A Hot Doggery Classic with Hints of Chaos and Character

Vienna beef, basketball shorts, and toy dinosaurs—what more could you want at your neighborhood hot dog joint? 

By Nina Raemont

Within seconds of walking in the door, I had sensed the overall character of the Wienery. The restaurant has a simultaneous run-down yet well-run aura to it: toy dinosaurs, an empty maple syrup dispenser, and a “Curious George” coloring book scattered one vacant table. Below that table, two toddlers assumed the role of fire hazards as they played on the floor and blocked the entrance, while above them, the owner took, cooked, and delivered orders expeditiously. Dressed in an old t-shirt and Adidas basketball shorts, he cordially welcomed those old and new, remembering the regulars’ orders and explaining to Wienery virgins how the menu was organized. 

The plethora of options on the menu accommodates all kinds of dietary restrictive foodies, from vegans to carnivores. At such a classic diner, you wouldn’t expect modern options. I tried the Vienna Beef Chicago Dog, while my friend ordered the vegan version. The dog was delicious; its beef was flavorful, yet the size of the dog was smaller than anticipated. The vegan dog was intensely flavorful but the “snap” of a conventional dog was understandably absent in the meat alternative. Cheap, delicious, and filling, the Wienery Combo offers any style hot dog of your choice, a hefty side of perfectly crisp fries, and a fountain drink, all for $7.50. 

This place felt like a hidden gem of West Bank with its welcoming and quirky nature, delicious dogs, and cheap prices. Nested between the Cedar Cultural Center and the Baarakallah Restaurant, the Wienery provides a hole-in-the-wall diner experience with all the comfort and customer service of a well-run establishment and effusive character that will leave you with pleasure long after the meal has been finished.