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    Rawleys Drive-In

    4.0 (145 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Rawleys Drive-In Photos

    RAWLEYS DRIVE-IN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Divey
    Classy
    Good for kids

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    Hummel Hot Dog with House Hot Relish and yellow mustard
    Jason P.

    Rawley's has a reputation for being a beloved CT hot dog place. They deep fry the dogs. Grill the buns in butter. You'll hear they have fans like Martha Stewart and David Letterman. Before this weekend, I had been once before years ago, and didn't really connect with the hot dogs in the way that others must. When I unexpectedly drove by this weekend and saw they were open, I had to try again. While the hot dog was good (not great or even very good), I continue to be underwhelmed relative to the expectations set by others and I found the experience unnecessarily inefficient and frustrating. When I arrived at 11:40 am, there was no line to order, 2 people were waiting for prior orders in the narrow front room where you order, and there were four people sitting in the narrow dining area who seemed to have their food already. I saw at least 4 different people working, which seemed adequate for the number of customers. I ordered at 11:41. I asked if they make any of their own toppings and I was told they make their own hot relish, but none of the other toppings. So I ordered one hot dog with yellow mustard, and the house red hot relish. The other available toppings, included chili, cheese, kraut, onions, sweet relish, bacon, jalapenos, mayo and dill pickle chips. I didn't get my hot dog until 12:01. So 20 minutes later. In those 20 minutes, they handed out a couple of average looking phone in orders. So it wasn't like they were doing a huge phone-in takeout business either. One of the two people who ordered ahead of me finally said "I have to go. I need a refund." They said they were completing his order so he ended up waiting a couple more minutes. I was equally frustrated with the inability of four people to accomplish so little in 20 minutes. I was there long enough to read a story they have on the wall about how people will wait "20 minutes for the real thing". So it actually seems to be a source of pride that they can take 20 minutes to fill your order, because you will like the food that much. I've been to many of the best loved CT hot dog places. I have had my hot dog within 5 minutes from some of those paces. I have never waited longer than 10 minutes for a single hot dog, even when there were twice as many customers. Even when the other hot dog places have many more topping options and they actually make some of those toppings in house. 20 minutes for a single hot dog with simple toppings is unacceptable during non-busy periods, and should be embarrassing, rather than an apparent source of pride. I could get over 20 minutes for a best in CT level hot dog. My hot dog was not near that level. Rawley's uses a standard bun length Hummel hot dog. Deep frying the dog is supposed to make it snappy. My dog was not snappy. My teeth pierced the dog, with very little resistance. I'm not a Hummel guy, but the flavor was fine. The hot relish was pretty good. It did not pop relative to the topping options of my favorite CT hot dog shops. The butter-grilled bun is a highlight, however. It's probably one of the best hot dog buns in CT. I don't live near Fairfield. I can't see returning to Rawley's. Especially, given that one of the best CT hot dog spots is also in Fairfield, and another is up the road a bit in Milford. 3 Stars for the whole experience. 3.75 Stars for the hot dog.

    Martha likes it and so should you....I guess
    Yvonne H.

    My first time visiting this local staple in Fairfield, CT. We ordered a hot dog with ketchup, a grilled chicken breast sandwich and onion rings. My favorite item were the onion rings. They were fresh, crispy and just delicious. My only complaint is they brought no type of dipping sauce with it. The chicken breast sandwich was fresh but basic. The hot dog apparently is a Hummel hot dog. I enjoyed they toasted the bun so it was warm and toasty. The location is off a main road and has parking. There are a few seats if you choose to dine in. I found the hot dog curtains adorable. Service was quick. They turned over the few tables quickly. Prices were reasonable. I'd visit again.

    Love the curtains
    Loretta M.

    Nothing has changed inside except for the curtains which I loved The chili for the hot dogs not as good as I remembered. Tastes like a not so good version of Hormel's. The fries were as good as could be.

    Kevin D.

    A solid dog at a very popular locale #3 on our hot dog trek, and we came all the way to Rawleys to try a hot dog that's raved about by many. The place is small, not a lot of places to sit and not a lot of room to order, wall has a ton of names scawled against the walls, but everything was clean. The staff were extremely friendly, constantly cleaning and asking if we were all set. dogs came out quickly, and we managed to get a seat, get pics, and have a couple dogs. The Hot Chihuahua, not very hot. it has a little spice, but not a ton. The onions were appreciated though. The chili cheese dog, the chili is a thick bean chili. Was a little spicy, glad to get a little heat. Hot dog is a solid snap natural casing dog with a slice of fake cheese. Overall, a solid hot dog. The fake cheese slice and the lack of heat on the spicy hot dog detracted from the meal. It's a good dog overall though, so it's worth a try.

