Hot Dogs. Very few people would say they are their favorite food, but very few people also dislike them. There is something American about hot dogs. Maybe it’s the whole baseball game mentality, I don’t know, but most everyone (even vegetarians who find veggie dogs) likes a hot dog.
Now, I know that there are spots all over the United States and probably the world that are known for their hot dogs, but what makes a hot dog great? Is it the juiciness? Plumpness? Grill factor? Available toppings?
For me personally, I’ve found it depends on my mood. The other day, as I was eating a hot dog, I started thinking about what my answer would be if someone asked me where to get the best hot dog in or around my hometown of Raleigh, NC.
I know my answer, but it would be tough. I think I’ll talk about my favorite 4 places to grab a dog in the area.
Snoopy’s
Snoopy’s has great hot dogs. That’s the OG one on Hillsborough above, not that new-fangled one, or any of the other locales (don’t even get me started on the one out there on like Falls with indoor seating….I should subtract points just for the thought). First things first though, if it’s a Tuesday, then Snoopy’s def has the best hot dog. Why? Because not only is it delicious, but it’s only 99 cents on those days. They give them to you wrapped up, but inside a handy carton that makes it easy to eat. The chili is tasty, and if you want chili, musturd, and onions…..as most NC cats do, then that’s the default. Snoopy’s hot dogs are certainly quality and not to be f-ed with. I would not argue if you said they had the best in the area.
Sutton’s
Sutton’s Drug Store has been on Franklin St in Chapel Hill since 1923. It makes the hot dog list because they occasionally rock the Hot Dog Special, which is 2 hot dogs, fries, and drink for like $4 or $5 (it’s been toooo long since I’ve eaten there…sad). It also wins on the atmosphere as it’s a great hangout for students and athletes. Not uncommon to see former or current basketball players and football players eating there. They also have the whole place papered with pictures of people dining there, where you can even see old school pics of MJ, Sam Perkins, and more. My personal fave pics in there are of Rasheed Wallace slingin’ milkshakes from behind the counter. The chili is homemade, service is nice, and it’s cheap and tasty. You can’t go wrong.
Char-Grill
Char-Grill (also pictured at the OG Hillsborough St. location above) also has great hot dogs. The chili is what gets me at Char-Grill. It’s mad tasty. I always get cheese on my dog here when I get them, because they put the liquid melted cheese on the bun first, then the hot dog inside as opposed to just on top. THAT is the heat, son! It’s actually directly next door to the Snoopy’s above, so if you’re daring, get a dog from each and see which one you like more!
And now, my pick for best area hot dogs….
THE ROAST GRILL
Also known as “Hot Weiners” due to the sign that hangs above the door, The Roast Grill is located in downtown Raleigh and has the best hot dogs around. The atmosphere is top notch, as The Roast Grill has been around for over 70 years. The menu is what really gets you though. They don’t serve nothing but hot dogs and drinks. Your only choice is number of dogs and number of drinks. Your only topping options are chili (also homemade for over 70 years), slaw, onions, and musturd. They will also burn your dog for you and you can specify how burned you want them. No chips, fries, relish, cheese, sweet tea, nothing like that here. Don’t even think for a second about ordering ketchup. There are signs everywhere that say “NO KETCHUP”. The little old lady that started and used to run the place, legend has it, jumped over the counter once and beat a customer for ordering it. She didn’t think it belong on hot dogs. I agree. For overall taste, atmosphere, history, and uniqueness….THE ROAST GRILL is where you wanna get your dogs.
SLICK post!!
I’m ashamed to say that I have never been to, or even heard of, The Roast Grill before … but mark my words, im hittin it up next time im back in the cack!
The rest of this list is super legit too – would most def put snoopys up at the top of the aforementioned, however. char grill is a close second … but why you hatin on the wake forest road snoopys location SON!?! place don’t have indoor seating are you crazy! I have on many, many occasions – hit that on my way home from butta’s old spot and grubbed the FUG OUT in my car in the parking lot with AC and tunes pumpin.
I am kinda surprised that one NC spot didnt make this list … and I’m a little afraid of the repercussions of dropping it from all the way where I am in cali … but you cannot deny them schmookout (cookout) dogs. corn dogs, hot dogs … you name it! shit is on point.
gotta admit, two of the best places ive ever had a hot dog in my life (one was only a few weeks ago, when I tried it for the first time) and DEFINITELY two of the best in LA … dodger stadium and pinks on melrose.
If you haven’t been to Roast Grill (which is in my opinion head and shoulders above all the rest), and wanna learn a little more, check out the first “Triangle” episode of Man v. Food on The Travel Channel. It was the site of that episode’s challenge…you gotta eat one more than the last person to break the record to take the belt!
Sliz-
1. Wake Forest location is wack too. But I’m speaking of the newest locale on Falls near the Goodberry’s. It’s new since you turned your back on NC for LA.
2. Schmookout dogs are low quality, and the chili is wack in my opinion.
Very solid post. While I respect your selection of the Roast Grill, I must say that in America, one should at least have the option of Ketchup. Honorable mention to BHS favorite the Hamburger Hut. I believe their lunch combo was $2.95 back in the day. And what about ManMur Hotdogs? It was on Hillsborough, sandwiched between the shoe store and that terrible barber shop Herb Sendek and I used to frequent. I was devastated when that place went under. They rocked the dyed red hotdogs. That said, my vote goes to Snoopy’s: chili, mustard and onions is the only way to go.
“A buddhist walks up to a hot dog stand and asks, “Make me one with everything” ”
Gotta agree with the low score for smookout, not nearly up to par as everything else they serve. The only place on this list that I have actually had a hot dog from is Char Grill. I def need to hit the rest up, esp Roast Grill. Roast Grill sounds like my kind of place.
Sliz- I’ll definitely eat the mess out of cookout, but they cant go dog for dog w/ CharGrill or Snoopys. I’ve never been to Roast Grill, but can’t wait to hit it up next time im in NC.
Will- man, thanks for reminding me of ManMur hot dogs, that place was banging. I still get my haircut in the barbershop every time I’m in town. Gotta love the hot shave. Unfortunately the hotdog place went out of business and the shoe store (got to get some birkenstocks there) expanded. Who could resist a haircut and a hotdog combo? Its like father son time on a saturday morning. Play on Playa!