Papa's Dogs and More

Grandville, MI 

When a new hot dog place sprouts up, they have to have a niche.  A different way to attract people into their establishment.  Well, Papa's Dogs and More makes hot dogs the only way the owner knew how to have a hot dog for many years... bake fresh bread and insert the hot dog.  You see, the 'bun' is not really a bun at all, but daily fresh made bread baked to engulf the dog.  When the owner was a child he came from very humble beginnings.  The family did not have much money so they ate hot dogs often.  Well his father baked the bread, and put a hot dog inside.  As simple as that.  It was not until he was in high school and went to a football game, did he know that people actually have buns to put a hot dog on.  Well after having these dogs, I may never ask for a bun again.  How can you beat FRESH bread so soft, that I actually enjoyed the bread more than the dog...which NEVER happens.  You order your dog based on the bread (white, honey wheat, garlic cheese, pretzel) and then head to the toppings bar for as many of the 19 toppings you choose.  You can also get a polish dog, cheddarwurst, smoked brat or 1/4 pound dog options as well.  The demand for these dogs is growing incredibly fast, and for all of the claims the owner made, I wholeheartedly believe all of those claims will come true!

Atmosphere- This is not the most scenic place.  It is located in a run down strip mall, but when you walk inside, the energy and spirit of the family (employees) makes you forget the outside and surroundings.  Since they bake their bread, you can actually see the kitchen and the process the bread goes through, this was one of the more unique traits about the place.  There is ample seating for many people, and for going there during a holiday 'lull' it was still hopping with patrons.  There is a food challenge, where if you complete the 'Bullmastiff challenge' you can get your meal free.  They also had a sign on the wall that I of course had to sign and laugh for it read this "WARNING, General consensus has determined that consuming Papa Dogs can be habit forming."  Forget the decorations on the wall (there are not many) just go and eat for the GOOD FOOD! C

Value-  The owner said to me "The greatest compliment someone can give me is that my food is to cheap."   Uh, cheap might be the biggest understatement of all time in the hot dog world.  The Papa Dog Deal includes two Papa Dogs, a drink, chips and two cookies (which are freshly made daily as well, and vary based on what he feels like baking that day) all for $6....DID YOU HEAR ME?  Six George Washington's for all of that.  Each Papa dog could easily sell for six bucks, EASILY.  So six bucks for the meal, or you could just buy a lone Papa Dog for $2.50.  Upgrading to a cheddarwurst or bull dog is a bit more.  I had a Papa Dog on soft pretzel, and a Papa Dog on white.  We have reviewed cheap hot dogs, and expensive hot dogs, but we are giving our first ever A+ in value here!

Side Dish Jody says... At first glance I was nervous about the lack of non hot dog options.  My primary choices were a gigantic cinnamon roll or pecan roll.  But after further discussion, they have homemade soups and homemade bread bowls in the colder months.  I could also call ahead for a chicken tenderloin baked into the bread, which I will definitely get next time.  On this trip I had the pecan roll which was overwhelmingly large, rich and delicious.  A