This place is awesome!! They are currently only doing ice cream but my partner went before to try their burgers and said it's pretty good. The ice cream is reasonably priced and so good! We all liked our cones and cyclones, which is like a blizzard - ice cream with mix ins. They have nice picnic tables outside you can sit at and there's a nice view of the river and Aspinwall. It's never too crowded and the people who work there are really nice! They take card and cash as well. Overall, such an awesome spot that's nearby for a sweet treat. read more

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They serve Hershey's ice cream here (I had the excellent chocolate raspberry truffle) as well as soft serve (which was in hubby's black cherry float). Minus one star because the server broke my waffle cone, so the ice cream melted out of the cracked parts. $11 for the both was fair. If you sit on the far bench overlooking the Allegheny River, you can watch the boats and jet skis on the water, the querulous bluejays, and the laternflies (we killed the one that made the mistake of landing). Across the way is the Bayernhof mansion and musical instrument museum; if you have never been you should go, but don't read too much beforehand, as part of the experience is learning about how its history unfolds. read more

Lock & Dam Dog Shop - Black raspberry truffle and a black cherry float - Hot Dogs Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The local neighborhood hot dog and ice cream shop- love this place. Been going here since I was a kid and it was a tasty freeze. Hours are inconsistent which is annoying. But the view is splendid and the soft serve is chefs kiss read more

I saw this on a best hot dogs of Pittsburgh list. I thought the name was cool. The views are amazing. Certainly not your normal drive in views. They use the natural casing hot dogs, also not your normal drive in fare. The fries looked like normal fries, but were delicious & fresh. The employee who served me was courteous. No dine-in, but a sturdy bench & several picnic tables. It's not fancy, but definitely worth a visit. They also have T-shirts. read more

Friends were raving about the burgers here and so we made the trip out from North Shore a couple weekends ago. Despite Covid-19 restrictions, the parking lot was nearly full when we pulled up and many families were out enjoying the sun and views from the picnic tables. Service was quick and my double burger, fries and a drink came out 5-10 minutes later and only set me back 11ish dollars! Food was fresh, service was friendly, and the menu has something for everyone. read more

Lock & Dam Dog Shop - Burger - Hot Dogs Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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This place is incredible and too dangerously close to my house. My husband and I always come here for the soft serve and the machines are always working - unlike some other places haha. Also, they can dip the soft serve in anything- even Oreos!! My favorite time to come in the evening and watch the sunset on the bench that overlooks the Allegheny dam. They also have a hot dog shop right next door! read more

Lock & Dam Dog Shop - Soft serve - Hot Dogs Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The family stopped by after our visit to the zoo after driving by many times. Everyone enjoyed their corn dogs, hot dogs, fries, and chicken tenders before ice cream. We ate at the picnic tables overlooking the river and train tracks which the kids liked. I'm sure they will want ice cream again next time we leave the zoo. read more

this spot is the roadside burger and hot dog joint of nostalgia! we visited twice within a week of discovering it. the hot dogs are juicy with a good snap, the burgers are hearty, both with creative and flavorful toppings, and the milkshakes and ice cream are the perfect summer treat on a sunny saturday evening, there were several groups of people enjoying ice cream at the picnic tables by the river. some of the patrons weren't wearing masks properly in line outside, but Lock & Dam is currently operating takeout only at the window and the staff all appear to be following safety protocol. parking is plentiful in the lot, and it's easy to sit in your car to enjoy the goodies in COVID times. overall, this is a great spot for some cheap and quality burgers, dogs and ice cream! we've loved everything we've tried (grunge dog, corn dog, brekkie burger, pb&b burger, onion rings, cheese fries, caramel pretzel milkshake, rootbeer float) read more

