BARK!

HOT DOGS & COFFEE

313, ChengFeng Rd, Zuoying Dist
(07) 581-2221
Hours: 11:30 am-8 pm (closed Tue.)
Cash only. No service charge. Free WiFi.
www.barktaiwan.com

Bark! is a refreshing and intriguing combination of creative American-style eats and a nostalgic Taiwan-style setting that appeals to local and foreign diners alike. Opened by American Carl Thelin and his Taiwanese wife, Wendy Yueh Thelin (岳淑雯), this quaint and cozy eatery serves up a total of 10 specialty hot dogs (NT$85-135) with all kinds of toppings and colorful names like the Cajun Curmugeon, Fiery Funiculli and Tangy Themopylae. Two special "Dogs of the Month" are also available, and customers can opt to create their own "dog" out of choices of four sausages (Bratwurst, Vegetarian, Italian, and Greek), two buns (baguette or rye) and other toppings, from homemade beef chili (also available by the cup for NT$120) to sauerkraut. If you still have room after all this, don't pass up one of the desserts, like apple pie or a brownie with vanilla ice cream.--Words by Douglas Habecker, translated by Anna Yang

A. Two favorites among Bark!'s many hot dogs are the spicy Santorini Sweet (希臘白狗) (pictured top, NT$125), made with an artisanal Greek sausage on a baguette with grilled onions and hot sauce; and Pedro the German (美德混种狗, NT$115), featuring Bratwurst in a rye bun with raw onions, chili, mustard and sprinkling of cheese. Meal deals allow you to add sides like savory Sweet Potato Fries, coleslaw, soup and drink.

B. A weekend brunch, available 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends and holidays, offers six options, from the pictured Greek Omelette (NT$220) to The Home Run (NT$200) with two eggs done any way you like, Italian or Greek sausage, sliced toasted rye or baguette bun, garnished with coleslaw, plus "bottomless" coffee or tea. For an extra NT$150, you can add a Bloody Mary (pictured) to your meal.

C. Opposite Kaohsiung American School, Bark! is located in a renovated old military village residence that Wendy grew up in, built into one of the city's Qing dynasty-era walls. Seating for 32 can be found in an open-air mini-courtyard and wooden deck and inside, decorated with nostalgic Americana as well as 1970s and '80s Taiwan family photos. The back also opens out onto the grassy expanse of a public park.