Atlantic City may have Monopoly, but Pittsburgh’s got Dormont Dogs. Drawing inspiration from the
borough’s state-named streets, the new eatery—located at 2911 Glenmore Ave.—specializes in creatively prepared hotdogs. Dormont Dogs serves 15 varieties and one weekly special, in a space located near the neighborhood’s
T station.
The lunch and dinner spot, opened on April 1, is owned by Captain Barnes and his wife Rachel Dudley.
Served in baskets, specialties include the baked bean and coleslaw-laden Connecticut and the BBQ sauce, French’s onions and pepper jack cheese-topped Tennessee. Non-Dormont dogs include the Bruschetta, with tomatoes, pesto and Parmesan. “It’s hotdogs, but I'm using fresh ingredients and the French techniques I was taught. With food, less is more,” says Barnes, who was executive chef at
Sonoma Grille. “I like spending time with every customer.”
Vegetarians take note: Dormont Dogs serves vegan dogs and veggie chili, as well as homemade soups, salads and sweet tea. The all-beef Sabrett dogs—sold at the Big Apple’s beloved street carts—are popular with ex-New Yorkers.
“We did this with eleven-thousand dollars, which is incredible. We live here, so it’s nice to be in your community,” adds Barnes.
This summer, Dormont Dogs will set up a cart at the
Dormont Pool, which just made the
Young Preservationists Association’s 2008 Top Ten list. Structural repairs have begun on the pool’s bath house, filtration system and decking.
Writer:
Jennifer BaronSources: Captain Barnes, Dormont Dogs; John Maggio, Dormont Borough Council
Photograph copyright Gregory Langel