Nu-Way in Macon, GA

In an earlier thread, I posted this:

"Headed up to Atlanta metro area tomorrow. Will TRY to do review on THIS Nu-Way in Macon, GA either up on way back (03/31). See prior threads concerning this local eatery.

http://www.nu-wayweiners.com/locations/northwest.html

I will be back through area in both May & June, if for some reason I can't do this trip.

Oh well; we shall see.

--JDK--"

Spouse & I tried same out on our way back from Atlanta. A review would have been worthless. Food was pathetic!!. We ordered four dogs "all the way" & a large order of chili-cheese fries. As follows: looked good on presentation; however dogs themselves lukewarm, overcooked & dry (obviously nuked), of an obvious inferior quality, and flavorless. Onions stringy, tasteless, obviously not fresh, & cut in shreads thinner than I have ever seen in my life. Their "famous" secret chili sauce "cooked daily"

As for the chili-cheese fries... Lukewarm fries which appeared to originally be of qood quality, nuked with more of the "chili sauce". Oh yeah, the cheese... A slice or two of processed cheese on the bottom of the container. I was extremely dissapointed, to say the least...

You know, I'm not surprised. This isn't the first time that I've heard of a place with a so called good reputation being either ordinary or not good. This place was included on the PBS special "A Hot Dog Program", which I have a copy of. I've never been to Nu-Way, but know that they use an all beef dog that has a special red dye added to give it a deep red color. One of the more popular hot dog joints in the country. I've heard similar things about The Original Hot Dog Shop or "Dirty O" in Pittsburgh. Great fries, but ordinary dogs. Someone I know had a hot dog restaurant nearby that hot dog lovers preferred to the O. The O did so well because of 2 things. It is close to a college, and their fries are great. But hot dog lovers preferred the hot dogs at my friend's place. He used Sabrett's (which he kept a secret) while the O uses a cheaper brand from Star Beef. The owners of The Original even went in incognito to try and find the identity of the dogs used at their competitors.

I think that a lot of the big name places are popular because much of the country really doesn't have high quality hot dogs compared to, say, New Jersey, Connecticut, New York, Chicago, or Wisconsin. For a lot of places, especially in the South, it's about the toppings and condiments, while the quality of the dog is secondary. A lot of people view the dog as a holder for chili, slaw, etc. I'm not knocking the South or anywhere else, but the dogs just don't have the flavor or character as the places that I've named. You may find a few small meat producers that are an exception.

I've even experienced going to a few places considered by many to be among the best, only to walk away thinking that they were quite ordinary. Walters in Mamaronek, N.Y. and Flo's in Maine are 2 that come to mind. Decent, but very average. Although at Flo's, I did not try the special onion relish (I hate onions. Hot Dog Johnny's is another example. Located in West Jersey near Pa. People rave about this place. Ok, but not close to being the best in the state. But people out in that part of the state are used to blander dogs. I guess a lot has to do with what you grew up with and were exposed to where you live.

"For a lot of places, especially in the South, it's about the toppings and condiments, while the quality of the dog is secondary."

Amen, and we have JUST hit upon the problem with most dogs here in the south.

Hmmm... I must respectfully disagree with you Adjudicator. I must admit that, growing up in the South, I'm not really a hotdog connesseur, but I really like Nu-way. Its just a different style of hotdog I suppose. That being said, did you go to the original location in downtown Macon or one of the several newer locations? Newer locations = not as good, staffed by teenagers who dont care about food quality (no offense to any teens out there ). After all they've been around since 1916... they cant be that bad .

rhpenland

quote:

Originally posted by rhpenland

Hmmm... I must respectfully disagree with you Adjudicator. I must admit that, growing up in the South, I'm not really a hotdog connesseur, but I really like Nu-way. Its just a different style of hotdog I suppose. That being said, did you go to the original location in downtown Macon or one of the several newer locations? Newer locations = not as good, staffed by teenagers who dont care about food quality (no offense to any teens out there ). After all they've been around since 1916... they cant be that bad .

rhpenland

A newer location, as identified on the thread. Since Nu-Way is basically operated out of Macon & limited surrounding locales; IMHO same quality should be easy to keep up with original locale, etc., regardless. Nope; gave 'em 1 honest try & they blew it. Food was horrible. That's the end of Nu-Way for me. Also... Their comment page doesn't work. Go figure...

John -

Of the places you mention, I've been to both Flo's and the "O".

