Cheap Eats: Happy Dog

There’s a lot to love about Happy Dog. Live music, pinball, craft beer and a diverse clientele of hipsters, foodies and blue-collar old-timers are enough to make the dive bar a delight. But the draw here is the meaty $6 hot dogs and the 50 gourmet toppings — from a runny fried egg to Brie, peanut butter, vodka sauerkraut or black truffle honey mustard. Let your imagination guide you instead of your savings account because there’s no wrong answers when it comes to loading up a Happy Dog hot dog. And in case you’re worried you’ll overwhelm the garlicky goodness of the dog itself, made special for the Happy Dog around the corner at Blue Ribbon Meats, they’re darn good plain. Also Try: The crispy-outside, flaky-inside tater tots ($3.50) are great for dipping in any of the 19 sauces. And even committed carnivores love the Veggie Dog ($6), a vegan Italian sausage that’s dynamite with fresh toppings such as cucumbers, 5801 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-651-9474; 11625 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-231-5400, happydogcleveland.com