Review Detail

So I found myself with a few hours to kill on Pittsburgh's North Shore as I had a relative having a procedure down at AGH. I could have waited in the hospital for four hours or I could get out and explored a little bit of Pittsburgh's old North Side. I picked the latter. 

I wandered down to the corner of E. Ohio Street and Federal Street. Just about a few food shops up from the corner, where you will find Yinz Coffee, Badamo's Pizza, El Burro,  and right before Pauline's Caribbean Cuisine--Nana's New York Hot Dog Shop. So many choices on this corner and it was hard to decide which place to choose.  A hot dog won the day for me. 

I stepped inside Nana's and there was a busy lunchtime line. The shop certainly has that old hustle and bustle of New York City feel to it. I got the sense Nana's mainly was filled with locals waiting in line or seating at the dining bar. Yes, I kind of felt like a sore thumb, in my likely coffee shop white-collar attire, but the folks here made me feel right at home. 

There are plenty of options for hot dogs and I was I could have ordered a bunch to go. But, I like to get the basics if it is my first time at an establishment so why not go for a chili dog, onions, and fries? That is exactly what I did. 

As I waited, I took the time to ask about the scene at Nana's. It was frenetic, busy and the wait staff was working a mile a minute. An older cook took the time to refill my coke three times without even asking. I will say it was hard to sit there and stare at all the hot dogs on the grill, but eventually, my plate came. It looked exactly like I expected and wanted it to look: like the guy who made it was in a hurry and you best slap all that chili cheese and dog onto the white ben and slam it next to a handful of salty skinny greasy fries. 

Okay, any place that is by a hot dog venue, can leave any pretensions of health at the door. If you want vegan, you don't go to a Hot Dog shop and you certainly don't go to Nana's. But the way I look it, Nana's is the perfect place for a couple of chili dogs because, hey, if you have a heart attack, AGH is right down the street. 

I bit into the dog and wow - the flavors exploded. The meat was tasty and filling. The chili was satisfying and spicy and the onions and pickle served tucked pointed that bastard in the white bun. Damn it was good. 

Now if you find yourself on the North Side, the real north side, and not the overly commercialized North Shore, this is where you will experience a bit of Pittsburgh's New York on the North Side. These folks are welcoming, the prices are great, and the food hits the spot in a New York minute. Before I end this review, know that they also offer a lot of other items, including what looked like a great breakfast selection. 

So, there I ate my hot dog and then hauled my laptop down to Yinz and let the meal digest. I'll be back for sure! Highly recommend this lunch stop for your hot dog fix.