Luscher’s Red Hots

From the first time I walked into Brian Luscher’s new concept, I felt that the menu was well curated and I was in for some amazing tastes. In other restaurants I have styed away from sausages and ‘links’ due to the belief that they are not high quality and probably full of preservatives that would kill my intestines. Well, Luscher’s Red Hots changed all of that for me (and my daughter too). I am pretty sure I have eaten everything on the menu but the favorites for me and my 13yr-​old are the B.O.B. (Breakfast on a bun), Depression Dog and the Meat Fight. Weekly/​Daily specials like various fish are a must try.
The basic fact is that Brian created a chef-​driven, fast-​casual-​style eatery in Deep Ellum with very, very high quality ingredients and pairing of tastes that makes eating a joy, not just a necessity to live. ;-)
I enjoy stopping in at any time of the day and eating whatever I want with no fear of tummy trouble even though sausages, meats and lightly friend anything anywhere else can give you the sweats. I am sorry to keep going back to the stomach issues I struggled with most of my life but part of the happiness I feel by eating @ Luscher’s is that I can eat things I love and want such as a sausage with jalapenos and (amazing) onion rings and I actually feel BETTER. Growing up, eating something like that would have be feeling like I had bowling ball in my guts. So, kudos to Brian Luscher for not only creating some great menu items but by sticking to a moral code of only using local (when available), high-​standard, responsibly sourced ingredients.

A fellow Chicagoan has brought over the perfect Chicago Style dog to Dallas and that makes us and our bellies super happy!
Having flown back from Chicago this past weekend without having time to stop by our beloved Portillos (which sincerely hurt our hearts) we Unilocaled hot dogs and found Luscher’s Red Hots claiming to bring a taste of Chicago to Texas. We were like why not?
Glad we found this gem.
5 stars for the post oak red hot dog and the uncle herky burger. Nailed the flavors and what wonderful buns –lol.
2.5 stars for the fries (a bit soggy)
3 stars for the Italian Beef (the flavor and the giardinara peppers were just not to our preference)

Don’t get the herky save your money and go to Burger King instead… There is nothing special about it. Sucks cuz it looks rad in the photos. I’m not a fan of American cheese.

Delicious little spot right in Deep Ellum. We came here for a late lunch on Friday, parked around the corner on the street and walked over. No lines when we arrived so we were able to walk right up and order.
Hubby and I opted to share two hot dogs– The Post Oak Red Hot & the Kraut Dog. Both were awesome! They came wrapped in foil and we were able to dive right in. The buns were soft and the toppings were flavorful. The Red Hot had peppers on top, added a little kick to the other tangy toppings. Our other buddy got the «Eye-​Talian» Beef sandwich and it was huge! Since we were still traveling, we went with sodas and passed on the beers.
It was a little to warm to sit outside, so we opted for inside and chowed down before getting back on the road. I would recommend coming here for good dogs!

I had the combo – that’s where they take an sweet hot Italian sausage and put an Italian beef sandwich on top of it. It’s not as gigantic is it sounds. I love love love the Italian beef and pickled veggies. And I really like the sausage.
I also got a taste of the Uncle Herky burger with peppered bacon. I see what all the fuss is about there! It was really good. I need to get that next time. It was really messy. The juice from everything you order will seep into the bun and make it delicious but messy. The fries are also really good, and I’m not a fry kinda gal. These are then and crispy – no need for ketchup.
The place is bigger than it looks on the outside. On a busy Saturday afternoon we had more trouble finding parking than a place to sit. And there’s the rub. Parking is not an easy thing in Deep Ellum. You will have to pay an extra $ 5 to get here. There’s a lot nearby, but it’s still really annoying. Bucky Moonshine has a lot so I can park for free and their food is equally good.
If I’m in Deep Ellum already, I will go here. But as for most places in Deep Ellum, this will not be a destination for me.

Quick, easy, and pretty good stuff. I had the Grilled Sweet & Hot Italian dog with a basket (fries and slaw). I must say it was not all too bad. Granted I’ve never been a fan of slaw. I think what we loved the most about this place is the fact that they served small alcoholic beverages. No liquor but beer works well with a nice big burger (which everyone of my friends raved about). If you’re ever in need of good food in a pinch, definitely a good spot to hit up in deep ellum.

I ordered The Uncle Herky burger and added bacon, onion rings, cheese fries, & Chicago style hot dog. The burger was pretty good it doesn’t look that appealing but it was good. The Chicago hot dog wasn’t really a Chicago hotdog but it was still good. The cheese fries were bleh not worth getting. The best thing I had was their onion rings! Omg it’s to die for its sooooo good! This place is pretty cool they serve beers and old school weird fountain drink. We had some sort of green line drink. They have regular soda but it’s canned. It gets pretty packed and small here. I love how you can eat outside as well. Definitely will be back for those onion rings & burger.

