I always make a special stop at Charlie Graingers anytime I'm in the area. They are an excellent choice for allergies with gluten, dairy, or soy. They have so many options for food that are normally not available for people with allergies. I couldn't decide on one thing so I ordered several things. For starters, the chicken sandwich was huge. It was perfectly fried and very crispy. The bun held together and didn't fall apart. If you are gluten free, you know this is hard to find. I would say I only ate about 1/3 of the sandwich, it was so large. I also ordered the fried okra which were very crispy and the coating was light and flavorful. It's one on my favorite things to order here and a can't miss if you love fried okra. The next favorite was hush puppies. They reminded me of the hush puppies I used to eat growing up and have missed dearly. The prefect combination of sweet and crunchy. And i couldn't leave without trying the fried pickles. The owner, Lisa, and I were speaking about all the options and I told her how much I love having all these options. She included a small side of spicy pickles for me to try and they were even better than the regular. Not overly spicy and a great combination with breading and ranch dressing. I can't wait to return to try the fried jalapeños and the brisket. The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. The prices are amazing. I ordered all of the food (6 different things) and a drink for $26. It was way more than I could eat but I wanted to try it all. The atmosphere is casual and the booths are cafeteria style for a very comfortable, southern experience. read more

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Don't judge a book by its cover - you roll in wondering where this place is and yes it's the old Hardee's or some fast food place! Order at the counter, they are very helpful answering questions - so many things I wanted to try! Service was very quick from ordering to receiving the delicious food! The vibe it's just a mom/pop - totally fits it and so worth it! read more

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The food is always great and filling! My go to hot dog place!! The service is always great and fast and everything I've had has been great!

Great service and great food. One of the best Hotdogs I've eaten. I will go back. I can't wait to try everything else.

Order at the counter then they bring it to you. Very clean and small. Large menu to choose from. Will come again nice find!

An amazing local lunch spot in Old Downtown Hickory! Charlie Graingers is a popular lunch spot, primarily known for their hot dogs and bbq. They have the simple favorites, but are well known for their unique topping options on their hot dogs. Check out my menu photos for descriptions of the different toppings you can get with your order. I ordered the brisket plate, which comes with a drink and 2 sides. I opted for the cornbread and a small upcharge to get an 8oz cup of their homemade Brunswick Soup. I've never had Brunswick Soup before, and it's delicious! It's a hardy pulled pork stew with corn, peas, and some other veggies. It is slightly sweet and spicy. It's a must have if it's offered in the season! The cornbread was very moist and complemented the soup. I had a generous portion of brisket with their homemade sweet bbq sauce on the side. The brisket was a little drier than I would have liked, but those with me said that their brisket is usually very moist. Get there early around lunch time, or expect to wait in a line. They'll call your name for your order at the opposite end of the cashier. If you are staying to eat and the weather is nice, there are plenty of tables and chairs outside to eat your delicious meal at. This is a must stop for delicious local bbq. Don't forget to opt for Eastern Carolina Vinegar based bbq if you decide on some pulled pork! read more

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When I walked into Charlie Grainger's, I was greeted by an employee whose infectious enthusiasm was surpassed only by his keen salesmanship-- to the point that I wanted to try every single item on the menu! But I was there for hot dogs, so I stuck with that. That said, I'm a little embarrassed to admit it....but... I ordered 4 of them--I just couldn't decide!  I have reported in recent reviews about the importance of the taste of the wiener and what a difference it can make in the overall hot dog experience. CG is a case , however, where the quality of the accoutrements take the spotlight and upstage what is actually only a slightly above average wiener. The Kahn's all-beef hot dog is solid, but is distinctly inferior to the likes of Sabrett, Nathan's, Vienna Beef, and even a few others. It didn't help matters that the wiener was cold. Nevertheless, as I said, the toppings here are outstanding and make up the difference. If CG used one of the aforementioned brands, their hot dog would have been so good I might have died.  Mo Heat: Served with pimento cheese, siracha, jalapeños and spicy bread and butter pickles, this was my favorite of the day. Positively delicious.  Cook County: A variation of the Chicago dog, very similar, but sans bright green relish--Jamaican relish instead, plus spicy pickles. A very enjoyable dog. Lou's Way: Another taste pleaser with pimento cheese, chipotle, chili, jamaican relish, slaw and onions. All the Way: CG's chili is excellent, and the slaw is positively delicious, making for an excellent version of a southern classic. Sweet tea: It's not. Weak on tea flavor and low on sugar, this was the most disappointing part of my lunch. I felt like I was back in Miami where most places don't know sweet tea from a hole in the ground.  Some additional notes: -They make all their sauces, chili, slaw, etc. in house. THEY HAVE NO FREEZER. Everything is fresh. Always.  -No fries. Bagged chips only. -The hot dog buns are the type that are sliced through the top, and they hold together admirably while supporting a ton of toppings.  -CGs appears to share space with a florist and gift shop next door, and their dining room is in the back half of it. You have to walk unusual passageways to get to there, but it's really cute once you arrive...but it's--even though I loved it--a little odd. You will be dining amidst the scent of an active florist shop and customers shopping nearby for sundry gift items. -They have other food items as well, such as brisket and bbq. Definitely a place worth checking out. read more

