395571 Thu Apr 26 01:41:02 -0700 2007 50 12 Boston Area 0 2516449 I was planning on going to Speed's Hot Dogs for the first time on Friday! (Based upon the posts on this board - thank all!) Has speed's been open this year? Thanks, David Thu Apr 26 01:41:02 -0700 2007 18547 debidokun 1 2516571 the best way, but U have to be real nice, is to call the folks at Grainger (not during the lunch hour) and axe them if they can take a peek and let you know if Speed is across the street. this is really the only gar-run-teed way 2 do a speed check. p.s. it helps if you can have a chica with a sexy voice make the call. Thu Apr 26 05:43:15 -0700 2007 2516449 12603 ScubaSteve 2 2517164 What is needed is a "Speed's Cam", placed on top of that vacant building right across from where he parks. Any techno-geeks out there who can do this? :o) Thu Apr 26 09:05:21 -0700 2007 2516571 11148 Alcachofa 3 2531762 "Speed's Cam" -- LMAOOTF! I went looking myself once on a trip to Boston and Speed's truck was not there but I did get a good dog from another vender. I still recall how good the dog and that chili was. I ate it on the trunk of my car while I enjoyed the view of the Boston skyline. Maybe the Speed's Cam could point toward the skyline. My post ends with the search for Speed's http://www.chowhound.com/topics/156451?query=deluxe%20town%20diner%20donut%20ice%20cream Tue May 01 13:04:00 -0700 2007 2517164 90917 JeetJet 1 2522414 David, My brother went on Tuesday, which was a gorgeous day, and there was no Speed in sight. "A very depressing right turn," as he put it. I don't think Speed has been out yet this season, he started in late April last year so hopefully it'll be soon. Those hot dogs are about the best food in the universe, and sadly there's no substitute. Hopefully next week will be "Opening Day". Best, The Internet King Fri Apr 27 18:47:34 -0700 2007 2516449 84595 Internet King 2 2527496 Still no sighting -- I have a friend working in the area today and he called in to report. Last year it seemed like he was only there towards the end of the week and only when the weather was really good. Mon Apr 30 09:40:34 -0700 2007 2522414 26213 Pegmeister 3 2527743 anyone in the area keep the updates coming, this is an important subject!!!!!!! Mon Apr 30 10:38:41 -0700 2007 2527496 76455 xperteater 3 2527789 I also want to try Speed's after reading many positive reviews. Does anyone know how to get to Speed's from Route 93 North? Does Speed's have chili dogs? Mon Apr 30 10:48:47 -0700 2007 2527496 50594 buffet king 4 2527797 Correction: looking for directions to Speed's from Route 93 South. Thanks Mon Apr 30 10:50:58 -0700 2007 2527789 50594 buffet king 5 2527845 From 93S, take the Mass Ave exit, get in the left lane as you approach Mass Ave at the bottom of the off-ramp. Turn left onto Mass Ave, stay right through a series of lights (about a 1/2 mile), turn left at the light immediately after Victoria's Diner (on the left) onto Newmarket Square. Continue just past the first right; Speed's will be located on your right immediately after the intersection. Mon Apr 30 11:03:33 -0700 2007 2527797 10143 MC Slim JB 6 2528129 Thanks for the directions to Speed's. Maybe I can get a hot dog at Speed's for lunch and stop at Victoria's Diner and pick up some food for dinner. How is the food at Victoria's Diner? Mon Apr 30 12:12:52 -0700 2007 2527845 50594 buffet king 7 2528251 Victoria's has very solid, above-average diner food in big portions in a clean, pleasant setting, a good value. Excellent breakfast plates (I especially like their "Mexican" omelet filled with a ground beef and kidney bean chilli and cheddar cheese), the the home fries are ordinary (grits available), good hearty sandwiches (hand-carved turkey is quite nice), fine filter coffee, a decent burger, free parking. I haven't tried the desserts, but I see a lot of people getting slices of pie to go. Same owner as Mike's City Diner in the South End, so quite similar (though I heard he was trying to sell Victoria's). Classic no-BS