Lesser known hotdogs in CT

I'm in the process of making a web page and guide to Hot Dog stands in Connecticut. We all know about the places along the shore(ie. Swanky Franks, Super Dooper Weinie, etc) but I'm looking for some of the lesser known places. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I'm up close to 60 places, but a few have closed since starting this project a year ago. Thanks.

[TastyNewEngland]

I can vouch for Rosco's in Hartford being really tasty. I only had room for a single dog because I was doing other foodie stuff with a friend in the city but after one bite I was blown away by how good it was. I'm going back soon, I'm thinking about a stop this weekend.

[hotdoglover]

Definitely go back on an empty stomach. There's no better beef and pork dog than Thumann's, which is served there. It's prepared perfectly, and although it's great with just mustard, the chili and other homemade toppings are excellent.

[louuuuu]

Jumbo Hebe Nationals at any Costco grill... served in a great bun, plus a soda ... all for 1.50.

Don't underestimate.... despite the "unlocal" aspect... really really tasty.

[Meesch70]

My favorite local brand is Martin Rossols, located in New Britian. I am not sure which restaurants/stands sell them, I usually buy them direct or at Stew Leonard's. They're delicious!

[dawnmarie]

What about Dragon Dogs in Old Saybrook. They have all the wonderful hotdogs but he also has invented a Lobster Dog. The chef, Jack Flaws opens the stand in May and is open through the summer. It is located at the front of Harbor One Marina. The Lobster Dog is to die for!!!!

[doggone]

Do check out the place in Windsor, hot dog truck parked at dale drug on rt 75, by far the BEST dog I have ever had. Wednesday they do a burger that will make you fall over.

[ginger7949]

Sheiks in Torrington, only on saturdays with Kraut and guldens. yum
or gooseboro in bantam with a coffee milkshake and fries. oh do I miss CT!!!
Texas doesn't know the meaning of a hot dog.

[cltcgirl]

I would love to recommend Heavenly Hot Dogs in Torrington. They are on the top of East Main St route 202 in the Blockbuster plaza across from the new Target plaza. They are very friendly people, have great hot dogs and absolutely the BEST chili dog I have ever had. Plus they have an amazing array of condiments with a hot relish that is to die for. They operate out of a revamped, very colorful camper decorated with angels and other really neat things. They should be opening soon for the spring , summer, fall season and I can't wait!

[twiztwaz]

Oh yes I love heavenly hot dogs. Great, great place. Chili and the hot relish are fabulous!

[twiztwaz]

Heavenly is open for the season!!! HOORAY. I snapped a shot of the menu but I don't think you can see it that well. But you might be able at least to see the huge amount of condiments available for no extra charge.

[wineaux73]

I freaking LOVE Burger Bar in Norwalk! One of my favorite upscale burger/dog joints.

And, Rawley's in Fairfield makes an outstanding dog and a decent burger. They have this Mel's Hellish Relish that is the bomb. Their fries are fresh and tasty, too.

[EastRocker]

Clamps in New Milford
http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Writeup.aspx?ReviewID=2909&RefID=2935

Gooseboro Drive-In, Bantam
http://chefmoz.org/United_States/CT/B...

[kurt johnson]

Kurts Muckes Hot Dogs Torrington Ct Rt 8 Exit 46 Open 1030- 3pm 19th year in business. Check it out!

[sfoss17]

Burger Bar in South Norwalk has all sorts of dogs. From the ordinary, plain, with chili etc, to the somewhat strange, thanksgiving dogs, BLT dogs... And they use these big hot dogs. They're really good. I can a relatively picky hot dog eater.

The burgers & house cut fried are pretty damn good too!!

[cheesemonger]

I've finally got to say it- Blackie's in Cheshire is DISGUSTING.
Cheap horrible dogs, condiments set out on the counter for all to fondle- why do people keep recommending this greasy bacteria fest? It's revolting.

