The Fat Dog

On the menu everything sounds really good & gourmet, but when the hot dogs came out they they were a little underwhelming. The hot dog itself is average, but the condiments that they put on it are fun. I think one hot dog is enough for a snack, but you’d need at least two to be full.

OMG, what a disappointment! First of all, I would have never entered this establishment based on the name alone, but given that me and my toddler were being soaked in a sudden downpour, we came in here to seek shelter. Then we were fleeced for € 7,50 for the crappiest hot dog I’ve had in a long time. I was sorely disappointed to see there was no Chicago hot dog in sight on their menu. The waiter/​cook/​bartender guy even had the nerve to call a New York style hot dog ‘The American Hot Dog’, as if there weren’t like 5 different major types of hot dogs in America, cuz ya know, it’s kind of a big place.
But then it turns out there are only like 2 – 3 hot dogs on the menu, out of like 10 items. Or at least that’s what I thought when I read the menu, but after reading other reviews I guess they were all hot dogs, just very weird. But at the time I remember thinking: So how is this a hot dog place if they only serve a few hot dogs? Why not just call yourself a sandwich place and be honest that you’re not really that interested in hot dogs? I ask that because in addition to the paltry choices, the quality of the hot dog was pretty bad. It looked pretty, and it had a fancy name like ‘Gangs of New York’, but deep down inside it was a cheap grocery store wiener in a bun that was weak and flimsy and somehow tasted sugary. Do they add sugar to it just to make it more addictive or something? Just do yourself a favor and buy a package of hot dogs and buns at Albert Heijn and you can have 6 hot dogs for half the price as one mediocre hot dog here. I’ve had better hot dogs from food carts in Museumplein.
And of course they don’t have fries, because how else could they manage to be such a complete and utter disappointment without also neglecting to serve the one thing that goes together with hot dogs like a clear Amsterdam forecast goes together with a sudden rainshower. Instead they only serve potato chips that you can also buy much cheaper at Albert Heijn, because as it turns out, you have to pay extra for chips! The 20 cents of chips one would normally serve with a hot dog is not included in the € 7,50 pricetag. They do include napkins, however, and the use of their silverware. And you can also sit at a table, on a chair, so that’s nice. I guess that’s what all the money you’re paying for the hot dog goes into. Napkins don’t grow on trees, you know! Wait, they kind of do. But you can also use their restroom for free! The doors are labeled ‘DAWGS’ and ‘PUSSIES’, which confused me for a second cuz I kind of felt like a DAWG at the time since I was soaking wet from the rain, but then checked my anatomy and remembered that maybe the PUSSY label is more applicable to me, because you know, vagina.
Anyways, I would recommend staying away from these hot dogs. If you want to chat up a nice barman/​cook/​waiter who seems to be the only person in the restaurant, then by all means do. He was a nice guy.

After stumbling through empty streets one summery Monday night, I arrived at my destination, The Fat Dog.
It was empty when I entered, save for two young gentleman viewing a video on their computer.
The bar is a big solid block of wood, rustic in style, but clearly new. Neat tables with ketchup and mustard. A bench and pillows at the window area. It was cosy yet spacious, though that may have been an illusion due it being abandoned. ‘Art’ hung on the wall indicating some vague hipster irony. I’d describe the place as, ultra mod 50’s diner, with a designer bar to accentuate the chic.
The girl quickly came to help me, exchanging the Dutch menu I was holding for an English one. There was surprising variety on it, for a place that sells only one thing. I went for the ‘Chinatown’ Hot Dog, while my friend tried the ‘Gangs of New York’.
As it was 21:50, we asked for it to go. However both agreed it looked like a fun and comfy place to hang out with one of those G&T’s they serve.
We promptly received our dogs in a stylishly designed doggyBox, grabbed some tissues and walked back down the street. While unwrapping, the sauerkraut fumes hit the nostrils and our mouths started to water. A perfect looking hot dog appeared.
The bread was soft and puffy, slightly toasted on the outside. The sausage was nicely spiced and had a crisp filament that snapped when you bit into it. The sauces and respective vegetables were heaped on top, yet somehow not cumbersome. The bread was fresh and tight enough to support the weight of the plentiful serving. (Commendable for last customers of the day not to get stale bread btw!) The food was gone before we were halfway home. And that lovely feeling of when a craving is fulfilled set in.
While the dog was tasty, € 7.50 is a bit overpriced.
Other than that the service was pleasant, environment cool and made us want to revisit before even trying the food.
³⁄₅ (If they did a happy hour where you get dogs and drinks at a discount, I’d want to hang out there more often ;)

Guys c’mon! 7,5 euros for a simple hot dog with some sauce is way overpriced! A total rip off!

If I were just rating the hot dogs, I would probably give them 5 stars for taste (I’m vegetarian and the veggie dogs are delicious) and 4 for price (yes, they are pricey but they are filling and have fun toppings). If I were rating service, I would have given it 5 stars a couple weeks ago but we had a really bad experience last weekend, which is such a bummer because most of the people that work there are fantastic.

