LUCKY DOGS

Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace goes all-in on a flashy new location inside Hollywood Casino Columbus

By Laura Hennigan / Photos by Leonardo Carrizo

Creative hot dog offerings from Dirty Frank's ↓

dirty franks

No one should gamble on an empty stomach, and now you can score delicious dogs while simultaneously spinning the roulette wheel.

Dirty Frank’s is betting on a win with their new location inside the Hollywood Casino Columbus, located at 200 Georgesville Rd. “The casino contacted us over the summer about a potential partnership,” said owner Miriam Ailabouni. “They saw how well received Mikey’s [Late Night Slice, a recent addition] was, so they wanted to bring in another local concept.”

The Dirty Frank’s team has worked closely with the casino to maintain the food, branding, and decor that guests of the downtown palace know and love. You’ll find flashy neon light-posts, a curving, serpentine bar and order counter, as well as iconic pop art from Thom Lessner, the artist behind much of the work at the eatery’s original location. His new pieces include tributes to Hall and Oates, Tina Turner, and Queen, along with the signature Dirty Frank’s moustached mascot.

The restaurant’s famous menu items carry over as well. Beef or veggie dogs are served on a poppyseed bun and topped with a wide array of choices, from ketchup and mustard to coney sauce, crushed Fritos, and even kimchi. A side of topped tots or hand-cut fries will help fuel your way across the floor as well.

Ailabouni shared, “After closing the Broad Street location a few years ago, we’re glad to be back on the west side of town. We weren’t necessarily looking to open inside a casino, but it’s worked out really well.”

The new restaurant is the latest, but largest, in a flurry of expansions as Dirty Frank's continues to grow throughout Columbus. You can now find Dirty Frank’s stands at the new Crew stadium and Ohio Stadium, along with a mobile food truck that travels all over town.

Their charitable arm, Dogs for a Cause, will also be included at the casino location. “It’s the same idea we have downtown, but Dogs for a Cause here will focus on supporting west side nonprofits,” Ailabouni said. “We want people to know that we are staying true to our roots; we plan to stay engaged with the community and give back.”

So grab your chips and your appetite, because— as one of Lessner’s characters can be seen saying at the new location—"in this game, we’re all wieners."♦

To learn more, visit dirtyfranks.com