How hard is it to mess up a hot dog? Well apparently at Bill's Hot Dog Stand, it's fairly easy. Me and my dad were stopping in Washington, NC, to grab a hot dog before arriving at Goose Creek State Park to camp over the weekend. We heard about Bill's Hot Dog Stand on North Carolina Weekend PBS, but that was 100% outdated. This place just down right sucks. Walking in there was a line in the small establishment shaped like a horseshoe, so we believed it to be good. People were also ordering about 20 of them. How? I don't know. The 3 women behind the counter were rude. 1 was going painfully slow at taking hot dogs out of the boiler, the 2nd had an attitude about putting some chili (slop), mustard, and onions on a hot dog, and the 3rd practically was yelling in everyone's face at the register. When it was finally our turn, my dad ordered a hot dog with chili and mustard, and the individual said "So no onions?" Lady, they're the same thing. The chili was discolored (brown) and was practically paste. I don't know how you call that chili. When we ate our hot dogs, they were just downright gross. They both had a weird taste, and the chili was overly spicy and just gross tasting. The tea was so overpoweringly sweet (and I like SWEET tea), and customer service was just horrible. Do not come here. Just don't do it. Want a GOOD hot dog? Head to Hap's in Salisbury. read more

If you want a new experience to an old hotdog this is the place. It was very different but dang is that chili new to me. It's spicy and goes so well with the hotdog, I think I like that it's also fried in beef tallow. Overall I had a great experience. read more

Cash only and you will enjoy a great meal! I love it when I didn't have lunch and come around the corner and see Bill's food truck in the parking lot. Never a disappointment. read more

Bill's Hot Dog Stand - Nothing better than "All-The-Way"! - Hot Dogs Near Me - Washington, North Carolina

We are new to the area and kept hearing great things about Bill's, I'm sorry I took so long to try it! This isn't your typical chili dog, and I was quite skeptical at first. I got them "all the way" which is chili, onions and mustard and that will be the way I continue to get them. They are ridiculously good. The chili doesn't look like much, it's more like a paste but has just the right amount of heat and marries the flavor of the additional condiments and dog perfectly. The restaurant itself is barebones but efficient and everyone working there is as nice as can be. I'm trying hard not to make this a weekly habit!! read more

Bill's Hot Dog Stand - Two dogs "all the way". (They do not supply the paper plate that was all me!) - Hot Dogs Near Me - Washington, North Carolina

Stopped by this Washington staple on my food tour of Washington while in town for vacation. Service was fast and friendly. Loved the simplicity of the menu. Got my dog with onions and mustard. Delish! read more

See all

be prepared to watch painfully slow hotdogs be put together. maybe they should have younger than nursing home aged staff.

The actual hotdog itself when the original meat market where the hotdogs use to come from burned down them hotdogs went down fast they now taste like sausage read more

I grew up eating these hotdogs. The service was quick. So delicious. I was use to the original location, but this location was close to where I was staying. read more

Hotdogs are cheap and pretty good! However the service is absolutely terrible. They had two workers when I went and the line was wrapped around the store. Employees showed NO sense of urgency and we waited in line for 45 minutes with only 5-6 customers in front of us. When we finally got to the front we had to wait additional time for them to cook more dogs because they failed to put more in the fryer in advance. Mind you we ordered TWO DOGS! And there was STILL A LINE. Staff is incompetent which is such a shame at this NC staple. Next time I'll ask if I can get behind the counter to help out since they move at a snails pace. read more

Cheap, cash only. Long lines at lunchtime. Get chili on top. It will fill you up for the whole day.

