Tucked down a side street in downtown Hard Hittin’ (New Britain), Riley’s Hot Dog and Burger Gourmet is turning out some of the most creative dogs and burgers around. From the Nacho Poppa Dog to wild creations brimming with mac ‘n cheese, you’ll find combinations you never dreamed of. But this little “mom and pop” shop isn’t run by a husband and wife team. Rick Charamut and Deb Dalena are two friends, now business partners, who once worked together in a sign shop. “We both kind of needed a change of pace,” Rick says.
“We had no restaurant experience whatsoever. Ever. Ever!” Deb admits with a laugh. “We’re freaks of nature. One of my sons says, Somehow they got their stuff together and opened a restaurant that works.” Well, he’s right—they did, and it absolutely does!
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Riley’s Hot Dog and Burger Gourmet in New Britain started as a hot dog cart while Deb and Rick were still working at their previous job. Now, they are turning out some of the most creative dogs and burgers around!
lessRiley’s Hot Dog and Burger Gourmet in New Britain started as a hot dog cart while Deb and Rick were still working at their previous job. Now, they are turning out some of the most creative dogs and burgers
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The Nacho Poppa Dog has raw onions, bacon, Fritos, cheddar cheese, a generous drizzle of sour cream, and a sprinkling of scallions.
The Nacho Poppa Dog has raw onions, bacon, Fritos, cheddar cheese, a generous drizzle of sour cream, and a sprinkling of scallions.
Photo: ctbites
The burgers are hand pressed and finished with a touch of spice. Though many diners order their burgers rare, the burgers at Riley's prove juicy no matter how well done they are!
The burgers are hand pressed and finished with a touch of spice. Though many diners order their burgers rare, the burgers at Riley's prove juicy no matter how well done they are!
Photo: ctbites
The "Club Stacker" is like a BLT and a cheeseburger in one.
The "Club Stacker" is like a BLT and a cheeseburger in one.
Photo: ctbites
The word "Gourmet" emphasizes how they take American classics like hot dogs, burgers, mac n' cheese, and sandwiches and elevate them a notch above usual fare.
The word "Gourmet" emphasizes how they take American classics like hot dogs, burgers, mac n' cheese, and sandwiches and elevate them a notch above usual fare.
The hot dog buns come from a bakery in Wallingford; Harvest Bakery in Bristol bakes their Italian-style hamburger buns.
The hot dog buns come from a bakery in Wallingford; Harvest Bakery in Bristol bakes their Italian-style hamburger buns.
Photo: ctbites
The "Salty Balls" are salt-brined baby potatoes that can be covered with an assortment of toppings, such as sour cream chives, bacon, and melted butter.
The "Salty Balls" are salt-brined baby potatoes that can be covered with an assortment of toppings, such as sour cream chives, bacon, and melted butter.
Photo: ctbites
Riley’s Hot Dog and Burger Gourmet in New Britain
It started as a hot dog cart while Deb and Rick were still working at their previous job. Roughly two years later, with help from friends and family, this casual, hip spot came to life.
Now let’s get to what’s inside—Martin Rosol’s hot dogs and one-third lb. burgers, char-grilled to bring that outdoor picnic flavor straight to your plate. The Nacho Poppa Dog dresses up the Jalapeno Popper Dog to make it taste just like nachos—with raw onions, more bacon, Fritos and cheddar cheese, popped under the broiler to get it all melty, then a generous drizzle of cool sour cream and a sprinkling of scallions. Hot diggity!
Continue reading here.
Harlan Publick in South Norwalk as added a few new items to its menu! Learn more here.
