Open since 1973, Doug’s Hot Dogs is a great little place to stop by for lunch. It is clean, cozy, staffed with friendly faces and is so inexpensive you’re likely to feel a little guilty with that big belly and small check. The prices are a time warp back to the Reagan administration.
I haven’t been living in the neighborhood very long and haven’t been out to explore much. Recently, a friend from DC came to visit and while taking a leisure drive down Ocean View Avenue he spotted the little red building and asked to stop. I obliged as my stomach was rumbling from skipping breakfast.
The building is on a little peninsula of road on Granby Street. It is small, red and quite plain in appearance. If you seek bells and whistles to draw you in, you will surely be missing out on the hidden treasures of the good old fashioned yummy stuff inside.
We entered and were greeted with a bright hello from 2 friendly ladies eager to put something in front of us. We chose the basic chili dog with mustard and onions and wow…less than 2 bucks? Really?
For days afterward, I thought about Doug’s. I made a few attempts to visit again, but it was always after 6 or on a Sunday and they were closed.
So, I craved, then I dreamt…and finally I obsessed. Yeah, this was serious.
The other day, my daughter and I had some time to spare and all I could think about was Doug’s. I made the drive down Ocean View once again hardly believing I could be that excited about a hot dog place. My daughter groaned and rolled her eyes in that teenager way at my chilish excitement over something so simple. If only she knew…
So, we entered to the same friendly faces I had seen before and this time I was sampling more than one item. I ordered the irresistable beef hot dogs ( they have Hormel for those non beef eaters) with chili, cheese, mustard and onions. I couldn’t resist wanting a try of that Carolina style barbeque, so I ordered one up and held on the coleslaw, which is probably good for those who like coleslaw in general. I am not one of them.
My daughter started with a hot bowl of chunky vegetable beef soup. She is a picky eater, but seemed impressed by not only the size of the bowl but the content as well. A handful of crackers and 5 minutes later she was searching the menu for her next conquest..
She decided on 2 chili dogs with cheese. She only finished one. The soup had filled in the gap and the first hot dog was barely able to top it off before she gave up. Ah well. We can always go back…
And we will.
The best part is I have never seen it crowded. It is small, but not uncomfortable. Better still if you plan a visit to Ocean View Beach park you can leave your picnic basket behind as Dougs is right across the street!
It is no wonder this little gem has been going strong since 1973. Give Doug’s a try. You can thank me later.
Posted by oceanvieweast 
Posted by oceanvieweast 