No, thank you and never again first off that was definitely not an all beef hotdog and chili is supposed to have meat in. It not be just a sauce. Will never go back. Not my idea of a great hotdog would rather make my own at home. read more

I was born and raised in GA but I've been coming to Washington to visit family every year since I was a kid. One thing I always look forward to is getting a hotdog from Bill's. I love everything about this place. The old school red link hotdogs, the simple setup, the price, and of course the great chili they put on the hotdogs. It's kind of hard to describe it because it's like a meatless bean paste, but it's hands down my favorite chili dog. The place has been open since the 1920s and every time I pull up for lunch, the line is still out the door. Trust me, they're doing it right. read more

Bill's Hot Dog Stand - A wonderful Bill's Hotdog. - Hot Dogs Near Me - Washington, North Carolina

What would you say if I told you that I know of a place where you can experience the following: * standing in line for 30 minutes * a hot dog with a soggy bun * A hot dog with an exterior as tough as leather * A hot dog made from tasteless, poor quality cuts of meat * A meatless, spicy-yet-flavorless white bean chili Would you want to go? If you do, then Bill's is the place for you. This is one of those places that I have decried before for being famous because they're famous. Our State Magazine, who misses the mark more times than they hit it when it comes to hot dogs, touts this as being one of the top ten hot dogs in the state. Let me fix it for them: this should be on list of top ten worst hot dogs in the state. They fry the hot dogs in some mystery liquid that doesn't look like oil and doesn't look like water. When it comes out of the liquid, it is nice and plump. They place it on the bun with the toppings, wrap it up, and send you on your way (no interior seating- no seating anywhere). In the time it takes you to get to your car or wherever you're going to eat your hot dog, the mystery liquid that plumped the dog oozes out, turns the bun soggy and gummy, and makes the wiener withered and shrunken (significant shrinkage for you Seinfeld fans). I wanted to go back to the line and warn the people waiting, saying, "What are you doing here? Have you been here before? Leave now! Save yourself!" But alas I'm afraid that some people just don't know what a good hot dog is. It certainly isn't here. read more

Bill's Hot Dog Stand - People flock here for a shriveled up dog with a tough exterior on a soggy bun with below average taste. - Hot Dogs Near Me - Washington, North Carolina

Unique chili-dogs! Carry Out only. Very good Dogs. Will go back for more. Order at service counter. Old school food stand ambiance.

First time here but will definitely be back. Not sure exactly how many hot dogs I could eat but they are delicious. The chili is certainly different than any other I've had but safe to say they make the dogs great. Go ahead and get them all the way for $2 each. Be prepared to want more... read more

As I age, I find that my perception of some things, and food is one of the primary things because I still eat, change or are altered by that aging process, or perhaps our tastes become more discerning, or maybe they just go numb! My first experience here, a number of years ago, was a bit of a culture shock - meatless chili, that concept stretches the space/time continuum - so I roundly rejected it - yeah, that's the safe play! We were in "little" Washington this week for a very short period, strolled along the River Walk, grabbed a belly busting cheese biscuits at Mom's, some extraordinary fried Chicken from King's (very much like Price's in Charlotte, just saying), and said "what the hell", slid quietly into Bill's at 9:15 AM, and ask politely for a hot dog, all the way - cost of $1.33, including tax - I think one of the ladies smiled at us! This is a very, very different dog - it's a flaming neon red wiener (Bright Leaf?) that is fried in lard to the point that all tissue is almost gelatinous, the bun is steamed (really steamed), the mustard, onion, and "chili" is loaded in first, and the colorful, very playable wiener is loaded on top, in the nude. A total train wreck of a hot dog, that somehow, strangely, works. It is loaded with heat, one may well be enough, and it all comes together - I missed that the first time through - looking for meat, expecting a different texture! They've been around since 1928, interestingly enough, the same year that Paul's in Rocky Point began, another hot dog joint "famous" for their meatless chili - "some" surmise that the whole meatless chili thingy came out of the depression era - seems close enough! This is a "suggestion" as to the make up of the "chili": 2 cups of water 1 onion 4 tablespoons of flour 1/2 tsp of texas pete 1/2 tsp of tabasco sauce dash of red pepper 1/2 tsp black pepper 1/4 tsp chili powder 1/4 tsp white pepper 1/4 tsp paprika 3/4 tsp dry mustard 1/2 tsp sugar 1/2 tsp salt Cut up onion,add water,bring to a boil and add all ingredients,except flour. Cook 5 mins and add flour. Some have even referred to this as White Bean Chili - well, it ain't. Those white "lumps" are unincorporated flour - these folks don't have no time for no slurry! Interesting dog, totally North Carolina (well not exactly, Sabretts has an Onion Sauce, been around for years), but give it a shot! read more

