Here’s a hot-off-grill take. Burgers and dogs are having a moment. But our collective cravings for these meaty American icons have diversified far beyond fast food or even gourmet twists on cookout classics.
A harkening back to simpler times—not to mention more wholesome ingredients and saner portions—seems to be at the heart of this trend. Case in point: a handful of recently opened retro spots locally where you can sink your teeth into a juicy patty or savor the bite of well-dressed dog and wash them down with a craft cocktail…because, why not?
Frankly My Dear, It’s Delicious
First up, Frank and Patty’s (photo above) in the former Baby Izakaya location in Virginia Beach’s ViBe District is keeping it old-school in the best way with melt-in-your-mouth smash burgers, the iconic Norfolk snap dog, cold beers, wine and classic cocktails. Just be sure to get there early to stake your claim on a small handful (and we do mean small) of coveted seats.
The burger menu is short and sweet, and that’s just the way we like it because not much could be done to improve on their Patty Burger featuring perfectly seared and sizzling double patties, melty cheese, Goodboy Sauce and pickles on a soft potato bun. There are variations with onions, jalapeños and a vegan Impossible Burger, but they’re all good.
Order up that Norfolk dog with your standard mustard, relish and onions or add sauerkraut, chili, red onion sauce or cheese. Make it a meal with fries or a wedge salad. Wash it down with a Mexican Coke, Ginger Beer, Orange Crush, Old Fashioned, Paloma, Margarita or your choice of bubbles and brews. frankandpattysva.com
Make It “Boujiee” with a Twist
Over on Shore Drive, Boujiee Dogs and Cocktails offers a playful twist on two quintessential indulgences: gourmet hot dogs and fun cocktails. Far more than a simple “hot dog joint,” this coastal cafe is the place to go when you’re craving classic beach food with a decadent, slightly over-the-top point of view.Hot dogs here are no ordinary fare; each is a masterpiece of unexpected flavor combinations and premium ingredients.
The California dog is slathered in French fried onions, cheddar cheese and BBQ sauce on a Hawaiian bun. The Kansas City Dog is bacon-wrapped with melted Swiss, sauerkraut, mustard and thousand island on a sesame bun. And whipped cream cheese, grilled onions, dijon and jalapeños top the Seattle Dog.
With eight types of dogs (including vegetarian and vegan options), 13 types of buns, and dozens of different toppings, you could visit for months and customize a new hot dog creation daily. Complete your meal with the out-of-this-world funnel cake fries, and—of course—a fresh, handcrafted cocktail, like their Boujiee Juice, adult root beer float or pickle margarita. On Facebook: Boujiee Dogs and Cocktails
Classic Burgers and Booths to Match
At Williamsburg’s Cook’s Burger Bar on Richmond Road, they’ve gone full Happy Days nostalgia with a “wall-to-wall homage to classic mid-century Midwestern restaurants and hospitality” designed to “transport you back to Grandma’s House.”
Who is to say whether Grandma would appreciate their sizable beer, cider and craft cocktail menu—Cook’s Moonshine Lemonade featuring Belle Isle Moonshine, anyone?—but she sure would give the thumbs up to their delicious patties, cooked-to-order in beef tallow (just like their fries).
From the Cook’s Classic or Bacon Burger to the Mushroom Swiss or Brisket “French Dip” Burger, this is All-American comfort food with a contemporary mindset. Not in a burger mood? They’ve got Cook’s Wings, Smothered Fried Meatballs, Pretzel Crusted Pub Cheese and even a Waygu Beef Corn Dog. Calorie counting entirely optional. cooksburger.com
—Leona Baker & Hannah Serrano
Leona Baker
Leona Baker is the Editor-in-Chief of Coastal Virginia Magazine, a writer, creative, communications professional, food freak, news junkie, nature and travel lover and mom. She holds a degree in English from James Madison University and a degree in Dance & Choreography from Virginia Commonwealth University. She previously served as Senior Copywriter for Spark 451, Director of Marketing & Communications at Virginia Wesleyan University, and Senior Editor of Port Folio Weekly.
Hannah Serrano
Hannah Serrano is director of sales & marketing at the TASTE Family of Businesses and former marketing director at O’Connor Brewing Co. Hannah is a passionate foodie and beer nerd. Her advocacy for local culture developed as an arts editor at Port Folio Weekly, culture contributor at WVEC-13, owner of AltDaily.com, and co-organizer of Norfolk’s NEON District.
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