The Scoop reported last winter that The Dam would open next-door to Amsterdam Tavern in south city. Owner Michelle Coen Racanelli is ready to let the floodgates open; doors at 3173 Morgan Ford Road will unlock for the general public Aug. 15.
The Dam offers a menu of American favorites – burgers, dogs, sandwiches and hand-cut fries. While the fare may be lowbrow and affordable, The Dam boasts a scratch kitchen that uses all fresh ingredients, including free-range meat from animals raised without antibiotics or hormones. Among the offerings, customers will find specialty burgers like The Animal (pictured) – a trio of hand-packed patties loaded with American cheese, grilled onions, jalapeños, bacon and house-made barbecue sauce – formerly the most popular item on the menu at Racanelli’s now defunct Big V’s.
The Dam uses all-beef kosher hot dogs. Look for The Louie (pictured) that holds a deep-fried dog wrapped in bacon and topped with shredded cheese, tomatoes, grilled onions and jalapeños.
A sweet tooth can find a sugary finish to a meal with a cupcake like the Irish Carbomb (pictured), blown up with booze: Guinness in the chocolate cake batter, a filling featuring Jameson Irish whiskey and Bailey’s Irish Cream in the frosting.
-Photos by Michelle Volansky
This article appears in August 2013.