Whoever said they ordered their Bill's Hotdog with ketchup obviously didn't realize that Bill's doesn't even OFFER ketchup. You can get your Bill's dog with three options: chilli (secret family recipe and there's no meat in the chilli) chopped onion and mustard. NO ketchup even in the building.
The buns are steamed. Sorry that person didn't appreciate the experience.
I get two with just chilli, extra chilli. I don't eat them as often as I wish to because I have a gluten allergy and the dogs aren't the same if you take away the bun.
Was raised up eating Bill's Hot Dog. I don't eat them anywhere but at Bills. I always get two hot dogs all the way extra onions, orange drink and a bag of chips. Yep good to me.
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After hearing the history and hype, I had to at least give it a try. Man am I glad I did.
It is a simple, no-frills, hot dog joint. The food hasn't changed in 96 years and the store probably hasn't either. That is NOT a bad thing. It is a step back in time and sometimes a bit of nostalgia makes everything better.
As for the food. It is a simple red hot hot dog served on a steamed bun. This isn't something that will win Master Chef or get them a James Beard Award. If that is what you're expecting, you're missing the whole point of what a hot dog joint is. They simply have three things you can put on your dog; yellow mustard, diced onions, and their "house recipe chili". The chili is good, in its own unique way.
The chili is a white bean chili with some spice. I'm fairly sure it is "thickened" with corn starch l, so it has a texture different from every other chili I've had (I'm a native Texan, so that is a LOT of chili). I had to approach it with an open mind, because it wasn't a "chili sauce" (like Cincinnati raves about), chili con carne (Texas style), or really anything I was used to. With all that said, it is tasty and I will definitely get it on my dogs in the future. It does have some heat, which is a very subjective thing. On a 1 to 10 scale, I'd place it at a 4. It hits a medium level with a lingering burn that is enough to open sinuses,but won't make you sweat or give you stomach cramps.
So, in summation, I say if you want a simple and quick bite for lunch as you stroll the little Washington downtown and riverfront, you can't go wrong with a Bill's Hot Dog or three. Grab some chips and a soda and wander South towards the river and grab a bench or picnic table. What you are doing is continuing on a lunch tradition in the area that goes back to before the Great Depression.
Bill's Hot Dog stand is an all American classic. They have been serving the same great hot dogs since 1928. 1 of the women behind the counter has worked here for over 50 years! The hot dogs are a style called 'Carolina Red' that has a destinct flavor and color. Really the only way to order them is 'all the way' : mustard, onions and a delicious white chili that has a bit of spice. They deep fry the dogs and put the condiments on the roll first and then the hot dog on top so it looks plain. For $2 it can't be beat. The southern charm is wonderful too. Bill's also has a food truck but I have only gotten them from their physical location. They are located right near downtown by the river front in Washington. Highly recommended!
We came all the way from CT and this was top of my husband's list of places he wanted to visit. He grew up here & remembers when the hot dogs sold for 50 cents! He always spoke of highly of them so I was excited to try them out. Well they are a little over $2 now but worth every penny 🙂 The hot dog was hot & fresh and has a delicious flavor. The chili sauce was good imo, I liked that it had a little heat to it, but it wasn't overpowering. I'm glad I didn't read reviews until after I had one. People either love 'em or hate 'em I guess, so I might not have tried them based on Google reviews. I enjoyed them immensely tho. I'd say def give them a try. Worst case scenario you're not impressed, but at least cross it off your list & since its right by the water you'll at least enjoy the view!
I give it a 5 star because I had no idea what it was gonna be like! Very North Carolinian and it was amazing!! The people there were very friendly and the food was good! I like how it felt like you traveled back in time the moment you walk up to the door! Never had Bills hot dogs before but I’d definitely go back! Recommend this if you want something authentic, different and are an adventurous person!
Be ready to wait! The hot dogs were pretty good but the nostalgia of the 1928 hot dog restaurant and it's team made it worth the trip! Their white bean Chilli is a little hot Enjoy reading about the restaurant's history from newspaper clippings along the wall as you wait in line. It does move pretty fast for the number of people. Just know there are no tables! Hopefully you will be lucky enough to grab one of the benches out front!
A NC eating landmark. Much like Henry Ford, you can get any cool or as long as it's black. At Bills you can have anything you want but provided it's a hot dog. Located 2 blocks from the Washington waterfront an he park. Get a few dogs wonder over to the few park and enjoy the few views
Old school atmosphere. We always try to make a stop at Bill’s when driving through.
The best chili dog EVER! I like if that it’s not greasy at all. Spicy and full of flavor.
What a legendary spot! Two blocks from the waterfront, grab a sack of hot dogs and enjoy them by the water (as there's no dine-in anyway.) "All the way" has their signature chili, mustard and white onions. While some say it's sacrilege, they will give you a ketchup packet at the checkout. It's like stepping back in time when you enter Bill's...nothing seems to have changed since I first started eating these tasty dogs years and years ago. Pro tip: do not get just one! Also, try to visit at off hours or call-in your order for pick-up.
What a great old school hot dog joint plus they have their “own” chili, have never had any like it anywhere else
May not be for everybody but if your in Little Washington & you want a “Mayberry” type of experience then give Bill’s a try
Just don’t ask for fries, LOL
We've heard a lot about the place having the best hot dogs in North Carolina and decided to check it out. It is certainly popular because there was a line of people buying them as fast as the three women behind the counter were making them. They're different and I guess that's the draw. They are deep fried...of course... it's the south! They're in a regular bun with a generous helping of yellow mustard, chopped onions and white bean chili. There is no indoor seating, and a few benches on the sidewalk. Being from NY, I grew up on Nathan's and Sabretts, so I'm very jaded. These are very spicy. I'm not saying they are bad, just a different spin on regular dogs, and I personally wouldn't put them up there with good NY street dogs boiled with a touch of beer. Sorry locals, I'm just a damn Yankee, so don't be offended if I'm not a total fan. They're definitely worth a try!
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