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We came here on a Sunday because it was so freaking hot that we needed ice cream stat. The Lock and Dam had a sign out that said ice cream only which was fine since all that we wanted was ice cream. So my review really has nothing to do with anything else other than their ice cream. The first thing that I will say is that the staff was pretty quick at getting people their orders. There was a slight line when we got there and we got served very fast compared to some other ice cream places that I've been to. The Lock and Dam now has the option for an orange twist along with their vanilla, chocolate, and chocolate twist cones. They also have concrete's which are blizzard like ice cream desserts sundaes and other ice cream choices. I was at first looking at the vanilla twist with some nut toppings but got swayed into getting the orange and vanilla twist. I will have to stay that their sizes are pretty large. Even when you get a medium it looks like a large, it feels like a large, and part of it is still in my freezer because the medium was a large for me. My partner thought that the orange and vanilla twist tasted exactly like a push-up. But I thought that both the flavors kind of tasted like vanilla. The orange didn't have that orange twist punch that I am used to. The orange flavor was just a little too faint for me. But the vanilla was very good. This shop is just down the street from us so we will probably come again. I look forward to just trying the vanilla cone and some of those concrete's. Reese's cup is my favorite and I saw that on the menu. I'm going to give this place four stars until I go back to try more things on the menu. read more

This was an amazing experience! The dogs were top quality and had a good crunch to them, and the kraut on my Ruben dog was amazing!! The cream cheese on the grunge burger also went amazingly with the bacon and jalapeños. The shake and fries were also just absolutely awesome! Would recommend, and can't wait to go back!!! read more

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What I imagine McDonald's tasted like before becoming such a massive operation. Like, fast food burgers but with all the right touches. Try the junkyard for fried pickles and a dope sauce. Finish up your meal with a shake of ice cream! Classic Americana in food form. 5/5, eat your nostalgia read more

Best kept secret of Pittsburgh. I love introducing people to lock and dam! I can't believe I haven't reviewed them yet!! We have gone to lock and dam countless times because we love the food and the convince! You honestly can't go wrong with anything on the menu! I have tried a new item every time (except the fries, that is a must every time) and I've loved everything! They have great combos and are trying out new/seasonal menu options. read more

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I'm a big fan. Friendly, fast , and most importantly GREAT TASTING FOOD. The Chicago dog would do well in The Loop in downtown chicago. Burgers are out of this world. Stop in. You will love it. read more

Lots of options for burgers and hot dogs. Ice cream too, tho I didn't try any. Lots of fries in a regular order. Onion rings are also pretty big in size. I had a burger with BBQ sauce and jalapeños and it was delicious! And I didn't feel all greasy afterwards. The root beer in a bottle is also top notch. Too bad they have limited hours. Eat here while you can! read more

Our first time here. Owner is so friendly and sweet. The grunge burger is amazing. Adding cream cheese to a hamburger really elevates the experience. Onion rings are fried beautifully and very crunchy. 100/100 read more

Have driven by this place many times and finally made a stop in today after a trip to the Zoo. The place is super clean and staff are really friendly. I ordered the Junkyard burger without the bacon and fries. It was really good and I loved the fried pickles on it. It looked like they had a lot of milkshake choices so I plan to stop in to get one next time. Burger and fries were filling. read more

Lock & Dam Dog Shop - Junkyard burger - Hot Dogs Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Good, quick and cheap no frills burger. I enjoyed it more than Burgatory or any other burger spots in the area. Their milkshakes are pretty solid too. If you are in the area definitely give this place a try read more

Let me just say that I am a hot dog fanatic, I love a good hot dog and will go out of my way to find a place that sells, if not anything else, a hot dog. I have had this place bookmarked for months and finally had a chance after running morning errands to finally hit this place up. I arrived around the lunch hour and found this place to be nearly deserted. I chalk that up to the fact that we have been having yo-yoing weather the past couple of days and maybe people take advantage of the outdoor seating. When you walk in you are greeted by the old time diner vibe. Those retro colors and chrome like accents are everywhere in here. Ordering is an easy task to do, but being my first time here I took my time to look over the menu that changes. Evidence of this is that the chalkboard menus that you see in these pictures are nothing like what they were when I was in here just a few days ago. I will put this out there right now. I did not try any other food items offered asides from the hot dog and fries itself. So I cannot attest to things such as the Vienna all beef hot dog, hamburger or any of the ice creams (really wish I would have tried some ice cream especially since they have all the machinery to make a kick ass milkshake). What I did end up trying here was the foot long hot dog combo. The pricing here, at least to me, is by far better than most other places. I see a lot of people complaining about the prices of a single hot dog. I assume these people do not realize the quality of a hot dog definitely effects the pricing. These aren't your common variety of grocery store hot dogs we are talking about here. Also, maybe they should have tried the combo. Speaking of the combo, one of the best combos I have come across in any restaurant I have come across (I mean, for a hot dog combo that is). If you want, you can go plain Jane on your dog and top it with the traditional mustard or ketchup. But I must implore upon you to try one of their topping combos that are already figured out for you. I went with the Bacon Mac topping for myself. It kind of takes you back to when you were younger and decided to add a hot dog to your mac n cheese. So simplistic, yet satisfying. It was a great thing that they served this with a fork, made for easy clean up of any of the toppings that fell off. The fries had an amazing crisp to them. No need for dipping because of how flavorful they were. To round out the combo, pick from the cooler for any beverage you might want. As for the price of the behemoth lunch, $8 and change. AMAZING! You almost had to roll me out of here after I finished this. *Cards accepted. Food pick up at the window. Outdoor seating. Restrooms for customers only and are located outside and require a key. Take in the view of the river as you dine outside. read more

