The Florida Dine and Dash: While the calorie stock will skyrocket visiting this place, so will the happiness

Man vs. Food has done an incredible job in introducing local joints around the country to the viewers. During one visit to Sarasota, he introduced the world to a delight known as the salty dog, which was a fried hot dog. That’s right guys, a fried hot dog. As if the hot dog isn’t enough calories, now we are going to dip it in batter and fry it to a crisp. Sounds spectacular nonetheless. The Old Salty Dog has been serving food to Sarasota locals and tourists for over 20 years. Being close to the beach also helps its success. While a second location opened recently (and is on the much better location---right next to the ocean water), I decided to go with the original.

The original location is on a bustling street full of bars, restaurants, and nice-looking houses that are inches from the ocean. The parking lot was very small, and full to the brim. So I had to park in an abandoned building next door. According to one of the employees though, the bank and the building closeby don’t mind the extra customers. Inside, the place seemingly had more people than the cars parked outside could physically handle. Looks like the locals walk far to eat there too.

I ordered a salty dog and thinking that the dog would not be enough, also ordered a blackened grouper sandwich. Josh orders clam chowder and the killer dog, which is the salty dog combined with multiple cheeses, sauerkraut, mushrooms, and bacon. So applying the Golden Rule of Bacon (anything with bacon has to be good—no matter what the surrounding items are), the killer dog was going to be killer in flavor and in calories. Michael orders the fried mahi-mahi sandwich, which came with fries. We waited around 7-15 minutes for our food while we watch the Mariners play the Yankees.

(Also good---the clam chowder)

(This is heaven. I swear)

The salty dog was brilliantly brilliant. Words cannot describe the incredibleness that was contained between the hot dog buns. It was a thick juicy hot dog, and then was enhanced by a crunchy, juicy outer core that for a moment takes you to heaven. Unlike the failure that was Munchies 420 (where Adam Richman did his Sarasota challenge), the salty dog was worth every single penny. Fried hot dog is definitely something I wish I had discovered years before, because it was an out-of-the-ordinary experience, a perfect combination. I really wanted to eat at least three of them, but I know my heart would stop if I did such a thing. Luckily, I have the grouper sandwich to calm my nerves. It was a little spicy, but very rich in flavor. The fries resembled those from Wendys before they switched recipes—not the best, but still enjoyable.

While the grouper sandwich was good, Michael’s fried mahi-mahi sandwich was the sandwich of the hour. It wasn’t as thick as most spectacular mahi-mahi I’ve had before, but it was still a delicious delight because of the fried outer core and richness of the fish. Josh’s killer dog was massive, vicious, and all-around a treat. While the hot dog does not become the dominating flavor, its mixture with all the cheese and extra ingredients made it more a meal than a snack—unlike your usual hot dog. We were all heavily satisfied with our meals. And then came dessert.

I ordered the only dessert item they make at the Old Salty Dog, which was their Key Lime Pie. Michael orders the peanut butter pie, and Josh ordered the triple chocolate cake. All three desserts were fantastic; the triple chocolate nearly made Josh melt, the peanut butter pie was heavy on the flavor, and the key lime pie was among the best I’ve ever had outside the South Florida area. It is very odd that a place known for fried food delivers such good dessert, but the old Salty Dog is definitely full of surprises.

Bottom Line: This place is a must-visit by all means necessary. I know I have become almost a cliché with these places, but I seem to be very lucky at picking the spots to visit. That or the west coast of Florida really knows how to make good food. The fried hot dog known as the Salty Dog is one of the best foods I have ever had in my life, honestly. Everything else about this place stands out, from the food to the service to the dessert. I have nothing more to say. Whenever you have the chance, come here immediately.

You can thank me later.