After a painfully long renovation, this East Side favorite for dogs and beers bounced back better than ever in 2013. In a gussied-up shack made of converted shipping containers and reclaimed wood, a simple window counter doles out artisan franks— say, elk with bacon and cheddar, or duck with foie gras—on pretzel buns with your choice of toppings. A wall of 66 taps pours craft beers, including a few brewed right on site. True beer snobs may squawk at the plastic cups, but hey, it's a small price to pay for the pleasures of the outdoor-only seating with picnic tables, a grassy yard, and horseshoes. The hipster hangout boasts a lively late-night scene and occasionally offers events like movie screenings and all-you-can-eat crawfish boils. If you dig the vibe here, swing by the owners' latest venture, a funky bar called Voodoo Queen (713/555-5666; 322 Milby St.) with potent Tiki cocktails and a free killer jukebox.