Bill's Hot Dog Stand - Looks 1, tastes 7.5! - Hot Dogs Near Me - Washington, North Carolina

FYI despite closing at 5 they stop taking orders at 4:30, the dude at cash register was rude about it as if I was supposed to know that they were closing early somehow when the hours listed online said they're open until 5. read more

I came here based on the recommendation of some locals but I am honestly confused by the positive reviews. This was hands down the worst hotdog I have ever had. I bought lunch for myself and a few friends and they were inedible, none of us could even finish them. The buns were tough and stale and the sauce was flavorless, it was literally like eating paste. The hotdogs themselves were shriveled and leathery. I had to douse it all in ketchup to moisten it enough to choke it down. Sadly we don't plan on returning here. read more

Bill's Hot Dog Stand - a hot dog with ketchup and mustard - Hot Dogs Near Me - Washington, North Carolina

See all

Bill's is another legend. Like King Chicken it's one of the places you have to checkout whole visiting Washington, NC. If you're a newbie you may want to limit yourself to 3 or less hotdogs the first visit. read more

This is a great NC dog spot. Seriously dogs here in NC is a thing. This is the place to try one. I'm not even kidding. Get the dog all the way. All the way here means Mustard, Onions, & their famous spicy white chili. Bring cash here. These dogs are solid. If you're looking for a huge culinary experience then you're not ready for a hot dog. I'll have to come back and get the sausage dog next time. Yeah I'm coming back. Till next time... read more

Bill's Hot Dog Stand - 2 All The Way Dogs by the water ...bucket list item checked off - Hot Dogs Near Me - Washington, North Carolina

We live in SC but my Mom was born and raised in Little Washington. Had the pleasure of visiting Washington. Impossible to leave without grabbing Bills Hotdogs to go. Whether a newbie or regular, get yourself a few "all the way". The Chili is spectacular. If spicy and onions are not your thing, the staff will go lightly on anything you ask. Nothing like a Bills red weiner. Bills is a local icon. Don't miss it even if just passing thru. read more

Bill's is just the perfect place for a throwback hot dog experience. Three people working behind the counter. Simple order process with simple ingredients. Hot dogs frying away. The hot dogs have a nice bite and are a great size. The bun just can't hold up. I'm also not a huge fan of their chili. For me it tasted like peppery sausage gravy without the sausage. I kept thinking it would grow on me as I finished the hot dog. Alas, it did not. Nonetheless, I still recommend that everybody gives Bill's a try. It's clearly an institution in Washington. read more

Small place. Literally wrap around the whole restaurant when we were in there. They have a sweet selection of bottle soda (pop). And I loved that it really gave me a old school vibe. And they have a huge selection of chips too (hot Cheetos) you literally never seen hot Cheetos at a restaurant. The dogs! I got two specials. Consist of two dogs made all the way with a drink and a bag of chips. And it was just the right portions of everything. I love hot dogs and their dogs were awesome I guess they're suppose to be a little heat to them I didn't get that taste but still good hot dogs. The appearance is definitely not the best but the taste is . I definitely would recommend this restaurant. Not to much in the surrounding area but there is a water front you can enjoy. I didn't because it was cold but still. Over all good little spot. read more

