Awesome pearl franks with all the fixings cooked to order picnic tables by the lake or take it to go And they take Venmo! Mine didn't go through due to my poor Wi-Fi but I tracked the owner down and paid him directly he was so grateful but I told him I didn't want to skip out since the food was so delicious just make sure your Venmo goes through so you don't short them! read more

Delicious tunes of meat grilled to perfection. My only complaint is that they are not open year round. The staff is fantastic and helpful and you can't go wrong with anything on the menu's read more

Cheap admission to see a man exercising at the top of his craft. Forget the Sausage King, Fred (Carl actually) is a sausage Genius. In an inspired bit of sausage cookery, the tailend of this roadside trailer is outfitted with a pair of Big Green Eggs. Using these kamado style charcoal grill / smoker hybrids allows for this intense fresh from the campfire effect that is so unexpected; really adding something to the food truck, hotdog cart, game. And then there's the Shnurble. Its one thing to select the finest tube form ingredients, locally made Linguicia and Chourico, Pearl Meat Packing's 1/4lb all-beef, natural-casing frank, Andouille sausage, etcetera. Its wholly another to pack a lenthways sliced hot dog right next to a butterflied filet of that fine chourico. Lay it on a bed of home made sweet cabbage, a dollop of mayonnaise and top with shake of a house blended Sirachababa sauce. That Pearl beef frank adding a smooth touch of body to the spicy grained chourico. That is a fine sandwich, and at a little over $8 bucks, bravo. read more

Fred's Franks - A Man and his Kamado - Hot Dogs Near Me - Wakefield, Massachusetts

Fred's Franks are the best hotdogs. Grilled outside, location isawesome next to Lake Quanapowitt in Wakefield. Friendly staff, quick service. Customers in line are super friendly and they talk about how obsessed they are for Fred's. Cash only. Affordable prices. read more

I guess I made a mistake by getting a burger instead of a dog. Big mistake. I thought, when the girl who took my order, made a mistake. She handed me this humongous sub roll. No mistake, they put the burger in sub rolls. HUGE sub rolls. Great, right?! This is gonna be a monster burger! Nope. Not even close. Watched the cook take a frozen, 1/4 inch thick burger and toss it on the grill. Threw a slice of shitty Kraft cheese on it and cut the burger in half. Then he puts it in my gigantic sub roll. I looked at him with bewilderment. Huh? Took it back to my car, moved the two slices to one side of that behemoth sub roll, ripped of 5 inches of bread and threw it out for the birds. After the first bite, the rest went to the birds as well. 8 bucks for a burger that I compare to a 3 dollar burger you get at a beach concession stand. Ridiculous. read more

Great find at the lake in Wakefield I have only ordered a hot dog here but it's definitely Worth it! I love that it's fresh off the grill The rolls are even delicious and many options Of condiments that you put on yourself Pricing is fine They have a bench if needed while you wait and if not too busy you are lucky enough to have your order cooked to your liking! Service is fast and the owner/ staff are super AWESOME!! Stop by it's totally a GEM read more

Best hot dogs ever! And always consistent. My 12 year old ballerina begs me to take her there for a jumbo.

Go to place for my kiddos while walking that beautiful lake. Everything is made fresh to order right there. Just a favorite spot. Great location. Cash only I believe read more

This place is awesome. Great food and the owner is extremely personable - makes it a very nice experience. Located on the side of the road, they have a surprisingly big selection of franks and sausages. I always have the schnerble (look it up on their online menu), but I've tasted some of the other sausages they serve there. All the meats are made to their specifications and you can taste he difference! Other than the fact that it's a roadside stand and no where to really sit, Freds is a great place for lunch. Great food, excellent prices, and friendly people. Really, what more could you want? read more

