Who has best hotdog in NC?

[bowserd]

I love hotdogs and have visited many parts of NC. I was wondering who has the best hotdogs in NC, Please give me your opinions.

[bbqdawg]

Yum Yum in Greensboro, PB's in Winston-Salem, Trolley Stop in Wrightsville Beach, Paul's Place in Rocky Point and Green's Lunch in Charlotte are my favorites.

[DreamCyn]

If you're in Salisbury, try Haps downtown. They grill theirs pretty well and the toppings are great (try the spicy hot/vinegar sauce if you like a kick; very yummy).

I'd definitely SKIP Yum Yums in G'boro. I've tried them a couple times, wanted to like them, but their hot dogs are boiled and mushy and, IMO, don't taste good.
On top of that, the quality of the other ingredients tend to lack a LOT; super sweet ketchup, mushy buns, and watery cheese.
I know lots of people here adore them, and i'm sure they used to be good, but I'd rather grill some myself then pay for one of theirs.

-----
Yum Yum
9872 Nc Highway 105 S, Banner Elk, NC 28604

[brentk]

Skippy's in Winston-Salem would be a national contender, not just a regional force in the hot dog business. Relatively new to the scene, I haven't found anything in the state that comes close.

[bbqdawg]

Great call!! How could I forget Skippy's?! Much different than other southern style places...uses dogs with a casing, cooked on a grill. Truly outstanding.

[quazi]

they are defintiel one of the top dogs in ws. I sometimes think the bun overshadows the frank though. but still real good

[JayL]

I'm not much for unconventional hot dogs. JS Pulliam in W-S doesn't mess with a good thing. Simple dogs...simply the best I've ever had.

Paul's Place in Rocky Point is WAY overrated.

[bbqdawg]

What is it about Paul's Place do you not like? Their "chili" is definitely unique. Its made with cucumbers and tomatoes. I think it came about due to meat rationing during WW II; they had to come up with a substitute. I think the stuff is great on their hot dogs with mustard and onions. I've even bought jars of it to bring home.

[JayL]

Without being too blunt...I don't like their hotdogs. Paul's Place has a "lore" about it to many middle aged folks who used to stop there on their way to Wrightsville or Kure Beach during their younger years.

[bbqdawg]

Do you mean you don't like the actual hotdog itself? Do they use an unusual brand or something? Or do you not like the toppings? To me, most of the skinless hotdogs in used throughout NC (and the south, for that matter) are pretty similar, and its basically the toppings that make the dog. I can understand not liking Paul's Place "chili", as it is a bit different and my not be everyone's cup of tea.

[JayL]

I don't like their hotdog...that would include the entire offering. My opinion only.

[RaleighRocker]

Roast Grill in Raleigh
http://roastgrill.com/
Snoopy's Raleigh
http://www.snoopys.com/
The Dog House in D'ham and Morissiville (love their beans
)http://www.thedoghouseus.com/
Yum Yum's in Greeensboro (scary hot pink, but so good
)(can't speak for the rest of the state as it has been awhile)

note, I get my dogs NC style with mustard, chili, slaw and onions

[Pigloader]

Second the rec for Roast Grill. I'm sad I don't work in Raleigh anymore, because that was a weekly stop for me.

[jellybear]

I agree about Pauls Place being Overrated! It was good thirty years ago but now the Dogs are just tasteless.The unique Chilli is just sweet pickle relish with Ketchup and BBQ Sauce. They will run right thru you.
The best Dog I have had in a while was yesterday here im My House,Homemade Slaw and Chilli with a all beef Ballpark Frank.

[Jesco]

Shorty's in Wake Forest

[rockycat]

Shorty's? Good gosh, no! One time eating there was enought to decide never to do it again. Loads of atmosphere and a good reputation, but that probably dates back to when WF was a city unto itself and not North North Raleigh, ie there weren't any other choices but Forks cafeteria. That place could make me swear off hot dogs forever.

[You can tell I'm very opinionated about hot dogs :-) ]

[psparks0831]

Pulliams BBQ in Winston-Salem is the best by far!!!

[fredb2548]

Zacks in Burlington makes a great, classic Southern chili dog, and they still use Curtis Franks. Buns are alway. fresh and softly steamed. Avoid their Zacks burger, it comes with chili and is always burnt - not charred, burnt.

Yum Yum used to make a good dog, but they've down graded the actually wiener, watered the chili even more, and still not learned that the onions go on before the chili. I would go elsewhere.

