Now that the sun has finally decided to show up, we’re hungry. But not for the same old same, we want something with a little panache. Something as delectable and laid back as a warm spring afternoon in the Valley. Lucky for us, Winey Dogs has just what we are angling for. On 6th Avenue just north of Yakima Ave. lies a merlot-colored shoebox of a building with something magical inside: hot dogs. Yes, hot dogs! Here they put a twist on the classic by infusing their dogs with Yakima Valley wines.
Let me back the truck up briefly to touch on the Winey Dog origin story and where these supernatural hot dogs come from. In 2012, Josie Hall had a car she couldn’t sell. After many moons, she spotted a hot dog cart on Craigslist, and an impulsive moment later, she had traded her car for this very hot dog cart. Her husband Todd admits, “I thought it was crazy, but I never doubted her, I knew she’d make it work.” That she did. Being a Yakima native and creative thinker with bar and restaurant experience, Josie says she wanted to do something a little different. While beer and dogs is a common occurrence, all the wineries here in the Yakima Valley gave her an idea. Why not infuse the hot dogs with wine? After a few experimental backyard barbecue tasting sessions with friends, the Red Dog was born. A red wine steeped hot dog with sautéed onions, gouda cheese and a drizzle of red wine reduction sauce. Dang. Winey Dogs had its first official menu item.
The hot dog cart got a workout over the next few years, showing up at the Yakima Farmers Market, special winery events, music festivals and private parties (to name a scant few), swiftly gaining a following of people who love their non-conformist franks. They learned a lot along the way. While it’s true that the wine-hot dog combo is what gave them their superpowers, they are willing to go simple as well with a good old fashioned regular beef hot dog in a bun if that’s what does it for you. They just want you to walk away happy.
About six months ago, they opened up their brick and mortar shop on 6th and have been moving forward ever since. The cart has been parked, and all their energies are on making sure Winey Dogs keeps on wagging its tail in this new fixed location.
Aileen, Shelley and I go in late on Tuesday afternoon. Hip and cozy on the inside, Josie greets us warmly. Even though it’s past the prime lunch hour, there are a few people seated, enjoying their food. We order some of the core menu items—the Red Dog, the Blue Dog and the Show Dog. I think we all have the same thought after the first bite: WOW. My Blue Dog is nothing short of amazing. The sweetness of the wine reduction with the tang of the blue cheese just works with the savory wine-soaked frank and sautéed onions to create a little bite of heaven.
Right now Josie is using AntoLin Cellars as her wine infusion and reduction choice, but says she does mix it up. Not to leave the beer out, they rotate a different local brew every month to use in their house made chili and beer sautéed onions. Presently it’s Bron Yr Aur. Local beer and wine is also available for purchase to the thirsty. A different sausage style is featured every month as well, and a special Dog of the Week lets Josie’s inventive side shine as she can concoct something delicious to go off menu with. Near future changes include outdoor seating, downtown delivery service, and salad options inspired by local produce.
The only question left is what kind of dog are you? Whether it’s a straight up mustard and relish, or a hipster gouda cheese and wine reduction, we promise you’ll go away with a smile on your face and a full belly.
