Crif Dogs — Restaurant in New York

In town on business, as it were, and my dark passenger started hissing, as they do, "Wouldn't you like to know what the best hot dog in town tastes like?"

As much as I try to resist these unhealthy impulses of mine, I mean, hunger get what hunger want, right? So, I started asking around.

Much to my fortune, the concierge at my hotel suggested Crif Dogs in East Village. Beneath the weight of immense shame and guilt, I quickly found myself in the Village, descending a short flight of stairs and entering what presents itself as a punk rock dive and smells of horrible meat in the best way imaginable.

I was instantly enamored by the way the menu brandishes all the creative renditions one could concoct for a dog of hot, but what was I to choose? So, I did what any sensible tourist would do, and asked the unkempt young man behind the counter to serve me the hot dog he makes for himself. And, boy, was that a good decision!

Let's call it the flaming hot...no, let's call it the quivering orgas...no, let's just call it the Elias Dog. Best damn hot dog I, and you, will ever have! Get yourself to Crif Dogs, breathe in the seedy atmosphere, and treat yourself to an Elias Dog.

You're welcome,...

This is the original Crif Dogs location, opened in 2001. It’s been my favorite place to get hot dogs and tater tots for 17 years.

My favorite crif dog is the Chihuahua (bacon-wrapped with sour cream and avocado). Each dog, whether it’s pork and beef (crif), all beef (New Yorker) or the Bacon-Wrapped Crifs, all have a delightful snap with each bite. You can build your own dog and even start with a veggie, if you’re a non-meat eater. The list of toppings is extensive, including things like a fried egg, potato chips, sauerkraut, hummus, cole slaw, chili, and cheese.

The tots are great. Salty and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The East Village Tots have cheese and pickled jalapeños on them, which adds a wonderful creaminess and spice.

They have an amazing daily special: -Every day from 2-5 and 12am-close you will get 2 build your own dogs and a soft drink, beer, or cocktail for $10, $12, or $15 respectively.

They are open late (2-3am) and the telephone booth leads to a speakeasy, just pick up the phone to get on the list. They also have two table top arcade games.

You have to go down a few...

I came back after a 1 year hiatus of a previous disappointing experience and wasn’t let down. I’m amazed this place holds solid 4+ stars because it doesn’t reflect the value.

Let’s to go the important parts: the food

The wieners they use have OK quality, nothing amazing but not bad. The major part that has affected both of my experiences is the fact they use a hot water bath for their weiners. They’re not skinny dogs by any means. So without any color or texture you’re left with this mass of mush that does indeed taste like a hot dog, but does it taste like it’s worth $7 before a tip? Heck no.

Secondly, the bizarre service. Despite the hotdogs clearly sitting in a water bath it takes them 10 minutes to come out even when it’s slow. Whoever is at the register will show you the tip options as soon as you pay. 20% / 25% / 30% lmfao, since when did you have to go out of your way to not tip the BARE MINIMUM on takeout? It was overall a bizarre and regretful experience. I live in the east village and let everyone know this...