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My “Olde Raleigh” Experience at the Roast Grill

Written by J. Chavis and filed under Food and Beverage 

Roast Grill - Raleigh, NCMy boss falls into a category I like to refer to as “olde Raleigh”. Nevertheless, I often make the mistake of talking to my boss as though I know more about Raleigh than she does. For example, the other day I mentioned that I heard Snoopy’s had the best hot dog in town. She immediately launched into a 20-minute diatribe about this place called the Roast Grill. Appalled that I had never been there, she actually ordered me to go to lunch there today.

For those of you who have not been there (and I suspect a lot of you “new” Raleigh folks have not) the Roast Grill is a tiny wiener wonderland located at 7 S. West Street, just off Hillsborough Street in downtown.

It was founded in 1940 and I think it’s quite possible that the only thing that has changed in the last 67 years is the TV (they recently got a new flat screen). The grill boasts a maximum capacity of about 15 (including staff) and is decorated with photos, newspaper clippings, business cards, and various forms of memorabilia that have been collected over the years.

In spite of the small size and modest décor, I was impressed with the place. I felt like I was being “let in” to an olde Raleigh institution. True to form, the other customers were good-natured Raleigh folk who seemed genuinely welcoming.

The hot dogs were certainly good and I was pleased to find that they still offered coke in old glass bottles. They even offer your choice of baklava or pound cake for dessert.

KetchupHowever, the truly amazing thing about the Roast Grill isn’t their vast selection of menu options – quite the opposite. Hot dogs are pretty much the only item on the main menu. In terms of condiments, you can get mustard, chili, onions, and cole slaw, but under no circumstances ketchup. They even have a T-shirt with the Heinz symbol crossed out hanging up in the corner.

Surprised by the emphatic “no ketchup” rule, I asked George (the owner) for further explanation. He replied, “Grandma said it ruins the taste of her chili.”

Indeed. Nobody messes with grandma.

If you haven’t been to the Roast Grill, go – it’s an experience. You can even tell George that I sent ya…just don’t embarrass me by asking for ketchup.

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Links:
Roast Grill website (warning: RFP is not responsible for seizures that may occur from viewing this website)
Location on Google maps

Note from the editor: This post and the one preceding it were written by our newest writer, Jim Chavis. Let him know what you think by leaving a comment. Also, if you have a story you’d like to contribute, send it for consideration through the contact page.

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One Response to “My “Olde Raleigh” Experience at the Roast Grill”

  1. RaleighRob on August 2nd, 2007 8:22 am

    I’m not quite “olde Raleigh” but certainly not new either…13 years, whatever that counts as. I’ve never eaten at Roast Grill (vegetarian) but certainly know enough about it if anyone asked for a good hotdog reference I’d point them there. That old place has its fair share of stories. (I’ve always been told the apartment upstairs has some eccentric characters as well.)
    And how can anyone not be amused by a hotdog stand with a giant sign “Hot Weiners”? I can’t count the number of jokes I’ve heard over the years about that one…particularly with a gay bar across the street! LOL

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