I love good hot dogs, but I hardly ever eat them because, well, I
think we can all agree that good hot dogs are a rare breed. So when a restaurant proclaims that it serves a Good Dog right in its name, that’s a challenge I’ve got to check out. Happily, I can report that Good Dog, in the hip and happening area of Northshore in Chattanooga, Tennessee, does indeed serve a good dog. A fantastically wonderful hot dog, in fact. And I went for the veggie dog, too — and would rank it right up there with some of the best I’ve ever had. Probably because it’s cooked on the same grill right next to the beef dogs, but oh well. It’s the effort that counts. The menu boasts several versions of classic hot dogs (Chicago, New York Street Cart, Cleveland Ballpark) or you can order a plain dog and add whatever toppings you want. Ordering at Good Dog moves fast — there’s almost always a line — so know what you want before it’s your turn or you risk the wrath of everybody behind you. Due to the owner’s Dutch heritage, Heineken is the beer of choice here. And definitely go for the handmade frites, which are served hot and salty in a paper cone you then slip into circles that have been cut in your table. Good Dog is a condiment lover’s dream, as you can see from the photo, which shows only half of the condiment-gallery shelves. Also: When you order the frites, actually say the word “frites” instead of “fries” so you’ll seem like a regular. You’re welcome.
Coffee with Cathy
Pour a cup & take a break
Coffee with Cathy 
These “gourmet” hot dog joints seem to be a trend. I noticed that Sonic even has some new dogs on the menu! We tried out one of the trendier dog spots in Austin (Frank) but weren’t so impressed. Frank’s menu is a lot of fun; you can even get one dog wrapped in bacon and deep fried.
Damn it, I have got to get in on one of these Chattanooga trips.
Martianqueen — You are so right about gourmet hot dogs. But we’re not complaining!
I always say, “My husband John Pitts would love this!”
An email from Good Dog owner:
Hello Cathy!
I am so excited that you came in and even more appreciative that you would take the time to blog us. What you all do is so helpful! Thank you!
P.S. our veggie dogs are honestly some of my favorite as well. They boast only 6 grams of fat and I think have a great texture and flavor. We do put the veggie dogs on the same griddle, but we put the all-beef dogs on the far right and the veggie dogs on the far left. The buns are toasted in the middle and we use separate tongs for the different dogs. I would hope to think that no “griddler” would put the veggie dogs on the meat side of the griddle; it is strictly against the “policy”. For vegetarians that is a big deal, as you mentioned!!!! 🙂
Thank you again for your kind email and I do hope to be there when you are in town next time!
Have a great week!
Susan 🙂
Although I rarely have them, I love hot dogs as much as anyone I know. I honestly believe that if I ever had the misfortune of requesting a “last meal” it would be a hot dog. Heck, I’d even have two of them in that case. Dixie dawgs with cole slaw.
Looove Good Dog- a favorite hangout of your ‘Noog family 🙂
JP, I’ll take you guys there on Sunday!
Younger Daughter — We will take you up on that, as long as we follow up with Northshore’s best cupcakes, ice cream and doughnuts.
Yay!