I totally agree with you on Flo's.
Very ordinary and small dog on a plain roll.
I can pass on the relish.
Had it both ways with mustard and with mayo.
Somrthing about it (maybe the molasses) disagreed with my stomach

On the other hand, my son & I enjoy the dogs at the "O".
Thought they had a great snap to them.
Yes, the fries are killer, but I'd still go there if they weren't.
LMK the name of your friend's place, and I'll make sure I stop there my next time through Pittsburgh (probably over the summer).

I believe Nu-Way is featured on the Travel Channel on Saturday the 9th at 2:00p in a show devoted to "Hot Dog Heavens" that includes such luminaries as Rutt's Hut, Pink's, and Ted's (?) in Buffalo, NY.

I'm sure there are more, but I didn't catch the first part of the show. What I saw made my mouth water!

quote:

Originally posted by long dog

John -

Of the places you mention, I've been to both Flo's and the "O".

I totally agree with you on Flo's.
Very ordinary and small dog on a plain roll.
I can pass on the relish.
Had it both ways with mustard and with mayo.
Somrthing about it (maybe the molasses) disagreed with my stomach

On the other hand, my son & I enjoy the dogs at the "O".
Thought they had a great snap to them.
Yes, the fries are killer, but I'd still go there if they weren't.
LMK the name of your friend's place, and I'll make sure I stop there my next time through Pittsburgh (probably over the summer).

long dog,

I've never eaten at the O myself. The guy that I corresponded with for awhile owned a place called Fat Mike's or Fat Frank's, or something similar. He did well, but got tired of the long hours and wanted to retire. He sold the place at a profit and the new owner used the same Sabrett franks. After awhile, he switched to the cheaper Star beef frank and soon after wound up going out of business. He found out that if he was going to offer the same frank as the "O", people might as well go to the O.

quote:

Originally posted by Adjudicator

"For a lot of places, especially in the South, it's about the toppings and condiments, while the quality of the dog is secondary."

Amen, and we have JUST hit upon the problem with most dogs here in the south.

I am of the opinion it’s in the water. I have had Sabrett's from a truck in NY and Sabrett's here in Fl. As well as MD, DC, VA and they all taste different. It’s the same with Pizza. I am told it has to do with the Ph of the water. The same goes for bread as well. Any thoughts on this?

quote:

Originally posted by jojobeans

quote:

Originally posted by Adjudicator

"For a lot of places, especially in the South, it's about the toppings and condiments, while the quality of the dog is secondary."

Amen, and we have JUST hit upon the problem with most dogs here in the south.

I am of the opinion it’s in the water. I have had Sabrett's from a truck in NY and Sabrett's here in Fl. As well as MD, DC, VA and they all taste different. It’s the same with Pizza. I am told it has to do with the Ph of the water. The same goes for bread as well. Any thoughts on this?

I have heard this before, especially concerning pizza. But, not all folks "cook" their 'dogs in water. I know I don't.

I am SO glad to discover that other people are not impressed with Nu Way weiners! I was beginning to think that I was the only one!

quote:

Originally posted by Adjudicator

quote:

Originally posted by rhpenland

Hmmm... I must respectfully disagree with you Adjudicator. I must admit that, growing up in the South, I'm not really a hotdog connesseur, but I really like Nu-way. Its just a different style of hotdog I suppose. That being said, did you go to the original location in downtown Macon or one of the several newer locations? Newer locations = not as good, staffed by teenagers who dont care about food quality (no offense to any teens out there ). After all they've been around since 1916... they cant be that bad .

rhpenland

A newer location, as identified on the thread. Since Nu-Way is basically operated out of Macon & limited surrounding locales; IMHO same quality should be easy to keep up with original locale, etc., regardless. Nope; gave 'em 1 honest try & they blew it. Food was horrible. That's the end of Nu-Way for me. Also... Their comment page doesn't work. Go figure...

Quality does suffer in satellite stores even when in the same area. My wife started in the original store under the original manager (not the owner) and took over managing when she retired, when the store at the beach was opened the wife transferred there and the original location has been through a number of family related managers, all aspects from quality to service to cleanliness has suffered even though the dragon lady (original owner now in her late 70's)makes her rounds of all 4 stores daily.

Interesting posts... I had hoped for more of a real "mom & pop" joint. The pictures of the "Nu Way" remind me of a sanitized, bland enviroment. Sometimes that defines the food as well.

To be honest, Atlanta's world famous Varisty, has never really impressed me. I think locals want to be proud of the world's largest drive-in, and it is a VERY interesting experience. However, I think the majority of the food sucks. The dogs are decent. The burgers are absolutely bland. I can't think of more worthless fries. Another smaller, local institution does a much better job: "ZESTO'S."

I have a friend in Birmingham, who swears by a dump of a hotdog stand. I do mean stand. No seating. I believe it's been mentioned here before, but I can't recall the name. Also, there's a place in South Carolina "Skin Thrashers" that may merit a roadtrip.