After having this place on my radar for a while. I finally made it in, albeit in takeout mode. My haul included fries (sadly, they were out of the sweet potato steak fries), a Post Oak Red Hot and a kraut dog. The fries were cut small, which worried me at first, but they were delicious. Very nicely browned, seasoned, and they tasted great, with and without ketchup.
Moving on to the Post Oak, it was visually a thing of beauty, featuring a delicious poppy seed bun and a plump, nicely curved wiener (yes, I’m still talking about food) plus tomatoes, pickled peppers, onions and a shot of brown mustard. There was a noticeable snap when I bit in, and it was juicy and very tasty on the inside, with just a little heat. The bun was soft and tasted way better than the run of the mill bun. Altogether, it made a definite flavor party in my mouth, from the first to the last bite.
Definitely check this spot out next time you’re in Deep Ellum, or heck, make a special trip. It really is that good!

Really good house-​made sausages and ground meats make for delicious yet unpretentious hotdogs. It’s a gourmet experience that doesn’t feel snooty — just a place that makes great food and takes pride in doing it.
I had the Post Oak dog, which although served wrapped in paper, was nearly made and all the toppings stayed out when I unwrapped it. TWO THUMBS UP FOR THAT! :)
The bun is an authentic Chicago-​style vin, with the crust on top and soft while bread sides. The bread was coarse and slightly sweet, which went well with the tangy toppings and pickled pepper on top of the dog.
The wiener inside was obviously made with real meat — I could taste the different textures in the pieces of meat. No liquefied meat goo here :). The casing held up to tooth pressure before yielding with a snap I could feel — that means natural casings YAY!
The one-​patty Uncle Herky burger was invaluable made with fresh beef. Tender, flavorful, well-​seasoned ground beef on a house-​baked bun is worthy of its listing as one of the best burgers in Dallas.
The lamb gyro was similarly delicious. And is a great alternative for anyone who wants something more exotic than a hot dog or hamburger.
We didn’t try any sides, having just come from the Unilocal fried pickle crawl. Big we did see some fries go by, which looked crispy and perfectly done.
Nice clean spacious modern dining area, although the music is too loud to hear your table mates. If had been warmer, we’d have sat on the patio.

I didn’t really care for Luschers. I’m not even sure if I would return. With that being said, welcome to my segment on 4 things I disliked about Luschers:
1. I got the Chili dog that came with frito chips, chili, onions and cheese. It was $ 8.50 REALLY?! I didn’t see any gold flakes in that chili.
2. The chili had beans in it. I prefer a meatier, less beany chili on hot dogs.
3. The dog had 3 pieces of diced onion. Why so stingy? I’m a southern girl. Give me some KICK!
4. Sure you’re going to douce my dog in chili, but I’m still going to notice if my bun isn’t toasted. Let’s put it on the flat top for a minute or two next time, fellas.
Notice these are all MY preferences. I’m sure the average hot dog consumer enjoys beanie chili, isn’t a huge fan of onion, could care less if the bun was toasted, and definitely wouldn’t mind paying $ 8+ for a good dog. I’m in no way a hot dog connoisseur, however I believe that hot dog lovers across the country would thoroughly enjoy this place. I didn’t so much, because I am picky when to comes to my franks, however I am certain, YOU reading this review will!

This place is pretty hip. Came here on a Sunday afternoon, wasn’t too crowded. Being by myself, I ended up getting just the Eye-​talian beef sandwich and their onion rings. Both were recommendations by the cashier at the register.
Having never had genuine Chicago style sandwiches before, I am unsure of what to compare it with. However, the Eye-​talian definitely reminded me of the sandwiches I would have back home at my convenience store Wawa. Definitely a really good sandwich that was solid in terms of flavor and balance all around.
The battered onion rings: probably one of the best onions rings I’ve had in a while. I don’t know what was about them, but, the way they were battered and crispiness were near perfection. If I ever have a dinner craving for onion rings, I would drive to Deep Ellum just for these babies!
When I come back again, I will try more of their features, especially their burger. One of my friends came here before, and he wrote that their signature burger might be one of the best in Dallas. Definitely will come back for that!

