TRAVERSE CITY — Toby’s Dog House has opened a new location inside Silver Spruce Brewing on East Eighth Street in Traverse City. The restaurant, owned by Toby Smith, specializes in Michigan-made hot dogs and a variety of street-style sandwiches.
The business originally began as a food truck converted from a camper trailer in Manistee. Toby later opened a restaurant in Munising before expanding to Traverse City to provide the area with specialized hot dog options.
The expansion to Traverse City occurred after the owners of Silver Spruce Brewing reached out to Toby about a potential partnership. “The Silver Spruce actually contacted me about maybe coming down here and doing my thing,” Toby said. “And so here we are.” Toby, who is originally from Florida, previously operated a camper-trailer food truck in Manistee and a restaurant in Munising.
The menu features a variety of hot dogs with names inspired by dog breeds and locations. Options include the Porky Pug, the New Yorkie, the Windy City Wiener and the Poppin’ Poodle. Toby noted that he typically selects the ingredients for a new item before deciding on a catchy name.
One specific menu item, the Roaring Lion, was designed to honor the Detroit Lions. It features bacon, grilled onions and blue cheese. “That’s actually my favorite hot dog on the menu,” Toby said. “If you like blue cheese you’re over the moon with that one.” A similar version called the Mike’s Buddy is available with cheddar cheese instead of blue cheese.
Toby emphasized that the quality of the meat and bread is the most important factor for his sandwiches. He chose to use Michigan-made Koegel hot dogs based on a recommendation from his grandmother, who lived in Flint. “She’d always tell me, Koegel hot dogs are the best,” Toby said. “It’s all in the ingredients you use... You use fresh buns... it’s all about the meat and the bread.”
Beyond hot dogs, the restaurant serves Cuban sandwiches, authentic heroes and various tacos, including a Korean street taco and a chicken bacon ranch version. The menu also includes sides such as chicken tenders and red onion rings. Toby mentioned that his background in Florida influenced the inclusion of the Cuban sandwiches.
Toby’s Dog House is located at the Silver Spruce Brewing location on East Eighth Street. The restaurant opens daily at noon for lunch and dinner but remains closed on Mondays. Closing hours are 8 p.m. during the week and 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Toby plans to incorporate more seafood and New Orleans-style po’boys into the menu once the weather becomes warmer in Traverse City.