We went to Denali, Alaska to see Denali Park. It is something on the “Bucket List” we all might have for today or in the future. It is a vast natural park that is pure and clean. It is preserved for all to enjoy and wonder. It is something we all should do.
And while we are ready to enter the park (or when we come out) we need to have something to eat. Most of us will eat in the restaurant in the hotel where we stay. But others face another adventure when eating outside of that. This day we did that. A hotel is nice, but the place where locals eat might even be better. We found that out ourselves when we crossed the street and saw where all the gift shops were. Gifts are nice, but lunch is better. And this time we found out where everyone seemed to eat.
Welcome to a hot dog shop that is more than you could expect or imagine. Welcome to Denali Doghouse! Check out their Instagram.
A PLACE TO BITE INTO.
At Denali Doghouse you are stepping into a small shop that has big ideas and concepts over an ordinary hotdog we might all enjoy. It is not something you expect here. Yes, the hotdog is in a bun. That we know of. But this is a different type of dog to have.
First, the hotdog is made with Reindeer meat. That is something we do not have when we might stop at a hotdog shop or stand in New York City. There, we know what we are getting. But here in Denali it is different. It is fresh. A bit heavier and dense. The flavor is something we have not had before. And being made from locally made meat it is something that is different and special.
Taking a look at the menu hanging up we could see the selecting we had for us. That took us time to consider. It was not a plane dog with mustard. There were new ideas and concepts here.
The Denali Hotdog
Of course, we had a regular Denali Hotdog with relish and mustard. Had to do that. But we also had a new hotdog to try. This was the Kraut Hotdog. It was topped with sauerkraut simmered in beer, then topped with onions, and honey mustard. If you had been to a German restaurant you might know what a kraut is all about. But to have it in a hotdog made with reindeer meat is different. It actually tasted like a real kraut I have whenever I can.
Along with this order we also ordered some french fries. It is typical with the hotdog. Plus a cold soda helps it out with each bite you will take.
EVERY BITE YOU TAKE.
There is no rush to get the order out. This is all freshly made for you. It is not a mass production line here. The team is handling every order for everyone. It is all cooked and put together to make it warm and fresh and well seasoned. We waited in line like everyone. Once the order came I collected it and stepped outside to sit down and give it a try.
With the first bite we knew we had something new to experience. It tasted great. It was fresh, and different, and special, and an experience we did not even think was possible. This was something we did enjoy. Even the french fries were perfect. These were freshly made and not from a container. They, too, were a bit different and you diffed them in ketchup and took a bite with them.
You might know how to eat a hotdog, but this time it was a different one to experience and remember. As I tried this I realized how I wish that Denali DogHouse was back with me in New York City. It could be standing on a corner and a line out the door to get a dog to enjoy.
A NEW HOME FOR A HOTDOG.
Denali Doghouse has more than you expect besides a hotdog. There are fresh hand-pressed burgers, veggie burgers and chicken tenders. There are a few side dishes as well. This is not a big place. It is small and active. It is seasonal as it opens in May and closes around October when the travelers to Denali are all gone and the food has finished for the season. It truly is special.
The owner and the team are wonderful. They are there to answer questions and help you with your order, even if it is a special one you might need. It is not far away. It is right across the street from the large hotel, and is on the corner of the “stripmall” of other gift shops, bars and small restaurants. The reason to be in the area is to see Denali Park. That is a National Park and is very important to everyone to see and enjoy. It is an experience unto itself.
But the way to start, or end your visit to the Park is to stop over to a place that will offer you a hotdog you never had before. Denali Doghouse is the place. In many ways you can take a bite out of it.
Location:
Denali Doghouse
- 6 Parks Highway, Denali National Park, Alaska 99755
- Phone: 907-683-3647
“The Jaded Traveler”. Ron Rossi was born and raised in New York. A globalist at heart, Ron is a marketing director by trade, and has lived and worked around the world including Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America. Food is one of the best ways to learn about a country, a people and a culture. So, Ron is always looking for the best in mid-range to budget and street food. He is always on the hunt for a good meal anyone can afford. It is the food of the average citizen that excites him. And with having visited close to 100 countries on 6 continents so far, there have been some pretty good meals.