Any other thoughts?

*deleted*

quote:

Originally posted by ULVER

Interesting posts... I had hoped for more of a real "mom & pop" joint. The pictures of the "Nu Way" remind me of a sanitized, bland enviroment. Sometimes that defines the food as well.

To be honest, Atlanta's world famous Varisty, has never really impressed me. I think locals want to be proud of the world's largest drive-in, and it is a VERY interesting experience. However, I think the majority of the food sucks. The dogs are decent. The burgers are absolutely bland. I can't think of more worthless fries. Another smaller, local institution does a much better job: "ZESTO'S."

I have a friend in Birmingham, who swears by a dump of a hotdog stand. I do mean stand. No seating. I believe it's been mentioned here before, but I can't recall the name. Also, there's a place in South Carolina "Skin Thrashers" that may merit a roadtrip.

Any other thoughts?

I AM going to The Vortex next week...

Dearfolk,
Sorry to hear about your disappointment with Nu-Way Weiners, Adjudicator. As soon as I have time to get to Macon, I will give the downtown location a try at some midday time and report back here. It just might be that you caught a satellite store at a bad time when teenagers were staffing it and you didn't get what they would have wanted you to have.
As for Skin Thrashers, the place has recently moved, but is still serving the same remarkable dogs. Again, it's only 60 miles from me, but I've never ben there... the problem is, as has been, with a constantly-breaking-down car.
When I am mobile (and I don't mean the city in Alabama!), I'll check both places out and give copious reports back here. Until then, I guess I eat at The Grill or The Huddle House tonight when I leave the library....
Undoggedly, Ort. Carlton in Rainy-Then-Sunny-Then-Rainy Athens, Georgia.

Adjudicator:

The VORTEX is one of the coolest places in Atlanta! The location in Little Five Points, is the best. Tremendously punky atmosphere, with mohawks, inked skin, and girls with pierced everything. The area it sits in boasts a lot of little alternative shops, that make for some interesting shopping, and a lot of people watching. Some great dive bars, too.

The Vortex sports some killer food, namely, their endless selection of specialty burgers. My fave is the "Ragin' Cajun" made with Ostrich.meat.
For openers, the Cuban black bean spread, served with yummy green & red sala is excellent, and at $4.95 a steal.

Check out the "no-nonsence & attitude section! They mean what they say!
http://www.thevortexbarandgrill.com/TheVortex/index.htm

http://www.linkgrinder.com/tutorials/Nu_Way_vs_Varsity_Hot_Dogs_6289_0_article.html

You guys are way off on Nu-Way. You have to go to the Cotton Ave original. The one you visited is not well run.

As I write this, I am having 2 all the way. Just flew in and they are quite good. Off to Fincher's BBQ for lunch tomorrow.

Wow, had forgotten the after-effects. Faster than Sherman through Georgia.

quote:

Originally posted by tgfny

You guys are way off on Nu-Way. You have to go to the Cotton Ave original. The one you visited is not well run.

Silly me. Why should I have to go the "original" location when they are all run by the same owner? We are only talking about ONE city, 'ya know.

quote:

Originally posted by Adjudicator

quote:

Originally posted by tgfny

You guys are way off on Nu-Way. You have to go to the Cotton Ave original. The one you visited is not well run.

Silly me. Why should I have to go the "original" location when they are all run by the same owner? We are only talking about ONE city, 'ya know.

Run by different people. The one by Arkwright is pretty good too.

quote:

Originally posted by tgfny

quote:

Originally posted by Adjudicator

quote:

Originally posted by tgfny

You guys are way off on Nu-Way. You have to go to the Cotton Ave original. The one you visited is not well run.

Silly me. Why should I have to go the "original" location when they are all run by the same owner? We are only talking about ONE city, 'ya know.

Run by different people. The one by Arkwright is pretty good too.

I think you missed my entire point. Whatever...

quote:

Originally posted by Adjudicator

quote:

Originally posted by tgfny

quote:

Originally posted by Adjudicator

quote:

Originally posted by tgfny

You guys are way off on Nu-Way. You have to go to the Cotton Ave original. The one you visited is not well run.

Silly me. Why should I have to go the "original" location when they are all run by the same owner? We are only talking about ONE city, 'ya know.

Run by different people. The one by Arkwright is pretty good too.

I think you missed my entire point. Whatever...

Not saying they all shouldn't be good, but the one downtown is the real one. The others are just pretenders. There are only two I'll go to and I've been going a long way for a Nu-Way for over 30 years. The one in Ft. Valley was good as well, but it closed.