Bill's Hot Dog Stand

After hearing the history and hype, I had to at least give it a try. Man am I glad I did. It is a simple, no-frills, hot dog joint. The food hasn't changed in 96 years and the store probably hasn't either. That is NOT a bad thing. It is a step back in time and sometimes a bit of nostalgia makes everything better. As for the food. It is a simple red hot hot dog served on a steamed bun. This isn't something that will win Master Chef or get them a James Beard Award. If that is what you're expecting, you're missing the whole point of what a hot dog joint is. They simply have three things you can put on your dog; yellow mustard, diced onions, and their "house recipe chili". The chili is good, in its own unique way. The chili is a white bean chili with some spice. I'm fairly sure it is "thickened" with corn starch l, so it has a texture different from every other chili I've had (I'm a native Texan, so that is a LOT of chili). I had to approach it with an open mind, because it wasn't a "chili sauce" (like Cincinnati raves about), chili con carne (Texas style), or really anything I was used to. With all that said, it is tasty and I will definitely get it on my dogs in the future. It does have some heat, which is a very subjective thing. On a 1 to 10 scale, I'd place it at a 4. It hits a medium level with a lingering burn that is enough to open sinuses,but won't make you sweat or give you stomach cramps. So, in summation, I say if you want a simple and quick bite for lunch as you stroll the little Washington downtown and riverfront, you can't go wrong with a Bill's Hot Dog or three. Grab some chips and a soda and wander South towards the river and grab a bench or picnic table. What you are doing is continuing on a lunch tradition in the area that goes back to before the Great Depression.

I give it a 5 star because I had no idea what it was gonna be like! Very North Carolinian and it was amazing!! The people there were very friendly and the food was good! I like how it felt like you traveled back in time the moment you walk up to the door! Never had Bills hot dogs before but I’d definitely go back! Recommend this if you want something authentic, different and are an adventurous person!

The last time I was there until last week was in 1983 when I was a teenager. I am so excited to say that nothing had changed much since then. The hot dogs were just as good and the chili was still as 'peppery' as I remember it. I believe the lady that put it together for me is the same one working back then also! Do yourself a favor and try one of these hot dogs - it is worth the drive to Washington for them!

We came all the way from CT and this was top of my husband's list of places he wanted to visit. He grew up here & remembers when the hot dogs sold for 50 cents! He always spoke of highly of them so I was excited to try them out. Well they are a little over $2 now but worth every penny 🙂 The hot dog was hot & fresh and has a delicious flavor. The chili sauce was good imo, I liked that it had a little heat to it, but it wasn't overpowering. I'm glad I didn't read reviews until after I had one. People either love 'em or hate 'em I guess, so I might not have tried them based on Google reviews. I enjoyed them immensely tho. I'd say def give them a try. Worst case scenario you're not impressed, but at least cross it off your list & since its right by the water you'll at least enjoy the view!