First off — yes, for a hot dog, even a fancy one with a lot of special sauces and add-​ons, the prices are high. That’s clearly seen on their menus and website so if the idea of paying € 12 for a hot dog is a turn off then you should probably go somewhere else. On the flip side, the € 12 «Vive la France» includes foie gras and truffle mayonnaise, neither or which are cheap ingredients. The concept is what you’re paying for — taking what’s traditionally junk food and «classing it up» a little without losing sight of the fact that it’s still, at it’s core, junk food. I like their concept, and while it’s bordering on hipster-​quasi-​foodie I think it’s fun and I definitely like the results. So while I agree that it’s pricey I’m ok splurging for something a little different, yet familiar. But it’s an occasional splurge to be fair.
That stuff out of the way — I really like the items I have had there so far (I’ve had the Sloppy Joe a few times in addition to the Gangs of New York and the Speedy Gonzales). All tasty and served by nice people who are attentive to the customer. A nice bonus is that you can replace the real sausages with a vegetarian sausage on most of the menu items. And the veg sausage is a winner — I was a vegetarian for 26 years up to a few years ago so I’ve had many veg and vegan wieners and theirs is a good one (if not mistaken they come from
). Drinks wise, I’ve not had the gin and tonic, but it seems to be popular. In addition to Heineken they have a white beer by Brand and Affligem blonde.
My one complaint, or maybe request: french fries. Chips are great, fries are better.

Came here for a quick snack before dinner. They have a little seating area next to the water which is cute. The hot dogs look good and sound really interesting but are pricey for sure. We got the American filet and some chips– which come like store bought chips– but the filet was good, rather like a pâté and comes with very nice tasting pickles and bread. We also had wines which were nice, ask the waitress to guide you if you have questions.

Great place specialized in Hot Dogs, they are a bit overpriced but very good! I took the Viva la France hot dog and it was delicious. They also prepare really nice Gin Tonic with Sloane gin. I also got cheesecake for dessert and it was home made and really good.

I struggle with this review because the hot dogs are truly quite good. I tried both the Naughty Bangkok and the Chinatown, while my friends tried the Sloppy Joe, Gangs of New York, and Casablanca, they were also quite happy with them. The service was friendly and quick, the beer on tap was good (beyond the Heineken) and the space was quite nice. My issue is it seems pricey at Euro 7.50 or greater per hot dog when you really need two to fill somewhat full. Despite what I would consider I high price, I would still likely go back.

This place was reviewed and well received in the A-​mag magazine of Amsterdam. The magazine is praising the cookings of tv-​chef Mr. Ron Blaauw for this hot dog place, so we went and tried it.
First impression: the place seemed more like an average bar (the smell of dried up beer on the floor), but the decoration gave away the hot dog joint atmosphere with neon light ads and daring phrases on the wall.
We both ordered the «Gangs of New York» and after the first bite in this so-​called «hot dog» I already knew I was not going to enjoy this experience. Along with the dog I ordered a glass of Heineken, but also that was not enough to sooth my craving for delicious food.
For the price of a whopping € 7.50 for a small, spliced soft bun and a canned sausage in it topped with some mustard and fried onion crisps this was not at all to my liking. I was hungry for a HOT DOG, not some plain sausage and a soft bun from the local supermarket.
Next time when I feel like a hot dog, or 2, or 3, I’ll make sure I go to the IKEA. At least there you get some price/​quality value for your money. Not having to pay € 7.50 for a disappointment.
I hope for them they will improve and last through time, but I will definitely look for my hot dog craving satisfaction elsewhere.

Really tasty and creative hot dogs. Gourmet menu and toppings. Problem is the price. Over € 7 for a little hot dog which is hardly enough to fill you up for lunch. I would return though if I’m in the mood for an expensive hot dog snack.

It’s 4^th of July. You’re an American Expat. You want a hot dog.
So you go to Fat Dog.
A+ on the service. That giant G+T was great. But the hotdogs were MEH.
First, these are not fancy hot dogs. These are hot dogs with fancy condiments. They are literally the .50 cent AH canned hot dogs, in a beautiful bun, with a shitton of mayo-​laden accoutrement. The only side dish they have are (artisan) potato chips. Yes, theyre nice. but guys… come one.
I ordered the Gangs of New York (why is it called that?) which was decent, but not for 7.50. My boyfriend ordered the Chilidog, which they were out of. The waitress offered us the «Brazilian dog» which had guacamole and kroepoek. 1. Gross. 2. why is that Brazilian?
Interesting 1-​time experience. It’s more of a bar, with hotdogs than a hot dog joint. Curious to know how long these guys will last.

