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rootbeer stande

Quest For The Best: Hot Dog

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Springtime means the return of baseball, the opening of local ice cream and concession stands and the first firing up of the backyard grill. For me, its the return of the hotdog.
This uniquely American treat came here from Germany and quickly gained prominence on carts and at hot dog stands. Mostly associated with baseball and youth concession stands, the hotdog has made its way to menus across Dayton and we are happy about that.
Here’s where you can find the best hotdogs in Dayton:

Zombie Dogz

1200 Brown St #150, Dayton

Photo Cred: Yelp user Brett P (trio of dogs)
No one has done more to elevate the lowly hotdog than Zombie Dogs. I am not a Zombie guy. The entire genre confuses me. The menu at ZD does not confuse me. If it’s your first time here are a few reminders:
Get the tots. Trust me.Get a a few of the mini dogs. It is too hard to settle on just one dog. But. If you must choose just one. I’d suggest the Calling in Dead. It is their 1/4 all beef dog covered in Truffle Mac and Cheese with a Parmesan breadcrumb on top. It sounds heavy. Its not. Still get the tots. I’d also suggest the Chicago style, just ask for it. Juan of the Dead is popular as well, the big dog covered in pulled pork and bbq sauce. Crazy good. These are not concession stand, overly cooked mystery meat dogs. This is hotdogs on a whole ‘nother level.
Get the tots.

Rootbeer Stande

1727 Woodman Drive Dayton
Footlong hotdogs for under $5.00. You may remember I mentioned this place in my quest for the Best Pork Tenderloin, but when I want a good old school hotdog, the Stande is my go to. Here’s why.
Sauerkraut. Yes. Sauerkraut. Few places you can get a hotdog with it. They also serve Nathan’s all beef dog in a Chicago style, the Hound Dog with bacon and bbq sauce, and the Uncle Reuben. This one is made like a Reuben. Kraut, Swiss Cheese and 1000 Island dressing. Don’t wear your dress shirt for this one. The Dirty D. Bacon wrapped and deep fried. Don’t tell your doctor. Just order it with a Rootbeer and thank me later. Final two words. Onion Rings. Hot and fresh for you always at this drive up stand.

Gibbs Ole-Tyme Hamburgers

535 E Dixie Dr West Carrollton

Some would call this is cheap imitation of the Miamisburg Hamburger Wagon. Don’t listen to those negative people. This place has a similar burger, yes. But they also have one of the best hotdogs I’ve ever had in town. The Southern Dog. Deep fried along side the cast iron burgers, toped with mustard, chili, onion, mustard and slaw. Yes. AND SLAW. Its a big messy bite but perfectly balanced with hot and cold, sweet and savory. A perfect lunch is two sliders, one hotdog and a cold Coca Cola. If the Southern Dog is too much, go with the more familiar Coney Dog, coney sauce, onion and cheese.

Trolley Stop

530 East 5th Street Dayton
I’ve been known to say things like…Trolley..best patio in Dayton. Best chip dip in Dayton. Best Veggie burger.
However, the Double Dogs, a fork and knife kinda deal, should not be overlooked. Two beef hotdogs, chili (house made), onions, cheese and it comes with MikeSells chips and Herbie dip. I mentioned the dip earlier. Its worth mentioning twice. They’ve taken the hotdog to a new level here. It feels almost fancy.

Chicago Gyro and Dogs

3979 Indian Ripple Road, Beavercreek
Chicago Authentic
You’ve seen this place on my quest list before. They rank high in my book for Dayton’s best Gyro. For friends who ask for the best Chicago style dog, I send them here. Vienna Beef dogs are brought in from Chicago along with that neon green relish and sport peppers. They even have the poppy seed bug and celery salt on top like they do in the Windy City. Where else can you get an authentic Chicago style dog with authentic Chicago ingredients, made by a guy who hails from Chicago? Hint. This is the only place in Dayton and it’s only $3.00. They have a Cincy dog too, chili, cheese and onion and they are serving some of the best fries in town.
Where do you find a great Cuban sandwich? Let us know in the comments.
Check Bryan’s other quests:

Quest For The Best: Cuban Sandwich

Quest for the Best Biscuits and Gravy

Quest for Dayton’s Best: Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

The Root Beer Stande, Dayton’s Essential Part of Summer

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Every summer has a “must do” activity.  When it comes to food in the Dayton Area, one such tradition is The Root Beer Stande.  It has everything you could want in a Food Adventure.  There is nostalgia, fun, good eats, and great drink.  Located at 1727 Woodman Drive, this restaurant has been a Dayton summertime staple since at least the 1960’s.  Originally an A&W Root Beer Stand, it changed to The Root Beer Stande decades ago, delivering great, casual food ever since.  Gone are the rollerskating waitresses, but much has remained the same over the decades.

A Dayton Summer Tradition – The Root Beer Stande

This place is  a “Drive-in” where patrons drive up, park and are served in their vehicle by “car-hops” who work on tips, just like waitresses.  There is  car port parking where oldies tunes are heard overhead on a speaker system.   Parking is also available in various uncovered spots around the building.  It is a great dining experience, and the young staff is very friendly.  When they are busy, you may have to wait a little bit to get your food, so don’t go there if you are in a hurry.   The fun begins when you pull in, and one of the cute servers slaps a small plastic sheet on patron’s windshields with a serving number.  After your order is taken, make sure you roll your window up a third, so they can place the tray with your food on the window as an overhang.  One little known tradition is that putting your car headlights on lets the server know that you are ready to leave and need to have your tray removed.

Happiness in a Mug

The Big Ragu have been frequenting this establishment since 1973 and has some recommendations.  First and foremost, nothing beats one of their cold root beers on a hot summer’s day.  In our opinion, this is the star of the menu and of course their namesake.  Homemade root beer with an original taste is why we love it.  Our tip here is to make sure and order the root beer in a glass mug, because it just doesn’t taste as good in paper “to go” cups.  The root beer here is so good, that your Food Adventurers have been known to order a second mug during the meal.

The Big Ragu loves a good hot dog and The Root Beer Stande serves up some decent “short dog” and “footlong” options.  We usually get the footlong hot dog.  It is simple and the taste is a great memory from our childhood.   Various topping choices include mustard, relish, chili, ketchup, onions and more.  Grab one and enjoy the view.

The Big Ragu loves their hamburger options and usually grabs a “Ladyburger.”  Yes, we realize the name of this smaller hamburger may be a bit embarrassing, but The Big Ragu is in touch with his feminine side from time to time.   The Big Ragu also recommends that you try the deep fried mushrooms.  Beware, these breaded mushrooms are made to order and served hot, so do not scald yourself by biting into one of these crispy, yet juicy treats.

Nothing fancy – just an irresistible footlong topped with chili and onions

Other favorite menu items include Root Beer Floats and Onion Rings.  The two page menu can be viewed by clicking here for page 1 and here for page 2.   The Root Beer Stande is not just for summer anymore!  The owners have extended season hours, making this spot on Woodman Drive available almost year-round!

Take some time to make The Root Beer Stande your destination this summer.  Kids love this place, and the family, fun atmosphere promises to produce memories that will last a lifetime.   Summer may heat up, but you can always cool down at The Root Beer Stande with a mug of Root Beer!

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Have you been to Dayton’s favorite “Drive-In” Restaurant, The Root Beer Stande?  Please share some memories below!

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