It was a rainy day here in Vanceboro, and I had been meaning to visit the mobile Bill's hot dogs stand for some time. Twice before I went down to have a look and they were already gone. But this time they were there and I called the main store to find out if they were down there as advertised, and would they accept debit cards. Both the Facebook page and the Yelp page indicate they do take cards but the last they do not. It's a bit of a shame because the man who greeted me when I got there, was very friendly and even a bit funny. What wasn't funny however, was the food, in particularly something that was named a chili dog. I actually asked if they had sauerkraut and they do not. That's fine so I went with the chili dog. There was absolutely no chili on it. Just some kind of horrible hot sauce of no easy description. So I took a photo. Anyway, the hot dog was red shriveled and look like it had been floating around in something for a while. The french fries were just fine. The service was good. The one thing you going to want is something to drink after you eat a hot dog there, but they do not sell drinks at their mobile food truck. I give two stars for the gentleman who was at least friendly. As I write this my stomach is turning but that's another story. read more

Bill's Hot Dog Stand - Every Picture Tells a Story, and this is a very sad story of what is alleged to be a chili dog from bills. - Hot Dogs Near Me - Washington, North Carolina

If you don't like red hot dogs and prefer the more traditional Frankfurter then this place isn't for you. If you do like red hot dogs this place is for you. Also, they do southern style chili, which is more like shredded onion based. For a meal on the go this place is great. read more

Squishy bun, neon red hot dog that is fried, and this sauce with a spicy kick. Oh and onions that you will continue tasting until bedtime. But somehow, and for some odd reason, you will like it! The only other thing you can get there are chips and hot pop. As another reviewer stated, take your food to the river walk and enjoy the entire experience. Visiting this area and not eating at Bill's is like going to Asheville, NC and only looking at a postcard of the Biltmore Estates and not going in. Go! Eat! Enjoy! read more

I grew up eating at a similar mom and pop hot dog place I compare all others to and Bill's was such a pleasant surprise. I don't usually eat spicy food and was nervous the chilli would be too hot-it wasn't, or it was just barely getting there with the last bite. A friend from Little Washington who was with me ordered three for himself, I got one as a snack and will probably order myself two next time. One of the best hot dogs I've had and a such a nice change from the standard bean and beef chili dogs I grew up with. read more

Best chili and hot dog I've ever had! Highly support this business and the owners! Awesome business and great people

I've been hearing about this place even when I don't even live there. So me and my friend decided to visit this town and give this place a shot. You can parallel park to get to this place. We went around 11 AM and there was already a very long line. I was shocked. Also its all to go because there's no place to sit inside. There are however a lot of benches and tables if you walk closer to the river. Once you go inside you'll notice it says cash only. So don't forget to bring your cash. You don't even need a lot of cash. We got 2 hot dogs with regular wieners and 2 with sausages. You can add extra stuff like onions. But with 4 items and 2 water bottles it only cost up to $11. It's a great deal! The hot dogs looked different than the ones I usually get plus it was red! I was questioning it but wow it was so filling and tasty. Definitely worth the line. They also don't take long making your hot dogs because they did it as if it was an assembly line just like Chipotle. One person would get the sausage, the next would get the buns, the next would get all the extra items and another one go to the cashier. Definitely well organized here. read more

Bill's Hot Dog Stand - Hot Dogs Near Me - Washington, North Carolina

See all

The hot dogs and chips and stuff are good and all don't get me wrong but the presentation is disgusting the hot dogs look nasty(Red Dogs)

Stopped in for a quick bite while passing through. Grabbed a couple of dogs with mustard and inions and an 8 oz Dr Pepper. it was a home town treat! i recommend anyone in Washington, NC to give it a try! read more

So yummy. I purchased 25 hotdogs to take home and freezer. You need to get there early to keep from standing outside.

