Dogtown: the Next Generation

Dogtown's chili is exceptional, with more fresh vegetables and a little extra spice to give it some kick.

If you’re like me and have been frequenting Connecticut hot dog restaurants for years, you probably remember Swanky Franks and its owner, Bob Manere. The place was iconic, and it had incredible chili. When I found out that Bob’s son, Bobby, had opened his own stand called Dogtown in Milford, I knew I had to give it a try.

Bobby was an avid skateboarder, and it’s clear from both from the decor and the menu that this passion remains present throughout Dogtown. From the signs and lettering that pay homage to classic rock and metal bands to the stickers for skating companies that plaster the front door, the “doghouse” has a distinct skatepark flair.

The "doghouse" as the restaurant side of Dogtown is called, has a distinct skatepark flair.

And while he incorporates newer flavors than you might not find at a classic Connecticut hot dog joint, the secret chili recipe is a Swanky Franks original. It’s a richer chili, with more fresh vegetables and a little extra spice to give it some kick.

This outstanding sauce was complemented by a hot dog cooked to perfection and a bun that was toasted just right— crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. I finished the stop off with some of the tater tots.

The menu features loaded tots with all sorts of toppings. I opted for plain tots, and it was the perfect complement.

Even though it’s only been around for 5 years or so, it’s easy to see why this place has become a community staple. The food was excellent, the staff was friendly, and the atmosphere had a distinctly local feel. It’s clear they know how loyal we can be to our favorite hot dog joints, and have gone out of their way to show their dedication to a quality meal.

The food was excellent, the staff was friendly here at Dogtown.

They’ve come a long way in a short time, from the truck that started it all to the doghouse I visited today— if you’re in the area and looking for a great bite, Dogtown should absolutely be on your list.

When at Saint’s, Come Marching In!

Saint's celebrated 50 years in 2017. It's been a personal favorite of mine ever since my first job out of college.

The Great Connecticut Hot Dog Tour has taken me all around the state to hot dog restaurants both new and historic. Saint’s definitely qualifies as the latter and is a longtime favorite of mine. My first job out of college was in Plainville, so I quickly came to know the iconic Queen Street restaurant and the great local family – the St. Pierres – who run it.

The foot long chili dog is among the best you’re ever going to get.

Don St. Pierre founded Saint’s back in 1967 as a roadside window with picnic tables and grew the business into the sit-down Southington staple it is today. Not only did he build, own, and operate Saint’s for three decades, he also served his community on the local and state level for years. Don was a pillar of this community—it is a true privilege to have known him.

The menu has grown far beyond what the humble stand offered in the late ‘60s, but hot dogs are still the specialty here.

As Saint’s has grown into an institution, the menu has grown far beyond what the humble stand offered in the late ‘60s, but hot dogs are still the specialty here. The foot long chili dog is among the best you’re ever going to get: the bun is toasty and warm, the chili is carefully homemade, and the hot dog itself is cooked to perfection. Plus, it’s a foot long so you really get your money’s worth! Over the years, I’ve spent a lot of time with the St. Pierre family and even more time at Saint’s. It’s undoubtedly one of my favorite hot dog places in the world. If you haven’t yet had the fortune of spending time at this community institution, stop by and meet the St. Pierres. I promise you won’t regret it.

Chili… on the bottom?

Stepping up to order under the white-painted wooden awning, it’s easy to feel the nostalgia of a place like this.

There are a lot of historic hot dog restaurants in Connecticut, but Harry’s Place is on a different level. It’s a little slice of Colchester history. Founded in 1920 by Harry Shmuckler, Harry’s was run for nearly 50 years by Ruby Cohen, and Ruby’s story is tremendous. After years behind the counter, Ruby was elected as a Democratic state representative for Colchester. He would work the day shift at Harry’s and then, in the afternoons, he would make his way to Hartford to represent his community in the state legislature.

Since Ruby stepped down, Harry’s has been run by the Garet family and remains a locally-owned, family-focused hot dog joint. Its connection to our state’s history has earned this humble roadside stand a spot on both the State and National Historic Registers.

Stepping up to order under the white-painted wooden awning, it’s easy to feel the nostalgia of a place like this. The menu has undoubtedly grown since its founding, even from the days when Ruby was behind the register, but they still feature some of the best hot dogs around. I stuck with the classics today and went with two chili dogs and an order of crinkle cut fries.

Harry's celebrated 100 years of business in 2020.

But when I got my order, I realized Harry's has a little different take on the chili dogs. Instead of drizzling their chili over the hot dog, they fill their buttered, toasted buns with their chili first before adding the hot dog on top. Chili on the bottom was a first for me, and I’ll admit it was less messy.

Chili on the bottom was a first for me, and I’ll admit it was less messy.

From its long history to the delicious food, Harry’s Place was a perfect spot for the 6th stop on the Great Connecticut Hot Dog Tour. Next time you’re in the neighborhood, make sure to stop by!