Greens Lunch in Charlotte makes a great dog, loaded with thick chili.

Roast Grill Grill does not make a typical Southern style dog, in that the chili is thin, but I like'm. As I do the dogs at Snoopy's, CharGrill, and Shorty's in WF, where like at Zacks you can still get a 6oz coke in the bottle.

The Dog House(several locations in Triangle) can be very good, but they often carry the onions over from the day(s) before, and they can be toxic. Wimpy's in Durham, near Bullocks, makes both a great dog and an excellent burger - no seating, so it is the parking lot or the car.

Both locations of Allen & Son BBQ serve an excellent chili dog, though neither makes their own chili. Both of these places are destination place for me for a combination of BBQ and dogs.

People talk about Sutton's Drug in Chapel Hill, but the dog is weak - all the pictures are nice.

Paul's some how has a cult following, as does Spanky in WS's, and neither make dogs to my liking - PB in WS, near Forsyth Medical makes an outstanding dog as does Little Richard's BBQ on Country Club. Pulliam's in WS is simply not a good dog to my taste - if a dog is gonna be greasy, it should have taste - like Zacks or Greens.

Dune Burger in Nags Head has the best hot dog, hamburger, and fries on the entire OBX.

Trolly Stop is again more foo-foo than dog. Their are several much better dogs in downtown Wilmington, near the water - and you don't have to stand in line behind a string on loud kids.

There's a great ltlle hole-in-the-wall in downtown Salisbury, Haps that also makes a slightly different dog, but I love it. There are more but I'm rambling now.

-----
Roast Grill
7 S West St, Raleigh, NC 27603

Trolly Stop
784 W King St, Boone, NC 28607

Dune Burger
7304 S Virginia Dare Trl, Nags Head, NC 27959

Yum Yum
9872 Nc Highway 105 S, Banner Elk, NC 28604

[JayL]

Pulliams is simply one of the best hot dogs I've ever had.

I've read alot about how people don't like them, but they probably don't like any simple "country" dog like you get at Pulliam's. They are served without pretence...unlike so many other hotdog places popping up these days.

[fredb2548]

If you like it, you like it - that's what taste is all about. But, the fact is a lot of folks simply do not agree with you. And pretense has nothing to do with it. There is no pretense at Haps, or Zacks, or Dog House, or Allen and Son, or Roast Grill, or CharGrill, or Snoopys, or Shortys, or DuneBurger, or Greens Lunch.

-----
Roast Grill
7 S West St, Raleigh, NC 27603

[fussycouple]

When I was a child, there was a place in downtown Goldsboro that we would pass on our way to the beach. I remember coming down 70, then turning right in downtown, and it was on the left.

I cannot for the life of me remember the name of this place, but it was already an institution in the 1960s. Does anyone else remember this hot dog joint?

[JayL]

George Street Grill in Goldsboro? Just a shot in the dark

-----
George Street Grill
620 N George St, Goldsboro, NC 27530

[fussycouple]

It doesn't ring any bells with me, honestly. Unless maybe it changed the name, but there is a paucity of info on the place you mentioned on the net.

[lutherben]

I don't remember ever having a hot dog that I did not like. Each place has their own unique thing, which makes it fun to try all different types of places. Take a look at the attached website. There are alot of hot dog places in the North Carolina section.
http://www.choppedonion.com

[countgrog]

Bills Hot Dogs in Washington, NC- its a red hot dog but the chili is a mixture of pinto beans, flour and black pepper and it works with no meat. All the way with chopped onions and mustard

[ncdirtlaw]

Paschall's or L&D in Durham

-----
Paschall's Cafe
1102 Holloway St, Durham, NC 27701

[sisterbeer]

Cloos' Coney Island in the lower level of Mission Valley shopping center, in Raleigh. I get them with brown mustard and onions. If I can get a well-grilled dog from them, I'm in heaven.

[Bluemold]

I vote for Bill's in Washington. A unique meatless chili and the hot dogs are red and deep fried. I love the hot dogs at Pulliam's and Skippy's in Winston-Salem. Both are excellent and not trying to diminish them but Bill's are the best I've ever had anywhere.

[Jeff C.]

Trolley Stop, Wrightsville Beach. Don't know if they're the best, but they're pretty darn good.