Charlie Graingers - I ordered 4 hot dogs. Please don't judge me. - Hot Dogs Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

I love hotdogs and Charlie Graingers has some of the best in town. The staff is always friendly and could be the epitome of southern hospitality. The hots come in several different varieties from the classic "all the way" and the Peacock that add some cheese to the sombrero with a spicy spin. In addition, the pulled pork nachos will fill your belly with smoky pulled pork, melted cheese, and jalapeños. Great place for lunch. read more

This place is so good and so unique I want to squeal!!! From the minute you walked in, there is somebody ready to describe everything on the menu (believe me you need descriptions the menu is big) and ask you if you want to taste anything. That was, service with a smile something you see in the South and I'm from California so I would know LOL!! It looked like every member of the family was working somewhere in the restaurant. And they were happy and welcoming!!! At the register they chatted and ask our names and where we were from the owners of the restaurant were there. Everyone was willing to give you a taste of anything and share how it was made and that the owners made their food daily. If you're looking for fancy ambience this is not the place most people were sitting outside on the front patio although they do have an area in the back to sit. This is for excellent food, hotdog that rock the world and soup that'll blow your mind good family recipes that are just filling and wonderful. The banana pudding is made daily and they make your order right in front of you asking how you like it extra vanilla wafers or extra bananas on and on so friendly and it was yummylicious. Check out the menu and if you were hot dog lover these are specfreakingtacular!!! they also have gluten free bread and buns are you have to do is ask she steamed them they're so tasty and soft like little pillows. Eat up you'll go back!! read more

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I've had this place on my wish list for about a year, but don't have one within an hour drive from the house. On numerous occasions I've been near one, but they are always closed for dinner, or it's a Sunday. So finally, I made it in during business hours and they did not disappoint. The restaurant is clean, the service is phenomenal and the food went like this... Beef Brisket is outstanding. I asked for a mix of both sauces, the sweet molasses and their spicy BBQ sauce. I liked both, but went back for more of the spicy one... it's rather addictive. Pickles and pickled okra were a nice touch as an edible garnish. Hot dogs were way too soft for my liking. I like the snap of a dog with casing. These were too mushy for me. I liked the flavors of everything on it, but the dog itself was not my cup of tea. Maybe when I lose all of my teeth, this will be my go to dog! read more

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Wow, great food. It has an unassuming first appearance, but the service and food were on-point! Also, the gluten free offerings were wonderful! I will be back and will recommend to my friends!! read more

I recently visited and got a Big Daddy Sandwich combo (brisket chili and cheese). Upon receiving it I noticed it was cold which I though was unusual as the restaurant had just opened for the day. Before finishing the sandwich I began feeling sick. I proceeded to vomit for the rest of the day at work and had the most painful stomach cramping I have ever had. I am not sure what went on with the food. The staff was very kind and helpful in choosing what to get though so 5/5 for service. read more

Good food and a very friendly atmosphere. Very nice staff and very upbeat. Food was very well made and had a nice, home like touch.

