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| - Extremely disappointing experience.
I visited Hot Dog Heaven near the end of January, 2012. It is located in what was formerly Famous Uncle Al's Hot Dog & Grill. While that place was decent overall, it was immensely better than the current eatery.
First Impressions:
The first thing you'll notice when you walk in is the feel that someone found an abandoned hot dog restaurant, is squatting in the location, and trying to pass off their own establishment. Leftover, mismatch and weird decor is everywhere. It just feels like a strange place the moment you step in the front door.
Menu:
The front of the menu states Hot Dog Heaven has "51 Years in Business". I can not imagine how this is true, at this location or any other.
The hot dogs range from $3.50 to $4.59, depending on what type you get. The party I was with tried several different types, all equally disappointing. You can also get a plain dog for $2.50, which is located in the 'Side Orders' section for some reason. Ridiculously over priced for the size and quality of the dogs.
The actual dog is a standard, small, boiled hot dog with very little flavor. As they were prepared, we were shocked to find the cook just grabbed them out of a tray, slapped them on a bun, and started topping them. He had a griddle right next to him, why not toss the dogs on there for even 30 seconds to add some bite and flavor?
The chili on the chili dogs was bland, can quality at best. Again, very little flavor. The tiniest sprinkle of cheese was added, and plain white onions. There seemed to be no interest in sprucing them up a bit in any way. It was like I was in line at a school cafeteria.
The kraut dog was awful, to the point where my friend didn't even want to finish it.
They also have Hot Wings which are, believe it or not, $9 for 7 wings. They do come with a handful of fries, but at that price you should get double the wings at least. Even a pickle (yes, just 1 whole, bulk purchased pickle), will cost you $1.59.
The soda machine seems to be constantly broke, as one of my friends mentioned it was that way when he went his one and only time as well.
Overall:
I could not be more disappointed in a place. I was really hoping for a great local hot dog eatery, but this is not it. Steer clear, while it's still open.
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