Adelaide’s obsession with American diner food continues with the opening of a new dive bar, Downtown HCDB (Hot Dog Cold Beer), on Hindley Street. From the masterminds behind Jack Ruby, is a new establishment that incorporates the currently trending “street food” with Adelaide’s unique “small bar” licensing.

True to the dive bar theme, this venue can best be described as grungy. The exposed brickwork, the low hanging light fittings, the plastic plant feature wall and the caged open kitchen area are unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. It’s different and you certainly get used to it after a while.

In terms of food, you can get all your popular American fast food appetisers here. Sticky ribs, fried chicken, jalapeno poppers, poutine, chilli fries, mac and cheese sundaes and suicide wings are the menu items you can get started with. Then they have a range of gourmet hot dogs named after well known people. It’s important to note that the hot dogs used here are of a premium quality and specifically made using provided recipes by Marino Meats.

Yesterday afternoon, I had the Barack Obama Hot Dog. The hot dog was ready after a 15 minute wait and was nicely presented. The sausage was juicy and well cooked, and I didn’t encounter any gristly bits. The sauerkraut wasn’t too pungent, while the onion relish had a subtle sweetness about it. The bun was soft and yet firm enough to hold all the ingredients together. In terms of hot dogs, it was pretty good.

The staff were really friendly and the service was above average. The atmosphere was relaxed and the pricing, with regards to the hot dogs, was reasonable. There is a gourmet hot dog food truck that roams the streets selling similar products for about the same price.

So how would I describe Barack Obama? Progressive, in terms of changing the way we see hot dogs and for the US President!

WHERE: 99 Hindley St, Adelaide