El's Drive-In

 On our recent trip to Pine Knoll Shores, we experimented with two hot dog eateries. The second was El's Drive-In. This is not a stand, though not much bigger, but an honest to god drive-in. 

Servers come to you car, take your order, and bring you your food. I'm still about astounded at the number of steps these servers must get in a day. The parking lot is paved with no lines, and these servers make it look effortless to flit from car to car and back to the kitchen.

We arrived mid morning on a Saturday, and my husband ordered a bacon egg, and cheese, sandwich--with mayo, but I went straight for the dogs. Service was quick, and the food was very good.

A delicious Carolina Hot Dog

My hot dog had a pleasantly smoky flavor. At first, I thought it might be the chili, but as I thought about it over a few more bites, I believe the wiener itself was smoked. What a great idea. The chili was meaty, and the slaw, though a bit too sweet, was clearly homemade--chili and slaw both being crucial to a better Carolina dog.

The breakfast sandwich was also great. 

El's Drive-in is a definite do again next time we're in the area.

My verdict: 4 weenies.

Big Oak Drive-in & Bar-B-Q

Big Oak Drive-in

 My husband and I got the chance to break away for the weekend and decided to go to Pine Knoll Shores, a beach we do not normally haunt. The trip offered us the opportunity to try a new hot dog or two.

First up: Big Oak Drive-in & Bar-B-Q.

After searching for hot dogs near Emerald Isle, I read about this little barbecue and seafood joint. It's really an old fashioned fast food stand. Irresistible, right?

Featured in Our State magazine

Purely for research, ya know, I ordered a couple of dogs all-the-way. 

I love how these days all-the-way means mustard, slaw, chili, and onions. When I was a kid, all-the-way meant mustard, chili, and onions. But I digress.

So, I got my dog--and an oyster burger. Didn't care much for the oyster burger. In fact, I didn't finish it. I had hoped it would be like an oyster po boy in New Orleans. Not. But this is about the dogs!

Quite a contrast to the oyster burger, the dogs were delightful: a nice combination of meaty chili, homemade slaw, onions and mustard. The chili had a hint of spice, and the slaw was clearly fresh and homemade. All worked pretty well to make a nice Carolina hot dog.

Yummy Carolina Hot Dog

If you go, just know that there's no place to sit, cash only, and they don't post any closing time. If you're in the area, definitely a good place to grab a tasty dog. My hubby said the burger was great! And the fries were, too!

My verdict: 4 weenies

Bill's Hot Dogs

Bill's Hot Dogs

For years, a couple of friends of mine have been telling me about a unique hot dog experience in (Little) Washington, NC. Trouble was... I don’t find myself in that area very often. When my husband and I decided to celebrate my birthday at the Chef and the Farmer in Kinston, we thought it would be a perfect opportunity to make our way to Little Washington the next day. As luck would have it, the friends who have raved for years about Bill’s Hot Dog Stand were able to meet us for the experience.

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