How Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace Became a Columbus Phenomenon

When Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace opened in 2009, it quickly became a Columbus favorite for creative hot dogs. The downtown space feels like a dive bar and overflows with colorful decorations and cartoonish renderings of rock stars and art on skateboards.

Locals flock here for the tater tots, mac and cheese, Frostop root beer on tap and an expansive, often-kooky roster of creative hot dogs. Over the years, Dirty Frank’s has expanded to five Columbus locations, a food truck and stands at two major stadiums.

“I like to tell people that it’s not a hot-dog place, it’s a hot-dog palace,” says Miriam Ailabouni, who co-owns Dirty Frank’s with her husband, Nick. 

It’s hard to argue with that, when you can order the Classy Lady (crushed potato chips and cheese sauce), the Ohioana (sweet-corn relish and celery salt) or the Pittsburgh Princess (fries, slaw and malt vinegar). Although meat is front and center, there are hot dogs for everyone. 

“We pride ourselves on being able to serve every palate: vegetarian, vegan, if you love meat, you’re gluten free,” Ailabouni says. “We’re always so happy we can seat and serve a group of people with a variety of dietary restrictions.”

Ailabouni’s personal pick is The Westside, Bestside, decked out with bar cheese, cheddar cheese, brown mustard and pretzel bites. She also points customers to the Doginator, a bacon-wrapped dog topped with brisket, onion rings, cheddar cheese and barbecue sauce. 

So, what’s the continuing draw of hot dogs? Ailabouni says she believes it thanks to how the food has become a core part of American life over the years, from baseball games to birthday parties. 

“It’s a part of our culture, it’s a part of every celebration,” she adds. “I’ve never had a hot dog at an event where I’m not supposed to be having fun.” Downtown: 248 S. Fourth St., Columbus 43215, 614/824-4673, dirtyfranks.com

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