review - Slaw Dogs

THE SLAW DOGS 
AT THE VILLAGE 
6220 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 
(747) 226-3119 / Fax (747) 226-3499

I first reviewed the Slaw Dogs when it was located on Ventura Blvd in Woodland Hills about two years ago. Here's what I had to say about it:
http://howtoeatheartily.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-slaw-dogs.html

The Slaw Dogs has now reopened in the new Westfield Topanga mall, and in my mind, it's a smart move. There is a steady traffic flow at this new mall, both young and old... and who doesn't love a hot dog...at lunchtime, dinnertime, or as a between-meal snack? Especially if it's served The Slaw Dogs way with all natural ingredients and in the most unexpected and delicious combinations. Owner Ray is indeed playful and has explained that at a barbeque - where it all began - something would fall on top of something else, and the taste combo that resulted is what prompted him to consider serving it that way regularly...seriously.

The Slaw Dogs menu has much, much more to offer besides its main attraction of hot dogs. There are also burgers, breakfast sandwiches, served all day, finger food like homemade pretzels, fork food like parmesan garlic fries and tasty salads. There is also soft-serve ice cream - homemade on the premises, and super sodas like all natural root beer and  reduced sugar black cherry under the new label Stubborn. As you can see in the window sign below, Ray has devised a root beer float with his delectable soft-serve, and even a beer float for a mere $4 more. It's worth it!

I have to admit. I am not a beer drinker, except maybe on a real hot summer day. So when Ray asked if I wanted to try a beer float, I was a little skeptical about what I would taste. Ice cream with beer? Well, let me tell you, it's a real pleasant combo. The rich milk and cream in the soft serve offset the bitterness of the beer, making it a unique taste treat, without ruining the taste of the beer that so many of you do love. Try it! It's especially delicious when you are munching on a homemade Oktoberfest pretzel, served with hand-made dipping sauces. My friend and I sampled a breakfast sandwich on a brioche with fried egg, double bacon, American cheese and chipotle sauce. It's yummy! We also tried a Turkey Club Salad in a wrap featuring a turkey dog, which is a little spicy, but in combo with the bacon, cheese, onion, cherry peppers and ranch dressing, it's super! Finger food? Popcorn chicken at Slaw Dogs: all white meat chicken, coated with spicy crunchy garlic sauce and cabbage slaw are fantastic, particularly served with Ray's garlic parmesan fries. And the size of the chicken pieces is so generous and the flavor, scrumptious, unlike those teeny, tiny tasteless ones at KFC!

One of the newest hot dogs is the Reuben Dog, which boasts a butterflied turkey dog, pastrami, swiss cheese, sauerkraut, special sauce on marble rye bread. And it is a winner! Other new additions to the menu include: The O.G. Thai Slaw Dog, The Super Dog, featured on the Food Network, the C4 Super Dog, featured on the Travel Channel and Sonoma, created especially for vegans. All of these items are reasonably priced from $6-$10.

What I find most appealing about this new venue for Slaw Dogs is its ambiance. You can sit outdoors, as the restaurant kitchen is like a little shack. No room indoors for seating, but more than ample, outside. That's just fine, as there is so much to take in while you are eating in the courtyard. The innumerable passersby, the classy window dressings for the upscale stores and I understand there's even entertainment on select days and evenings. Try Slaw Dogs in its new location! You'll have a great time! I'll be back!