Shinnston HDJ Review - T&L Hot Dogs

T&L Hot Dogs of Shinnston is one of those cozy little HDJs that abides by the mantra 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'. And for WVHD fans, that's obviously a good thing.

The little stone covered building situated on Main Street always manages to bring in the customers in a very steady stream all day long. My recommendation is to get there early if you're in the area for lunch, because the two dozen or so seats fill quickly. The staff keeps the focus on the food, and each order is prepared freshly and with TLC. The local regulars are greeted by name with open arms, much like a returning long-lost family member.

The cooking area is wide open for view, and markedly smaller than some other HDJs. You'll be able to watch the experts in action. Everything from the ladles to the fry slicer is well worn but highly cleaned, giving the place a lot of character. The snug dining area follows the typical T&L 50's motif, with reprints of classic advertisements, movie posters, and the like adorning the walls.
The menu here is relatively simple, with only hot dogs and hamburgers listed (of course fries and chips are also available). Many of the other locations offer up the likes of steak hoagies, kielbasa, and so forth. I suspect the limited cooking area factors into this, but it doesn't really matter since the hot dogs are the star of the show here.

Starting at the top of each WVHD is a very fresh slaw mix, featuring that finely chopped cabbage, carrot, and dressing combo that goes well with any variety of hot dog you can think of. It's got a pleasurable taste that melds sweet and tart on the perfect plane. You can't help but smile a little from the great taste.

Right below is that famous T&L chili, which you can get in mild (good for most), medium (not for the casual fan), and hot (how brave are ya?). It's finely ground, with a wonderful mix of flavorings that blends well with the hearty, beefy taste from the cooked-just-right meat.

About the only thing I wish this T&L would improve on (aside from the parking, which is beyond their control) are the fresh-cut fries. Listed by the moniker “Freedom Fries” on the menu, they have a tendency to get either overcooked on the outside or under cooked on the inside. Sure, it's a timing issue, but nothing a little more experience and practice won't fix. Then again, fresh cut fries are an art form. Sometimes you have to take the good with the bad.

This T&L location deserves no more or less than four weenies. If you're in the area, be sure to stop by and grab a couple for the road (if you don't mind waiting behind with the long line of locals).

HDJ Review - DQ = Disqualified at the Shinnston Dairy Queen

I don’t know of many people who don’t like the ice cream at their local Dairy Queen. Unfortunately, I can’t say that I know of any people that like the hot dogs at the DQ in Shinnston.

Easily one of the most recognizable landmarks in this area of Harrison County, the “barn” is always busy year round. They offer the standard corporate menu and don’t deviate from it at all. When I went for an order of hot dogs, I was taken aback that the only other toppings offered (other than ketchup, mustard, onions, chili, and cheese) were the exact same offerings for the hamburgers. No slaw here.

These dogs are an abomination to all that is right and good to connoisseurs of WV hot dogs. Murphy’s Law was in full effect here: all that could go wrong did go wrong. The bun was stale and barely warm. The onions were flavorless, rough cut pieces. The wiener –what a devastating disappointment—was almost rubbery. The flavor was that of an over processed, brine saturated, festival of fillers. It says 100% beef on the sign, but I don’t know if we’re talking synthesized beef or what. The casing of the wiener had a strange --dare I say “chewy”-- consistency.

But the final nail in the coffin was the chili. Clearly, it’s a variation of Hormel’s canned chili. I don’t know who decided this was a good idea, but I’m willing to bet they had a half-dozen 9-volt batteries attached to their tongue before trying this. Numbed may be the only way one could tolerate it.

Bottom line: if you want ice cream, milkshakes, Blizzards, etc., then this is your place. If you want hot dogs, avoid at all costs. Rating: one weenie, and that’s being generous.