I’ve come to live with the fact that in Amsterdam, vegetarian options at restaurants usually come down a) cheese toast b) mushroom risotto and c) some bland pasta option. So I was THRILLED to see a hot dog place with a veggie dog. Say what? Veggie dogs in Amsterdam? No one could screw that up, right?
Wrong.
When our waitress mentioned that the vega dog was made of asparagus, I almost cancelled the order. But I thought I would give it a try-​you know, it couldn’t be JUST an asparagus.
Wrong.
My wife and I received a limp, somewhat cold white asparagus slipped inside a cheap, white bun covered in a non-​descript sauce I can only describe as … sour? Cheesy? I don’t know. It was so GENERIC. The price of this culinary mistake? 6.50. Seriously guys, up your game a bit. Veggie dogs are so simple to do right, and a veg dog done well will bring a smile to some really needy vegetarian’s face. Having the only veggie dog option in town would surely bring you some extra business.

Oh Fat Dog… I see what you are doing… I get it. Just enough pretension to keep the Michelin crowd, enough irony for the hipsters, and yet accessible for regular ol’ people like me — genius!
Unfortunately, I wasn’t impressed. That isn’t to say the Bangkok dog and special Brazilian dog weren’t tasty! I’d eat them again but certainly wouldn’t pay 8 euros for an Albert Heijn hot dog topped with some flavoured mayonnaise.
Service was another issue — we sat for about 30 minutes and I, giving them the benefit of the doubt, thought that maybe they were grilling home made buns or had to make more mayo by hand or something. No such luck. It turns out that it was a ‘technical’ problem and the ticket didn’t ever make it to the kitchen. That said, the waitress remedied the situation by giving us one of our hot dogs for free. If this happened in most other establishments in Amsterdam, they’d just tell you it’s your problem and to F off but this move by the waitress shifted this review from 2 to 3 stars.
Give this place a go if you don’t mind paying about 700% more than the cost of the product — I personally can’t stomach that so will be making my gourmet dogs at home.

«Happy days»…
Sundrenched terrace, gin & tonic the size of a fish bowl (with juniper berries and the occasional fly or 2 floating in. It comes with the territory of sitting on a terrace)… and a hotdog «loaded» with the most indulgent ingredients you can find. Think goose liver, sautéed mushrooms, fried onions & truffle sauce… happy days.
I was hesitating between the sloppy joe & vive la france, most expensive dog on the menu for a whopping € 14. So happy I went French. Crazy expensive dog. Not even sure if it’s worth that money, but thoroughly satisfying…
By the way, the baskets reminded my of a 50’s diner. You know what would complete this picture? The waiting staff on roller blades! Unique concept, I tell ya.
You know what would be interesting as well… a «lobster» dog. I’m sure Ron would find a way to make it work…
So…over-hyped, over-​hipped, over-​priced. Also, they were kinda stringent with the wine. But would I return? Probably. Doing the Fonz’ ayyyyyyy…

I liked the Fat Dog. In the end you are still just eating a hotdog, but it is a hotdog at its best.
Yummy combinations with nice toppings, sauce and different sausages. The price vary between 5 euros for a very simple hotdog (handy for kids) to 14 for the most expensive one. Most of em are about 8 euros. Eat your meal with a nice glass of champagne, wine or a gin and tonic.
I had mine with a glass of white wine in the sun during lunch on the small, but nice terrace. The waiter was very friendly and fast and our drinks were there within seconds.
The hotdogs here aren’t cheap but this is cheaper than a three cours meal and a fun place to eat something, have a chat with friends or have drinks/​snacks in the evening. The design is also cool and I really like the little baskets in which the dogs arrive and the paper with doggie-​print were they’re lying on.

I enjoyed it. Not sure if I’d come back, but I did like it. If I’m going to pay 8 euros for a hot dog tho, it’d better come with a genuine grin. The waiter is just crusty.

Good dogs, good drinks, good location, great vibe, great service. There are days when I prefer a dog over a burger. Today was that day. This was the place of the hour and here I was. I dove in and ordered a sloppy joe dog and a coke. I enjoyed it. I’ll be back. The dogs were unusual but then they should be so they’re not just another hot dog stand with good drinks, great service and a good location. They were a little pricey but also quite tasty. I recommend it. Check it out.

Ron Blaauws The Fat Dog was announced as the place to drink champaign and eat hotdogs. That sounded as an excellent combo so once this place opened I was down. Though very busy I conquered a spot at the bar and had a front row view of how the really nice GT’s were composed and how the happy and hip waiters were dancing around each other behind the bar. Great place, really nice hotdogs and drinks are cool. Typically «they eat you poor, they drink you rich» given you can eat approx 2 hotdogs for 1 proper glass of champs (especially if they fully let you pay top offs :). Still, I’ll be back!

New hip place with hot dogs and gin tonics!
The vibe is good and the drinks and service were excellent. Britt was our waitress and she was very nice and it was busy but she stayed relaxed! We will be back.
It is not cheap but it is a hip bar so you can expect that.
So for a hip night out check out The Fat Dog by Ron Blauw!