Virginia has a long love affair with the hot dog, and the best proof is still sitting on counters from Roanoke to Norfolk, usually buried under chili, onions, mustard, and a pile of slaw. The places on this list are not trendy pop-ups with fancy toppings.
They are counter-seat diners, walk-up windows, and car-hop drive-ins, some of them serving the same simple dogs since the 1930s, 1950s, or not long after. If you like cheap eats, a little history with your lunch, and a road trip excuse that ends with a paper tray and extra napkins, save this list and send it to the friend who always orders one more hot dog.
1. Texas Tavern, Roanoke, VA
Roanoke has had a 24-hour answer to late-night hunger since 1930. Texas Tavern sits at 114 Church Ave SW downtown, and the family-owned counter has never needed more than a handful of stools and a short menu to keep people coming back.
The chili is the reason the place is famous. It was inspired by the flavors of San Antonio, which explains the Texas name on a Virginia street corner…