Lock & Dam Dog Shop - Bacon mac footlong combo. - Hot Dogs Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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I have only ever eaten ice cream here! I take my dogs here sometimes after the dog park and we all get some ice cream treats. I need to get actual food next time, but it is a cute little hangout overlooking the river while I feed ice cream to my dogs! :) read more

Ice cream was great staff very friendly and it's a staple to the neighborhood. Highly recommend

Good burger, good view, good soft serve. I got the western burger and my grandma got the polish hot dog. 10/10

I have been in Pittsburgh for 2 days and this is by far the best food I've had since i'be been here. The bacon Mac dog was amazing. Make it a combo the best fries I had in a long time. Take the kids, they have ice cream as well. Oh, best customer service I've had in a long time! They take pride in the place and it shows! read more

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My family was looking for something quick to eat before going to the zoo -- this place did not disappoint!! We were in the parking lot 15 minutes before they were scheduled to be open, but the incredibly friendly staff (I believe his name was Tony) welcomed us in and could not have been kinder! My table ordered hot dogs and burgers and it was all phenomenal! We were surprised by the complexity of the flavors! And our toddler loved every bite. If you are traveling to the Pittsburgh Zoo, definitely check this place out! read more

Simply the best burgers and dogs in the city. I've taken my New York friend here and she agrees, the absolute best she's had. My son loves the Breggie burger and the old fashioned root beer in bottles. Perfect family picnic food. read more

This spot is doing take out currently! They have super fun burgers and shakes! we enjoyed grabbing our food (they make it so quick) and taking it to a nearby park to devour. read more

Stopped in today after following the dirty dozen bicycle ride around all day in the rain. Got the junkyard burger and it was incredibly tasty it was one of the best burgers I've ever had in my life the fries were excellent and it came with the ice cold glass bottle of Coca-Cola. Outstanding! Have to come back and try more items. read more

Lock & Dam Dog Shop - Junkyard Burger with fries and a Coca-Cola - Hot Dogs Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

My lunch at Lock & Dam was probably one of the best meals out I've had since moving to Pittsburgh seven months ago. It's in a totally unassuming store front across the street from the zoo- which is how my family and I ended up there. Post-zoo we were starving and my husband had heard that the food at Lock & Dam was supposed to be really good. I don't think he was prepared for HOW good it was, though. I certainly wasn't. My husband ordered a hot dog with mac n cheese on it, I ordered a Junkyard burger, and we ordered our two year old his very first cheeseburger. The first thing we noticed, when we brought the tray to the table, was that the food served for the price paid was beyond fair. Huuuuge burgers and dogs stacked high with premium toppings. I honest-to-G-d let out a satisfied moaning sound as a bit into this burger. I was like, beyond hungry at this point and I couldn't believe my good luck at what I was eating. Picky toddler even went HAM on his burger and, like I said, he has about five meals he will reliably eat... none of which are hamburgers lol. The cherry on top of the experience was the business owner, who also cooked our food that afternoon. He was the most pleasant person who checked in with us about how we were enjoying our meal and genuinely seemed pleased that we thought it was so delicious. I don't want to blow up the spot, but he even gave us a couple little extras on the house that sweetened the experience even further. There's really no question in our minds that we will be returning to have lunches at Lock & Dam every time we find ourselves having family day at the zoo. We have a zoo membership and spring and summer are right around the corner so I'm sure I'll be working my way through that burger menu. Get yourself here, ASAP! read more

