Underdogs, located at 132 S. 17th, brings a
revolution of hot dogs armed gourmet toppings, specialty sausages, and
house-made hand-cut fries sure to cure your hunger pains. The location can be
hard to miss with it’s hidden basement entrance, but behind the doors painted
with their signature triumphant fist holding a hot dog, lays a new Philly
favorite.
About $5-6 a dog or $6.50-8
for a combo that includes fries and a drink, this joint offer good food for a
good price. Each dog is nestled between the delightful rolls from Teffets’s
Bakery in the Italian Market that also provide gluten free options to those
with restrictions. The dogs range from classic beef hot dogs, chorizo, spicy
and sweet Italian sausage, kielbasa, lamb sausage, veggie sausages, and more to
satisfy any preference. As for what makes the fries unique, Underdogs offers a
wide array of dipping sauces from malt vinegar aioli to chocolate cayenne mole.
The restaurant offers over 23 different signature styles of dogs and managing
to try every one of them, rewards you with your very own personalized Underdogs
fist with your name on it to be displayed in all its glory on the walls of the
restaurant forever.
On my most recent visit, I tried “The Maui Waui” that
featured an all beef hot dog, wrapped in ham, and topped with pineapple salsa
and mango mustard. Combining a sweet, salty, and spicy flavor, the dog was
simply out of this world and Dr. Munch approved. Underdogs also have bellies in
need covered during late night emergencies by staying open until 4 a.m. on
Fridays and Saturdays. In addition, BYOB is also available after 5 p.m., which brings
a fun lively crowd during those late night hours. So if you are in need of a
quick, quality bite to cure your symptoms, look no further, for Underdogs has
the treatment for you.
