Don’t Overlook This Little Eatery When You Visit Mount Washington

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

Jake Keizer was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, but his heart’s always been in Pittsburgh.

He has fond childhood memories of attending Steelers games and riding the Duquesne Incline with his dad. Keizer had his senior pictures taken on Grandview Avenue in Mount Washington. To further prove his mettle, he relocated to the neighborhood in 2010 and spent 15 years slinging Iron City beers as a bartender.

Now the bonafide ‘Burgher is selling hot dogs on the hilltop. His cat, Reggie, is the official mascot.

Natural Casings Hot Dog Shop opened May 1. A sandwich board on Grandview Avenue directs sightseers dahn Kearsarge Street. There are no grills or deep fryers on site; Keizer boils the links as orders arrive. You can choose your own toppings or get one of the house specialties.

Or be like me and order two!

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

I think rocker John Mellencamp would renounce his hometown Tastee Freez after taking one bite of this Chili Dog. It’s a beautiful mess of chili, cheddar, onion, pickles, ketchup and mustard on a natural casing frank from McKees Rocks-based Silver Star Meats. Simple, filling, delicious, local and, for $6, a good deal. Keizer says it’s a tribute to the kind of meal he grew up eating at Yesterdog in Grand Rapids.

One New York Dog would also satisfy a big appetite with its Empire State Building-sized pile of caramelized onions, sauerkraut, onions and spicy mustard. Start spreading the news — this place rules.

The tiny storefront seems like it was ready-made for Keizer’s business.

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

The building, located just a few blocks from his home, has a hot dog-themed mural painted on the side — a leftover from its days as City’s Best Hot Dogs. There’s also a small interior section that looks like Forbes Field’s famous outfield wall. Steve Blass, a Pittsburgh Pirates’ pitcher-turned-sports color commentator, has signed the wall twice: once at the behest of City’s Best and again when Jule’s Italian Market and Cafe moved in.

If the right-hander stops by again, Keizer says he’ll ask him to make it a triple.

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

Thanks to the good food, friendly service, yinzer vibes and adorable mascot, I’m already a fan of Natural Casings Hot Dog Shop, which I shall, henceforth, call the “Natty Catty.”

There’s no seating inside the counter-service establishment, but there is a ledge where you can stand and consume your meal. Aside from coleslaw, bagged chips and cans of pop, gourmet weenies are the only option.

During my staycation in June, I plan to hang ten with a Kahuna Dog on a wave of chili bacon jam, pineapple, red pepper mayo and green onion. And, since it’ll be the 29th anniversary of my graduation from Plum High School, I’ll channel my ‘90s metabolism and order a P.N.W., too. The Seattle-inspired dog comes with kimchi cream cheese, candied jalapeno, pickled onion and everything seasoning.

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

I found out about Natty Catty a couple of weeks ago at The Bohemian, the new Czech lager bar on the North Side. The Plum alums seated next to me recommended it, so I will forgive them for informing me that they were born the year I graduated.

Natural Casings Hot Dog Shop is at 229 Kearsarge St., Mouny Washington. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, noon to midnight Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.