While it is an infallible truth that the best dogs are served with stadium mustard in a ballpark in late October (In Chicago is debatable, not enough data points), one must always search for that special place to have Spring training! In that pursuit, Pittsburgh is quite blessed. As with MLB, where you can have an NL and AL team to root for, Lock and Dam has become my NL favorite. The Grunge dog I tried today is quite unique, grilled onions, sour cream and jalapeño! Delicious! Also of note is the friendly staff, well versed in Pittsburgh lore and did I mention ice cream for dessert. Located in Morningside, on the river next to the Highland Park bridge, a very pleasant stop. Give them a try and celebrate Spring! Batter up! read more

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I had a bacon burger and my son had a chili dog...both were excellent! Boylan sodas made it even better. read more

Lock & Dam Dog Shop - Hot Dogs Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Really good hotdogs and really friendly service. Would come often if I lived closer. I'd check them out after a trip to the zoo you won't be dissatisfied. read more

Stopped by to check out Lock & Dam Dogs today. When I first entered I noticed the joint looked clean which is always a good thing, for a place I will soon be ordering food from. I ordered two dogs (Chicago Dog & Carolina Dog) and a medium soda. The dogs were OK, but nothing really special. I would have liked to see a poppy seed bun for the Chicago dog, and a little more flavor in both the slaw and chili of the Carolina. Prices are a bit on the high side for the size of dog ($4.95 + tax each) and the medium soda (Pepsi mostly ice $1.40). All in all, it wasn't bad, I would recommend this place if you happen to be in the area. read more

Amazing burgers, hot dogs and ice cream! Great to see hands on owners as well. My boyfriend and I stopped one day after the zoo for ice cream and a root beer float and shortly returned after for takeout to try the food! read more

So far I've had the brekkie burger and the grudge dog. Delicious! The fries are amazing too. Mmmm

This is little Hot Dog stand in an amazing place to catch a quick bite. Service was super nice. read more

Lock & Dam Dog Shop - Hot Dogs Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

What a gem! We stopped here after an outing to the Pittsburgh Zoo. Because of Covid, they were taking orders at the take out window. It was so nice to see that the people working in the shop were wearing masks as well as every customer we saw. On the recommendation of the lady in front of us, my husband and I both ordered hamburgers, and they were fantastic. It was clear the burgers were homemade. They were loaded with traditional toppings and their own special sauce. We also had onion rings which did not disappoint. There are benches and picnic tables outside where we were able to sit and look over the river. We were taken care of by the most pleasant lady. She explained that they are expanding their menu selections and will be having landscaping done to enhance customer's view of the scenery. Please visit this restaurant! read more

You guys... you have to check out this little retro mom and pop style hot dog shop! Stopped in on a random Monday afternoon for lunch. Prices are really reasonable for the location and quality of food. Had a dog and fries (both were great), but was told by a gentleman working there that I just had to come back and try the burgers. Hot dog had an awesome *snap* and was loaded with toppings (had the Chicago dog). Service was fantastic. Saw a few people eating their ice cream, too. I didn't have room for dessert, but it looked great. read more

I am a huge burger fan and this is probably my favorite place in Pittsburgh to get a burger. Rick, the owner and cook, has an awesome selection to pick from. He will also customize an order to whatever your liking is. Orders are usually served pretty quickly even during rushes. Even if you're not a burger fan, the hot dogs are just as great! My personal fave is the Bacon Mac Dog. Rick and his wife are two of the sweetest people you'll ever meet. They're so nice, I love coming here! read more

Stopped here today after driving by for a year or so. Definitely will be back. The chicago dog was pure and looked like perfection. The grunge dog which was top with a thick piping of rich garlic spread with carmelized onions and bacon was equally as good, add beer battered style fries and a boyle glass bottle soda for a very reasonable price and you have reason to stop in if you're ever nearby or "farby". read more

Their hotdogs are phenomenal. There's a great crunch/snap when you bite into it. Their fries and onion rings are excellent as well. Highly recommend if you want a hot dog! I didn't have the ice cream, but it looked excellent. read more

Fantastic food, good prices, friendly staff (owners). I've been a handful of times, and tried different items on the menu each time. Every item I've ordered has been great so far. I'd highly recommend this to anyone looking for good, reasonably priced food that won't disappoint. read more