Short Leash Sit…Stay Experience

He Said

What started as one of the valley’s most popular food trucks has grown into brick and mortar with a location in the hip and trendy Roosevelt Row. One what one would call a spur of the moment decision I decided to make the short drive downtown and finally check out what has become an institution. It has been months since I began craving a Short Leash dog and every opportunity to partake in it has ended in disappointment. First time I attempted I was literally the last person in the line before they ran out of dogs. It was a cruel joke that the universe decided to tease me with. The second time was just recently when I was sure they would be at the Street Eats food truck festival. I mean over 50 trucks and the one I really wanted wasn’t even there, go figure. So with a restaurant now we can all get our craving satisfied when we want to.
I sometimes wonder if the weather affects my experiences. Well if so, then this experience was off to a great start. I sat outside because it was beautiful and while pleasant inside I will always take outside while I can. The service was quick and I don’t know why but the way I was greeted made me feel at home. “Hi, please sit wherever you feel most comfortable” Most comfortable, what a fantastic way to tell me to pick my table. I looked over the extended menu, much more than you are going to get out of a truck visit and made some final decisions.
I would start with the Corn Dog Bites. They come on a stick and each dog was just big enough for about 3 bites. I was thinking this would be the perfect way to get your dog on if you were going to choose something else on the menu than the large dog selections. So I only had a couple and took the rest home for a treat later on. I wish it had come with something other than mustard, but that’s just me. Everyone else thinks yellow mustard is a perfect combo with a corn dog. So for my main event I had the Lady dog and while I originally asked for a Brat my server recommended I get the polish sausage instead as it complimented the flavors better. Who am I to argue with someone who sees people eat dogs all day long? She was right. Spot on, really. I don’t think a brat would have meshed well with the grilled onions, chipotle crème cheese, and fried pickles. Now even when I read it, it sounds like a hot mess. But the honest to goodness reality is that it mixes very well together. There was a kick from the chipotle, and to my surprise it was cooled off by the sweet fried pickles. I have always had dill pickles. But it was fantastic. I was happy I only had 2 dog bites. Of course we cannot forget about the Naan bread. I mean the fluffy goodness of this dough is enough to make me want to wrap myself up in one and drift off to sleep. This is exactly what I need to do after eating this meal. You will leave full and happy.
All that waiting paid off. Count me in as another satisfied Short Leash addict.

She Said

Roosevelt Row New Downtown Phoenix is the epicenter for arts of all kinds in the metro area. Handmade crafts, music, and food of course! As I was walking back to my car after a show at The Nash (local and national jazz venue) I spotted the restaurant. The place didn’t catch my eye at first. The signage is definitely minimal, though their name is in the window- Short Leash Hot Dogs. Before this permanent location you could only indulge on these dogs from one of Short Leash’s food trucks around Phoenix.

The inside of Sit… Stay is modern, simple, almost industrial, but cozy. Grey with orange accents, stainless steel tables, and school-house style chairs. I was impressed by their array of unsuspecting combinations, the most impressive being the Sunny. Probably the fanciest hot dog I’ve ever eaten let alone heard of. A combo of prosciutto, fruit, greens, goat cheese, and a chicken hotdog on warm naan (pita like flatbread.) Each bite was a wonderful mix of flavors! The rest of the menu includes odd appetizers such as Scotch Eggs and Funnel Cakes, to salads and entrees. Though I only had one dog, I thank Short Leash Sit…Stay eatery for making me a believer in hot dogs as comfort food once again.