Harley's A Hot Dog Revolution

What a great name for a hot dog joint!

I learned about Harley’s from one local top ten list or another. That’s what I told Ed, the owner/manager/chef, when he asked how I heard about his place. Ed then happily reeled off a number of awards and important notices his place has received. There were so many that I could not keep track of them all! Still, Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs has received national attention and their dogs seemed only okay to me. I kept my own counsel about that!

I ordered Ed’s version of a Coney Island – it was a rather deluxe version called the Chili Pie Dog. The menu describes it as a “juicy 100% Kosher Beef Dog slathered in homemade chili, jalapeño, melted cheese and Fritos on a toasted Everything bun.” It was served wide open, with lots and lots of chili and cheese; the few Fritos were a kind of garnish on top. It tasted great! I’m glad the bun was toasted, as it kept the overflowing ingredients somewhat contained. The fries were extraordinarily good.

“We’re about 90% homemade,” Ed told me. He was proud of his fries, and said they took lots of R & D to get just right. A small complaint: ketchup is served in little paper cups, only a bit bigger than a thimbleful. There should be bottles of ketchup (and perhaps other condiments) available at every table.

I liked the quirky ambience of Harley’s – lots of decals, funny signs, and bunches of napkins on the wall illustrated with customers’ cartoons and drawings. Ed was outgoing and energetic, jovial and sarcastic. It was a fun visit, and the dog and fries were great. If I lived closer, I’d go down the menu, trying every variation.