diner service from servers who look like they've been there forever (many are holdovers from the previous ownership.) Mon Apr 30 12:44:43 -0700 2007 2528129 10143 MC Slim JB 8 2528560 get off at Mass Avenue, turn left on Mass Avenue, go past 1011 Mass Avenue, go past The Big Dinner on Left (I am not sure its still called Victoria Dinner), turn left right after the dinner this will bring you into the meat markets (New Market) keep Citizen bank on your left as you approach the intersection on your right there is a permanent trailer with food, that is NOT it. . Speeds is usually right after the intersection, directly across from Granger (He parks in a little trailer sort of in the middle). He told me last year he doesn't come when its too cold or too hot. They don't mass produce the dogs which are steamed first in apple cider than cooked on real charcoal so plan to wait for a while to get your dog. Make sure you get Picallili relish which he makes himself. Bring a towel to cover yourself while you eat it in your car. Mon Apr 30 14:07:26 -0700 2007 2528251 70879 gardgen 5 2527852 take the mass ave exit, i cant quit tell you from there Mon Apr 30 11:04:46 -0700 2007 2527797 76455 xperteater 6 2528548 get off at Mass Avenue, turn left on Mass Avenue, go past 1011 Mass Avenue, go past The Big Dinner on Left (I am not sure its still called Victoria Dinner), turn left right after the dinner this will bring you into the meat markets (New Market). Speeds is usually directly across from Granger (He parks in a little trailer sort of in the middle). He told me last year he doesn't come when its too cold or too hot. They don't mass produce them so plan to wait for a while to get your dog. Make sure you get Picallili relish which he makes himself. Mon Apr 30 14:03:57 -0700 2007 2527852 70879 gardgen 7 2530996 Approx how long of a wait should one expect on a Thu or Fri lunch? Just wondering how long of a "doctors appointment" I should tell my boss I have! Tue May 01 09:56:53 -0700 2007 2528548 16644 Angel Food 8 2531240 I've waited between 10 and 20 minutes, never less or more. Tue May 01 10:52:19 -0700 2007 2530996 10143 MC Slim JB 9 2531443 Any sightings today? Tue May 01 11:44:44 -0700 2007 2531240 11093 Bob MacAdoo 10 2531697 Afternoon all. I went down to Newmarket today and, once again, no Speed. WTF?? It's a beautiful day today, and it was a very disappointing right turn once again. Mike's City Diner was good as per usual but it's a buzzkill when you have Speed Dogs on the brain. To my knowledge he has not been out yet this year. Would appreciate any confirmation to the contrary. Planning to try again Friday if It's nice out. Will be sure to update... -The Internet King Tue May 01 12:47:09 -0700 2007 2531443 84595 Internet King 9 2532761 The longest I'e waited is about 20 minutes but it was the year before he got his "assistant", and he was moving pretty slow, and there were a few guys before me who had placed big orders. I don't think I've ever waited less than 10 minutes. Tue May 01 17:37:46 -0700 2007 2531240 10027 Chris VR 8 2546906 AF - let me now when you're going....I should have plenty of time and am drooling reading these posts.. Sun May 06 17:29:55 -0700 2007 2530996 79275 Devilsfood 1 2531543 So, what is he? A cart? A truck? They're not dirty water dogs are they? (Not that that's all that bad...I had a couple outside Yankee stadium on friday that hit the spot!) Tue May 01 12:04:43 -0700 2007 2516449 14271 tamerlanenj 2 2531564 oh dear God no. no dirty water. itz a truck. big Pearl Country Club Franks, poached in (i think) cider and spices then grilled over real charcoal. add to this a great selection of house made toppings that your not gonna get anywhere else and you have magic on a bun. Tue May 01 12:08:32 -0700 2007 2531543 12603 ScubaSteve 3 2531568 that sounds awesome. Tue May 01 12:10:39 -0700 2007 2531564 14271 tamerlanenj 4 2531579 If you do a Speeds search you will find lots of posts extolling the amazing taste sensation that is a Speeds dog. Well worth