Crif Dogs

Crif Dogs has been a fixture in the East Village for years. If you go there late at night (read: 1 am), this tiny, below-street-level hot dog shop always seems to be packed. The menu shows a “counterculture” bent in their attitude and their food. The Spicy Redneck is a deep-fried smoked dog with bacon, chili, coleslaw, and jalapenos. It’s one of the best dogs I’ve ever tasted. The Tsunami is a house dog, bacon-wrapped, with teriyaki sauce, pineapple, and green onions. The Chang is a bacon-wrapped dog topped with kimchee. They also offer “Stoner Packs.” These are grab bags of food that they choose.

The chili dog (which comes with mustard and onions) has a crisp snap and rugged, gnarled sexiness from the deep frying; makes me want to down more than one. The chili is their own, not canned. A side of Tater Tots brings me back to my school cafeteria. They are piled high, stuck together and not at all crispy, very addictive. No ketchup needed. Besides the usual, Crif also offers RC Cola, Red Birch Beer, and Stewarts Root Beer. Very nice.

Like no other place in the city, Crif Dogs fills a need and fills it well.