[Jestner]

They use Hummel hot dog if memory serves. Hardly cheap hot dogs. Never heard anyone say that Hummel dogs are horrible. The Hummels take care in their products and it shows.
The place is just as clean as any other mom & pop diner/restaurant
And the reason people visit there is because the hot dogs and relish are wonderful & reasonable.

[Waquoit]

I second the motion. Nothing wrong with Blackie's at all. And imagine never eating at a place with common condiments? No Blackie's, no Augies & Ray's, no Harry's, no Glenwood, no Mickey's, no Shady Glen....

[cheesemonger]

I think it's what you're used to- I like a char dog. I find Blackie's boiled-in-oil dogs to be, well, icky in every respect, texture, flavor, etc. The Glenwood, however, sounds promising.

As for the condiment stand- after watching the people paw through it, the flies, etc. It was just unappetizing in the extreme. I'm not against "help yourself" condiments, plenty of places I frequent have them, but there is a little thing called a health code for a reason.

Perhaps I need a grilled Hummel to appreciate it's apparent virtues.

[sodagirl]

How about The Ranch on N main St in Hartford

[johnsmelling]

A lot of the places that are listed.. Harrys, Augies, Augies and Rays, Capital lunch, Shady Glen, Chells Dinner, Barts, Pastrami on Rye, The Dog stop and many others carry Bogner hot dogs and hamburgers. From what i understand they do both natural casing and a all beef hot dog along with their famous kelly dogs.... i live in MA now but i make a special trip to their stores once in a while just becuase i know its a quality product

Guidos drive in will be reopening very soon. They will actually be taking over the cool cow located at 242 broad st in manchester. i worked at guidos for the last 4 years in Enfield. Now that the paper work is finally done, we should be moving in in the next couple of days.

Chez Leonard's - hot dog cart on Main Street in Ridgefield, CT

Great hot dogs, wonderful owners
creative toppings

Link: http://www.food411.com

Almost forgot a new place in Manchester called Pastrami on Wry (no lie). They serve a "Main Street Hotdog" which is a really good Bogner ( a local company) dog served w chili, cheese and kraut and 2 sides (choose from tasty slaw, pasta salad or potato salad or substitue one for shoe string fries for an extra dollar). Think it's 5 bucks - a steal and very good!

Thomilson's in Bridgeport is a long time favorite, great place, the spelling might be wrong.

Also, it is pretty well known for 75 years, but The Windmill Bar and Grille in Stratford make world class chilidogs. I have been going there for almost 40 years and my Dad for over 60 years. I have not been there in about 15 years and hope they are still in business, does anyone know?

Fred's Shanty in New London!

Tomlinson's (Hummel's dog) is still on the corner of Boston Ave and Noble Ave in Bridgeport, although the ownership and quality have changed since it was a little shack.

The Windmill, on the corner of Thompson and Hollister, in Stratford is still around.

The quality of the dogs has suffered greatly since Miller's Provisions went out of business, and they now serve Hummel's skinless. The chili is the only reason to have a dog there now.

Just a note to say THANKS for putting this list together...
YOU ROCK!

my faves (Saints, Rosco's, Capital Lunch, Glenwood) are on your list but now I've got a ton more to try.

Great list... JKs in Danbury is great... does anybody know if Big Eds in Danbury is still around? They used to park their trailer at various spots near the Danbury Fair Mall.. last time I went there was probably 5 yrs ago and at that time they had been around for alomost 20 yrs...

Big Ed is still there. Segar street in Chuck's parking lot.

[whampoo]

Big Ed's is the greatest, I used to stop everyday on the way to work and buy 2 chili dogs ... in the dead of winter the windows were down and the jacket was off and I was guzzling 2 sodas. I moved to California in 1981 and flew back hunted Ed down and he gave me a huge jar of chili to bring back to CA since no one makes their own ...they all use the canned garbage. He wouldn't give the recipe but he told me one of the secrets and I have been trying to get the right combination ever since. I think its the hot dog that make it ... It was fun to watch my friends in Ca wimp out on Big Eds Chili ... most turned beat red and started sweating profusely ... the best chili ever ....if you know anyone that says they like it hot ... get them a big eds chili dog ...unless they don't make the chili like that anymore ...now i know he is still there I will be making a trip to Ct. to see my family and Big Eds.