an artery-clogging visit. Leave at least 1/2 hr to wait in line...Speed (and his apprentice) are very meticulous and give tender loving care to each dog they serve. As a result, it takes a while...and is worth every minute. Tue May 01 12:13:55 -0700 2007 2531568 11805 twentyoystahs 5 2531725 Sounds like the Di Fara of hot dog stands! Tue May 01 12:53:19 -0700 2007 2531579 14271 tamerlanenj 6 2531755 Ezra "Boston Speed" Anderson is 86 years old so at this point he picks and chooses his appearances very carefully. He told me it had gotten really crazy after they were featured on Phantom Gourmet. Let's just fervently hope that he decides to make the trek from Framingham, where he lives, again this year! He's been there since 1975 and his dogs are definitely the best!!! Tue May 01 13:01:09 -0700 2007 2531725 95599 edgewater 7 2531837 Yes, but as of last year, he had a younger guy, a "speed's apprentice," so to speak..who I thought would eventually be taking over for him...if that's still the case I imagine they'll make their way to Newmarket Sq sometime soon. It's still early...I think they are probably waiting until they can be assured of somewhat consistently warm weather (which in New England could take another month!) Tue May 01 13:24:09 -0700 2007 2531755 11805 twentyoystahs 8 2531857 http://hollyeats.com/Speeds.htm Tue May 01 13:28:26 -0700 2007 2531837 10111 9lives 9 2533650 Thanks for the link! Wed May 02 04:49:01 -0700 2007 2531857 11172 Bob Dobalina 8 2531900 Yes, I agree with you about their waiting for consistently warm weather. He had said he was considering staying in Framingham but his "regulars" went crazy so it sounded as if he had pretty much discounted doing that. Interestingly, someone (not Speed) has set up Trolley Dogs on Route 135 in Framingham across from LaCantina. It is quite good but nothing is as good as Speeds! Tue May 01 13:39:57 -0700 2007 2531837 95599 edgewater 4 2532199 Note the chili is a bit on the sweet side. Tue May 01 14:55:38 -0700 2007 2531568 10283 Dax 4 2534009 Here's another link: http://72.166.46.24/boston/news_features/other_stories/documents/04776774.asp Wed May 02 07:53:16 -0700 2007 2531568 10509 E Eto 1 2532641 Lock Ness has Nessie sightings, Las Vegas has Elvis sightings. But every Spring Boston Chowhound’s discuss Speed sightings and many wonder if such a being really ever existed. Tue May 01 16:56:43 -0700 2007 2516449 90917 JeetJet 2 2541698 Afternoon... An update from today, Friday the 4th. Beautiful day...No Speed. I fear that I may have eaten my last Speed Dog. Not good times. Regards...The Internet King Fri May 04 10:40:52 -0700 2007 2532641 84595 Internet King 3 2541793 I fear that I may never eat a Speed Dog! Not good times indeed. Fri May 04 11:01:13 -0700 2007 2541698 31321 beksis1 4 2541808 Most farmers markets dont open until May 21/22. Seemingly non-sequitor until you realize that it's not "officially" nice weather here until a little bit later. Speed will return. I'll look for him after June 1. Fri May 04 11:05:40 -0700 2007 2541793 10232 yumyum 5 2542223 Thanks for the hope yum yum. After reading internet king and beksis 1, I got all sick and scared to my stomach (I fear the voice of doom). Boston is so lucky to have Speed. L.A. has nothing so special as Speed and his dog wagon that comes and goes with the boys of summer making summer official. Speed does have a right to retire but not until he passes the torch, smoker and grill to a worthy apprentice. Boston Hounds deserve Speed. Fri May 04 12:46:13 -0700 2007 2541808 90917 JeetJet 6 2542627 AMEN! Fri May 04 14:48:14 -0700 2007 2542223 16672 phatchris 6 2545435 Cubs fans covet working inside the scoreboard at Wrigley Field. Sox fans covet working inside the scoreboard at Fenway Park. Hot Dog fans covet being a Speed’s apprentice. Los Angeles has nothing close to it. Speed was very selective about his apprentice finding him at a Sunday school. If I were Speed I would be concerned about hot dog spies. My God, someday we may see the sign BOSTON