If you’ve been reading this newsletter since I took it over more than a year ago, you’ve probably heard me wax poetic about this iconic meal after a night out. Californians have street tacos, New Yorkers have hot dogs, but Seattle has hot dogs with cream cheese in them.
Enjoying a Seattle dog from a street vendor after sweating all night on the dance floor is one of the greatest feelings in the world. The best part is, you don’t even have to have a sip of alcohol to really appreciate this dish (although it does enhance the experience).
What is it? A regular hot dog with cream cheese and grilled onion on it. Usually purchased from a street vendor often spotted outside a nightclub or venue. With that said, the popularity of the Seattle Dog has grown and is often on the menu of any hot dog establishment.
Known for: Being the perfect cheap meal after the shenanigans of a night out. The line for ordering Seattle Dogs is also a great place for camaraderie.
Fun fact: The origin story of the Seattle Dog actually begins with bagels. Hadley Long started a bagel cart that operated late into the night in Pioneer Square and offered an array of vegetarian options. People constantly asked Long if he had a bratwurst or some kind of menu item, and having grown tired of the question, he threw a hot dog in a bialy sort of shaped like a hot dog bun with some cream cheese. You know, because bagels and cream cheese go together. In any case, the end result was a hit. Eventually, grilled onion was added and the Seattle Dog was born.
Usage: “Let’s get Seattle Dogs after the show.”
And as a bonus, since we’re already talking about food, here are some Seattle specific meals/dishes you ought to know about:
