Yesterdog stays true to its tricks

By on September 23, 2010  |  Lunch, Must-Eats, Quick Eats

Over the past few years, there’s been quite a few hot dog restaurants opening up around Grand Rapids. And while they all seem to have their strong points, clearly none of them have had the same success at Eastown staple Yesterdog.

In business since 1976, Yesterdog has stayed true to its original recipe of providing cheap, quality dogs with a plethora of toppings. It’s won several awards, and has been represented in the movie “American Pie” as Dog Years.

The menu is pretty simple — six types of hot dogs, sides and drinks. And while the actual hot dogs and buns aren’t anything overly special, it’s what’s on top that counts. Order a Cheddardog ($2.10) and not only will you get an immense amount of shredded cheddar cheese, but you’ll be greeted by Yesterdog’s thick, hot chili. It makes for a perfect combination. Or kick it up a notch at get the Killerdog ($2.30), which adds kraut, onion, pickle, ketchup and mustard into the mix. No matter what type of dog you get, you certainly won’t leave feeling hungry.

But it’s just not the hot dogs that make Yesterdog unique. The staff has a one-of-a-kind vibe. You better know your order, or else you’ll hear about it. While it might not exactly be described as “friendly service,” it certainly gives you a different taste to what you’d normally expect at a successful West Michigan restaurant.

As much as I love Yesterdog, it could use some minor improvements. The buns are nothing to write home about, and neither are the actual hot dogs. Grilling the dogs and buns would add a kick of uniqueness and flavor. Then again, do you really want to have to wait for a hot, grilled bun when all you want is an overly messy, great-tasting dog?

Yesterdog  ( Rating: out of 5 )

Where: 1505 Wealthy Street, Eastown
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.; closed Sundays and holidays.
Ambiance: Vintage hot dog restaurant
How much will it cost you: Hot dogs cost between $1.80 and $2.30.
Credit cards: None
Alcohol: No
Reservations: No
Wireless Internet: No
Contact: (616) 336-0746
Online: http://www.yesterdog.com/

  • http://www.whattwoeat.com Mark

    4 1/2 stars for a hot dog shop that where the dogs or the buns are ‘nothing to sing home about’ (never heard that saying before)? So basically, if I understand your review, you basing your rating off the ‘kitsch’ factor of the decor, the attitude of the servers and the plenitude of slopped on toppings? If I want attitude from servers, I’ll take a trip to Chicago and eat at Ed Debevic’s.

    Yeah, it’s a novelty, yeah it’s a neat place to check out…but to eat there on any kind of regular basis, nuh uh, not doing it, and unless your from the Grand Rapids area, you’re not going to get the whole ‘American Pie’ reference.

    Having grown up in Detroit, home to some of the best hot dogs this country knows (National Coney Island, Kerby’s Coney Island, Leo’s, and of course Lafayette and American Coney in Downtown Detroit), the Grand Rapids area has a lot to learn about a good hot dog!

    While I’m not saying they’re not worth checking out, 4 1/2 stars is a bit much for a place that sells sub-par quality food. I’d give them 2 1/2 – 3 stars max.

  • Patrick

    Mark, you completely missed the point to the review. The dogsa are dogs, the buns are buns….the toppings are what make it great. The Chili is one of a kind and the combo of toppings make for a dog that tatses like no other. Here I am in Wichita Kansas, just dreaming I could have visit GRRR again and the 2nd stop I would make would be to Yesterdogs (The first would be to Vitale’s in Ada =)

  • http://www.whattwoeat.com Mark

    Patrick,

    I didn’t miss a thing, and making a statement like “The dogsa are dogs, the buns are buns” shows you wouldn’t know a good hot dog if it bit ya in the kiester! LOL Their chili sauce is nothing extraordinary, that’s for sure.

    The only people I know that brag about Yesterdog are bar hoppers who are buzzed/drunk and looking for a place to eat late at night.

    Personally I’m surprised that someone from Wichita would be jonsing for a ‘Yesterdog’ when you’re surrounded by some of the best BBQ on the planet.

    -Mark