SPEED’S inc.,. in big lights in every town and the food will be crappy just like Famous Amos cookies are now. Recall the real ones? That was an L.A. landmark on Sunset -- long gone. Sat May 05 23:02:32 -0700 2007 2544954 90917 JeetJet 1 2548358 Any luck today? Mon May 07 10:25:23 -0700 2007 2516449 11172 Bob Dobalina 2 2548430 I don't think he comes out on Mondays, and maybe even Tuesdays, no matter the weather. With the weather forecast, though, this could be week, though it is still a little early. Mon May 07 10:40:58 -0700 2007 2548358 11148 Alcachofa 3 2549585 Last year he was pretty much Wednesday thru Friday, but only when it was really nice weather. To those who are commenting that it's still too early, Speed has been out there in late April the past few years - he opened up like April 22nd-ish last year - so it may be time to start getting worried. That being said, I am certainly not ready to give up. I'll be out of town the rest of this week but will certainly try again next week. Always appreciate updates from those who make the trip... Best, The Internet King Mon May 07 16:00:47 -0700 2007 2548430 84595 Internet King 4 2568289 I work in the neighborhood, alas not close enough to get a visual by looking out the window, but near enough to walk. Even though I knew chances were slim on a Mon or Tue, took a walk and a look today...not there...will check again later this week. I really want to try these hotdogs now!!! Mon May 14 10:58:42 -0700 2007 2549585 85678 lovechild 5 2593024 hello, and good news..........speed was there today, may 22nd. let the chase begin to see when else he will be out Tue May 22 14:40:36 -0700 2007 2568289 100440 kennyf 1 2648749 can someone please report on the price of a speed's hot dog + any options? thanks! Mon Jun 11 09:01:09 -0700 2007 2516449 15776 liuliuliu 2 2648818 There are tons of Speed's posts on here, do a search and you'll find all the info you need. FYI: the price of a Speed's dog is $7. It's not your average hot dog, it's very big. Speed puts a special sauce (with sweet, spicy, tangy flavors)..and then some onions, chili, etc. In my opinion you should get the dog the way he makes it --otherwise there's no point in going there for a hot dog. Mon Jun 11 09:21:19 -0700 2007 2648749 11805 twentyoystahs 3 3271122 Did i ever tell how much i LOVE speeds. i was hospitalized for six months and the first place i went was speeds. love on a bun. God bless that man Mon Jan 07 15:28:29 -0800 2008 2648818 155233 chadwick77 1 3513645 Ok, I had my first sighting except he was driving through Quincy! I thought OMG wouldn't it be wonderful (for me) if he relocated! I would imagine he will be at his post today. I definitely need to ditch work early really soon!! Fri Mar 21 04:41:45 -0700 2008 2516449 26213 Pegmeister 2 3513817 Whoops! This year's thread: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/497608 Better hours! Up-to-date info... Fri Mar 21 06:27:04 -0700 2008 3513645 16129 fredid 1 3925199 I had my first Speed dog the other day from the apprentice. The casing was torn off in a few places, not sure what happened there. I had it with the works. The toppings all go well together. I can't imagine subtracting one or using one exclusively, they have an excellent balance going. Over all, though, I was highly underwhelmed. The flavors all seemed very muted, even if the toppings went well together and with the hot dog. I'm not a big toppings guy, but for some reason this didn't seem that flavorful - the hot dog was meaty but also not very flavorful by itself (just as well; some hot dogs are miss seasoned and have a bad aftertaste, whereas this finished pretty clean). I dunno, I love every dog and sausage I meet, and this was good, just not a religious experience for me. I do appreciate that the dog is more than 1/8 or 1/4 lb, I usually want about 1/3 lb sausage (the apprentice told me that theirs clocked in at over 1/2 lb). I really want to join the cult, but I can't :( Sat Aug 02 16:58:07 -0700 2008 2516449 196839 twitchology