[jimhernjak]

Pauls Place is vastly over rated. My favorite place in Wilmington for a hot dog is down Carolina Beach rd about 2 mile south of the intersection of 421 and College Rd. Little place on the right side of the road in a yellow building called Frenches. Make their own slaw and chili. Steamed buns

Course my favorite dog is in downtown Whiteville at Wards Grill.

The old Kannons Grill in downtown Zebulon years ago was pretty good also.

I tried a hot dog at Smithfields BBQ once. Worst dog I believe I have ever had.

Got to steam the bun

[steveindurham3]

Here are my choices:

Zack's - Burlington, NC ( fond memories when I was a kid growing up)
Missy's/Nancy's Grill - Mebane, NC
Dick's -Wilson, NC
Paschal's -Durham, NC
Roast Grill -Raleigh, NC
Dog House -Durham, NC
Shake Shop - Spindale, NC
Squeeze Box - Pilot Mountain, NC

-----
Roast Grill
7 S West St, Raleigh, NC 27603

[goodeatsinadive]

Steve'l list is spot on. Add JS Pulliam's in Winston-Salem, and dogs from "The Grocery Bag" on NC 42 between Clayton and Wilson (located in what used to be the infamous Percy Flowers' Store - home of the best moonshine in NC back in the day) and you'll be set.

[chrogerson]

+1 for Bill's in Washington, NC. Truly a unique creation that is delicious!

[veganhater]

I would take la Vaquita's hot dog over anything I've had in NC. Bacon wrapped and deep fried, then loaded with toppings. Red hot dogs are disgusting, as is anything made by Carolina Packers.

[goodeatsinadive]

Actually, being raised on red hot dogs, they are not disgusting. It's what you're accustomed to. Both Carolina Packers and Stevens' are quite good. Personally, I think Nathan's and Hebrew National suck but there are a lot of folks who swear by them.

[Naco]

I usually cook an all-beef dog like Hebrew National at home these days, but there's something to be said for a nucular-red, violates-the-tenets-of-most-major-religions red dog, made of pig parts that would gross out a chitlin.

[grubhub]

Another vote for Cloos' Coney Island.....Daniel is a Detroit guy...I think he has the dogs flown in from there. I grew up 'round here eating Brightleafs...but I've been converted.

[Hushpuppy]

Red dogs are commonly used in Lexington style barbecue joint hot dogs. I think the Curtis or Valleydale brands are predominant. Somehow I just feel that dressing a Usinger or Best dog with mustard, chili, raw onions and red barbecue slaw may not be the best way to enjoy those sausages. Red dogs are simply another flavor component in a Lexington barbecue joint dog. Stamey's in Greensboro serves a fine example.

[veganhater]

Carolina Packers products should be avoided at all costs. Their food sucks and the company is run by incompetent rednecks. Nothing they make is high quality or artisinal, and none of their products would be considered in a best of class discussion. Being raised on bad food is a tough break and I feel for you, but their is still time for change.

[Naco]

If you really hate red dogs this much, why even bother with this discussion? Red dogs must be upwards of 90% of the hot dogs you find in NC. Carolina Packers' Bright Leaf dogs have a huge, dedicated following. Damned if I can tell the difference between one and another myself, though.

[grubhub]

...I don't believe "hot dog" and "artisinal" belong in the same sentance.

Oxymorons, anyone?....

[jla1960]

Others disagree:

http://www.jamesbeard.org/index.php?q=Teaching_an_Old_Dog_Gourmet_Tricks

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/739844

http://newyork.grubstreet.com/2009/08/bark.html

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/642769

http://glassshallot.typepad.com/Haute...

[RonboNC]

Hah, I'd have to agree with grubhub! I don't think hot dogs were meant to be served on china and on white tablecloths. I enjoy my dogs and don't need to know how they were made because if I did, probably wouldn't enjoy them so much...

Beef dogs, pink dogs, pork dogs, kosher dogs, Sabretts, Zweigles and more, I'll eat em all! Can't we all just get along here?! :-)

Food can be delicious and fun but god knows, it doesn't need to get snobby, eh people?

[Naco]

Fancy and artisanal are not synonyms.

[cackalackie]

"Their food sucks and the company is run by incompetent rednecks."

Nice.

[veganhater]

Hot dog is a type of sausage, and artisinal sausages are certainly meant to be in the same sentence.

