By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Jan 05, 2021 at 11:01 AM

After serving hungry customers at its Glendale location for a decade, Dr. Dawg is officially bringing its quality-driven Chicago dogs, Italian beef and char-grilled burgers to a second location in Wauwatosa.

The much anticipated second location, located at 853 N. Mayfair Rd., will officially make its debut on Tuesday, Jan. 12, using a creative, fun (and most importantly) safe approach to introduce itself to new West Side customers.

Dr. Dawg Wauwatosa exterior photoX

They will be giving away chances at a Dr. Dawg’s Golden Ticket to the first 100 customers (every ticket  is a winner). Join the Dr. Dawg Rewards Club and you could be the “lucky dawg” who wins free Chicago dogs for a year or one of five Dr. Dawg swag bags (one bag will be given  out each day, Jan. 11-15).

On the menu

Inspired by beloved Chicago hot dog joints, grills and street food vendors, the Dr. Dawg menu is designed to fulfill cravings for Windy City comfort food favorites, from dogs dragged through the garden to Italian beef sandwiches. 

But guests will also find well prepared char-grilled burgers (Burger Trail appproved)  and tasty hand-cut fries (get the rosemary garlic fries).

Dr. Dawg cheeseburgerX

There are also unique signature offerings like The Dr. Dawg Dog, a jumbo quarter-pound char-grilled Angus sirloin beef hot dog topped with mustard, green relish, onions and Dr. Dawg’s fan-favorite hand-cut fries.

“Our menu is like a Chicago food tour,” says managing partner Brooke Thomson, who has roots on Chicago’s South Side. “When I came to Milwaukee and joined Dr. Dawg in 2014, I was drawn by the authenticity of the concept, which reminded me of places like Uncle Sam’s, Junior’s, Pop’s and Super Dog.”

And yes, the nostalgia factor is strong.  But guests will also find carefully selected ingredients that are sourced with the restaurant’s mantra ("comfort food with a natural twist") in mind, from prime certified humane Angus burgers from Niman Ranch; cage-free chicken raised without growth hormones; 100% beef hot dogs; fresh produce that’s locally sourced whenever possible; and products purchased from local vendors including Cedar Crest,  Sprecher and Usinger’s.

Dr. Dawg Chicago Dog box of awesomeX

“It’s important to us to give customers the foods that they crave and love with the highest quality ingredients,” says Thomson. “It’s good for the farmers, the livestock and our guests.”

There are also myriad options for vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free guests.

Safe dining, carry-out & curbside

Safety is also a top priority. Masks are required for both guests and employees,  and guests  are asked to observe proper social distancing with both other guests and employees. In addition, strict cleaning protocols are used to keep guest contact areas (including  tables, chairs, counters and door handles) sanitized.

Guests can also choose to support the business as they feel most comfortable, whether it be through carryout, curbside pickup, contactless delivery or socially distant dining inside of the restaurant.  Catering is also available.

Beginning next week, Dr. Dawg’s hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.  and Sunday  from 11 a.m. to  5 p.m. 

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. 

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.