My recent Parkersburg swing allowed me to visit another HDJ that I've received lots of email about: Mr. But for now, RPM scores a very good 4.5 Weenie rating. After I ordered I noticed a spicy option, and I've already decided to schedule a revisit to check it out. Not quite a Five -Weenie, because the chili was a little too tame. The all-beef weenie added the extra oomph that made this a special dog. The whole dog was kind of salty tasting, which was unusual but not unsavory. It went perfectly with the chili, which was a little on the tame side spice-wise, but had a good flavor nonetheless. It tasted great too: Very fresh and lightly sweet. The slaw was gorgeous, finely chopped with enough carrots to give it some great color. They were really nice and soft by the time I got them to the car, and unwrapping them was a treat. I was pleased to look in the bag and see that the dogs were individually wrapped in aluminum foil. I stopped when I saw 'West Virginia Hot Dog' with its chili, slaw, mustard and onions. I was in a hurry so I didn't have much time to peruse the menu board. This kind of lawn ornamentation definitely says loudly and proudly that this is a Hot Dog Joint. The most impressive piece of decorating, though, is not inside but standing outside in the parking lot: A five foot tall weenie pouring ketchup over its head! Ketchup! (at least it has a bottle of what looks like mustard in the other hand) I've seen this statue at other HDJs before, but this one is unique because it is wearing a cape made from an American flag. I'm guessing the owner is a car enthusiast. RPM Restaurant, obviously a reference to automobile terminology (revolutions per minute) since the interior is decorated with cars: Little model cars all over the place. If you're in the area, be sure to stop by and grab a couple for the road (if you don't mind waiting behind with the long line of locals).Ī new Capital City HDJ has opened in the former home of the Patrick Street location of Sam's Hot Dog Stand. This T&L location deserves no more or less than four weenies. Sometimes you have to take the good with the bad. Then again, fresh cut fries are an art form. Sure, it's a timing issue, but nothing a little more experience and practice won't fix. Listed by the moniker “Freedom Fries” on the menu, they have a tendency to get either overcooked on the outside or under cooked on the inside. It's finely ground, with a wonderful mix of flavorings that blends well with the hearty, beefy taste from the cooked-just-right meat.Ībout the only thing I wish this T&L would improve on (aside from the parking, which is beyond their control) are the fresh-cut fries. Right below is that famous T&L chili, which you can get in mild (good for most), medium (not for the casual fan), and hot (how brave are ya?). You can't help but smile a little from the great taste. It's got a pleasurable taste that melds sweet and tart on the perfect plane.

Starting at the top of each WVHD is a very fresh slaw mix, featuring that finely chopped cabbage, carrot, and dressing combo that goes well with any variety of hot dog you can think of. I suspect the limited cooking area factors into this, but it doesn't really matter since the hot dogs are the star of the show here. Many of the other locations offer up the likes of steak hoagies, kielbasa, and so forth. The menu here is relatively simple, with only hot dogs and hamburgers listed (of course fries and chips are also available). The snug dining area follows the typical T&L 50's motif, with reprints of classic advertisements, movie posters, and the like adorning the walls.

Everything from the ladles to the fry slicer is well worn but highly cleaned, giving the place a lot of character. You'll be able to watch the experts in action. The cooking area is wide open for view, and markedly smaller than some other HDJs. There was a hint of freshly ground black pepper to boot.

It was not too thick to clump or too thin to run. The cabbage was finely shredded and chopped, which allowed to dressing to weave into the mixture. This was not your typical HDJ slaw, but rather a flawlessly balanced sweet/tangy promenade. The slaw was nothing short of to die for. My order arrived in a relatively short amount of time, and I was more than pleased by the quality of my hot dogs. No doubt this family puts their all into this fantastic establishment. “Mom” was constantly referred to, and it was easy to figure out which one in the kitchen area she was. My ultra-friendly waitress was happy to point out that everything on the menu is homemade. Each table has its own roll of paper towels on a spool, which is more than a 's a necessity to help sop up all the lip-smacking goodness. It's directly adjoined with a wide-open cooking area, separated only by a counter with some stools. The dining area is spacious while remaining warm and inviting just the same.

Commercial cabbage slicer for coleslaw