Sometimes you just need a wonderfully messy burger, and Luscher’s certainly delivered. My friend brought me here on a recent visit to Dallas and we were both pleased with the experience.
I had the Uncle Herky burger, which comes with two thin patties, American cheese, mustard, mayo, grilled onions, and pickles. The burger was saucy and packed with flavor, and basically fell apart while I ate it (I mean this in a good way)! The patties were a little well-​done for my liking, but I think that was in part due to their thinness. Regardless, they were juicy and everything tasted very fresh.
We had the french fries as well which were on the thin and crispy side (my favorite). They were also very enjoyable and a great companion to the burger.
The counter staff was super friendly and the service was pretty fast. If I lived in the area I would definitely stop back to try the dogs!

I’m a fan of the messy «Uncle Herky» burger… and that’s messy is a goooooood kind of way.
D Magazine rated as one of the best burgers in Dallas. It’s definitely deserves the high marks.
I also learned about the one size plastic cup. … if you bring it back your drink is only $ 1.
Staff and Chef Luscher are super friendly, place is clean … you just have to try it for yourself.

Luscher’s Red Hots is a casual restaurant in Deep Ellum that specializes in Texas Style Chicago Dogs. Not sure what that means? It means you can get a nicely smoked, locally sourced red hot that will make your average hotdog feel downright plain. Throw in a great open patio made for Deep Ellum people watching and you’ve got a destination that is a must visit.
My Overall Rating — 4 Stars (Atmosphere, Service, Food, Return)
Atmosphere — Located in the heart of Deep Ellum on Commerce, you’ll find Luscher’s in a brown brick building with a large bulb lit arrow pointing to the entrance. There’s a path to line up & place your order. No frills on the inside — but the outdoor patio is where you want to be. They have several picnic tables outside facing Commerce street. Dallas is pretty hot, but on a mild evening it’s a great spot to sit. Like all of Deep Ellum, the only real issue is parking — most lots are paid lots and on busy weekends it can be tough to find a spot. ½ Star.
Service — Standard counter service here. You line up, place your order, give your name, & wait for them to call your name. I’ve been a couple of times, both for dinner, and they were very patient & helpful in describing each option. No issues here. 1 Star.
Food — They plenty of chicken and pork sandwiches, burgers, & even an Italian beef sub. But if you visit Luscher’s, you HAVE to order a red hot. Luscher’s starts with foot long smoked pork & beef red hot. From here, pick your poison. My current favorite is the corn chip chili dog, which is basically what happens when a Frito pie and a red hot have a love child. The red hot isn’t smothered with chili & cheese so you still enjoy the smoky frank. The corn chips add extra salt & crunch that makes it so good. Don’t worry, they can make you a plain dog too — or a Chicago Style dog. The only minor complaint I have is that the poppy seed bun was a bit dry/​hard on my visits. The chili helps, but a softer bun would have been nice. Bonus — the beans are great — slightly smoky & sweet, and the fries are excellent as well. Yup, I’m a fan. 1 ½ Star.
Will I Return? — Yes. In fact, I feel like I need to visit 5 more times. There are so many delicious red hots on the menu it’s hard to choose just one. Even the sandwiches look great. But there’s one more reason I’ll be back. On Tuesdays, you can order fries fried in beef tallow. Beef. Tallow. Fries. See ya next Tuesday. 1 Star.
My Unilocal Rating Scale (Sum of all parts):
1 Star — Atmosphere — Is it a cool dive? Perhaps an upscale place? No matter the type, atmosphere plays a big part and I’ll give a star if I like it or thinks it has great charm.
1 Star — Service — You can have a great meal with bad service. But that’s also what can make a five star joint drop to four. It’s important to the dining experience that service is great and on point.
2 Stars — Food — I’ll award up to two stars for the food, since this is the main reason we dine out. Sometimes the extra star is given for value, but it’s really all about the food.
1 Star — Will I come back? — If I know for a fact I’ll return, I’ll give this a star. A place has to make an impression for me to return.
Each Category can be given up to 1 star except food (2 stars) because I consider all these categories important to the overall dining experience. I will sum them up to provide my final Unilocal score.

Come Get Your Red HOTS!
I didn’t know about this new place. I came there tonight for a birthday dinner (my friend seems to like weenie places for the last two of his birthdays.) Anywho, they have a nice patio w bright open space and lights. The people there are very friendly and informative without seeming forced. Just casual and friendly.
My meal was the Luschser’s Post Oak Red Hot. It had a nice snap (needs a tiny bit of girth. Yes I said the «g» word.). It’s topped with piccalilli (a little too sweet for my preference).
Note: **sides are served separately. I ended up ordering the onions rings. Tasty and greasy, you get 6 – 7 large rings to an order.
Overall it was a good place. Laid back!

