Good Eats

Steve’s Hot Dogs

Home of the Official Hot Dog of St. Louis, Steve’s Hot Dogs was a must-do on our South Grand food tour this fall with our first-year students during Bear Beginnings. By introducing our new students to St. Louis establishments, we hope to help them feel more at home while attending WashU. And what better way to do that than to take them to a local favorite that specializes in an all-American classic like hot dogs!

Steve Ewing, who first made a name for himself in St. Louis as singer of the alternative rock band The Urge, opened Steve’s Hot Dogs in 2011. The restaurant quickly became known for its creative toppings and flavor combinations, such as creamy mac and cheese, pineapple and bbq sauce and tender shredded pork steak. 

The casual dining room is filled with brightly-colored murals and vintage-looking tables which give off an old-school diner vibe. The menu not only features hot dogs stacked with interesting toppings, but also classics like the Chicago Dog and Chili Cheese Dog. A vegan menu is available and gluten-free options are listed as well.

Chancellor Martin and I both ordered the St. Louis Dog and thought it had the perfect combination of garnishes on top. We can see how this signature dish, inspired by the Italian cuisine on the Hill, became the Official St. Louis Hot Dog!

I highly recommend venturing out to Steve’s Hot Dogs on South Grand to try a unique twist on an All-American favorite. They’re open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. seven days a week. Stay on the lookout for their new location opening just minutes away from our Danforth Campus on Delmar in the Fall of 2023.

Steve’s Hot Dogs
3145 South Grand Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63118

What our group ordered

St. Louis Dog
The Official Hot Dog of St. Louis with grilled onions, grilled peppers, banana peppers, bacon, provolone cheese and house-made smoked pepper mustard ($8)
Pork Steak Dog
Smoked all-beef dog covered with tender shredded pork steak, topped with creamy slaw, Steve’s Famous Honey Chipotle BBQ sauce and crispy onions ($9)
Chili Mac and Cheese Bowl
Mac & Cheese covered with piping hot chili, shredded cheese, sour cream and choice of raw, grilled, chipotle or crispy fried onions (lg $7)
Captain Beyond
Pretzel bun, Beyond Brat, sauerkraut, grilled onions and brown mustard ($11)
Additional items
Bacon Bacon Jamacian: Smoked all-beef dog, pepper jack cheese, jerk seasoning, grilled bell peppers, Steve’s Famous Honey Chipotle BBQ sauce and topped with a double serving of chopped bacon ($9)

Basket of Fries: The fries came perfectly seasoned (and were impossible to stop snacking on!) making it a great pairing to our hot dogs. ($4)