WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – The unofficial start to summer is nearly here. Pools are opening, families are hitting the beach, sweltering midweek temps turn into cool, rainy weekends (what is going on with this recent pattern? I have a bone to pick with the First Alert Weather Team). Regardless, you may be planning a trip for this holiday weekend and I just got mine out of the way, the Hot Dog Road Trip.
By now I have highlighted more than 100 restaurants in the area over the years, and of all those reviews, the ones that stand out the most to readers are my musings on hot dogs. The jaw-dropping seafood tower I had at a primo restaurant? Who cares? The review on an exclusive restaurant that nearly ruined my credit score? No big deal. The $2 hot dog from a stand outside a craft fair? Now we’re talking!
In all seriousness, it’s one of my favorite articles that I write every summer, and you can check out the other trips I have made here:
Before we cram in the car for another jaunt, let’s go over some quick rules of the road. I only order hot dogs “all the way,” “Carolina,” or “West Virginia style,” that consists of chili, slaw, mustard and onions. It’s the best way to truly judge a restaurant’s ability to deliver the perfect hot dog. I also shy away from chain restaurants, though I will accept local favorites that have more than one location. I have also tried about 30 different hot dogs at this point, so if you don’t see your favorite on this list, please refer to the articles above.
Speaking of my previous frankfurter findings, I realized I have exhausted just about every option in and around Wilmington proper. So I decided to focus my energy on one town, and given its 100th birthday this year, I settled on Carolina Beach. To be fair, I didn’t grab every offering this time around, and there is one hot dog from Kure Beach, but who’s to say I can’t make a return visit? So without further ado, it’s time to commence this great glizzy gallop, and hit the streets for another Hot Dog Road Trip.
The Spot
What a cool hangout this is. Located just across the street from the ocean, you can sit inside or out, enjoy an ice cold draft beer and treat yourself to any number of menu items. Of course, I stopped in for the hot dogs, and you have to order two. However, they come with a heaping portion of fries (and if you order to go, you can dress the dogs yourself). As for the glizzy, a grilled, New England split top bun houses a plump and juicy hot dog. The mayonnaise-based slaw was on point. Another good sign. But what I thought would have been the crowning achievement, the chili, ended up being the deal breaker. This batch was too heavy on the tomato, and instead of providing a nice, savory bite, it was sweet. If this chili was a bit better, this hot dog would really hit the spot. 3.25/5.
Hooks Hot Dogs
Located at Carolina Beach’s famous boardwalk, Hooks is a tiny hot dog stand with a window for pickup. Hooks serves the red “Bright Leaf Hot Dogs”, which may not please everyone. Although I’ve never had an issue with them, it’s a hot dog after all (just don’t think about it to begin with). Sadly, the wiener itself might be the only highlight here. While the chili had a distinctive flavor, I can’t say it was overly appetizing. The slaw was finely chopped and mayo-based, but a little too watery without much zing. Despite glowing reviews online, I wasn’t hooked. 2.5/5
Alley Bites
Just around the corner and closer to the boardwalk’s center, is Alley Bites (underneath Hurricane Alley’s). It’s a cash only counter for sausages, BBQ sandwiches, a variety of adult beverages, and of course, hot dogs. The attendant, Bella, is super nice and took the time to put together an exceptional creation. Alley Bites serves “Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs,” which is an immediate plus. Although the bun was straight from the bag, they do have some silky chili and creamy slaw. I’m not always a fan of diced red onions, but they worked here. I jotted down “just a really tasty glizzy” in my notes, and given the amount of stops I have made, that’s high praise. 4/5
Beach House Burgers
Although Beach House Burgers isn’t located in Carolina Beach (it’s next to the Kure Beach Pier), I have received plenty of emails about needing to pay them a visit. It’s a quaint little hut straight from yesteryear and offers a variety of beachside treats. As for the hot dog, it has a nice, steamed bun that isn’t too wet and perfectly envelopes its contents. However, that’s about where the positives end. For one, the chili and slaw don’t offer much in the way of flavor. And one of the greatest sins of hot dog creation was committed, mustard on top. It’s fine if you’re at a ballgame and base condiments are all you have, but slathering mustard on top of the other toppings completely negates their flavor and potential for greatness. I’m sure people have fond memories of this place on their visits to Pleasure Island, but the hot dog wasn’t memorable. 2/5
Butts-N-Such
First off, a great name for a restaurant. Granted, it gets its name from pork butts and the barbecue nature of the eatery, but I have to say, they make a mean hot dog. You can choose if you want all beef or “mixed,” and since the majority of the other dogs I tried were not all beef, I went with the latter. A perfectly steamed but firm bun featured a hot dog topped with spicy chili with a tangy, creamy mayo-based slaw with finely chopped fresh cabbage (that’s a critical aspect to great slaw). After one bite I said to myself “yeah, that’s it.” Had I paid an extra fee for the all beef version, dare I say, a perfect dog? This wiener is a winner. 4.8/5
IF YOU GO:
Butts-N-Such
Do you recommend a restaurant? Or know of a best kept secret that you want the rest of the Cape Fear to know about? Shoot me an email atcorey.preece@gray.tvand I would love to feature your selection. Cheers!
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