Photo: Rachel Rhoads
Spring has finally sprung. Well, maybe not quite yet. However, no need to worry! There is plenty to enjoy at Vinnie and Pat’s Dog House without the warmer weather. Whether you are a hotdog lover at heart or not really a fan, the restaurant offers something for everyone to enjoy. The welcoming atmosphere combined with the offering of classic American food is what makes Vinnie and Pat’s such a great place to visit.
The shop’s interior has a quite cheerful feeling with its radiant retro theme. The walls are a bold red and yellow, while the floor is a black and white checkerboard. Vinnie and Pat’s has several seating options for their customers.
Inside, the restaurant offers a countertop with barstool seating and traditional table seating options. When the weather finally does improve, another great perk of Vinnie and Pat’s is the availability of outdoor seating.
The outdoor seating arrangement provides customers with the perfect spot to enjoy a hot dog on a beautiful spring or summer day. While you are out there, be sure to give a wave to Frank, the hotdog statue who can be spotted roadside waiting patiently to greet customers.
The Dog House menu consists of two sections: hot dogs and “not dogs.” The “hot dog” section pairs a regular hot dog with just about any hot dog toppings imaginable. For example, they of course have the basic toppings of ketchup and mustard.
However, they easily raise the bar with the rest of their unique topping offerings, which include but are not limited to chili, bacon, onions, ranch, jalapeño and cheese sauce.
The restaurant’s ability to produce such a variety of toppings gives its customers the freedom to customize their hot dog(s) to their liking and venture out of their comfort zones to try new topping combinations.
One of the restaurant’s signature items is indeed a hotdog called, “Patsy.” The Patsy hot dog is a Coney Island inspired variety. The hot dog is a mix of beef and pork topped with mustard, chopped onions and meat sauce.
In addition to hotdogs, the restaurant’s selection of “not dogs” is greatly appreciated by those who do not have a love for hot dogs. Many of the not dogs are traditional alternative outdoor barbecue/American type foods, such as burgers and chicken fingers.
Fun fact: the owners like to call them “chicken toes,” since chickens don’t have fingers. They also offer a few varieties of cheese steaks, which are a staple in Pennsylvania. Their signature “not dog” item is a burger that is served with a toasted bun, chip steak, fried onions, cheese and meat sauce.
Some quick fun facts about Vinnie and Pat’s Dog House.
1. Vinnie and Pat’s originated as a hotdog stand right outside its current Elizabethtown location.
2. All of the meat products are locally purchased from Groff Meats, which is conveniently located right across the street from the shop.
3. They have a ten percent discount for Elizabethtown College students.
If you are looking for somewhere close by to get American food, then go on down to 32 North Market Street to Vinnie and Pat’s Dog House. It is located next to Rita’s Italian Ice and across from Groff’s Meat Market. They’re open Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
