PLEASE NOTE: This post was written in 2019, and while it should still give you a good overview of the experience, it may also contain some outdated information. Please be sure to visit their website for the most up-to-date information, especially about things like hours & pricing.
————————-
2019 Post:
When I was in high school, there was this hot dog joint not too far from the campus called Spike’s Junkyard Dogs that my friends and I liked to frequent after school (and, umm, maybe once or twice while we were supposed to be in school 🙂 ). It served up hot dogs with all manner of delicious toppings. Awesome curly fries too. And although Spike’s still operates elsewhere in my home state (RI), that particular hole in the wall location of my youth is no longer.
More and more, I find myself waxing nostalgic when I nosh a hot dog these days. Maybe it’s because I can’t believe I’m old enough to be staring down my 25th reunion in a couple years (yikes!). In any event, when I heard about a place in Newington called Chef’s Dog House (boasting the largest condiment bar in CT), it felt like a missive from my teenage self.
So a few weekends ago, on a rainy Saturday (because, please note, this place is not open on Sundays), we decided to forgo food prep and dishes and head out for an early family dinner.
The Chef’s Dog House is very easy to get to, but a little hard to find. It’s located around the back of a little plaza and you won’t see it, so just keep your eye out for the 7 Eleven sign out by the road.
Head back to a spacious parking area.
Inside, this is a no frills kind of place (just like my Spike’s used to be!). Some tables, a few booths, a counter where you order, a menu to stare up at.
But boy does that menu have some delicious stuff on it! You can check it out HERE. I kept it simple for me and the kids, but hubby couldn’t resist the Boston Dog: a bacon-wrapped dog topped with baked beans and grilled onions. The boys insisted they had to try the milkshakes (they know how to work this blog thing in their favor now–haha!) And of course we had to get ALL the fries. LOL.
The dogs were delicious. Even my picky eaters agree. The Chef’s Dog House also serves burgers, sandwiches, and even breakfast! The prices are really reasonable. And bonus! It’s just down the road from one of our favorite indoor play places, Jump On In (so you can make this outing a two-fer!).
So whether you’re nostalgic for your old high school hangout, you’re looking for a way to get out of doing dishes, or you’re just hungry, head over to Chef’s Dog House for family-friendly comfort food.
337 Willard Ave, Newington, Connecticut
Phone: 860-667-3700
Hours (2019):
Mon–Wed: 7:00am–7:00pm
Thu–Sat: 7:00am–8:00pm
Sun: Closed
Pricing (2019):
See their menu for details. All menu items (that we saw) were under $10, with most hovering between $3 and $8.
Details:
- Stroller Friendly: YES
- Coffee Mug Friendly: N/A
- Restroom: YES
- Baby Changing Station: NO
- Parking: YES
- Food for Sale: Umm, did you read the post? Kidding. YES.
- Outside Food Allowed: Probably not.
- Cash Required: NO, credit cards are accepted
- Dress Code: Preferably something you won’t mind getting a little mustard on…just saying…
- Age Recommendation: Everyone who eats!
- Evening/Weekend Hours: YES
- Birthday Party Venue: Not officially, but could be a great place for a kid-friendly birthday dinner!
- Discounts: None that we know of.
Interested in advertising opportunities with Out and About Mom? Get more info here.
Want to keep up with things to do with kids in Connecticut?
Check back every week as we dish up more Momsense for getting out and about with your little ones. Don’t have time to check back in? Let us send you an automatic notification of new posts straight to your email inbox by signing up here. Also, you can like us on Facebook and Twitter or follow us on Instagram to keep up with the latest posts and get some extra tidbits we share only through those sites.