Northern Hospitality: oxymoron? Not here. Having born witness to the meatlover's marvel that is the "Schnurble" on a past visit, we were quick to return to this Wakefield spot when in the area. Ravenous after a hike at nearby Breakheart Reservation we pulled up with fingers crossed that they hadn't closed for the season. Turning into the small parking lot off Lake Quannapowitt we saw that Fred's Franks was still open for business. Score! Only after we rushed up to the cart did we realize we were both low on cash. Scrounging in pockets, purses and seat cushions- we realized we only had $6 between us. We sheepishly walked over, cash in hand and explained our sad state of affairs. We had enough for a regular dog but the Schnurble rings in at $8 so we asked hopefully- any chance they take credit cards? No such luck. "But what do you have? $6? No problem. You'll pay me the rest next time. Are you guys splitting it? Make it a jumbo." This random act of human kindness isn't something you see often...if ever. No ploy no gimmick- just someone who believes in their business and believes in the goodness that it'll all even out in the end. I can't say whether this is common phenomenon but I can say that it made a huge impression and you better believe we're heading back with that extra $3 (and more). Of course, the Schnurble is all the impression you need when it comes to this place: a Pearl hot dog wedged between two cuts of chorizo fresh from the grill on a bun with Sriracha, habanero mustard and sweet cabbage. Arteries be damned. Open in warm weather and looking at Th/Fri/Sat hours as we head into cooler monthes- this is a must visit place if you're in the area. All around stellar establishment- they offer great food, friendly service and with owners sending out such positive carnivore karma, you can't go wrong. read more

Shnurble: sh-nûr-b(e)l Yeah I could get used to saying ... and eating that. A Pearl dog is a wonderful thing. A Pearl dog with a beautiful bun is an even more wonderful thing. A Pearl dog with a beautiful bun and some chourico is more wonderful wonderfulness of things. Now add to the Pearl dog with a beautiful bun and some chourico a little mayo, hot sauce (Sirachaba Souce as they call it) and diced cabbage, cook it all up on a big green egg and you have a Shnurble. and the Schnurble is a wonderful wonderfulness off wondrous thing of things. Where's the fan club, I need to sign up! read more

It's a roadside stand. With an egg-shaped grill. And two employees. And it's in a field. Surely this place can't be serving up the greatest hot dog concoctions in the Northeast. At least, this was my thinking going into my first of what will likely be many Fred's Franks visits. But oh, I was so completely wrong. Even though this place isn't really owned by a "Fred" anymore (it's Carl Galasso), this place is still putting out the best spin on a German-American classic that I've ever gotten to sink my teeth into. Obviously, you've read some of the other reviews, and you've heard the term "Shurble" thrown about. GET IT. It's a crunchy, Pearl brand hot dog sandwiched in between two slices of spicy chorizo, mayo, sweet cabbage and Srirachaba (Sriracha and habanero mustard sauce). Plus all the condiments and concoctions are available at the "counter", so you can pile that baby sky-high, free of charge. If you're asking yourself if it's really worth going out of your way to a lonely stand just for a hot dog, let me quell your restless mind. You gotta get one of these Shurble things. And some kielbasa, sausage, linguica, and anything else you can possibly stand to fit in your stomach, while you're at it. You'll have to take a few laps around the picturesque lake located right behind the stand to work off the calories, but hey, it's 110% worth it. read more

There is nothing like enjoying lunch outdoors on a warm summer day at Fred's Franks. It's just a little hog dog stand near a pond in Wakefield, but the way he cooks the dogs is very special - in a Big Green Egg! It's a good idea to check his website. The hours may change, or some days he's just not open due to the weather. read more

Not much more I can say about this wonderful slice of heaven parked at the top of the lake here in Wakefield than hasn't already been rhapsodized about before. It is one of the most efficient systems I have ever seen and I am a critic when it comes to the efficiency of getting food into my stomach! Friendly and efficient - even more impressive. (The first time I ever came here I was in a quandary over what to order and let several people go ahead of me to keep the line moving. As I waffled, I pictured the Soup Nazi from Seinfeld - "No meat for you!" But I was greeting pleasantly and had all my questions answered.) They will cook your hot dog (or sausage or whatever you've ordered) exactly how you like it - rare in the meat business (pun intended)! There are other hot dog vendors around Lake Quannapowitt, but don't be fooled - Fred's Franks is the real deal! read more

My boyfriend sold this to me as, and I quote "There's a guy who sells hot dogs in a field! Let's go!" And so I put on my 'hiking in the woods' shoes. Totally unnecessary, because while there is a nice grassy area, and it's next to a playground and park and lake (very scenic) it is also immediately next to a parking lot. With pavement. Nice service, nice buns, condiments, and meat. It's piping freaking hot, and very yummy. If I had to complain about something, I'd say there's slightly more bun than I need, but that's a common complaint of mine and I just never finish hot dog buns, whatever. They get their Portuguese sausage in from Fall River (which means it's authentic). They're happy to answer questions, make small talk, and give me my delicious hot dog super quick. I'm not entirely sure what's so special about the "shnurble" as opposed to, say, the sausage and peppers. I don't really need it. But the five stars reveals I'm rather happy with what I get, so to each their own. read more

