Houston’s Halal Hot Dog Favorite Debuts in Austin

This spring, a renowned Houston food truck specializing in halal hot dogs expanded its horizons, debuting its inaugural sit-down restaurant in Austin. Situated at 917 West 12th Street in downtown Austin, Mad Dogs, a new halal hot dog restaurant from Houston, opened its doors on April 15, ushering in a fresh era of dining in the city.

Hot Dog Restaurant: A Unique Culinary Experience

Mad Dogs follows strict halal food preparation guidelines, ensuring no pork is used and all animals are raised and slaughtered humanely. This commitment to quality and tradition results in a diverse menu of loaded hot dogs, each with its unique twist. The signature hot dog, for instance, comes topped with cream cheese, crispy fried onions, Sriracha, curry ketchup, and honey-mayonnaise. Reflecting Texas flavors, the brisket dog is loaded with chopped beef, while the Elote dog features roasted cream corn, Tajin, and jalapeños. Beyond hot dogs, the menu includes halal smash burgers and loaded fries.

The Journey from Food Truck to Restaurant

Mad Dog’s owner and founder, Moustafa Eissa, started the venture in 2022 as a pop-up and catering business, participating in events like the Houston Halal Festival. Following the success of these initial endeavors, he expanded with a food truck in Sugarland in June 2023. Today, Mad Dogs boasts three locations in Houston, with the Austin restaurant marking their first physical storefront outside their home city.

Expanding to Austin

Moustafa’s brother, Abdullah Eissa, manages the Austin location. The decision to expand to Austin was driven by the positive feedback they received during various food events in the area. “The opportunity came up, and we took it,” Moustafa shared via Instagram. The Austin location also shares its space with Midnight Cravingz, a dessert shop originally from Spring, Texas, creating a complementary culinary partnership.

Dining Options and Hours

Mad Dogs offers indoor and outdoor dining areas, accommodating the various preferences of its customers. Takeout orders can be placed in person or online, making it convenient for those on the go. The restaurant operates from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday and extends its hours from 11 a.m. to 3:45 a.m. Thursday through Saturday, catering to late-night cravings.

A Legacy of Deliciousness

Before Mad Dogs, the address at 917 West 12th Street was home to the beloved bakery Word of Mouth, which closed in March 2023. Now, the location continues to be a culinary hotspot, with Mad Dogs bringing a fresh, halal twist to the Austin food scene.