Former Central Space to Sling Deep-Fried Hot Dogs

With the recent closure of Old Town cocktail bar Central (owner Dustin Knox plans to move the concept to Portland's east side), Knox will bring something decidedly more "lowbrow" into the Ankeny alleyway (his words, not ours).

Uncle Dick's Deep Fried Hot Dogs, inspired by similar concepts like NYC's Crif Dogs, will mark a return to Central's original take-out window concept. "Basically, it's a storefront window going onto the street, selling hot dogs [only] to the street," Knox says. The five-to-10 item menu will feature bacon-wrapped hot dogs and "different kinds of crazy" options like hot dogs topped with kimchee, garlic-Sriracha aioli, and palm sugar fish sauce. As warmer days approach, Uncle Dick's will add additional menu items like fries, deep-fried pickle spears, and fried chicken and waffles, all available to-go. (Central's back-room seating will not be available to hot dog eaters.)

According to Knox, who also owns the Perriera Creperie food cart, Uncle's Dicks could potentially expand into a multi-location concept. The search for Central's new home, meanwhile, is still underway. Uncle Dick's is scheduled to open January 16.
· All Previous Central Coverage [Eater PDX]

Image of Central courtesy EPDX archives