Awesome. I work near this place so it is great for lunch. If you find yourself North of Boston during lunch time or on a Saturday, it is worth the trip. Check out the website. There is a little parking lot which is pretty convenient too. read more

Wow! I had my very first visit to Fred's today, and was totally satisfied. Try the a shnurble a combo of a Pearl beef hot dog with a chunk of chorizo sitting in top of a bed of sweet cabbage mayo and special sauce. The roll was fresh and large enough to handle the whole affair! It was a symphony of flavors. Hurry get here and enjoy! read more

Fred's Franks - Fred's Franks - Hot Dogs Near Me - Wakefield, Massachusetts

Fred's Franks is soooo good. After having one of these dogs you won't want a hot dog from anywhere else. It's a big dog and the roll they use isn't a cheap tasteless one like other places. They use fresh, bakery like rolls that make it that much better. Usually a line, but worth the wait. read more

What a find!!! I was in Boston to check out something for work and got the hot dog craving... I checked Yelp! To see what my options were and was kind of disappointed. Apparently you are only supposed to eat seafood in Boston! Lucky for me I found this joint. A what a find it was! The place is totally awesome. It's a trailer that has 2 "egg" grills on the front of it. How Absolutely GENIUS!!! And DELICIOUS too! I ordered a jumbo hot dog and a "Moxie" soda and was handed my empty bun and told to wait for the call. A few minutes later my jumbo hot dog was ready. It was fantastic! A really nice natural casing on a great size dog. The bun was really good too, almost a mix of a hoagie and sub bun. All-in-all I highly recommend it! read more

I went up here finally , it was ok , I didn't like the part that ,, we have to hold our own bun then the guy would call use over so he could.put the hot dog into the bun read more

Giant hot dogs and sausages that taste amazing and expertly grilled with good toppings options. Plus you get to be outside usually near the lake while you wait and eat them. read more

Fillls the need plus good people over there. Stop in, load up your dog, get the special sauce. Worth the trip. If you're just passing through it's an easy stop off the Wakefield/Reading circle. read more

This place is a regular stop for me. Everything is great, you can't go wrong. It's more than just the food tho , it's the fact that this is the kind of place and people that this country was built on . Hard working honest good people. Everybody should support places and people like this. read more

It really is that good! Great product, always cooked well, always friendly. Try the Giddyup sauce. read more

So delicious food that we have been taste it ,actually l really enjoy Fred's Franks ,for instance,the chicken salad is so delicious for us to eat,incidentally,if you wanna order double meat,you will get sufficient food read more

Only place to go for hot dogs and schnurbles!!! Lots of return customer helping you to pick the right thing.

This place is a gem. Carl, (who took over when Fred retired) is a great guy, provides great customer service and an awesome product. His typical location next to the lake off 95 has a great view too. This place is so much more than a sausage//hotdog truck. This guy is a skilled chef cooking simple meals , made from high quality meats over a charcoal fueled duo of Green Egg ceramic Kamado cookers next to a lake and serves the food up with a smile. What more can you ask for on a lunch break. read more

Best hot dogs ever! Cooked perfectly and many other options besides just hot dogs. Carl is the nicest guy which makes it even better!

One of the reasons I love spring is because Fred's Franks opens for business. I wait all winter for his little stand to open. I love hotdogs and Freds has the best I've ever had..period. Cooked in the big green egg and smoked over applewood.....oh man. Everytime I go I get two dogs and a rootbeer and I sit on a rock and look at the lake as I bite into my dog and hear that nice little snap of the skin. Yummy. My only complaint is that Fred is a bit off putting but I wouldn't care if he slapped me everytime I went...I would still go and get my dog fix. read more

My wife and I went to Fred's Franks for the first time today. Interestingly enough, we found out that just yesterday, Frank sold it! The man he sold it to was there today and both he and the grill man were very friendly. It sounds like they are keeping the name "Fred's Franks". I had a full Chourico ($7) which was a little spicy (just the way I like it) and perfectly grilled. For condiments, I used habbanaise sauce, chopped sweet onions and ketchup. Another plus was that the bread was very fresh. My wife had a jumbo dog ($5) which took longer to cook than my chourico, but was also very tasty. She had hers with sweet cabbage, chopped sweet onions, ketchup and habbanaise. The grill man asked her preference for how she wanted her dog cooked, and that is definitely appreciated. On the plus side, it was a beautiful day (although I can't give Fred's Franks any extra stars for that!). I wish there had been more condiments and maybe it could have been a bit less expensive, but overall, it's a great place for lunch. read more

