Bark: Brooklyn’s Hot Dog Heaven

Through the intense heat, frustrating traffic and never ending red lights, I realized making my way to Brooklyn during rush hour wasn’t exactly the most brilliant idea I had this week. However, the thought of gourmet hot dogs deemed one of the best by the great Daniel Boulud, brought back the excitement hidden behind the pounding headache and repetitive sound of “re-routing” made by our unreliable GPS. The menu at Bark Hot Dogs sounds simple and straight forward, hot dogs, burgers, onion rings, chili fries along with a variety of beers and milk shakes. But the smokey laid back atmosphere and pleasantly combined flavors make this hot spot worth the journey.

From the outside it seems like a typical spot in swanky Park Slope, conveniently located steps from the 4/5/N and R trains. A neon sign reads Bark in large almost ’50′s style font. Upon entering, you step into what looks like a catalog showcasing the ideal Brooklyn loft. Decorated with what appeared to be handmade long wooden tables, a gorgeous contrast against the dimly lit beige walls. Very Brooklyn. Although fascinated by the muted colors and refined look, I quickly came back to Earth and looked around.  The tables were full of families and friends enjoying  gourmet hot dogs at just the right noise level. Now this is my kind of place.   You order at the register, have a seat and wait to have your meal brought to you with a smile.

The menu wasn’t long. Fresh ingredients accentuate the sausage, though at times may overpower. We ordered the ever popular bacon cheddar dog. The smokey sweet flavor of the bacon arrived on my palate even before taking the first bite. The onions were sprinkled gracefully on the dog, a genius addition of color – a sausage treated right. The bread looked fresh, bakery quality with the perfect texture to hold up the sausage and condiments, yet soft enough to bring the customer that much closer to hot dog heaven.  The wonderfully aged cheddar cheese was intensely aromatic and brilliantly flavored. But the texture left an unwanted feel on my taste buds. My guess is since the cheese was melted on its own, the lack of bechamel sauce brought back its natural grainy texture. The same cheese was used on our chili fries, which is the only reason I did not finish eating them. However,  the scent and savor of the chili were divine. My friend agreed with my cheese dilemma, she enjoyed the flavors but rejected the texture.

The burgers were out of this world. Not a crumb was left behind. My fiance enjoyed a weisswurst sausage topped with sauerkraut and spicy mustard washed down with an ice cold Red Ale. The most satisfying part of my meal had to be the onion rings. Battered and fried to perfection, thick golden crust, fabulous crunch and mouth watering aroma. Seasoned just right and served piping hot; no ketchup required.  We ordered chocolate, vanilla and chocolate salted caramel shakes. The vanilla shake was nearly impossible to put down. It is a long wait for one, which I have heard is typical there, but absolutely worth every second spent in anticipation. One friend enjoyed his chocolate shake immensely but preferred the vanilla. Another friend did not enjoy hers since the caramel flavor suppressed the chocolate and left behind a strange after taste that was hard to get past. Next time, I’ll try a banana shake and just about anything topped with Nueske’s smoked bacon.

Quick Notes:

• Fresh, high quality ingredients
• Hot dogs priced between $4.25-7. Average $6-7
• Shakes are $7 only come in one size, long wait for one
• Various beers to chose from
• Moderate noise level
• Near public transportation 4/5/N/R trains
• Only street parking available
• Breakfast available (check site for hours)
• Child friendly
• Wheelchair accessible
• Catering available