It’s no secret to the locals that Liverpool’s Seel Street plays host to some of the best bars and nightlife in the city. Once named one of the hippest streets in the UK (honestly), Seel Street brings together an exciting mix of styles and tastes. Whether you’re seeking cheap drinks, classy cocktails, hip hop hideaways, secret gardens or some of the best street food around, Salt Dog Slims successfully manages to epitomise the all of this and more. I headed on down to find out why.
The Venue and Atmosphere
Somewhat of a hybrid, Slims pulls together the best of Bavaria (the beer) and mixes it with the glitz, glamour and grime of the Big Apple... with a little Scouse charm to boot. The interiors are effortlessly cool with exposed brickwork, cracked red leather and walls plastered in Polaroids and graffiti (the barmen will give you a Sharpie if you want to immortalise yourself in the décor). What the bar lacks in size, it certainly makes up for in atmosphere and enthusiasm. Chatting to the staff is like catching up with your friends, they’re charming and outgoing by nature and will readily recommend their favourite drinks, tell you about the bar or ask you about your night.
Kick back at Salt Dog Slims for a casual, fast-dining experience.
The Food and Drink
The menu here is short but sweet but I suggest you leave your white t-shirts at home as, like all the best things in life, it’ll probably get messy. Offering up a selection of 9 signature hot dogs you can choose from a ‘Classic Dog’ with the unbeatable combination of tangy American mustard, ketchup and onions (£4.50) or go all out and order a ‘Texas BBQ’ (£7.00). Wrapped in a blanket of bacon, this delightful dog sits firmly atop a pile of freshly pulled pork and is crowned with BBQ Sauce, caramelised onions and a savoury crunch of ‘meat crumb’. Feeling a little wilder? Try a ‘Lo Pan’ topped with Sui Mai and Char sui sauce (£7), a ‘Peanut Butter & Jelly’ (£5.50) or ‘Le Big Mac’ (£6.50) named after the tasty toppings one of fast food’s finest.
You’ll need a drink to wash down the dogs and if a 2 pint signature stein doesn’t cut the mustard then you can choose from a line-up of new cocktails, all delicious, punchy and cleverly named. We tried the signature cocktail ‘Salt Dog Millionaire’ (£10) , a potent and fruity mix of rum, Aperol and gin topped with a flaming passionfruit, swiftly followed by ‘King Willie’s Voodoo Magic’ (£8) on the barman’s recommendation. A ridiculously strong but tasty mix of Wray and Nephew Overproof Rum, Vimto syrup, lime and Ting. For those with more of a sweet tooth, try a Caramel and Peach Martini (£8) for the taste of a childhood rhubarb and custard or cool off with a ‘Castro Vs Vader’ frozen rum slush (£7.50).
The hot dogs at Salt Dog Slims are clearly a force to be reckoned with.
Summary
As expected, Salt Dog Slims have good time vibes dripping from every pore. Whether you’re after a few drinks or a big night, seek out Slims for a formidable playlist, a unique drinks offering and hot dogs that are set to be legendary in my opinion.
