Dirty Franks - Downtown

The Art of Classic - Tasty Dogs

(Left) The Doginator. (Right) Chili Dog

Despite the fact that parking in downtown Columbus can be difficult at times, Dirty Franks will bring back that smile.  The best hot dog that I have ever tasted was at Dirty Franks.  Just to let you know, their menu consists of 41 cleverly-named hot dogs that have such toppings as: cream cheese, tater tots, fries, tzatziki sauce, baked beans, and almost the whole kitchen sink.  Four hot dogs are bacon-wrapped, and yes, there is a create-your-own-dog option.  I ordered The Doginator and the Chili Dog.  The Doginator has a bacon-wrapped dog with beef brisket, BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, and onion rings on top.  While the classic Chili Dog has coney sauce, onion, yellow mustard, and cheddar cheese.  I chose to attack the Chili Dog first, and it was flat-out brilliant, I couldn't remember the last time I had such a classic hot dog that tasted so good (don't tell Skyline...... shhhhhhh).  The Doginator was amazing, every bite was delicious.  I would
recommend any hot dog fan to go on over to Dirty Franks.


Dish to Order: The Doginator  9.5 out of 10

Dirty Franks

248 S 4th St  Columbus, OH 43215

(614) 824-4673

Website: www.dirtyfrankshotdogs.com

El Vaquero - Upper Arlington

The Art of Authentic - Mexican Cuisine

There are two types of Mexican restaurants out there: one that looks rundown from the outside but has great food, or one that looks great outside and tastes great inside.  The latter, would be how I define El Vaquero.  I have been to El Vaquero many times throughout my life, and for my family, it has turned into a safety valve.  When we can't decide where to go, in the end, we end up at El Vaquero and nobody argues because it is great food.  There can be a line to the door and you will still be seated within fifteen minutes of arriving.  When you sit down, chips and salsa are instantly placed on your table.  But wait!! There's more.  A trip to El Vaquero is not complete without ordering at least a few cheese sauces.  The next step is to devour the chips and order your main course.  As I said earlier, I have been to El Vaquero way too many times to count, but I have a solid 4 meals that I rotate around.  First, the #148, which consists of chicken with melted cheese on top, mexican rice, lettuce, sour cream guacamole, beans, and 4 small tortillas so that you can make your own mini taco/burrito.  If you are like me, you should probably pour some of the red salsa into your tacos.  Second, if you are in the mood for beef, I suggest the #152 beef, which consists of two beef chimichangas.  Third, if you are craving pork, I would try the #36, which is a generous helping of tasty carnitas.  Last but not least, if you ate three baskets of chips, most likely you will not be in the mood for a big entrée, so order the #33 which is a comfortable quesadilla (with your choice of meat) that will fill you up and not burn a hole in your wallet.  Being a big sports fan, I love the fact that El Vaquero has the TV's set up so that no matter where you are sitting, you will be able to see one TV.  I would recommend El Vaquero to anybody that is in the Upper Arlington area of Columbus.  Although there is more than one El Vaquero, I believe that this one has the best atmosphere and food.


Dish to Order: #152     9 out of 10

El Vaquero

2195 Riverside Drive

Columbus, Ohio, 43221

(614) 486-4547

Website link: http://www.vaquerorestaurant.com/