The History of Arnie’s Dog House
Where Man Bites Dog and Legends Are Served Daily
Arnie’s Dog House has been serving up unforgettable bites and hometown charm since 1961, when Gardener Arnold, a proud Navy veteran and food lover, turned his passion for quality into a local treasure. Before founding Arnie’s, Gardener sharpened his skills (and his taste buds) at Alan Snappy and the Cicero-Missel Drive-In, where he learned the value of speed, consistency, and a good bun.
When Arnie’s opened, it wasn’t just another hot dog stand—it was a statement. Gardener had strong opinions about the details: he swapped out ordinary mustard for salad mustard because it was smoother, and replaced neon-green relish with a tartar-sauce-style relish that tasted just right. And don’t even get us started on the buns—he believed customers could forgive a lot, but not a soggy or inconsistent bun. He was right.
The Munster location, now a neighborhood landmark, opened in 1984. Its colorful mural (completed that same year) still stands as a tribute to Arnie’s playful personality—even after one tiny piece of “artistic expression” had to be painted over. 😉
Of course, no story of Arnie’s is complete without mentioning the famous phrase: “Man Bites Dog.” Born from a newspaper quip and a wild tale involving a hot dog taste-test gone rogue, the slogan captures the playful, people-first spirit that defines Arnie’s to this day.
Arnie’s quickly became more than a restaurant—it was a meeting place for mill workers, families, and generations of regulars. Gardener knew the pulse of the community. He gave talks to support workers during layoffs and believed that being down-to-earth wasn’t just good business—it was the right thing to do.
Our “Big Three” classics—hot dogs, polishes, and Italian beef—are legendary, and they’re best enjoyed with one of our old-school favorites: root beer, chili, or our classic fries. Ever heard of fries wrapped around a hot dog? We were the first to do it—because Arnie’s customers were always on the move, and Gardener believed no one should ever have to choose between a good meal and making the train.
We’ve marched in parades, made it onto Vienna Beef’s website, and welcomed generations of families who still call us their go-to spot. Through the decades, one thing has never changed: Arnie’s has always been about consistency, quality, and a positive attitude that’s worth catching.
Come visit, grab a dog, and become part of the story. Because at Arnie’s, every bite is a memory.
The History of
Arnie’s Dog House
Where Man Bites Dog
and Legends Are Served Daily
Arnie’s Dog House has been serving up unforgettable bites and hometown charm since 1961, when Gardener Arnold, a proud Navy veteran and food lover, turned his passion for quality into a local treasure. Before founding Arnie’s, Gardener sharpened his skills (and his taste buds) at Alan Snappy and the Cicero-Missel Drive-In, where he learned the value of speed, consistency, and a good bun.
When Arnie’s opened, it wasn’t just another hot dog stand—it was a statement. Gardener had strong opinions about the details: he swapped out ordinary mustard for salad mustard because it was smoother, and replaced neon-green relish with a tartar-sauce-style relish that tasted just right. And don’t even get us started on the buns—he believed customers could forgive a lot, but not a soggy or inconsistent bun. He was right.
The Munster location, now a neighborhood landmark, opened in 1984. Its colorful mural (completed that same year) still stands as a tribute to Arnie’s playful personality—even after one tiny piece of “artistic expression” had to be painted over. 😉
Of course, no story of Arnie’s is complete without mentioning the famous phrase: “Man Bites Dog.” Born from a newspaper quip and a wild tale involving a hot dog taste-test gone rogue, the slogan captures the playful, people-first spirit that defines Arnie’s to this day.
Arnie’s quickly became more than a restaurant—it was a meeting place for mill workers, families, and generations of regulars. Gardener knew the pulse of the community. He gave talks to support workers during layoffs and believed that being down-to-earth wasn’t just good business—it was the right thing to do.
Our “Big Three” classics—hot dogs, polishes, and Italian beef—are legendary, and they’re best enjoyed with one of our old-school favorites: root beer, chili, or our classic fries. Ever heard of fries wrapped around a hot dog? We were the first to do it—because Arnie’s customers were always on the move, and Gardener believed no one should ever have to choose between a good meal and making the train.
We’ve marched in parades, made it onto Vienna Beef’s website, and welcomed generations of families who still call us their go-to spot. Through the decades, one thing has never changed: Arnie’s has always been about consistency, quality, and a positive attitude that’s worth catching.
Come visit, grab a dog, and become part of the story. Because at Arnie’s, every bite is a memory.
