Central Ohio restaurateurs open gourmet hot dog eatery

DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH) -- Local restaurateurs who own a series of downtown Delaware eateries have launched a new joint serving gourmet hot dogs and craft cocktails.

Lazy Dawg Restaurant and Bar is now welcoming hot dog enthusiasts at 12 W. Williams St. in Delaware, after hosting a grand opening at the end of June. The new eatery is just around the corner from owners Xue Qin and Xue Gong's three other downtown Delaware restaurants, Typhoon Asian Fusion, Mashida Chicken and Yokai Ramen Bistro.

The menu features a selection of "favorite dawgs," from the Boston-Style wiener with baked beans and onion, to the "Cheeto n Cheddar" with corn relish and cheddar cheese Cheetos. Other available dogs include the Cuban with ham and Swiss cheese, the "Chili Mac" with mac n' cheese and chili green onion, the "Wild Buffalo" with coleslaw and blue cheese, and many more.

Customers can also opt for Lazy Dawg's seafood brioche, like the Maine New England Roll served with lobster, mayo, celery, Masago and green onion. Craft cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages and a selection of sides round out the menu.

The new restaurant is opening as several other hot dog eateries have expanded in central Ohio, while some have shuttered. Dirty Frank's, the fan-favorite hot dog palace, opened another location this year in Worthington. The new joint marked Dirty Frank's third brick-and-mortar location after the first opened in 2009 and the second opened in Hollywood Casino Columbus in 2021. 

Weenie Wonder, a fast-casual eatery serving hot dogs and milkshakes, closed its Dublin and Easton locations in February. The first restaurant opened at Bridge Park in 2022 and a second location followed at Easton in 2023. Both locations were adjacent to Pins Mechanical Co. 

Lazy Dawg is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday.