Every (hot) dog has its day at gourmet shop

Opened in October by former Scalo’s manager-turned-commercial-real-estate entrepreneur David Kleinfeld, the 1,600-square-foot space offers dine-in and carry out options for all ages.

The concept takes a humble all-beef Nathan’s frankfurter and dresses it up with fun and fancy toppings like pico de gallo, sauteed mushrooms, and fresh fried ancho chile-dusted onion strings.

Vegetarians can also find menu items like the marinated tofu grilled with green curry vegetables. And for folks who are gluten intolerant, there is the eco-dog made of grass-fed beef containing no nitrates.

The dining area at Urban Hot Dog Company has seating for 50 people. The restaurant also does carry-out orders.

“What gourmet burgers did for hamburgers we’re doing for hot dogs,” Kleinfeld said.

Prices range from $1.99 for plain fries to $6.25 for the “B&B,” a Guinness-soaked bratwurst grilled and topped with house-made sugared beets, fresh local goat cheese and fresh mint.

A hot dog with beets? Kleinfeld said he tested out all the recipes on friends, neighbors and family members before he opened and the beets and goat cheese proved a hit.

Kleinfeld said he tries to get as many ingredients as possible from local producers. The goat cheese is from Old Windmill Dairy in Estancia; buns are from Pastian’s bakery in Albuquerque.

Kleinfeld has been involved with commercial real estate development and property management for 20 years. Prior to that he was a manager at Tanoan Country Club, Scalo’s Northern Italian Grill and Assets Grill in Albuquerque.

His property company manages the Urban Hot Dog location. Kleinfeld saw its proximity to nearby stores such as Dick’s Sporting Goods and Cost Plus World Market as an advantage. His concept could expand to other locations in the future.