Bill's Hot Dogs |
And an experience it is!
Wall of Fame |
We arrived on a Saturday around lunch time, and we weren’t
the only ones. The line snaked back and forth through the small storefront. You
find the back of the line and follow the folks in front of you until you can
place your order. Take a couple more steps, and pay, telling the cashier if you
want any soft drinks or banana pudding. By the time you pay, your order is
ready. Stop by the drink case to get your beverages and dessert, and exit,
leaving a fresh batch of hot dog hungry people waiting for their turn.
Line Snaking Through the Storefront |
Bill’s hardy has enough room for the throng waiting for
dogs, so you have to eat them somewhere else. We took our bounty across the
street to the riverside park. Ours was a sunny day with a balmy coastal
wind--nearly perfect for munching at a picnic table.
I’ve really never had anything quite like these dogs. They
aren’t really the traditional Carolina Hot Dog; they don’t offer coleslaw, and
the chili is made of bacon grease, old buns, onions, and spices. Yes, bacon
grease. Actually, it tastes like it could be grease from fatback, but I’ve been
told it’s bacon grease.
It doesn’t look or sound the most appetizing, but it’s
amazingly good! It’s more than a flavor thing; it’s also textural—the way the
chili is absorbed by the white bread bun and makes it nearly fall apart in your
hand. Mustard, onions, and chili make a dog all the way, and they all work in
harmony to create a wonderful sensation.
It sounds like an odd comparison, but the chili reminded me
of my great-grandmother’s milk gravy on loaf bread—pumped up with a nice burn
from cayenne.
Of all the hot dogs I’ve tasted, I’d say Bill’s Hot Dogs were the most unique experience. I’ll be on the lookout to find other hot dog stands with a similar culinary philosophy. If you’re ever in Little Washington, or want to make the trip, I highly recommend checking these out.
My verdict: A solid 3 weenies, maybe 4 for uniqueness