Bagel on Damen Shutters; The Haute & The Dog Coming

After three years in business, the original Bagel on Damen in Wicker Park has followed its shuttered sib and officially closed today. But owner Dion Antic has plans for a quick turnaround. He's already begun work on transforming the space into the Haute & The Dog, a "fun little hot dog stand with gourmet sausages and hand-cut fries." he said.

Antic said the new spot should open by the end of October with about 22 seats and a cozy, comfortable vibe that will be much less stark than Bagel. There will be about seven to 10 hot dogs on the menu that can be "topped with everything from mac and cheese to pulled pork." It'll have a bacon-wrapped polish, mini pulled pork sandwiches, homemade chili, hand-cut Belgian frites with about 15 dipping sauces to choose from and a large selection of artisan sodas and drinks. But it won't have burgers.

The Haute & The Dog will also have a deli case with about 10 types of sausages that can be mixed and matched for grilling at home. Antic said everything will be under $10. "It'll be a really reasonable, neighborhood-driven, good local spot."
· All Dion Antic Coverage on Eater Chicago [~EChi~]

Bagel on Damen will become the Haute & The Dog [Photo: Yelp]