Changes at The Red Hot

The Red Hot is one of those great Tacoma institutions that keeps true to its roots, while getting a lot of great attention from beyond Tacoma. And with new changes and upgrades, they’re keeping their focus local.

Since opening in 2007, The Red Hot has made appearances on “Best Hot Dog” list (including best hot dog of Western Washington), been aptly (we think) described as “like Cheers, only better,” featured on the Food Network’s Chefs vs. City, and more. A lesser establishment might get a bit of an ego, but the humble little beer and hot dog hole in the wall has stayed down to earth and connected to the Tacoma community. You’ve always been able to count on seeing a bit of Tacoma on the menu and the tap handles at The Red Hot, not to mention the events they host.

Last month they celebrated Bike Month in Tacoma with the installation of the city’s first on-street bike corral right out front. This month they’ve got more upgrades, including a menu with new local references and local products. According to a post on their blog yesterday (we haven’t had a chance to visit yet, but it’s certainly in our plans for the near future), you can look for a few cosmetic upgrades, along with a new back bar. And as for what you really care about, the new menu features some additions, including “The Heidelberg,” with locally-made sausage and relish, which will be joining the full-time line-up. Speaking of locally-made relish, the Red Hot will now be featuring Tacoma’s Lynnae’s as their house relish. Lynnae’s Gourmet Pickles Hot Mama relish will be branded “Red Hot Mama” relish at TRH, and is featured on several of their dogs, including the Heidelberg. They even have a selection of wines from Washington and beyond, including an Italian white on the menu for you summer white wine aficionados. And of course there’s the beer…

So, who’s thirsty? Hungry?

Read more about the ch-ch-changes at The Red Hot at www.BeerAndHotDogs.WordPress.com. And check out the new menu at www.RedHotTacoma.com.