Hot dogs are serious business in West Virginia. There, a classic slaw dog means a ballpark frank on a steamed (not toasted) bun, topped with spicy, finely grained chili (more of a thin sauce than a stew), creamy slaw, chopped onions, and yellow mustard (both optional)—ketchup and pickles need not apply.
The state even celebrates its take on the American classic with the annual West Virginia Hot Dog Festival in Huntington. “Unlike so many other places, Huntington still has all these decades-old, family-run hot-dog joints,” says the festival coordinator Kym York-Blake. She shares some of her favorite spots in town, as well as a few to plug into your GPS.
Courtesy of Frostop
Frostop
1449 Hal Greer Blvd., Huntington
“Its 1950s location serves as a Huntington landmark,” York-Blake says. “Just look for the rotating mug of root beer on the roof top.”
COURTESY OF STEWARTS ORIGINAL HOT DOGS
Stewarts Original Hot Dogs
2445 Fifth Ave., Huntington and 1025 Oak St., Kenova
“Owned and operated by five generations of the Mandt family since 1932.”
COURTESY OF THE CUSTARD STAND
The Custard Stand
Six restaurants, including 51 S. Main St., Webster Springs
“They now package their famous hot-dog chili and sell it in grocery stores.”
COURTESY OF KING TUT DRIVE-IN
King Tut Drive-In
301 N. Eisenhower Dr., Beckley
“Get your dog all the way, with mustard, onion, chili, and extra-creamy slaw.”
Courtesy of Skeenies
Skeenies
2399 Sissonville Dr., Charleston
“Open since 1953, Skeenies knows weenies!”
Yann’s Hot Dog Stand
300 Washington St., Fairmont
“There’s no ketchup to be found here. They want people to taste their hot dogs.”
COURTESY OF MIDWAY DRIVE-IN
Midway Drive-In
445 6th Ave W., Huntington
“Established in 1939, Midway has been a staple on the west side of Huntington.”
“Sam’s has locations in Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Georgia,” York-Blake says. “All locations serve their famous hot dog sauce on all-beef wieners.”
