Downtown Hot Dog  

This is a real small place that just opened up in Nina Tower. They only have two tiny tables, so don't expect to get a seat during busy time. They haven't optimally solved the takeaway problem either. For instance, the containers they put the fries in don't have lids, and the fries are apt to get cold by the time you get them somewhere you can sit down and eat. Plus, there are no ketchup or mustard packets. You have to put condiments on your food, and stick it back in the takeaway bag. All that's minor though...

The menu is small, and other than breakfast they seems to serve: sausages/ hot dogs on a hot dog bun or with a roll, fries/ cheese fries, and philly cheese steaks. Their sausage selection includes at least hot dogs and bratwurst, as well as a few others. I'm not a big hot dog fan myself, and I saw someone else with their philly cheese steak (unappetizing), so I had the bratwurst (2) with a roll and some fries.

The fries: the fries are great. Thick, crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, not greasy, appropriately salted and cooked-when-you-order. They don't skin the potatoes and I *still* like them. I'll admit that I've been back twice more just to have fries for a snack. 9/10

The bratwurst: I've been spoiled on bratwurst since I visited Germany. These brats don't stack up to the real deal, but they are comparable with and perhaps a little better than the best pre-cooked pre-packaged ones you can find around here (e.g. Johnsonville). That sounds like a poor recommendation, but even those brats are pretty good. They don't come with sauerkraut, but they do come with (a very small portion of) grilled onions (yummy!) and some pickle relish, which I didn't touch. The place has a variety of mustards, if you're into that sort of thing, but I found the ones I tried too horseradishy for my tastes. 8/10

The roll: I think they called these rolls "European". Anyway, they weren't very good, or very large. And they're a dull gray color that doesn't recommend them. I actually grabbed some French rolls from Das Gute to put my sausages on. (There's a Das Gute in Citywalk across the street, if you're that committed). 3/10

I had a great experience here. You might not, depending on what you get-- I saw the philly cheese steak and it looked even grosser than the ones they sell in philly. Do get the fries though!

Finals score: 7/10