As we crossed over the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge that connects downtown Dallas, Texas with Singleton Boulevard in West Dallas, we noticed a retro style diner named Hots – as in hotdogs.  (Note to self – that might be a good place to visit.)  The building was cute and the parking lot was full.

Then… Carolyn and Kay from Wallace days spontaneously mentioned how much they liked Hots.  I could not believe that someone from Ft. Worth, and someone from Lake Highlands would be raving about a hotdog joint in the Trinity Grove area of West Dallas.  That did it.  I knew we had to go.

Evidently the Hofmann family of Syracuse, New York had been making franks since 1879, and they claimed to make “Americas Greatest Hotdogs.”   In 2012 a Syracuse native by the name of Frank Zaccanelli of Dallas acquired the Hofmann Sausage Company. He is planning to expand the Hofmann brand from being a regional icon to being a national business operation.  Hots, the restaurant, is part of this plan. (That is what I read on their website.)  

Let it be known that there are choices and more choices at Hots.  It takes a minute or two to get the hang of what to order, but the staff is super helpful.  First you choose between a German Frank and Kielbasa.  It was suggested that most people choose the kielbasa – so we did.  I think that was a very good choice.  It was spicy but not hot.  I liked it.  I loved it.  It was really flavorful – maybe the best hotdog I have ever eaten.  Then you basically choose your topping from thirteen offerings.  Yes, they make thirteen different types of hotdogs.  And… you can get all these choices in a footlong version.

This was the Sweet & Smokey Dog – Maple glaze, smoked gouda pimento spread, and chopped bacon.  As I said before, the grilled  kielbasa was excellent, but Ever-Lovin’ was not too sure about the maple glaze.  The bun – oh my goodness!  I loved it.  It is more like a thick slice of bread that is grilled – very tasty and not too hard or too soft.

The Fajita Dog had grilled bell peppers and onions, jack cheese, and chipotle ranch sauce.  Yummy!  I had to use a fork so all this goodness would not escape.

There are several choices of side dishes.  Fried onion straws were delicious.  They were so thin they seemed to melt in your mouth.

We thought the Asian Slaw sounded a little healthy, but sadly – we did not like it.  Disappointing.  Other choices include mac and cheese, tater tots, beans and hots, chili mac and cheese, and a cup of chili.

If you do not want a hotdog, there are plenty of other choices – burger dogs, chicken hots, sea dog, and bologna and cheese dog.  These are served on the same bun as the hotdogs.  There is even a shaken chicken salad that I would like to try.

If you are fond of outside seating areas, they got it.  Not many takers on this hot summer day, but on more pleasant days, this would a good place to gather.

We will be going back to Hots.  The atmosphere is great, the staff is friendly and helpful, and the hotdogs are delicious.  A man next to us in line was from somewhere famous for hotdogs. (Sorry, I can’t remember.)  Any way – He came to Hots to compare, and as we walked by him, he gave his approval with two thumbs up.  I agree.

Blessings to you and yours,

With the opening of the new Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, more restaurants are opening in West Dallas and Oak Cliff.  I do pray that this will bring revitalization to this area.

Thanks for reading.

Love ya,