If you waiver or show uncertainty, they will move on to the next person at the counter who is ready. If youre there late, the place will be packed with young drunk people, so go to the counter and be especially assertive, because the employees are working in extra efficiency mode and are skillfully stern at these times. They make your dogs in about 6 seconds as you pay in cash only (this annoys me greatly since I never have cash). You can throw your coins into the spout on the wall behind the counter. You might hit the guys working there by mistake, but theyre all pretty chill and will be nice about it if you are. If you're eating there, they put them on a tray, and if you're taking them to go, the dogs are put in a paper bag. Either way, they're wrapped in a thin plastic that makes them impossible to eat without making a mess of your hands. But they taste awesome. And the Yesterdog experience makes you feel like you're in a big city, somehow.

In short: Go at least once,...

Classic hot dog joint that is well worth the money you spend.

Cheddardog - $3.80: Simple chili and cheese dog, but oh so good. The bun is great quality. The dog is fresh and juicy. The chili was fresh and good, but a bit liquidy and sloppy. The cheese was just right. It was served on a plastic glove, which was odd.

My son and I both agreed it was well worth the price. It is a no brainer. The value is phenomenal. No wonder this place is famous.

Service: Immediate, fast, and helpful. They were to the point, but still asking questions to be sure I didn’t miss anything (chips and drink). They did not pressure at all, were super helpful, and kind. The dog was ready almost before I paid for it.

Atmosphere: Old diner feel. Has a lot of graffiti and carvings on the walls. There is a very old vinyl jukebox. It looks like it still works, but I cannot confirm that. It has the feel of being worn and tattered with age, but still fully functional and kept up very clean. The neighborhood is a bit questionable. I don’t remember there being music played, but it could have been.

Conclusion: I think most of Grand Rapids would agree with me. You need to visit this place once if not make it a regular hang out. It’s worth it.

Visited on a...

I gave Yesterdog 3 stars because we always go there and love it but..... YESTERDOG..... YOU NEED TO OFFER TO PAY YOUR EMPLOYEES MORE THAN $12/HR. My boyfriend is looking for a job and noticed a sign on your window that you are hiring for $12/hr for 12-30 hours a week. That's only $70-$300 a week..... With just an average amount of taxes (it could be more taxes being taken) I couldn't believe in a city like Grand Rapids ANNNNNNNND having your business be so popular....literally a million (maybe multimillion) $ company ANNNNNNNND located in one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Grand Rapids.... You are only offering $12 to your workers. My job (entry level position) is hiring in at 17 minimum and so is the rest of the world. That's a literal slap in the face to ask someone to come work for you but only pay them $12/hr. Your paycheck would LITERALLY only cover your phone bill. What's the point of even having a job. There was the guy behind the counter that was venting to me last time about closing at random times because they just didn't have anyone that wanted to work and couldn't find anyone. Well duh!!!!! No one wants to work in a hot kitchen area on their feet for 8-10 hours a day and make less than $300 per paycheck. Who in their right mind...