Sandwiches in Review: Auntie Anne’s Pretzel Dog

Ok, I’m gonna be totally upfront about this, this post is kind of stretching the definition of a sandwich, even beyond the idea of wraps or flatbreads.  If you’re a sandwich purist who will be offended by the term “sandwich” used so liberally, you should probably stop reading and maybe seek help.  For everyone else, read on!!

Auntie Anne’s is a pretzel bakery chain based in Pennsylvania.  They have numerous locations across the country, and have generally moved towards the food court model.  You’ve probably seen them in malls, airports, and anywhere else with multiple counters and common seating.  They offer a number of different pretzels in both sweet and savory flavors, but what we’re here to talk about today is their pretzel dog.

Apparently, they pretzel dog dare you. (???)

The pretzel dog is exactly that, a hot dog (a “Nathan’s Famous” hot dog, according to their website) wrapped in pretzel dough.  It’s similar in concept to a corn dog or pigs in a blanket.  It is delicious.  The dough has enough flavor to bring something new to the hot dog, and the fact that it’s warm is a definite plus.  The hot dog is comparatively high quality, and doesn’t have the mystery meat flavor of some lower class dogs.  It’s delicious on its own, but adding a bit of mustard makes it even better.  It’s probably the best sandwich which is debatably not a sandwich I’ve ever had.

The downside of the pretzel dog goes back to the food court business model Auntie Anne’s employs.  Since food courts generally have a captive audience (people shopping or waiting, who can’t easily leave to eat somewhere else), they can jack up their prices pretty high.  The pretzel dog usually goes for three or four dollars alone, and combos (which include only a drink) go for more.  It’s a bit pricey, but next time you’re struggling to make up your mind at the mall, go with a pretzel dog.

P.S.  According to the website, they have a jalapeno cheese pretzel dog.  This is the best news I’ve gotten all day.