Shorty's Famous Hot Dogs

Another one of these "you have to go here. They've been doing the same thing for 50 years!" places.It is what it is. It's a old-school southern-style "grill" that does hot-dogs, hamburgers, and some other classics. They do it like they've been doing it, since 19-yadda-yadda-yadda.The decor is dated. That's cool. They have arcade games in the back. That's cool. They have artifacts from a bygone era. That's cool.It's all fine. It's an experience. It's someting you can put on and strike-off a bucket list.But it's not exceptional or even above average. It's fine. Will I go back? Probably not. Are other places as good/better for the price. Absolutely.The food is remeniscent of the post-war era when everything was canned, jarred, pickled, and recipes had about 3 ingredients and mayonaise was 1 of the 3 about 90% of the time. In it's day, I'm sure it was pushing culinary limits. These days, it's pretty standard "gas station grill" fare. It isn't bad food, but it is relatively one dimensional by today's standards.It is also a little on the expensive side, for what it is.I did not dislike Shorty's. I do not dislike Shorty's. I only dislike the odd southern fetish for soggy pink hot-dogs. I have no idea why people hype these things up like they are some delightful regional secret. I'm from here. I was raised on the pink hotdog, in a steamed bun, with bland yellow mustard and ketchup-spiced chili. It's fine. And that's all. Just fine. It is not a transformative spiritual experience. It is not a five-star dining experience. It is a salty, soft-chewing meal that ultimately just leaves you thirsty, and one step closer to a hypertension-induced heart condition.So, no... not five stars. Not four stars. Three stars. It's just "meh". But if you're a retiree, and you miss the "good ol' days", this is your jam. I would strongly recommend you go here. You will love it, and swear to everyone that this is the best hotdog you or anyone have ever had.

Right on the main drag, White Street, in Wake Forest, Shirty's is a blast from the past. No-frills lunch counter and dining room has some really cool memorabilia from their origins. Shorty's is one of the oldest restaurants in town. My husband ordered a hotdog, I had the burger, which was juicy and perfect in every way. We shared delicious crinkle-cut fries. Go in, order and pay at the counter and then enjoy some delicious food!

Good choice for some hotdogs and similar fare. What stood out was the fried bologna sandwich--so salty delicious and a good value for the serving! The crew were also polite and efficient. Interior is a little dated but clean enough.

Great old school ambience and food, not to mention it's about 100 years old. The food has always been very good and the employees work as quick as they can when the line goes through the restaurant. Only thing is hotdogs seemed to be mixed up from person to person leading to a few wrong from time to time.

Old school hot dog shop! Hotdogs were spot on. Can get busy, place could use some sprucing up but didn't mind it at all. Back area has pool tables and arcade games as well.

Decent food, not sure the lady taking orders understands how money from the customer keeps them in business. If you hate your job, do something else.

I was visiting Wake Forest for a conference at a local school. I was craving something authentically local and some friends pointed me in this direction. The ambiance is very... how would I put it, hole in the wall! But that's part of the charm. I'd say this is a must visit hole in the wall lunch spot. Make sure to order the red hot dogs!

I love the setting of Shorty'. It's a unique, downtown, establishment that goes waaay back. I usually get hotdogs. It's got more of that Cheers vibe to it where you might go where everybody knows your name...

A local landmark. Still serves awesome snappy "red hots". Service is prompt and courteous. Has pool tables and pinball machines in the back to complete that vintage eatery vibe.

I taste hotdog.The service gave me hotdog.Ambiance was good like the hotdog...................