Good delicious Washington NC part of history food.. Sometime it is hotter than other times, but otherwise it is the same predictable craved flavor for my whole life.. For those who have never eaten here, it is a steamed bun with a red hotdog, mustard, onions, and a spicy peppery white chilli. Simple and good read more

You can't visit Washington and not get a Bills hot dog! It is a family business that makes their own special chili that is what actually makes them so special. The buns are steamed and oh so yummy! read more

I blinked and I almost missed this place. While working in Washington, NC, I stumbled across this little hot dog joint for a bit to eat. It was very divey and I thought it would be a hidden gem. It was good, but not so much the hidden gem I wanted. First, it is standing room only. This isn't somewhere you stay and eat. You order your dog at the counter and then pay. This is a no frills place as they only have the hot dogs and bagged chips with soft drinks. I was a bit confused by the chilli. I have lived in NC all my life and I have never seen white, porridge-like chilli for a hot dog before. I stayed away from it as it scared me a bit and just got mustard and onions on my dog. A hot dog, bag of chips, and a drink cost me a little over $3. Can't beat the price. Good place for a bite to eat but probably won't rush back any time soon. read more

Bill's is just awesome. We go here every time we are in town. I have pictures of the hubby hugging his bag of dogs that we picked up for breakfast....seriously. There is no seating, like others have said. They have an assembly line, you order, and you leave. If you want some ambiance, march yourself and your dogs over to the waterfront and eat them there. And the chili? You don't question the chili, you EAT the chili! read more

My husband is from Little Washington and insisted we come here on our first visit to his hometown. Once I got over my horror at the red color of the hot dogs and the fact that they fry them, I came to my senses and realized that Bill's is the best hot dog stand you will ever find. First tip: ignore the color of the dogs. Just pretend you don't notice. Once you take a bite you won't care anyway. Second tip: get the dogs "all the way," which means loaded with their secret sauce, mustard, and onion. You will taste onion for the rest of the day, but you won't even care because these dogs are amazing. Third tip: unless you are looking for a small snack, get more than one. They are small and you will likely need a couple to fill up for a meal. Bill's is a cultural experience and a culinary masterpiece. Do yourself a favor and go now. read more

This place is the best for hotdogs. It's a simple old-times place with an old Coke sign in the front and a screen door. There is nowhere to sit but that's not really a problem. Besides if they did have places to sit, chances are, they would always be packed with people. I've seen some complaints about the topping selection. Yes, it's true that there are only three toppings: mustard, onions and Bill's special chili. There are also people complaining about how the chili looks. No it isn't pretty but neither are many other things we eat. For example, relish looks revolting and chicken salad looks like a half-digested meal, but everyone knows that they taste amazing. Who really cares how their food looks as long as it tastes great? The chili may not look appealing but it is very good. That's the secret that has kept Bill's around for so many years. To get a Bill's hotdog without the chili is like eating a sandwich without the fillings. Sure the bread might be good but you're missing out on the real treat. So the next time you're around Washington, just walk in say "I take it all-the-way please," grab your dog and boot it to a bench on the waterfront to enjoy your treasure. read more

I had read and heard alot of great reviews on Bill's hot dogs. Honestly its red/ pink hot dogs fried in grease. Sorry I wasn't a fan. I think most people love the chili. read more

You can beat a Bill's Hot Dog. My family is from Washington, I've lived there but now I've called Hawaii home for the last 16 years but EVERY time I go home, Bill's is a must stop...usually a few times. It's a requirement for me to bring home 10 for my husband. it's not the same as fresh but if you freeze them in paper and foil over night, they'll stay frozen that 15 hour trip back to Hawaii. They are everything people have reported...a red hot dog fried in oil, soft, steamed white bread buns, condiments include mustard and onions and chili. The chili is a topic of conversation every time I go home...is it white beans? Is it lard and flour and salt & pepper? Who knows? Who cares? Just eat it...it's amazing! No tables, only bottled soft drinks and chips. Best thing to do is order from the original location and take them down to the waterfront and enjoy the view while you enjoy your dog. read more