I found myself in Downtown Waynesboro recently around lunchtime. How convenient. Any excuse will do when it comes to getting a couple of hot dogs from Sam’s Hot Dogs in Waynesboro.
In my humble opinion, there are three places that stand out when it comes to great hot dogs – Jack ‘N Jill in Charlottesville Jim’s Drive In (Lewisburg, WV) and Sam’s in Waynesboro. All good, but none are better than Sam’s.
Their hot dogs are simply perfect. I ordered mine – as always – with chili, mustard, slaw and onions, but they will throw everything on them but the kitchen sink if you ask.
Sam’s is actually part of a franchise. The company was originated because a fellow hot dog lover, Frank Lucente, became addicted to hot dogs from a local stand in Huntington, WV. Every time he came back home, he ordered those dogs. Then the company went out of business and Frank scrambled to find someone who knew the recipe for their special chili. He did and then opened his first store in 1983. There are now 45 Sam’s franchises in the southeast.
These dogs are special because they use only all-beef hot dogs. They steam their buns, and make their coleslaw (that is superb) and cut onions fresh, daily.
Sam’s has other items on the menu, including BBQ, egg salad and tuna salad, but if you go to a hot dog stand, get the hot dogs.
The Waynesboro restaurant is truly a hole in the wall. It is 8-feet wide, really, and about 50 feet deep, but they can squeeze a dozen diners in a time and the take-out traffic is non-stop. Their prices are most reasonable, the service is first-rate and their hot dogs are among the best I have ever eaten
Sam’s is located at 416 W, Main Street, If you are passing through and want to call in a an order, it’s 540-942-9093.
Truly great hot dogs!