As far as the comment about me having an axe to grind, that much is true. I used to buy products from Carolina Packers and I'll tell you the story about why I think they're incompetent rednecks. In a effort to use local products, I wanted to use Bass Farms hot sausage. It was distributed by Carolina Packers. After placing my first order of Bass Farms sausage, which easily exceeded their minimum, I was told on my next order I'd have to buy something else they sold as it was a brokered product and not something they made. They sent me a box of samples of assorted sausages and ham. I needed a better country ham, and selected Tar Heel country ham. The rest of the samples were forgettable. My next order, easily exceeding the minimum, was for Bass Farm sausage and Tar Heel country ham. I was told I would have to order something else as they didn't make the Tar Heel country ham as well. Keep in mind, the samples sent to me were supposed to fix the problem of me not ordering items they only brokered. When I questioned the salesperson, he was confrontational and could not explain why the sample of products sent to me contained a country ham which they didn't produce. That is why I think they're incompetent, and the way I was spoke to is why I think they are rednecks. Also, the red hot dogs they make are not high in quality or made with good ingredients. Plus I don't like the way they taste. I'm sure plenty of people do, although I don't think they hit the 90% market share stated above. As far as not weighing in on a conversation about hot dogs because I don't like the best selling hot dog, that's like not entering a discussion about burgers because you don't like McDonalds or Burger King. Fast food burgers outsell free standing restaurants by a large margin, but I will still champion an artisinal burger (not fancy) over a whopper.

[Naco]

"Also, the red hot dogs they make are not high in quality or made with good ingredients."

Are any red dogs? Serious question.

I'm not trying to jump on you and say you should butt out because red dogs are popular or that you shouldn't champion the best there is in whatever genre of food. My point is that red dogs are part and parcel of the North Carolina hot dog style. You said that you don't think they hit 90% of the market; can you name a country store or restaurant that serves hot dogs that doesn't use red dogs? It's like pork and NC barbecue.

I can't. I was probably being generous in limiting red dogs to 90%, as most taquerias don't have hot dogs, so I doubt you're going to hit 10% on the back of that kind of place.

[veganhater]

Dairy Queen, Sonic, Hardee's, every golf course I've played that serves hot dogs, more than half the gas stations in my town, and my favorite La Vaquita all serve hot dogs that aren't red.

As far as my joking comment on being raised on bad food, I'm sorry it ruffled so many feathers. It was meant to elicit a chuckle, not anger.

[Naco]

You're proving my point here by citing chains and private clubs. You know as well as I do: if you go to an independent operator in eastern NC, you're going to get a red dog. Similarly with the comment about La Vaquita- great for them, but it's uncommon for a taqueria to serve hot dogs.

[veganhater]

"You said that you don't think they hit 90% of the market; can you name a country store or restaurant that serves hot dogs that doesn't use red dogs?"

I named plenty of restaurants that don't use red dogs. I didn't name places that I thought served good food. I could add other high volume restaurants like Five Guys to my list. Also, I don't play many private golf clubs.

"Are any red dogs? Serious question."

You are proving my point. To reiterate, red dogs are not high in quality or made with good ingredients. That is the main reason I don't like them.

" Where were you born and raised?

And, yes, it does have a lot to do with it."

Let's say I was born in the Philippines and raised in different parts of the world as an Army brat. Does that mean I can't comment on my favorite hot dog and the low quality of a red dog now that I live in NC, with my family who is from here? What if I was born and raised in Chicago? There's great hot dog culture there, but would it omit me in a conversation about the best hot dogs in NC. Y'all have too thin skin, thinner than the cancer causing version on a red dog.

[Naco]

"You are proving my point. To reiterate, red dogs are not high in quality or made with good ingredients. That is the main reason I don't like them."

I wasn't disputing that, obviously. I just don't think you're presenting a real choice in terms of what's out there.

[brokegradstudent]

I've distinctly enjoyed three hot dogs in the last year
The first was at Kernal Kustard in Winston-Salem, the second at Cats and Dawgs in Asheville. Both of these places have Vienna Beef as a common denominator.

The third was a hotdog made by Weeping Radish brewery using meat from Cane Creek farm that we roasted over an open fire while camping up in the mountains. We have these regularly and love them (friends from all over agree that they're great) but the combo of cold night, smoke and grilled meats made it perfect.

[sisterbeer]

I love everything Uli Bennewitz does.

[bigmackdaddy]

I'm a big fan of Joe's Dine in Durhamr. I believe they use Pearl's Hot Dogs. Their Hot Dog Rueben almost tastes like a center cut tongue sandwich. Delicious!