I think it's called Higgies on 154 in Haddam? Haven't been there in a while so can't give an accurate review, just thought you might want to check it out if you haven't already.

[Redstone]

Higgie's is closed and for sale. Has been for a year.

Redstone

A&W- Numerous Locations
Al’s- Naugatuck
Augie’s- Manchester
Augie & Ray’s- East Hartford
Bart’s- Windsor
Bill’s Drive In – Monroe
Blackie’s – Chesire
Botsford Drive in – Newtown
Buster’s- Bristol
Capital Lunch- New Britain
Carville’s Ranch House- Hartford
Chelle’s – Stafford Springs
Clamp’s – New Milford
Danny’s Drive In – Stratford
David’s Place – Chesterfield
The Dawg House – New Britain
Delicious Dogs – Berlin
Denmo’s – Southbury
The Dog Stop – Bolton
Doogie’s –Newington
Duchess- Numerous Locations
Five Guys- Avon, Orange
Frankie’s- Waterbury(4), Bristol, Naugatuck, Madison, West Haven
Friendly’s- Numerous Locations
Glenwood Drive In- Hamden
Guida’s – Middlefield
Happy Day’s Drive In – East Hampton
Harry’s Place- Colchester
Hot Dog House – New London
Hot Dogs Plus- Meridan
Hot Dog Stand – Westport
The Hut – Berlin
Jay’s Place- Manchester
J.K.- Danbury
Johnny Ad’s – Old Saybrook
Junior’s – Canton
Lake Zoar Drive In- Stevenson
Mc Henry’s – Willimantic
Merritt Canteen – Bridgeport
Michael’s Hot Dogs – New Haven
Murphy’s Route 66 – Columbia
Paul’s – Milford
Pilot House – Haddam
Pluto’s – Bloomfield
Rawley’s – Fairfield
Rich’s Drive In – Somers
Roadside Chili House – Bethel, Brookfield
Rosco’s Big Dog – Hartford
Sahadi’s Hotties – New Britain
Saint’s - Southington
Shady Glen – Manchester
Shelton Dog House - Shelton
Shiek’s – Torrington
Silver Lake Restaurant – Berlin
Super Duper Weenie – Fairfield, Monroe
Swanky Franks – Norwalk, Milford
Sycamore Drive In – Bethel
T&G Hot Dogs Plus – Bridgeport
Top Dog – Portland
Wonkas Specialty Dogs – Danbury
Woody’s - Hartford

I had to delete a few that have closed, tehre may be more that have closed tho. Whn my site is complete I will include addresses, type of dogs etc. Thanks

Although Connecticut hot dog stands serve mostly the beef/pork blend, there are some fine places that serve a quality all beef dog. Five Guys serves a split and grilled Hebrew National dog. Top Dog serves a grilled natural casing Sabrett. Both are on your list. One that is not is Chez Leonard. It's a cart serving Hebrew National franks with casing, which is rare. They also have a variety of homemade toppings.

Top Dog in Cos Cob serves grilled Sabrett's natural casing. Excellent fries, both regular and sweet potato, as well. In a retro-style diner, close to 95.

Yes, Top Dog is excellent...I believe the well-respected reporter from the Greenwich Time, Michael Dinan, did a piece on them a while back.

Also did not see Overton's in Norwalk on the list. Simple, no-frills dogs, but delicious. Nice place to chill out in the summer.

Great idea! Cool Cow in Manchester uses the long Hummel and grills it. Not too long ago they had a special - 2 dogs and bunch of good fries for under 6 bucks! They may still offer it. Afterward have some of their soft serve.

