Food Carts Portland

Location: SE 3rd and Alder [updated 4/2010]

Description:

A few weeks ago, when I visited The Fried Onion’s neighbor The Frying Scotsman, I had the opportunity at the end of my meal to meat John, the owner of the ‘Onion. I commented on his choice of baseball team with a hearty “Go Yankees” and that got us talking. While telling me about his cart, a traditional hot dog cart, he espoused a true history of hot dogs from the east coast. We chatted about Sabrett’s, Viennas, Nathans and finally his favorite, Red Hot Chicago. He won’t admit it, but to me, John is a hot dog historian. I have never learned more about hot dogs history anywhere. So fun since I fancy myself a historian. Oh, and they make a great dog!

The Fried Onion has been around Portland now for awhile, having moved to NW 22nd only in the recent past from what I understand. They bill themselves as great Chicago dogs with a New York twist. The owner wore a New York Yankees cap, yet the menu listed the Red Hot Chicago as their dog of choice. “Red Hot” is just the name of the beef dog, ala “get your red hots, get your red hot dogs” like at a baseball game. These aren’t spicy dogs, but they are tasty. As stated, The Fried Onion tried out numerous brands of nationally known dogs before they decided on the Red Hot Chicago. This tells me they are true to their trade.

Red Hot Chicago

I chose to get my dog dressed with fried onions and sauerkraut. John split the dog down the middle and put it on the grill. He stated that isn’t his normal practice, but I love it when the dog is prepped that way. When deciding on mustard, I took his recommendation and chose the nondescript non labeled spicy German mustard. Excellent. The dog was great. The bun stayed together throughout the whole meal (a big deal for me) and the dog had a little kick to it from the added onions and sauerkraut. Overall, a great well rounded hot dog from a great couple.

The Fried Onion does sell sausages and he has chosen local Fetzer as his vendor. There are only a few major vendors in town for that, so if you haven’t tried a Fetzer, this is the place to find one. John and his wife Marci are a great couple of people to chat up during lunch. Ask them about the dogs and you’ll get some great stories. One of the reasons I love the food carts  – personal service and interaction with the owners. Head on down and say hi. Oh, and if you’re a Red Sox fan, be prepared to pay extra…  Tell them Food Carts Portland sent ya.

[The Fried Onion moved to SE 3rd and Alder in April of 2010]

Sample Menu:

• Red Hot Chicago: naked or with dressings, 100% beef – $4-$5.25
• Fetzer’s Brat, spicy or beer: naked or with dressings – $4.75-$5
• Burger: naked or dressed – $4.50-$4.75
• Dressings include fried onions, sauerkraut, chili and cheese
• Red Sox fans surcharge of $1.25

Hours: Monday through Friday, 10am-2pm
Website: The Fried Onion on Facebook

Tags: hamburger, Red Hot Chicago