I have been eating Walter's Hot Dogs in Mamaroneck, NY ever since I worked around the corner for a few months after High School. I was a truck driver for a medical supply warehouse and delivered to hospitals all over the NYC Metro area. I was waiting for my 18th B'day to roll around so I could get a job in a wine shop, but had my hot rod to maintain, so any job was a good job, and I have always liked to drive.
I would start early in the morning, so my day would end just after what everyone else called lunchtime. For me this was great because by that time the lines for lunch were gone at most places, and it was easy to get something quick just about anywhere. One place I stopped by almost every week was Walter's.
It's situated in one of those roadfood meccas, styled like a Chinese Pagoda with a copper roof, built back in 1928. Walter's dogs are served up by the hundreds and the thousands every day since they first opened in 1919. Long lines at lunch and dinner mellow out a bit in between. The dogs themselves are a very mild frank, butterflied, the split dogs are grilled in a secret sauce on each side until they are lightly browned and starting to curl and served on a toasted bun.
The usual way to order is with the spicy relish, which is basically a mix of brown mustard and relish. On the side a small basket of fries, onion rings, or sweet potato puffs, and to drink it's mandatory to get one of Walter's famous shakes or malteds made from their own ice cream. I would usually have three or four dogs at a time, being a growing boy who was skinny as a rail and with a fast metabolism. Last time I was there a year ago I could handle two and a shake, no fries, and was full the rest of the day.
Some feel that Walter's dogs are too mild, and for awhile I leaned that way. But several years ago I heard someone in line ahead of me order their franks well done. I did the same and I realized that the well done option highlighted the dogs best. The deep brown caramelization made the dogs crisp on the outside and brought out the flavor of the meat, and pairs well with the toasted bun. So when you go to Walter's try one well done and see if you agree. Here's a quick video of Walter's.
6-20-2008 @5:16PM MikeyP said... I've always found Walter's hot dogs to be just okay. Though I grew up in Mamaroneck, I never really understood why they were regarded so highly.
Sure I liked them just fine, but no more than I liked Cook's or Mister V's hot dogs way back when (both are long gone, if I'm not mistaken).
The last few times I went there, I found that most of their staff have adopted the poor and pissy attitude that most retail and service establishments in the area espouse so well. While they certainly don't need my business, I just don't see their food as being worth the aggravation.
On the other hand, it IS a landmark and part of our local history. With that fact in mind, I am glad that the place still operates.
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6-29-2008 @8:34PM mutt said... I can't understand USA the kings of burgers and hot dogs. Can't cook the buns...... steam,grill,toast it please, go to montreal and have a thru hot dog at any hockey arena...you will see what I mean!
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6-29-2008 @11:43PM tom said... gotta try the all american fish dog you start with a freash bun and a can of chicken of the sea tuna with the oil you spread the tuna in the bun you put any type of wenner on top then you top it off with a couple sardeens of your choice then you add a generous amount of tarter sause & top it off with a nice pickle relish on top! Sit back & enjoy the all american fish dog. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm GOOD!
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6-30-2008 @12:38AM Southern gal said... Michigans did not originate in Montreal. They were born in Plattsburgh, NY(approximately 50 miles south of Monteal). They are hot dogs covered in a ground beef sauce loaded with hot sauce,chili powder, cumin, onions and tomato sauce among the standard ingredients. Best served on a local made hot dog from Glazier Meat Company. Go 50 miles south of Plattsburgh and no one knows what a Michigan is. Clare and Carl's, Ronnie's are top "dogs"
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8-31-2008 @7:27PM jane said... I grew up on Walter's and dirty water hotdogs in NY. It's a toss up as to which I like better-depends on my mood. I now live in California and long for either one, so whenever I get back east I try to get my fill of both. How I wish we could import both of them out here.
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