Inside: Happy Dog

The Happy Dog has been a favorite among locals for quite some time. People love the place for its cheap eats, live music and cool, neighborhood vibe. Recently, the near West staple in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood went through a few changes, courtesy of co-owner Eric Williams, chef/owner of Momocho. Williams plans to maintain the “old bar/diner/hall feel,” as he puts it, all while focusing on just three menu items.

Food: As its name states, the Happy Dog is all about the dog—the hotdog. And here, you’ll find a 1/4 pound, all beef Chicago-style dog cooked on a hot griddle. The catch? How about 50 different ways to top your juicy hotdog. Sure, you can opt for the usual ho-hum mustard and ketchup (though here, it’s housemade ketchup and black truffle honey mustard, plus traditional), or you can really make it unique. For $5, top your dog with one or all 50 toppings, including oaxacan red chile and chocolate mole sauce, warm pineapple, ginger and currant chutney (our favorite), vodka sauerkraut, bacon-spiked southern greens, bok choy coca cola stir fry or Brazilian chimichurri to name a few. The hot dogs are served on super fresh poppy seed buns.

The ultra limited menu rounds out with two more items: fresh cut fries and tater tots, both $2.50. Like the hot dogs, you can pick from up to 19 sides, like saffron aioli, Russian dressing, grape jelly, chile sauce or Creole remoulada. For another $1, you can continue to top your tots or fries with vegetarian bean chili, fried egg and even Cheez Whiz.

We opted for the chorizo chili and Tillamook cheddar cheese for the fries. The fries are good, but really are just the canvas for the toppings, because these tempting additions are what make the fries. The only thing better would have been if the cheese were melted into a gooey mess atop the fries, though the chili did help somewhat.

The same can be said for the dog—it’s the foundation for all the glorious toppings. It’s a good enough hot dog as is, but only becomes great once paired up with a generous heaping of whatever you’re in the mood for.

Libations: The Happy Dog is a cool neighborhood bar first and foremost. Look for daily happy hour specials and a nice selection of craft beer, as well as import, domestic and a full bar.

Décor: Happy Dog is your classic neighborhood bar, with happy-go-lucky bartenders, a rounded, wooded bar that takes up 75 percent of the space, retro globe lights, wood paneling and a stage for live music. An Elvis lamp adds to the eclectic décor. It is classic—the space alone is worth checking out.

Don’t miss the live music. The staff brings in local and national acts Thursday thorugh Saturday (free on Thursdays; minimal cover weekends).

Insider Tip: Future plans include a potential Sunday brunch and sidewalk patio in the spring. Further, Chef Williams is working with a local butcher to create a vegetarian hotdog, likely made with bulgur wheat or chick peas and vegetables.

Bottom Line: Go for the music, go for the vibe and go for the 50 different ways you can top your dog.