THE DOG HOUSE
107 E. Chicago Blvd.
Tecumseh, MI
4.25 out of 5
When most people think of Michigan hotdogs, they think of Detroit's version of the Coney. Cheap, low quality dog. Chili. Onions. Mustard. Shredded cheddar if you want it. Sloppy bun. Forks are a necessity. The Dog House in Tecumseh, Michigan has set out to destroy that stereotype. Setting up shop on Main Street Middle America, serving up high quality all beef dogs with more topping options than you can keep track of.
It's opening day, so the lines are a bit much. We don't think they expected this sort of crowd. The lines run slower than they will a few weeks from now when the newness wears off and the staff figure everything out and work out all the kinks and quirks in real time, but everyone seems to be taking it all in stride. Plenty of laughing and smiling and friendly chatter. Staff is keeping it cool considering the frenzied, opening day pace. They still make time for small talk, albeit abbreviated, in between business small talk. Everything seems to be going as it should.
The dogs themselves are above average in quality. The buns don't fall apart when you take a bite, but it's the toppings that really bring this place to life, with options ranging from saurkraut and chili to the more saucy sour cream and salsa, and pretty much everything edible in between. Lettuce, black and green olives, multiple cheeses, multiple onions, pickles, and much more. We went with the Double Dog, two dogs, one buns, topped with shredded lettuce, saurkraut, onions, pickles, green olives, and spicy brown mustard. All the flavors came together like they should. Every individual bite was amazing. We kept waiting for the buns to give out but they didn't. Excellent dog. Excellent.
Although the name is The Dog House, the menu isn't all about dogs. They have a wide variety of sides, soups, and baked goods. We didn't try any, not the lobster bisque, not the fresh baked cakes, not because they didn't look appetizing, but because that just isn't why we came. But as time passes we will be trying everything they have to offer. This may be our first stop at The Dog House but it won't be the last.
And before you say it, this review won't be a total jizzfest. There is something we weren't crazy about. The same old same Middle America small town baseball and softball decor and vibe is pretty played out. With baseball bats and banners and photos adorning the walls. It's just so tiring and unimaginative. Although we understand in this town there is no tolerance for anything outside of the social norm. It can be potential business suicide to not do the safe thing, but still, when the newness wears off and you need to keep customers coming back and recommending the place to friends and out of towners, a little originality can go a long way.