Ted's Hot Dogs

2312 Sheridan Dr, Tonawanda, NY - (716) 834-6287

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Posted By Stephen Rushmore on 6/6/2006 9:31:00 PM

True Buffalonians can argue passionately over the city's best tasting, name-sake wings or famous beef on weck, but when asked for their first choice for hot-dogs, the answer is a unanimous: TED's. There are several Ted's locations in the Buffalo area, but the Tonawanda location (which is the original) is my favorite experience. (Its proximity to Andersen's frozen custard-- creamiest in town! --might be a contributing factor.)

The smell of the charcoal grill wafts as you enter Ted's and choose from two grilling stations to place your order. Both lines allow a perfect view of the red-hot charcoal-grill just on the opposite side of a glass separator. The ordering process is stream-lined: you must start your order with your meat choice-- hot dog or burger-- then move to the side-order- onion rings or fries, followed by drinks and finally condiments to finish the order. The foot-long dog with "the works"--mustard, hot sauce, onions, relish, pickle wedge, along with an order of onion rings makes a plentiful lunch.

The hot-dog is cooked to charred perfection; during the grilling- heat is allowed to escape via fork punctures to prevent splitting and ensure the hot-dog has a blackened exterior that provides a snappy casing for the meat. The overall flavor is a balanced mix of fresh meat and peppery spice.

The onion rings are top-quality: thinly sliced and dipped in a light batter becoming a flaky exterior when fried. They are sweeter than the average onion ring, but delightfully pleasant when paired with the relish and hot-sauce of "the works" hot-dog. The thin-cut style French fries have good flavor as well as a slight crunch.

If you arrive at Ted's during lunch hours, expect a short wait. There is in-door dining available, as well as out-door wooden picnic tables that make for enjoyable warm-weather dining.

Scorecard

Overall: Legendary - Worth driving from anyplace

Foot Long Hot Dog	Onion Rings
Hot Dog	French Fries

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Reviewers Photos [Upload Your Photos]

"The regular and footlong charred dogs that make Ted's famous in upstate New York."
Stephen Rushmore

"These deliciously sweet and crispy onion rings didn't last too long after I took this photo."
Stephen Rushmore

"Notice how close the coals are to the grill? This helps make the outer casing of the hotdog snappy."
Stephen Rushmore

"Homecut fries and vinegar compliment any grilled foods."
Stephen Rushmore

"What else would you drink?"
JW

"The only thing missing is dessert. "
Stephen Rushmore

"Just say "I'll have the works" and they will take care of everything for you."
Stephen Rushmore

""Everything, with extra pickles"."
JW

"Inside the Sheridan Drive location."
JW

"The smokey grill smell will lure you in when you pull into this parking lot."
Stephen Rushmore