NY to Charlotte - I 95 - Hot dog Eats -

Hello all ,

We will be heading south to Charlotte from NY next Wed. for 5 days and would like some help on this one.

We will be taking I 95 south , Jersey Turnpike , through Delaware , Maryland , Virginia over to Charlotte .

Are there any good Hot Dog , Breakfast or Hamburger joints close to the Interstate , worth stopping for some grub?

Also any Dog places in Charlotte?

Thanks

Benzee

Try www.Hollyeats.com for best bets on places to stop.

Hey X Fire guy ,

I have checked Holly eats and taken all of their info .
I was hoping for some feedback from the forum .
Hollyeats has some good ideas ands I will probably stop at one or two if it can be coordinated.

Are you retired FD ?

Benzee

Benzee,

A couple of years ago I was travelling south on the Jersey Turnpike and stopped in a Nathans. They are usually hit or miss, and you can end up with one that is undercooked, skinless, or skinless and cooked on a roller grill. The original Nathans features a natural casing dog slow cooked on a griddle. I have found 2 in Jersey that are like the original. One is in the Menlo Park Mall and the other is on the Turnpike. Around exit 7 or 8 at the rest area. Worth stopping for.

I have taken on Sabrett as the dog I sell. Any suggestions as to the best way to serve? Steamed, Grilled or boiled(ugh!)

I like Sabrett either simmerred in water (not boiled) or griddled.

Do you ever add anything to your water?

Try the Dog House in Wilmington. Just after you cross the bridge into Delaware, look for the exit for Routes 13 South and 40 West. Dog House is on left less than half a mile. Don't know what brand they use, but ask for it well done and they will split it. Easy return to 95 South. Follow signs to Baltimore.

If you can hold out for another hour, you could make a stop at Zack's Dogs on the Avenue at White Marsh. www.zacksdogs.com This is a cutesy place on the Avenue right next to the big movie theater. They have all types of dogs. But they lose points with me because they don't offer a true brown or deli style mustard. As you approach Baltimore (I-695) exit to the right on Rt. 43, then make first left at HoneyGo. Pass the Ikea and the Mall on the right, and turn left for the Avenue. Zack's is right in the middle of the Main street.

Jojo, If they can't be charcoal grilled, then I prefer regular grilling. Anything that'll result in a well done exterior. But that's just me.

Signman ,

Thanks for the tips . I have passed the Dog House every year going to Dover for the NASCAR races , but with a tour group , so have never stopped.
I have to figure out the schedule to see if we will be going through around lunch . Definetly will be avoiding the DC rush hour at any costs.


Benzee

John ,

I have also hit a Nathans at the Cheesequack rest area on the Garden St. Pkwy . Not really impressed . I will take a look at the on on the Turnpike if we are passing through around lunch . Even if just for a much needed break.

Benzee

Benzee, if you want to experience an authentic,original Chicago style hot dog, Matt's Chicago Dog has 2 locations. The Charlotte location is 435 S. Tyron. A second location, north of Charlotte, is in Corneluis off Interstate 77 at exit 28. Matt, a native Chicagoan imports all of his products from Vienna Beef in Chicago(dogs, buns, condiments).

CSD

Benzee,
Off the beaten track of this thread, but I understand you work in NYC. Out of curiosity, what are your favorite hot dog establishments in the City? Would you ever be interested in a tour of those places? Have a good trip down South.

Your right on Signman. Sabrett is much better if it is grilled just enough to get that snap and release thouse wounderful juices!

Chicago Style Dog ,

Thanks for the two recomendations . I will ask for Matt if I'm able to stop by one of the two and mention Roadfood . Does he know you by name or by Chigagostyledog?

I have a big place in my heart for Chicago as I marched out there in 95 and 96 in the St. Pats Parade and the South Side Parade . The river was actually green folks , what a few days we had .

Benzee

ScreenBear ,

I have not found too many in the Big Apple that I care for . Papaya on 72nd and Broadway is good , but now they are chaining out like all the Johns Pizzas , do not know if the quality will hold up in the new places.

There are a couple of Dog Carts and wagons in the Bronx that are good Sabretts .

I do prefer the North Jersey Dogs . I have no problem doing a City Dog Tour . We hope to do a West. Jersey Dog Tour in the spring with a visit to Charlies Pool Room that has been raved about by roadfooders.

Benzee

Hello all ,

I have returned from my Vacation in North carolina and was able to visit Herlockers Park Drive In on N. Tryon St. in Charlotte . Jusrt a few miles south of the Lowes Motor Speedway , we had a few great dogs " all the way" , which included chili , onions , mustard and cole slaw . Yes slaw , what a taste . Very friendly establishment . Earnhardt movie " 3 " was partially filmed there and we sat in the exact booth that was used in the film .

I told the employees of Roadfood and the recomendations and they were pleased.

Remainder of the meals included a lot of Cracker Barrel meals and ugh fast food .

I will try to post a few photos of the trip.

Benzee