The hospitality of the staff was exceptional. From the time we walked in to the time we left they were overboard in accommodating. The brisket was exceptional... the white bean brisket soup was absolutely awesome. The kids meals are plentiful... The Wilmington was spectacular with brisket, pimento cheese, slaw and Jamaican relish. The banana pudding was creamy and just the right amount of cookies! This place is a gem in Hickory! I will be back!!!!! read more

Charlie Graingers - Hot Dogs Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

This place is definitely the SPOT! For as long as I've lived in hickory I've never eaten here until recently. You never really notice the place because it's in the strip with so many stores around you kind of just overlook it. But if you're craving hot dogs or bbq you should give this place a try! Sooo many different hot dog options for a cheap price too! Haven't had a chance to try the bbq sandwiches yet but I will soon. Staff was friendly and patient and I'm assuming the owner was the one bringing out the food and he was friendly as well! Go support small businesses! read more

Charlie Graingers - Peacock hot dog and mac and cheese - Hot Dogs Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

Fantastic hot dogs and excellent bbq. First-rate service as the owner is there all day and will attend to you personally. If you are a hot dog fan then skip the bbq and get 2 dogs. I had the Sonora dog and it was delicious. Their dogs are among the best in North Carolina and have won some awards! Great outside seating and lots of parking. Highly recommended. read more

Charlie Graingers - Sonora dog (right) and bbq brisket on left. - Hot Dogs Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

The food here is amazing! There are so many gluten free options! The hush puppies are so good!!

The brisket nachos are to die for! Cool BBQ spot, quick service and family friendly atmosphere!

Sad to see another local restaurant closing due to landlord either raising rent or just not giving them the option to lease again. I'm sure two sides to every story. The square needs lots of food options for all palettes and price levels so hate to see this one go! Great quick lunch spot with bbq, brisket and hot dog based sandwiches, salads, tacos, bowls and nachos. Closing end of January or February 2022. read more

Definitely recommend this place to others. The Mac Daddy is a must try and I've loved all the barbeque dishes, especially the nachos!! The staff is super friendly and passionate. I love the view of the window seats inside (and it'll be even better once construction downtown is completed) and all of the outside seating too. read more

Charlie Graingers - Small portion of Nachos and firefighter Jason. - Hot Dogs Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

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I am not a fan of bbq but I love brisket - ONLY if it's lean! This place has the best tasting leanest brisket I have ever had! We got hot dogs to sample too and they were so good and the buns are fresh and melt in your mouth. I also want to mention that the owner is the kindest, sweetest, most inviting person. He really makes everyone feel welcome. This will be a new go to! Please check them out! read more

Charlie Graingers - Brisket Nachos - Hot Dogs Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

We've been a few times and it's been amazing! The manager is always helpful and friendly. We love it here! The fact they serve landshark is a plus too read more

Charlie Graingers - BBQ nachos - Hot Dogs Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

Great food and great prices. Have always loved coming here, especially for the BBQ smothered with cheese sandwich. Not a lot of seating but that's ok. Would definitely recommend! read more

Amazing food and excellent customer service! We drive here often for the delicious brisket nachos. My husband and I share a small! The family who works here is always so kind and they don't kick you out when the store closes They actually said not to even think about the time and just enjoy the food! This has quickly become a favorite of ours! read more

The brisket here is unbelievably good. I've had their hotdogs at a work event and they were good too. Very nice people and the owner is great. read more

Charlie Graingers - Menu - Hot Dogs Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

Solid lunch spot. Came in mid-week for lunch and by the crowd there one can tell that this is one of the places to be. Business people rolling in-and-out and a good flow of traffic. Plus the smell when you enter the shop makes you want the BBQ or brisket, but if that does sway your choice the wide selection of hotdogs will definitely satisfy, and this was my poison. Got a couple of hot dogs which were both well prepared and quickly came out (5 mins) after ordering. The chili was good on the dog was good too. The staff was friendly and helpful to navigate the menu. Definitely worth the stop, will return. read more

Charlie Graingers - The mailman - Hot Dogs Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

