It’s standard procedure. The show is over, and now you can’t escape the enticing smell of bacon-wrapped hot dogs cooking on a cart at the corner. Forget late-night dinner plans—nothing stands a chance against one of those bad boys.
Such is the idea behind Dirt Dog, the LA transplant that set up shop in Las Vegas on South Rainbow Boulevard last summer. Known for its bacon-wrapped franks, Dirt Dog recently opened a second, smaller location inside the Grand Bazaar Shops at Bally’s. If the walk-up stand doesn’t evoke post-show nostalgia, the dogs definitely will.
Before you do anything, make sure you order the Dirty Corn. A take on Mexican elote, this sweet cob is slathered in crema, cotija cheese, chili powder, cilantro and bacon bits. If you don’t plan on talking to anyone for a while, get the garlic fries with house-made garlic oil, garlic seasoning and fried garlic bits. Or perhaps you’re a chili guy. In that case, the dirty chili fries with melted bacon cheddar are the way to go.
You’ll have a harder time deciding which hot dog to crush, but consider moving beyond the Red Dog (spicy tomato chile, chipotle aioli) and Green Dog (chimichurri sauce, guacamole spread) for the Mutt Dog, a super-spicy and delicious combination of the two. Not a fan of fire? The Patty Melt Dog, loaded with cheddar cheese, French fries and chipotle aioli, is an instant classic.
Just in case that wasn’t indulgent enough, add an order of deep-fried Oreos for a dirty, over-the-top dessert. You won’t regret a single bite. Dirt Dog at the Grand Bazaar Shops at Bally’s, 702-586-9300; Monday-Wednesday 10 a.m.-midnight, Thursday-Wednesday 10 a.m.-2 a.m.
