What I’m eating: summer hot dogs at local eateriesDate: 6/13/2023 What is a hot dog exactly? Do I really want to know? Probably not, but I still find myself indulging in their delicious splendor from time to time.
Aside from being a fixture of “is it a sandwich?” debates, hot dogs are synonymous with the summer season. They take center stage at various cookouts and remain a beloved accoutrement at any baseball game — all through a simple medley of ingredients. All it takes is a bun, the hot dog itself and a hearty helping of toppings to create a meal that represents a classic ode to Americana.
Everyone dresses their hot dogs in a variety of fashions. Some embrace every topping under the sun, like relish, fried onions, mustard, etc. Others keep a straightforward tradition, whether it’s a swirl of ketchup or mustard. I lean toward the latter category, but the sheer assortment of versatile preparations is part of what makes hot dogs such an interesting oddity.
Here are a few hot dog spots that always leave me savoring for more:
Nick’s Nest 1597 Northampton St., Holyoke
The century-old Holyoke staple Nick’s Nest stands as a radiant local treasure. Inside the confines of their humble, old-school storefront lies a secret code for concocting some of the most singular hot dogs one could ever eat.
I will always harbor a slight bias toward Nick’s Nest. My grandmother would take me regularly while visiting her in the city, letting me indulge in as many hot dogs, popcorn and orange drink as I could stomach. I am sure generations of locals share similar memories, whether it’s eating outside on those classic red picnic tables on a sunny day or watching cars race by from the inside of the store.
Time has passed, but Nick’s Nest continues to retain the same charm. Each hot dog at Nick’s Nest undergoes a transformative process, soaking in a fascinating golden butter that is always reminiscent to me of when the characters in Pulp Fiction are blinded by the glowing rays from opening a mysterious suitcase. The workers douse each hot dog in a thick layer of liquid that coats each bite with a mouthful of flavor. Nick’s Nest hot dogs are incredibly addicting; I have eaten as many as seven in one sitting after my mom let me perform my best Joey Chestnut impression.
Then there is the equally divine orange drink. No, it’s not orange soda or Hi-C. The orange drink is a fascinating creation, a delectable rush of sweetness and sugar that always takes me back to my youth. These unique facets are part of what made Nick’s Nest so ubiquitous over the past century, and I am sure the hot dog stand will continue to deliver its unique spin for another century to come.
White Hut 280 Memorial Ave., West Springfield
The iconic white shack of White Hut is another historical staple, operating in West Springfield since 1939. The establishment is home to any American classic you can think of. Robust breakfast sandwiches smothered with bacon, crisp French fries salted to perfection and juicy burgers topped with a flavorful fixing of fried onions. There are so many good options that I often can’t decide what to pick.
Wendy’s always spotlights their five for $5 in their insistent marketing campaigns. For me, the proper combo meal is found at White Hut. I always get a double cheeseburger, fries and one of White Hut’s classic hot dogs. The White Hut hot dog is a glorious elevation of the classic grilled hot dog. After charring the hot dog to the perfect temperature on a flatgrill, it is then placed inside a flawlessly toasted bun. Each bite feels more satisfying than the last — except for when you finally reach that final taste.
When White Hut briefly closed in 2020, it sent shivers down my spine. Part of me feared that I and many of the restaurant’s other regular visitors would never get a chance to enjoy their cuisine again. Thankfully, White Hut is thriving under its new ownership and even expanding to Holyoke in the near future.
These hot dogs are excellent options if you want to go out somewhere. You can also grill a few franks at home and enjoy a nice picnic with loved ones. Either way, I am sure many will enjoy this mysterious yet tasty treat this summer.
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