Two Institutions of Higher Wieners
There’s plenty of hot dog joints here in the Atlanta area, but only two are recognized as hot dog institutions, besides The Varsity of course.
Let’s start with Brandi’s World Famous Hot Dogs (1377 Church Street Ext NE, Marietta, 770.422.3681). This area classic started as Betty’s World Famous Hot Dogs. Betty retired and sold the — along with her famous chili recipe — to Brandi.
At what is now Brandi’s hot dog shack, young professionals rub elbows with the white hair overalls set to get their spicy chili dog fix. This chili is so hot the waitresses offer to strain the chili (taking away some of its fiery sting) for the less tolerant. One of these pork/beef dogs smothered in chili will only set you back $1.85. You’ll need at least two.
My next stop is Barkers Red Hots (3000 Windy Hill Road, Marietta, 770.272.0407). Barker’s began as a downtown push cart operation in 1984, Atlanta’s first fully licensed street vending operation. They are now a Windy Hill strip storefront, but the food is every bit as good, if not better.
Barkers serves up a unique plump, juicy, fat beef dog made exclusively for them by Sahlen’s, a popular fifth generation sausage maker in Buffalo. Glenn Robbins (owner) tediously stands over each dog pressing them against the heat to ensure a blistery charcoal char. The classic and most recommended toppings here is Barker’s hot sauce, onions and pickle sliver. The hot sauce isn’t a fiery napalm like Brandi’s chili, but the singe slowly accumulates until perfectly around the outer edges of the mouth.
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Brandi’s is an area classic! I especially love the “we don’t take any shit” attitude.
huh? pizza guru, i’ve been to brandi’s several times but never noticed the attitude. are you sure you’re talking about the same place?
brandi’s is rough, and very redneck. i do love me a good spicy chili dog though.
Barker’s hot dogs get the grubba’s vote! Next time your there try teh beef on weck its great.
+1 in regards to the beef on weck at Barkers….it’s probably the best in town. What really makes it is that salty homemade Kummelweck bread. The fresh horseradish practically shoots smoke out the ears with every bite. Man, is that good stuff.
Barkers is the real deal! The best beef on Weck in the south, I guarantee. And those signature hot dogs are the best hot dogs I’ve eaten since I moved from the western NY area. Barkers has created a fun, comfortable, family eating experience that will keep me coming back year after year. The staff at Barkers are the most friendly and welcoming group, while the restaurant is one of the cleanest spots I’ve ever eaten at.
Tom in your story the address for Barkers is wrong — should be 3000 Windy Hill Rd. I know looked for and couldn’t find it. When I finally did it was awesome!! Thanks!!
I’ve been going to Brandi’s for years and it’s as good as advertised. I don’t bother with the Varsity anymore. Last time I was in town I tried Barkers. I made the mistake of getting it with their chili (not good at all), which killed the dog. Next time, I’ll try it with something else. Probably just mustard.
Bill, I like the Barkers dog with their signature sauce, onions and pickles. The sauce is only slightly spicy, if at all……great flavor tho.