Gourmet hot dogs come to High Street

A new hot dog eatery opening tomorrow promises upscale version of the stadium food classic with fancy toppings, house-made dogs and Ohio-sourced ingredients.

DareDevil Dogs, opening in the former Commonwealth sandwich space on High Street is the latest from chef Mike Gadd and Tomos Mughan-the guys behind empanada concept Bolsanada-and new business partner Bill Garland. "Our motto is be daring," says Mughan, pointing to an acrylic sign hanging on the wall right inside the front door that recounts their culinary approach. "We're three young guys stepping out of our comfort zone."

Gadd, a Crave Tastemakerin 2012, says he is applying his higher-end culinary experience to the typically low-brow food. You may not see the technique in the list of ingredients on the menu-but you'll be able to taste them he assures. Gadd plans to make all-beef dogs in house sourcing meat from Cleveland-based Blue Ribbon Meats. All bread will be made fresh by local baker Matt the Baker.

Diners can choose from a list of specialty hot dogs (listed below) or create their own, starting with a choice of dog-from all beef to vegan versions sourced from The Good Frank-to a style of bun (challah, pretzel, gluten free), and then a wide variety of toppings, some coming with 50-cent to $1 upcharges. There are the usual suspects, like white onion and pickles, to the fun, like giardinera, caramelized Brussels sprouts, pineapple guacamole and sous vide steak. The final two steps in your order: choose a sauce (ketchup and mustard to sriracha-Orange Buffalo), and then your cheese (like white cheddar and gruyere). Prices start at $4.50 for build-your-own.

On the side, diners can add items like sweet potato tater tots, whole grain whipped redskins and chips and pineapple guacamole.

If you want to wash your dog down with a beer, head to neighboring Village Idiot. A takeout window connects the two spaces. Just order at the window, leave your phone number and they'll text when your order is ready. The hope is to start delivery to the surrounding Short North and Campus areas on Jan. 4.

The small, grab-and-go space with a vintage '70s vibe has seating for 12 at a long wall counter. The showpiece is a graphic yellow, red and gray wall with phrases praising the hot dog (or haute dog as the wall states). Come spring, they'll open up the large side patio.

DareDevil will be open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 3:30 a.m., and Sunday 4 to 10 p.m.

Here's a quick look at some of the specialty dogs on the opening menu:

Sky Diver ($6.50)

All Natural Hot Dog, Baked Beans, House Slaw, Bacon Aioli, White Cheddar, Challah Bun

Fire Eater ($6.50)

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Brat, Sriracha-Orange Buffalo Sauce, Shaved Celery, Red Onion, Blue Cheese Aioli, Challah

Thrill Seeker ($6.50)

Pork Brat, Crispy Shaved Brussels, Granny Smith Apples, Shaved Celery, Honey-Whole Grain Aioli, Seeded Challah

Wing Walker ($6.50)

Chicken Brat, Whole Grain Whipped Redskin Potatoes, Pickled Green Tomatoes, Caramelized Onion & Bell Peppers, White Cheddar, Pretzel Bun

Stunt Double ($7)

All Hot Dog, Sous Vide Steak, Giardinera, Caramelized Onion & Bell Peppers, Gruyere, Pretzel Bun

High-Wire Act ($6.50)

Pork Brat, Pineapple-Avocado Guacamole, Smoked Bacon, Challah

Base Jumper ($6.50)

Vegan Hot Dog, Whole Grain a Whipped Redskin Potatoes, Crispy Shaved Brussels, Shaved Celery, Seeded Challah