Food — 5
Helpful Service — 5
Atmosphere — 5
OMG… This place is legit for any Foodie…
I went there with a couple of buddies and we order the following:
–Double burger with bacon (D Magazine #1)
— Chicago Style Hotdog
–Italian Beef sandwich
–Bratwurst
The hamburger was incredible and I see why it was ranked #1. I have traveled all over Texas searching for the best burger. Just when you think you found the «Magical Unicorn»… pops out something better… Yes, better… «Unicorn and puppies» rolled into one…
The Chicago Style hotdog is probably the BEST dog I’ve ever had. Better description… It’s like Lynyrd Skynyrd ridding through a rainbow on a Unicorn signing «Free Bird» holding a bunch of puppies…
The Italian beef is on par with Chicago. I would say Chicago is still a little better, that way I have an excuse to go back up there.
Whatever you do… Don’t forget the onion rings!!! I almost said «Next Time», but a voice told me to get them… The voice was the friendly lady behind the counter… I’ve received a lot of great advice during my life like «Don’t run with scissors» or «Don’t play with fire», but this was the best advice EVER!!! Thank you lady!!!
I will go back again and again!!!

My hankering for a hotted dawg started kicking in about 9:30 this morning. I’m only a short drive from Hoffman Hots, which I consider the epitome of fine Dallas dogs. But, I saw the Unilocal reviews on Luscher’s and decided to give it a try.
I got there early (11:15), so there was no wait. The place really started filling up fast after about 11:40. I ordered a «Depression dog» which is their version of the Chicago dog and an Italian sausage. I got a soft drink (I noted they had a nice beer selection {including Coors Original!} but alas… I had to return to the office). They have the «Mexican Cola» like you get at Torchy’s.
My order arrived very quickly, no more than 5 minutes. The price was maybe a tad high, but not by much ($ 16+ for the two dogs and a drink).
The Depression/​Chicago Dog: the bun was actually a bit stale. The toppings were kind of skimpy. The frank they used for it was pretty good, but nothing all that special, and was somewhat small. The whole dog just didn’t have the «zing» I expect from a good Chicago dog. Frankly (pun intended), it was a bit disappointing.
The Italian Sausage: the bun they served it on was very good. It was a sort of small French loaf. It was loaded with toppings, which contained a more or less custom giardiniera. The Italian sausage was pretty good: sweet, juicy, flavorful, but, it was a bit small.
Although I didn’t order fries, they threw a few in with my Depression dog, which I though was a nice touch.
The atmosphere of the place is about what you’d expect for Deep Ellum. It was fine, nothing special.
Overall, the place is ok but not of the quality of Hoffman Hots. Add the fact that you have to put up with the PITA parking situation of Deep Ellum (and compare that to the fact that you can park right next to Hoffman Hots for free) and the choice for me is pretty clear.
This place ain’t bad at all, but there are better options.

I didn’t have an intention on trying out Luschers because I didn’t even know they were here. I just happened to be roaming around Deep Ellum and found it. I’ve had Portillos in Chicago before so I’m going to compare Luscher’s to Portillos because they claim Chicago dog.
I didn’t think I would find anything else better than Portillos but I was wrong. I’m not a hot dog person but I’d eat these again!!! it was that good!!! All I got was a simple Luscher’s post oak red hot dog. It was pork and beef packed in an over sized dog that was sticking out of the bun. For the sides, I had their cole slaw. That’s also good! healthier alternative to carbs because I didn’t want to get french fries.

Fresh and locally produced ingredients go into the tasty offerings here. I’ve tried the Post Oak Red Hot a couple of times now and haven’t been disappointed. It’s a spicy smoked housemade link served Chicago style, with their own garnishes and relish, rather than the nuclear green variety found at a traditional Chicago dog joint.
I’ve also been able to try the Italian Beef style sandwich and it fills the hole left in my heart when I can just hop on over to Portillo’s in Chicagoland. You won’t be disappointed if you try this!
I’m also a fan of the battered onion rings– I totally devoured more than my share when splitting them with my husband! There are still so many tasty items to try, so I’ll definitely be back on a regular basis.

This review is just for the burger, which was cooked correctly, perfectly pink, juicy and served without a bunch of salad as a topping. Perfect. Grilled onions and the few slices of butter pickles only made it that much better. The bun never got soggy and even towards the end where there was no meat left, my burger turned into a magical grilled cheese sandwich from all the cheese that’s in it.
Fries are thinly cut and seasoned really well but the slaw wasn’t my thing. Come for the burger!