Downtown HDCB

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Posted 2014-01-30 by Bonnie McBride ⇒ follow

Snugly nestled between Hindley Street's convenience stores and Thai massage parlours you will find the latest offering from the same crew that brought Adelaide the widely popular Jack Ruby on King William St. Downtown HDBC stands for Hot Dogs and Cold Beer and that is exactly what you will get, but perhaps not exactly how you would imagine. Much like Jack Ruby's menu of fancy fast food, pays homage to some iconic Americans (and one notorious Brit) in their Hot Dog menu. On the menu you will find:

-The Malcolm X: Smoked Chilli Short Rib, Beef Dog, Chipotle, Onions, Cheese & Mustard

-Snoop Dawg: Beef Dog, Wood Smoked Pulled Pork, Mac N Cheese & House BBQ Sauce

-Michelle Obama: Beef Dog, Sauerkraut, Onion Relish, Mustard, Ketchup & Cheese

-Steve Jobs: Vegetarian Hoagie, Scrambled Eggs, Tomato & Srirancha

Other celebrities that made the hot dog hall of fame are Salma Hayek & Gordon Ramsay (this hot dog includes truffle potato puree, onion gravy and peas). The amount that these hot dogs can contain is pretty impressive and that is really a testament to the greatness of the bun, but more on that later. Patrons of will need a Texan-sized appetite to finish one of these hotdogs with fries but if you are up for a challenge they also have a tantalizing selection of appetizers that include Pulled Pork with a Mac N Cheese Sundae or a Bucket of Fried Chicken with Bourbon Caramel.

The one word that I can think of to describe is authentic. They have put a lot effort into perfecting the small details that make for an authentic American hot dog stand experience. Their soda list for example has an impressive range of American sodas such as Dr Pepper, 7up Cherry & Root Beer. And their hot dogs come wrapped in red and white checkered paper that is reminiscent of a 1950s diner.

Where really comes into their own is in their unique style that has allowed them to stray away from the feel of a novelty restaurant and towards a legitimate lunch & night spot. The bathrooms are covered in some spectacular graffiti while the ferns and wooden booths give this American dive bar a tropical setting. This judgement could be based on the fact that it was 41 degrees on the day we were there but still, I like to think that is the style they were going for.

The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed with staff that make you feel at ease when ordering the 'Gordon Fuckin' Ramsay', which is how it is stated on the menu including an equally colourful description. Most importantly though; to the hotdogs. The thing that is most important about a hotdog, and the thing that can so often let them down, is the bun. At they know this. The bun was truly a delight; soft, chewy and yet could still keep its structural integrity when it came to the plethora of ingredients piled into it.

The choice of sausage complemented its accompaniments (surprisingly Mac N Cheese does go well with pulled pork and BBQ sauce) and the bun provided the perfect vessel for which to enjoy the various tastes and textures. We went to for lunch but they also serve as a bar with an extensive cocktail & beer menu that would make a perfect partner to their range of appetizers. Give this place a go on your next free afternoon or night and discover what Hot Dogs & Cold Beer are all about.