[lynnlato]

Some of my faves:

Fincastles in G'boro - loaded, Carolina style, and their pimento cheese, onion and mustard dog is wicked too.

JayBee's in Statesville

Mankin's Causeway Cafe in Holden Beach

Trolley Stop in Wrightsville Beach

-----
Fincastle's Restaurant
215 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27401

Trolley Stop
111 S Howe St, Southport, NC 28461

[picklelicious]

I'm not saying the best by any means...but a place in Goldsboro named Rudy's Little Mart is always a nice place to stop and grab a dog or few, they do a slightly different style and color of cole slaw, but it's a rather tasty dog, and I don't know I've ever seen it referenced on this site so I thought it was worth mentioning. Naming the best dog is near impossible, I guess we'll just have to keep searching!

[lynnlato]

I will have to check out Rudy's next time I'm up that way. And you're so right, it's impossible to say who has the best, but it is fun sampling all the different ones. :)

[fredb2548]

Assume you are talking about Southern Chili Dogs. The best in my opinion are:

Zack's in Burlington, loaded with grease
PB's in Winston
Pulliam's in Winston
Original Char-Grill in Raleigh
Dog House in Durham - Hwy 55 location
Hap's in Salisbury
Dune Burger in Nags Head
Allen & Son BBQ in Pittsboro
Roast Grill
Dixie Express in Asheboro
Green's Lunch in Charlotte
Shorty's in Wake Forest
Minnie's (SP) in Smithfield
Paschall Cafe in Durham
Kermit's in Winston
Piedmont Snack Bar in Winston
Wimpy's in Durham
King's Sandwich Shop in Durham - it has reopened
Log House BBQ in Albemarle
Chris's Grill in Siler City
Boston Sandwich Shop in Burlington
Jim's in Graham
Ken's Grill in LaGrange
Downtown Soda Shop in Asheboro
Capt'n Franks, OBX
Pete's Grill in Gibsonville
Bill & Leah's in Kernersville
Jimmy's BBQ in Lexington
Oscar's Fine Food in High Point
The Dog House in High Point

-----
Snoopy's Hot Dogs
600 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27603

Roast Grill
7 S West St, Raleigh, NC 27603

Dixie Express
711 W Dixie Dr, Asheboro, NC 27205

Boston Sandwich Shop
238 W Front St, Burlington, NC 27215

John's Drive In
3716 Virginia Dare Trl N, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949

Green's Lunch
309 W 4th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Short's Grill Restrnt
122 N Raiford St, Selma, NC 27576

Paschall's Cafe
1102 Holloway St, Durham, NC 27701

Dune Burger
7304 S Virginia Dare Trl, Nags Head, NC 27959

[jla1960]

Only 30 "best"? LOL

[fredb2548]

He did ask just about North Carolina, and I eliminated the Chicago Dog places (Poppa's in Mooresville & Penalty Box in downtown Raleigh) and the strange dogs like Paul's near Wilmington, and Bill's in Little Washington, and Yum Yum's in Gboro, and Kermit's in Winston which will put pimento cheese on your dog. And we haven't even touch kraut dogs, or the Devil Dog served by Lox, Stock, & Bagel in Greensboro.

Out of state, there is no end:

Jack's Cosmic in Mt Pleasant
Pete's in Birmingham
Skin Thrasher's in SC
Willie's in Brunswick, Ga
Crif Dog's in NYC
And the rippers in NJ
And the WV Slaw dogs
and the Texas dogs in PA
and the various Coney's
and the Payapa dogs in NYC
and the beat goes on.
Dogs rule.

[brentk]

Just curious as to why Skippy's is not on your list.

[fredb2548]

They are not a Southern chili dog kinda place in my view, more a hot dog messed about kinda place. I know a lot of folks really like what they serve, but I'm just not one of the, and I've tried them several times to be sure I wasn't missing something. The pretzel roll is something you like or you don't, and I find that I don't - tastes just vary.

[quazi]

where is piedmont snack bar in WInston?

[Guilty Gourmand]

I believe it is across from the airport--3820 N. Liberty Street if we are talking about the same place.

All of these lists are making me hungry to try some new hot dog places but I find myself limited to traveling any distance only on Sundays for the next few weeks.

I am assuming most of these places (like most good bbq and other worthy restaurants) are closed on Sundays. Anybody happen to know off hand whether any of the usual suspects / repeat nominees are open on Sundays? Thanks.