Serving as a place for California State University, Fresno, students to work and dine, Dog House Grill has provided customers with delicious food since 2004. It began with just soda and tri-tip, but has now expanded into a multi-choice restaurant.
Arriving at the restaurant, its exterior displayed a simple illuminated sign with red letters and a blue dog paw shining above. Chrome doors were propped open, allowing me to see the extensive line that waited to order, though it moved quickly.
Smells of the flaming grill and french fry seasonings seemed to engulf me, making me all the more hungry. Behind the counter, hamburger patties were being tossed in the air above the hot flames while speakers blared with the voice of a basketball announcer and a man yelling out order numbers.
The 11 TVs that surrounded the walls showed various sports games for the fans watching from their seats. After ordering, my friends and I went to the self-serve side of the restaurant, where we waited about five minutes for an open table. Around 15 minutes later, our number was called to receive the trays piled with food.
Steam from my enormous one-third-pound cheeseburger, costing merely $4, rose into my eyes as I took a bite. The flavors of fresh onions, tomatoes and melted cheese made my mouth water. Under the layers of vegetables, a juicy meat patty was cooked medium well with a slightly pink center. The classic soft bread was topped with sesame seeds and moderately toasted.
After eating the massive cheeseburger, I was completely full. For light-eaters I would recommend splitting it with someone and finishing it off with fries.
Tasting the chicken strips that my friend ordered, they were as perfect as she had described. The breading was very crispy and crunchy, while the tender chicken was well-seasoned and juicy. Accompanied with barbecue sauce, I believe they are the best side dish in the eatery.
One of my friends followed the advice of the manager, Bryan Jacobsen, and ordered the tri-tip sandwich, which included a French roll piled high with sliced tri-tip and a pool of sweet and savory barbecue sauce. In my opinion, the meat was cooked perfectly, not pink but not tough. It was abundantly stacked and drenched in barbecue sauce.
In addition to barbecued fare and chicken strips, Dog House Grill also serves some unique dishes, like the tri-tip taco. The taco’s intense flavor came from the perfectly prepared meat and salsa, while the lettuce and cheese balanced the spice.
To go along with the meals my friends and I ordered, we purchased a basket of fries, bigger than my head and large enough to feed five people for only $3. The thin strips of potatoes were fried perfectly with light brown edges. To add flavor, each fry was coated with special seasoning that made it saltier.
Though Dog House Grill quickly serves its customers, swarms of people may eat there if an event takes place in the Save Mart Center across the street. I advise avoiding eating there on afternoons of concerts.
I recommend anyone, teens especially, to go to Dog House Grill for lunch or dinner. Whether to catch an exciting sports game or just have fun, this eatery has affordable prices for very large portions and serves up delicious American cuisine.
For a satisfying lunch or dinner with an inviting atmosphere, I suggest Dog House Grill, located at 2789 E. Shaw Ave. The eatery can be reached at (559) 294-9920.
For more food reviews, read the May 10 article, Campagnia serves exquisite dishes.
