My husband was born and raised in Wake Forest, and he thinks Shorty's hot dogs are just short of nirvana. I, on the other hand, grew up a few counties over and I don't see what all the fuss is about. My personal opinion is that they're just hot dogs - the red, Jesse Jones-style hot dogs - that come on a steamed bun (that's kind of nice) with Texas Pete canned chili, onions, and mustard. The fries are good - thick and potatoey - and you have your choice of canned and bottled drinks. Personally, I've had better. But alas, I'm in the minority. Up here in Wake Forest, the locals will line up out the door to get a taste of Shorty's dogs. Nobody doesn't love them. My mother-in-law, a native who moved out-of-town a few years ago, even has us bring a bag full of them to her every time we visit. So even though I don't get it, who am I to trample on an age-old tradition? Go check out Shorty's for yourself and see if it sends you to hot dog heaven.
Pros: The locals love it
Cons: Sometimes crowded, indifferent service
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