[thos]

sorry, cool cow closed about a year ago and I don't rec the replacement

What about:
Turk's,Jimmies and Chicks? All in West Haven...
Vincents in Branford?
Dino's in North Haven?
Nick's Char pit in North Haven/New Haven?

Don't forget Duchess Family Rest. [a small chain]-the one in Hamden makes some nice dogs-on home made buns!
Chili dogs are A+,the 'works' equally yummy!
Other locations-West Haven, Wallingford.

Also in Milford & Fairfield

[Jestner]

Just for sake of people who may read this down the line - the Duchess in Hamden is now closed.

[hurc81]

There's actually one in Bridgeport also.

[jakeyd]

Turk's has very good Hummel dogs. Avoid Chick's & Jimmie's.

I'm reading this from CA and haven't lived in CT since about 1980. I remember 2 places. One, Bart's in Windsor is on your list. The other, Jimmie's of Savin Rock in West Haven isn't.

Jimmie's current location has been a nice sit down seafood restaurant for a number years now but, they still srve their famous hot dogs. Their old location was a combination of a drive up stand and a much smaller sit down restaurant. Before my time, I believe that it was just a drive up stand.

My Grandfather and I would always get a hot dog for "desert" after having our fill of that wonderful seafood.

Quote: "My Grandfather and I would always get a hot dog for "desert" after having our fill of that wonderful seafood."

This is too funny. My dad and I used to do the opposite. We'd each have a "split dog" as an appetizer while waiting for our whole belly clams to cook in the fryer!

While Jimmie's is now a sit-down restaurant, its place as a Savin Rock institution warrants inclusion on any list of top CT dogs.

Too funny indeed! Two great family traditions. Jimmie's is at the top of the list of things that I miss from CT.

My Dad used to regularly get a hot dog for dessert at the (now closed) Mt. Kisco deli. He said his father used to do the same thing when he was growing up in Brooklyn.

That was the only time I'd heard of doing that until reading your post.

Wow! Who knew? Perhaps, it's more common than either of us realized.

This is just photos of some of the stands that will be on my list. I have uploaded all that I can for free on this website. Sorry for the poor quality of some, they are a few years old. Still working on my site.

Link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/53907779...

Chez Lenard - a hotdog cart on Main Street in Ridgefield. Always busy.

[always040]

Chez Lenard seconded - great dogs and buns. And where else can you get that awesome cheese sauce and peppers?

I'm from New Jersey, but have been to Connecticut several times for the sole purpose of sampling hot dogs. I've been to about a dozen places, mostly the familiar ones. Many of the hot dog joints in Conn. use the same Hummel dog. The Glenwood in Hamden is my favorite of these. A great charbroiled dog. My other favorite in Conn. is Rosco's Big Dog in Hartford. They use a Thumann's Griddle Frank. Excellent dog, and great homemade toppings. Let us know when your web page is up and running. Looking forward to it.

Johnny Ad's in Old Saybrook has good foot-long hot dogs
with old-fashioned grilled buns.

I couldn't agree with Joanie more! Show us what you got, we'll tell what you are missing!

Cheers,
HC

the yankee doodle in new haven. They have many heart cloggers, but they are amazing. Good friend of mine holds record for one sitting consumption of the cheese stuffed, bacon wrapped hot dog on buttered buns.

Yankee Doodle also has sumptuous 'tiny' burgers

Frankie's in Waterbury is a must!
Also Bart's in Windsor.

Glenwood Drive-In in Hamden. 2538 Whitney Ave. Farily easy access off the Merritt Pkwy. Great dogs cooked over charcoal, and very good onion rings.

And be sure to put a link to your page here when it's up and running!

Maybe you should link to your list so people don't give you ones you already have.

My brother lives in Southington and can't stop raving about Blackie's in Cheshire. He travels the state a lot for his job and has tried many places, but considers Blackie's the best in CT. He got me a jar of their hot pepper relish and I have to admit it was pretty darn tasty. I don't think they have a website, but you might be interested in this article from the New Haven Advocate.

Link: http://www.newhavenadvocate.com/gbase...