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Thu. August 16, 2007, 07:04am PDT
Opening night at The Red Hot (update 2)
Chris Miller's baby The Red Hot opened yesterday on 6th Ave. Thanks to a little bit of forum-based organization we helped bring a good-sized group of people to the new bar and hot dog joint last night. I was there along with Sarah, friends Angela and Steve, Ensie, her husband No Rhubarb's Frinklin, Joe of This Shirt Is Pants fame, a rep from In-Tacoma, local blogger friend Erik, and we even saw Jim from Puget Sound Pizza and sparkrobot and a couple of his friends. Yea, totally fun!
So, what about the place? I can't speak for everyone else (but will certainly link to them when/if they write reviews) but I enjoyed myself. As a few of us agreed, the new spot seems like it's been there for a while. It came out of the gates feeling established both in decor and customer numbers. People streamed in for the couple hours we were there. Inside there's plenty of bar stool space and tables that will house a nice crowd on a given night though the place isn't so big you feel like you'd get lost in there on a Friday night.
We all tried numerous dogs from the menu and I didn't hear any complaints. I had a 6th Ave Strut which, all things considered, is a pretty simple dog with cream cheese, chopped onions, and fresh tomatoes. The appetizers certainly aren't fit for group consumption but would work really well for one or two people just hanging out for a bite.
Co-owner Chris came over to talk to our group a bit despite his busy first day. He thanked us all for coming and told us a little about his sign and bench delivery-related woes. Despite little annoyances like that, the place looks great and the dogs (which is has shipped over from Chicago) hit the spot. He's also defined his business well and won't be that early morning place drunk people from other nearby businesses won't stumble into. He's keeping it reasonable by closing at 11pm on weekdays and 12am on the weekends. Frinklin and Steve were a little disappointed to see, however, that they're closed on prime football days Sunday and Monday.
Nevertheless, congrats to him and all involved and welcome to Tacoma!
Other reviews from the night: Sarah | In-Tacoma | Ensie
Comments (19) | To Top
8/16/2007 @ 8:40am
I mentioned this last night, but for public consumption, I've got to say that I'm really happy with how the business shuffle turned out. When I first went to the new Pairings a block West I thought it was too big and open for how many wine racks they actually had. But now that I've been there a few more times, visited the gallery next door, I'm much more happy with it.
And now that I've been to Red Hot, I am thoroughly convinced that all was for the best. That space makes a WAY better hot dog bar than it ever did a wine store.
by Joe Izenman
8/16/2007 @ 8:56am
Sorry I missed this event. Pinball Machines and Hot Dogs are two of my favorite things!!
by RR Anderson
8/16/2007 @ 9:10am
It was mighty tasty. And, if you look in the last shot with the reflection off that pinball machine you'll see it's called "Freedom". Classic. Smooth playing machine though.
by KevinFreitas
8/16/2007 @ 9:25am
I’m still drooling after last night. One thing you failed to mention Kevin was that Chris gets his dogs through a distributor straight from Chicago! I was impressed with the fact that even down to the last bite the heat retained in the dog. I’m sure somehow that’s because they are all beef. The whole experience last night was terrific. I had 2-dogs Angela had 2-dogs I had 2-beers she had a water and we had 2-coleslaw sides (very good by the way) and our bill including tax was $18.50. What a bargain! I called Angela and told her I was going there again tonight. The Chicago dog is next followed by the slawdog. For a hot dog fanatic like me this is a cool place. So now I have two favorites thanks to our local bloggers Capers and Hot Links.
by Steve
8/16/2007 @ 10:53am
Right on. I hung out long enough to rock two dogs, the Murray Morgan Brat and a Chicago dog. The Fish Tale Organic IPA on tap was awesome...
by sparkrobot
8/16/2007 @ 11:20am
Ooo, I might have to give that a sip next time I'm there. Good to see you spark!
by KevinFreitas
8/16/2007 @ 11:28am
Great place. Good times.
Hmmm.....tough choice...Masa or The Red Hot?
by Erik B.
8/16/2007 @ 12:32pm
Yea, different league. My tastes usually won't have me deciding between the two very often.
by KevinFreitas
8/16/2007 @ 1:56pm
Hmm. I don't see any veggie dogs on the menu - which is too bad, since the toppings all are glorious. So for now, I shall stick to Dante's.
by Anna
8/16/2007 @ 2:25pm
Anna
The 'North End Not Dog' says "no animals were harmed in the making of this hot dog" and that it's served like the Chicago. Not sure exactly what this means but it might be the alternative you're looking for.
by Angela
8/16/2007 @ 2:53pm
I think there might have been "alternative" meats there though.
by Erik B.
8/16/2007 @ 2:59pm
Kevin,
Your next mission, if you should choose to accept it (via Spew)
___
Mary's Burger Bistro
Mary Meacham is hoping to open her very first, and very own Mary's Burger Bistro on Monday, Aug. 20, starting at lunchtime. Mary and her crew have done a stellar job of rehabilitating the building at 2301 Pacific Ave. It's now bright red (my favorite color) and adorable with accent lighting and a gorgeous vintage sign from the outside. You really can't miss it. Peering in I can see what looks like a classic, cozy, little burger haven. If they put as much love into their burgers as they have into the building, this business will have me eating cheeseburgers in the paradise that I call Tacoma every single day.
by Erik B.
8/16/2007 @ 5:22pm
I suspect, Anna, that in addition to the Not Dog you could probably request their veggie dog in any of the various forms on the menu.
by Joe Izenman
8/16/2007 @ 6:53pm
I had much fun last night, even though I wussed out when it came to the onions and peppers on my dog. Still loved that neon relish - the best I have ever tasted. Am debating hitting them up again this evening as I am a theater widow tonight...
by ensie
8/16/2007 @ 8:51pm
Angela and Joe - Sounds like reasonable assumptions. I shall try.
by Anna
8/17/2007 @ 8:31am
Frito pie! OMG I have to stop by for one. You sure these folks aren't from Texas?
by Mary Kellogg
8/17/2007 @ 11:03am
Anna: 99% sure the Not Dog is in fact a veggie.
Mary Kellog: South Carolina, actually.
by sparkrobot
8/17/2007 @ 12:15pm
I asked Chris last night (yes, we went again the next day!) and he said it is a "protein" dog. He buys the brand his vegetarian friends said were the best, that they have the best texture.
by Angela
8/17/2007 @ 12:16pm
Anna,
Talked to Chris myself lastnight after I stopped again to have yet another great hotdog, and he said the veggie dogs are "smart dogs" from what his friends tell him they are the closest texture wise you can get in a veggie dog. So I think your safe. Good luck.
by Steve