The Roast Grill Hot Weiners

A trip to "The Roast Grill" is an adventure I try to repeat often, after departing Raleigh back in 2005. The experience, the atmosphere, the hot dogs, and George are not completely unchanged by time, but brings back memories of taking my kids when they would sneak-in packs of ketchup! George, is "older and grayer," using his own words, but aren't we all? George's mother, Freida, is no longer working the counter, but still alive and kicking at age 94. The selection of Coke sizes has grown... and George now has Brats, which he shared a bite and was delicious. For me, tube steak, charred on the grill, with chili, and onions, topped off with a shot of Texas Pete, is my fallback.You can read reviews that share the history of this "hole--the-wall" hot dog joint, but if you have never been, I strongly encourage you to stop in, hop on a stool, and say "Hey" to George and Kathy. Try a dogg... have coke, and experience the The Roast Grill ambiance, before someone buys the block and tears down the place to put up a high rise!

**HEADS UP: I believe this is a cash business!**We were visiting the museums in the area and trying to scope out inexpensive lunch options. This place came up on our radar. It's been in business since the 1940s and all indications (through conversations with owners), business still remains in the family. The restaurant is small with counter stool seating and 2 small tables; it may seat 10-12 people at most. We ordered 2 plain hot dogs, 4 chili dogs topped with/onion & mustard, a bratwurst, 3 baklava, and 4 drinks. I was quite surprised our tab totaled $75 for a family of 4! Seems a bit high (I would hope it was miscalculated), but with add ons, who knows--it's a mom & pop business and remains a fixture in this area, standing the test of time, so well worth the money! We enjoyed the people and conversations... pictures of original owners appear on wall, an old cash register still in use for transactions, a collection of nostalgic knick knacks on shelves, and the numerous business cards pinned to board only adds to the ambiance. If you have a hearty appetite, I would say a meal (hot dog, chips, drink) may cost you around $10, but watch add-ons as it could really become mire expensive (depending on qty, toppings, and dessert). Would definitely stop in again when we're in the area! Be sure to take a picture of the beautiful wall mural and art display next door!

The Roast Grill was opened in Downtown Raleigh in 1940 by Mary Charles. Today it is operated by Mary's grandson George Poniros and his wife Kathy. It is a small hole in the wall place with 10 bar stools and two two top tables. The cooler is on the other side of the bar stools so it is a small and narrow space. The walls have photos of hot dog eating winners; nostalgia and there are Coke collectibles. Kathy says George has collections everywhere.The menu is simple with hot dogs; soda in bottles; desserts and potato chips were added to the menu recently. The dogs are cooked on the original grill be George and can be topped with slaw; chili; mustard or onions or any combination of those choices. They don't offer ketchup. The restaurant is cash only and the prices include taxes. Tootsie rolls are given with orders too.I'm not a hot dog fan so I just had baklava here made by Kathy. It was a real treat that I'd love more of. I also had a bottle of Coke in a glass. It was a fun experience.

Call ahead to make sure they're open. But if they are, go! Yes there are only 13 bar stools and 2 2-top tables however the hot dogs are delicious! You can also get them to go. George isn't too chatty but the staff is very nice. The bins are so soft, the wiener is the perfect size and the chili is just right! CASH ONLY

This joint is a must-see! George is the real deal churning out grilled hot dogs at the old school grill with Ms. Kathy delivering the goods and drinks.Note: cash only. ATM can be found on the corner at Morgan Street Food Hall. Use the Morgan Street side entrance. Find street parking or I'd suggest downloading in advance the Passport parking app. So, you've parked. You have cash. Now, it's time to eat!Don't ask to see a menu; the menu is hot weiners Be prepared to order yours like this - with mustard because The Roast Grill does not serve ketchup, or sauerkraut. However, there is homemade chili, slaw, and lots of onions. Try one with everything by asking George for it "all the way".For dessert, Kathy offered pound cake made by a fellow parishioner. How could I pass up "church lady" pound cake? Update: the pound cake was delicious!I ordered 2 with mustard then another. 3 hot dogs + 2 Cokes + pound cake +A good deal of hot dog history =$17 - Delicious, kitschy, and affordableOh, George did expand the menu recently to include bratwurst They serve Coke in glass bottles, which is fantastic. There is an interesting collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia from all round the world. There lots of evidence of loyalty to the NC State Wolf Pack and the NC Hurricanes. As both fly red and black colors, if I cared about sports, I'd pick them for their fashion sense alone.Now that I know the drill, it'll be easier next time. Yes, I'll be back with cash in my wallet. $20 bill will do it.

BEST hotdogs on this Planet! Ask George how 'burnt' you want your dogs. A "Fatboy" is two dogs in one bun. Toppings are mustard, chili, slaw, onions. NO KETCHUP on premises. George's grandmother originated the chili back in 1940, and didn't allow ketchup because it interfered with her chili. Coke in a little, medium, or large bottle, and other drinks, as well as beer. I've been going there since 1979, and the place is the same as it ever was. Wonderful nostalgic atmosphere, you'll see suits sitting beside t-shirts and flip flops. In its own way, it could be the Raleigh version of "Cheers". Go a couple of times, and George an Kathy will probably remember the way you like your hotdogs, and quite possibly your name, too!Only thing to remember is they are CASH ONLY.

Great service, delicious hotdogs. Well worth the wait to get in the door, A Raleigh institution!

The Roast Grill is an experience! One of those unforgettable, hole in the wall places with just a few things on the menu. A must visit regardless of whether you're a local or visiting from out of town.Two tips: 1) Don't ask for catsup, they don't believe in catsup on hot dogs. 2) Cash only!

Best hot roasted wiener in Raleigh, N.C. since 1940.George Poniros cooks and serves you with his masterful style and hilarious banter as he has been doing it this way for over 30 years.This iconic tiny little restaurant often has a line out the door so it is good to arrive early to enjoy these delicious roasted weiners.Order your weiner any way you want with mustard, chili, onions, coleslaw, but beware that you don't ever ask for the cardinal sin of ketchup.Icy cold Coca-Cola in old school little green bottles is the best way to hydrate or you have a choice of beers.Highly recommend that you visit here often.

The dogs were Great! And the service was outstanding! My dad use to take me and my brother there after the Christmas Parade! So that's how long I've been a friend visiting.