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Amazing. Great service -- felt I was with family. The owner was there and came outside to see how we were doing and was genuinely interested in us. More importantly, the food. We were on our last day of our trip and needed to get some more smoked brisket. We found this place on yelp and it did not disappoint. My wife and I both had the brisket sandwich with Cole slaw. It did not disappoint. It actually looked better than the stock photo. LOTS of brisket, deliciously smoked, cole slaw and a wonderful bun. I put no sauce on it because the smokey goodness of the meat needed to own the show. Can you open a Charlie Graingers in Tacoma, WA? read more

What a unique idea...executed well. First and foremost it's a hotdog spot. But, they also have BBQ and Brisket they will serve on a hotdog bun. It's a great way to enjoy some Brisket. The Brisket was excellent, and there homeward BBQ sauce was awesome. They topped my "sandwich" with slaw and a sweet pickle. I enjoyed my trip very much!! read more

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Because 5 stars is the only amount I can give........but they deserve many more. I had CG cater my Board meeting today and it was a HIT! I chose the tailgater package with brisket and bbq along with ranch pasta salad, slaw, pickles, pickled okra, rolls, and banana pudding. From placing the order to delivery it was a great, easy, experience. The Board loved the food and made many comments about EVERY item and how good it all was. Will definitely have them cater again! So easy, so good, and that makes my life easier! read more

What a great experience. All the way from the outstanding greeting to the food. We had the Louie and the Trails End. It was delicious. I will definitely return and would highly recommend. This is my new favorite place and a must go. read more

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As others have said, they treat you like a special guest, the food is wonderful, and they're following the public health guidelines with masks inside, separated seating. They're making it work and doing it well. BTW, if you can't decide between dogs and bbq they have a dog with brisket and cole slaw on it - crazy good! read more

So.. Charlie Graingers gourmet, upscale hot dog restaurant (avg one dog meal is $10) is relocating right beside a popular establishment that sells basic "southern style" hotdogs "3 for 5" - an old booming business that often has a line wrapped around the building! I'm curious to see how this move works out. In a era when good hot dogs are very hard to find, TWO hot dog joints within 100 feet of one another could get interesting! Different customer base, different approaches! I wish them the best. Their presence uptown is truly missed! read more

Amazing! Best BBQ I have had in a long time! If you are visiting ... this should be on your list. Locals..if you haven't tried, this is a must! read more

Amazing. I come to Hickory quite a bit and I stop by every chance I get. I love their Mac Daddy tacos and Nachos! I reccomend anyone who comes by to eat here! I am writing this sitting at the bar eating my Tacos. They all are super nice and friendly! read more

Charlie Graingers - Hot Dogs Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

Absolutely love this place. Right in downtown among everything hickory has to offer and everything made fresh!

Looked like a nice deli on the square. Ordered 2 turkey rolls and 2 sliders for my kids. Cost $40. I couldn't believe it when we got four slider sized rolls. The turkey was mashed up and frankly could have been anything. As we ate our overpriced underwhelming sandwiches we saw the board by their door joking about someone rating their bbq roll the worst ever. I only wish I'd read it before I went in. Shameful value and quality. Add your turkey roll to the board of shame. read more

Sandwich was good but not great. Meat a bit dry, too little sauce. Side of broccoli salad was good but overpriced for the quantity.

Fresh fresh fresh...Very warm greeting when we walked in with a full explanation of the amazing brisket, sandwiches and around. The Legend was awesome a fully loaded hotdog with spicy mayo jalapeño peppers and fresh beef brisket on top. Wow a must when in the area. Glad we stopped in as they have true passion for great customer service and high quality food. read more

Charlie Graingers - The Legend simply amazing. - Hot Dogs Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

Tried this place for the first time today. I'm so impressed with everything about it! The owner is so friendly. They let you taste things off the menu to help you decide. The staff is extra fabulous! Probably the most creative menu I've ever seen. The food is outstanding! Can't wait to come back! read more

Charlie Graingers - Hotdog Heaven!!! - Hot Dogs Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

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This is one of the best local restaurants around. If you're in the mood for some delicious bbq, check. You want a hot dog that puts the big city dogs to shame, check. You want some mouth watering brisket that will leave you full but wanting another bite. Check. My suggestion: Lous Way with Brunswick Stew and cornbread read more