Last weekend, I went up to Marist for spring alumni weekend — every time I go up there with my friends, it’s always a process to pick where we want to eat because there are so many great places to choose from. There’s one restaurant, though, that always seems to make the cut. That restaurant is Soul Dog. Special thanks to my friend Emma, hot dog connoisseur, for introducing me to this soulful hot dog joint during my senior year at Marist. It’s a shame I didn’t know about it earlier in my college career.
Soul Dog is known for their hot dogs… go figure, right? It’s not particularly the hot dogs that make this place so great… it’s all the sides you get to choose from! My personal favorite toppings are guacamole, sour cream, and Soul Sauce (the restaurant’s special, spicy sauce). Along with my usual hotdog, I also order a side, whether it’s: jalapeno hush puppies, fried pickles, a bowl of soup, or Soul/BBQ/Jerk/Cajun fries (among many others). In addition to hot dogs and a variety of sides, Soul Dog also serves sandwiches, pizza, baked goods, and much more! Check out the full menu here.
Another great thing about Soul Dog is their vegetarian and Gluten-free options. This doesn’t necessarily affect me, but I think it’s great that they’re so accommodating.
I give Soul Dog 5/5 stars without a doubt! Not only is the food out of this world, but the staff is very friendly, the prices are affordable, and the atmosphere is laidback. The space is very small (see picture below), but there always seems to be a table available. Plus, when it gets warmer, there’s outdoor seating, which is really nice. You’re also provided with crayons and board games to keep you busy while you’re waiting for your food, which is great for my impatience (especially when it comes to food). If you’re ever in Poughkeepsie or the surrounding area, Soul Dog is an absolute must!