Closed for now. Claims Wakefield Police told him he can't park there anymore. Doesn't the town of Wakefield or the police have anything better to do ???!!! I went there once, food was very good. Its a shame...better time would be spent handling the public school drug issues than scaring away the local hot dog guy trying to make a few bucks. Till we meet again ! read more

Well, where does the retired Andover Hot Dog Vendor eat hot dogs? Yes, FRED'S FRANKS. I was in business for 14 years with Brian's Father's Hot Dogs in Andover Center. Truth be told I was a Fred's Franks regular. Maybe I will see some of my old customers there. Happy New Year! read more

Fred's Franks is the best around! Any time I walk the Wakefield Lake, I always have to swing by and get a hot dog. They're fairly priced and very friendly! read more

man - who really doesn't like a grilled to perfection frank??? (ok vegans and veggielovers...ok so there are SOME people who wouldn't choose it) but COME ON!!! these franks are to D-I-E for! People who know me ( you know who you are ) know that I heart everything grilled - I'd grill PB&J if I could (and if I do, I'll yelp about it) These franks are crispy on the outside, succulent on the inside. They are a generous size (boys don't get offended) but their Jumbo is the one that hits the proverbial spot, so to speak. Ahem, I digress .... Saurkraut, freshly chopped onions, relish, even chopped cabbage are the fixin's that you can put on your bun before the frank. Grey Poupon, among other condiments are at your service, but it's the XXXHABANEROXXX mustard that has my heart (and my tummie) forever and ever AMEN The guys and girls are always smilin' (who wouldn't be with a grill that wafts such a lovely smell over to you all day long???) Tell 'em what you want first at the man at the grill and then meander over to the guy or girl that is taking the bills. A good assortment of beverages are available (no beer that I could see) and a great scenic view of the lake to chomp your frank down to. Truthfully, I could easily eat 2 (you read it right) 2 Jumbos but I'm trying to watch that so I won't be Senora Jumbo in the near future. Prices are okie dokie - a jumbo is $5 Cash only peeps and ask them to sing the Mickey Mouse song about the dogs - it's quite entertaining! Tell them red-headed Jack's auntie sends her best. read more

My brother & boyfriend are 100% obsessed with Freds Franks. They get everything here from kielbasa to chorico & linguisa as well as regular hot dogs (which are absolutely fantastic). When I go I get a "kids style" dog - which basically means they just cook it a little less than the regulars, so its not as crispy. I also have to say - the rolls they use are like nothing I've ever seen. They are SO fresh, they are by far the BEST hot dog rolls EVER. Other than hot dogs, they also offer chips, bottles of water, gatorade and cans of soda. Freds opens up April 1st and I believe closes down sometime in October. He's open Tuesday - Saturday .. however he sends out emails to his loyal customers throughout the year if he'll be open on any off days which is really convenient. read more

I love Fred's Franks! My favorite hot dog is made by Pearl Brand and that is what they serve. The hot dogs are barbecued to perfection. They also have hamburgers and sausages. Plenty of free parking and in a nice setting. Pleasant people working there. read more

The best hot dog in the world! My friend took me here while I was in town visiting and just about went to heaven as soon as I took a bite out of this hot dog. I even came back for seconds in the same sitting! read more

These are some of the best hot dogs I've ever had. Seriously, believe the hype!

Take the review that Eric S wrote and multiply by a million. THE best hot dog on the planet. However, you can have the best ingredients but still not pull-it-off. Without a doubt, Pearl Hot Dogs are the best, but it because of the "Big Green Egg" and charcoal with a touch of apple wood and cooking perfection that MAKE these great. The dogs have many slits and are cooked to perfection -- just until crispy on the outside. Also try the Chorico -- it's amazing. Fred gets 10 stars in my book. read more

The Shnurble is an instant legend! Just an all around outstanding experience! Quality and attention to detail throughout! Long live the Fred' Franks! Note to self/FYI: splash some signature sauce on the dog before biting. I still am a child and can't wait for the first bite and more often than not burn the roof of my mouth... read more