Shortys

07/03/2007 Posted by fallsgirl

I grew up in Wake Forest and remember going to the Christmas parade as a little girl and always having a Shorty's hot dog while waiting for the parade to start. And of course I had to go there during lunch when I was in high school. Still, to this day, no one else's hot dogs even remotely compare to Shorty's (and I was in high school a long time ago). There's nothing fancy about the place, but who cares when their hot dogs are this good. And every once in a while if you eat there instead of taking your food to-go, you'll hear the train going by just behind the old building. It kinda makes you feel like you're visiting the past. You're not going to find a better hot dog anywhere. God Bless Shorty's!!

06/09/2007 Posted by jcg1966

My husband and I are new to the area. We decided to go to shortys for lunch. Neither of us have ever had a southern dog before. I loved them! so did my husband. I had two dogs with chili and my husband had two dogs with chili and onions. The southern red hot dogs are mild in taste and smaller than compared to the northern hot dogs I am used too. I have to say hands down they taste better! The decor is outdated(70's style) but that does not bother me. It would be nice if someday the owner could restore it to look similar to when it first opened. We were there for lunch on a wednsday around 1:30 and it was not crowded. We will definately be back.

Pros: great hot dogs!

Cons: none

01/10/2007 Posted by cpheels

My husband was born and raised in Wake Forest, and he thinks Shorty's hot dogs are just short of nirvana. I, on the other hand, grew up a few counties over and I don't see what all the fuss is about. My personal opinion is that they're just hot dogs - the red, Jesse Jones-style hot dogs - that come on a steamed bun (that's kind of nice) with Texas Pete canned chili, onions, and mustard. The fries are good - thick and potatoey - and you have your choice of canned and bottled drinks. Personally, I've had better. But alas, I'm in the minority. Up here in Wake Forest, the locals will line up out the door to get a taste of Shorty's dogs. Nobody doesn't love them. My mother-in-law, a native who moved out-of-town a few years ago, even has us bring a bag full of them to her every time we visit. So even though I don't get it, who am I to trample on an age-old tradition? Go check out Shorty's for yourself and see if it sends you to hot dog heaven.

Pros: The locals love it

Cons: Sometimes crowded, indifferent service

07/18/2006 Posted by n2chow

Soft warm buns, red southern style weiner (Jesse Jones to be exact), mustard, cole slaw that is not too sweet and a meaty chili with just the right zing or add a dash or two of Texas Pete (a North Carolina product with a Texas name - go figure) if you want a little extra heat. We drive 40+ minutes each way just to get these hot dogs. These types of dogs used to be found all over NC, but are getting harder and harder to find. (Plenty of the all beef, kosher, Sarbrett, Chicago style, etc) but the old southern style red hot dogs are what we like. Burgers and other things are good, but we drive the distance to get the Hot Dogs. Still have Cokes in the glass bottles too.

07/05/2006 Posted by blondeoverbluenc

Shorty's is the place to go when you're craving a good ol' greasy burger, or a basket of hot cheese fries. The food is fantastic, and I've been going there since I was a kid. Although most visitors are thrown off by the lack of decor, most of us "usuals" consider Shorty's to be a staple in our lives...however haphazard it all looks. So if you're looking for some affordable, American cuisine (and maybe a quick game of pool?), grab a booth at Shorty's.

Pros: best hot dog in the South

Cons: messy, confused decor

08/08/2002 Posted by afreeman

Nearby Southeastern Seminary must be praying for God's hand in Shorty's hot dogs. They're like no other on earth. I hated to move to Charlotte and miss out on Shorty's best.

Pros: Best Hot dogs, Great burgers, Glass bottled Cokes

Cons: Only 1 location

06/07/2002 Posted by duke31

great chili cheese dogs and hamburgers all the way... but if you dont like a old run down smokey atmosphere you may not wanna go. everyone should go at least once. its pretty good food. really greasy.

Pros: inexpensive, game room for kids

Cons: parking on curb, smokey