Midtown Lunch

 Today Luncher John is at the new and improved Dapper Dog

One of the new trucks in the LOVE Park regular rotation this year is The Dapper Dog. Originating as a late weekend night hot dog cart in Northern Liberties, The Dapper Dog now has a full-fledged food truck with one regular weekly appearance at LOVE Park. You can easily spot it by the fantastic illustration on the left side of the red truck.

Don’t come to The Dapper Dog expecting a simple hot dog with sauerkraut or relish. Similar to the newer brick-and-mortar hot dog spots around town like Underdogs and Hot Diggity, The Dapper Dog serves a rotating menu of grilled all-beef hot dogs with unique topping combinations. Most items are around $5.

The Jimbo ($5) comes with pulled pork, onions in red sauce and shredded cheddar. You definitely can’t complain about being cheated on toppings. The dog is loaded up with pork, sauce, and cheese on top. The bun was substantial (in a good way) and did not fall apart. Most importantly, the dog itself was delicious, with a nice beef taste. Though the toppings were good, the pork may have been even better if it had been less dry.

Another pork and cheese topping variation from The Dapper Dog is The Duke ($6), which comes with roast pork, sharp provolone and special sauce. This hot dog was fantastic. The toppings were plentiful, the roast pork was tender, and the special sauce was similar to aioli and complemented the overall taste.

In part because of the ample toppings, these hot dogs make a filling meal, which makes them a good value at the price. With any luck, The Dapper Dog can expand its lunch schedule and add other regular stops so more people can sample its creative hot dogs.

THE + (What somebody who likes this place would say)

• Rotating menu of hot dogs with creative toppings
• Delicious all-beef dog and bun has good substance
• Very filling meal

THE – (What somebody who doesn’t like this place would say)

•  Not looking to pay more than $2 or $3 for a hot dog
• The pulled pork could have been less dry
• Currently limited schedule of stops

The Dapper Dog, Love Park (Thursday), @thedapperdog