Doogie's — Restaurant in Newington

(Last visited August 24, 2023) Wife was craving a cheesesteak and we ride by this place called Doogie's almost every time we come south on the Berlin Turnpike. So today, we decided to try them out and see why they've been in business for so long!

Atmosphere/Appearance: It's very simple. No frills, just a brightly lit dining room, very colorful and decorated with memorabilia of events that have occurred here throughout time. It was lively and I can here the kitchen enjoying themselves in the back. Lol.

Service: It's pretty straightforward. You go to the counter, you order then you sit down until they bring it out to you. No big deal. The people were friendly though.

Food: Of course... I got the 2-Foot Long Man Vs. Food Hotdog with some sweet potato fries. The fries were straight. Crispy, crinkle cut and nothing crazy. They could've used some salt. Now for the hotdog. They are a mixture of beef and pork. On it is chili, cheese, onion, peppers and bacon. This sounds absolutely perfect. The flavors were comforting and reminded me of hotdogs from my childhood. The dog didn't have the "snap" from the casing that I really like, but eh. So be it. The chili was standard and all worked together. I liked how the bread was lightly toasted on the outside while the inside was still soft. This was one of the better hotdogs I have had in a while to be honest. I also got to try their cheesesteak which is 100% angus beef (unsure of the cut). On it is American cheese, peppers, onions and mushrooms. It was delightful! Very flavorful, but could've used more salt, more cheese and a little more heat on the meat for the Maillard reaction to create that umami flavor. However, on my second bite I had a better ratio of ingredients and it was much better.

Value: My 2-Foot Long Man Vs. Food Hotdog costed me $21.00. the 12" cheesesteak was $19.99. This stuff isn't cheap anymore, but... you do get sizeable portions and high quality food. It's totally worth it.

In conclusion, we loved it here, it's just not the healthiest food so we don't frequent. We have been here multiple times though and I do recommend this place! Check it out if you're in the area or are up to tackle their 4-Foot Hotdog Challenge where you eat 2 2-foot longs, some fries and...

Let me start off saying, I have been involved with the resturant buisness, and I can officially tell you, hands down, i would have instantly shut you down. You have really gone downhill. The food ; Ex. The Fish n chips, let's just say, I have never ever got one that was filled with so much grease. We noticed the place going down awhile ago, not being as bad as it is now, when the food became nasty tasting. Fir ex. I ordered the fish n chips, the breading over powered the fish. My husband said that something was wrong with the hotdogs, it was upsetting his stomach. You know it's pretty serious when old timers gave up going there and including my husband and I. This place is absolutely filthy. The employers are filthy and disgusting, in their hygiene. Aprons are disgusting. They deffinilty don't care about keeping them clean, or at least buy new ones. Viewing over the counter, we can see the kitchen area. It's disgusting. The place reaks of old oil, in place of the once welcoming aroma of fresh clean food. It used to be so warm and inviting, but now ? You questioned as to what your food went through before being served to you. When we, ttied one more time tongo there, thinking, and just hoping, things have changed, only tonrealize it has become worse, as if that was even possible. We walked in there, and our first scent of smell was a huge nasty smell of urine in our faces, only to realize it was the bathroom. ( Bathroom is in the forer upon entering the door. ) By that time, we just did about face and walked out. We will never return again. It's sad, because over 40 yrs they were always clean. If you guys are humble enough to call Chef Ramsy to come, then maybe we can think about returning. When a place starts to make you feel grossed out, it's simply not worth it anymore. R.I.P Doogie's

Ps. We are forced to rate a star because this review site wont let you place a review. but honestly, they deserve none...

Doogies is a small local burger and dog place, the restaurant is filled with retro posters and designs with records adorning every square inch, the restaurant is very clean with a good atmosphere.

and that ends the good things to say about Doogies, I got the two foot coney and it was one of the most disgusting and ill cared for foods i have ever had, Starting with the breading with what i can only describe as a "two day old stale baguette" it is way to thick for what little toppings are on the dog. It is stale with absolutely no taste, The toppings where incredibly sporadic and almost nonexistent, what little of the chili was heinously dry with no flavor, To get a bite you had to tear at the bread it was so stale. The hotdog itself was shriveled and had no moisture as if it had been left out, the inside was so overcooked it was crunchy, the general lack of regard for the quality of food items has me reviewing this local joint a 1/5, I saw reviews in the past it seems at one point in time this old school place use to thrive with flavor, now similar to the old posters on the wall it is outdated and stale.

EDIT-in response to owner----- No, I did not because i review restaurants solely based on what they provide as a day to day experience, asking to remake a menu item would essentially be giving a do-over and not representative of the restaurants true daily food quality. While your wonderful costumer service is appreciated and i am sure your staff would have accommodated me, My review stands for the quality of food i received...