Hot Dogs & Beer at the Gowanus Yacht Club

I aim to eat well all the time. I aim to eat well-raised meat, locally grown foods without pesticides and hormones and non-GMO food. But sometimes...sometimes I can't, or don't and what I really want is beer and a hot dog. And if I can't get to a baseball game, I go to the Gowanus Yacht Club (323 Smith St., at President St., 718-246-1321).

It's funny to me that this place exists. It's the teeny-tiny empty lot sandwiched in between the subway entrance (Carroll St. on the F or G trains), that doubles as a Christmas Tree & Wreath selling spot in the winter. It's a fun place though, and while my tolerance for crowds, smoke and claustrophobia has dwindled in recent years, if you go at the right time, you can sit and enjoy your beer and dog in semi-peace.



There's a lot of crap beer for cheap at the GYC (PBR in a can) but if you're inclined to spend $5 or $6 on a beer, you can get something better, like Six Point, which is what I did. I also ordered the Angus Beef Hot Dog which was a little pricier than the regular option. It was exactly what I wanted - salty, smoky meat on a bun with mustard. I also got the relish and sauerkraut as toppings. My friend got the turkey dog, and we shared an order of nachos, which has melted "cheese" all over them. Again, deliciously salty, but a little guilt-inducing because of the fauxness.



GYC is a pretty fun place, and now has more options in the way of food and drink than it ever has. If you know what you're getting into, it's totally a satisfying experience.