    Cheeseburger with O Rings
    Denise A.

    First time here for a nice juicy cheese burger and fries. The place was plenty busy. I hadn't realized there were places inside to eat-which is great. Retro feel from a time when everyone traveled down this road and this was thee spot in Fairfield to grab a bite ( a lovely Fairfield resident explained this all to me while food was being prepared). The burger was moist and tasty, the O Rings were golden and crunchy. All hit the spot. Eay to find when driving by, parking available. Quick service made to order. Great place still to grab a bite.

    Cara T.

    There could not be a more perfect spot for lunch on a road trip! My mom and I wanted to stop for lunch on our way to Cape Cod. We were looking for something quick, but better than McDonald's. Rawley's looked so cute online and was right off of 95. We are so happy we stopped here! The vibe is super cute and retro. They have seating inside. You order at the counter and then they bring their food to you. I have chicken fingers and fries and my mom had one of their signature hot dogs. We couldn't have loved our meal more! Everything was made fresh. I'm pretty sure even the ranch that I got to dip my chicken in was homemade. The fries were perfectly salted and definitely hand cut. Even though this is an older building, the entire place was spotless! I saw the owner constantly cleaning tables after people left. The bathroom was definitely newly renovated as well. Overall, it's the perfect spot for awesome food! I will definitely be back if I'm ever in the area.

    a car parked in a parking lot
    Crystal P.

    Grabbed some take out from here while in the area visiting and it was good. Yummy burgers.

    Bacon cheeseburger, at Rawleys Drive-In in Fairfield, CT.
    Tom D.

    Fairfield, Connecticut is my hometown. Haven't lived there since the 80's, A LOT has changed around town since then, but Rawleys Drive-In is one of the few things that has stood the test of time. If anything, our experience today was better than my memories from long ago, that's something which doesn't happen too often. Stopped in just after Noon for lunch w/ the wife. We ordered a bacon cheeseburger, a Hot Dog w/ "the works", a large cheese fries, and a B & W milkshake. Our food came out after short wait. The B & W milkshake was outstanding, we both loved it, very flavorful. Fries were hand cut, a nice touch. Everything else was fresh & tasty, it all hit the spot. I read several negative Yelp reviews, I would ignore them. I don't understand what they are complaining about, this place is Winner. My wife agrees too. Staff is very friendly also. We are looking forward to our next visit to Rawleys when we are back in the area.

    Chili & Cheese Dog with cheeseburger.
    John R.

    I have been enjoying Rawley's since 1985. This hot dog shack has changed hands a few times over those years and I'm glad to see that the most recent ownership has returned to its roots. They have put a fresh coat of paint here and there, installed a new POS system and adequately staffed the joint. Like back in the day, you only need to order three things at Rawley's - hot dogs, fries and a shake. If you like the works or chili & cheese or plain, Rawley's dogs are always hot and fresh. The fries are crisp and flavorful - they could be twice fried - I'm not sure. They taste great. Do yourself a favor and enjoy Rawley's. We do every time.

    Double cheese burger and onion rings
    Erin A.

    Great local dive. Owner and staff are friendly and attentive. Locally sourced fresh burger meat. Homemade aioli is great for burgers and fries has some heat and smoke in it. Burgers get deliciously messy. Homemade apple hand pies with vanilla ice cream, yum!! Quick food, great guilty pleasure food stop.

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    5 years ago

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    8 years ago

    Connecticut has some of my favorite hotdog joints. This is one of my favs. No frills just great dogs the old school way

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    7 years ago

    The relish! One of the best things I've ever eaten. Spicy and savory and a little sweet. Perfect synergy with the Hummel's dog.

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    6 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    6 years ago

    Hot dogs are just not the same. Different hot dog different bun what is this madness. Bring the old rawleys back!

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    8 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Best Hot Dogs I have ever had. Definitely worth stopping although it does not look like much from the outside.

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    17 years ago

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    16 years ago

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    13 years ago

    The dogs are ok. The chili taste as if came out a can. Not worth trying again.

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    14 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    11 years ago

    Nostalgia aside, the dog is ok but not great. I like more of a snap in a dog. The fourth star is for the ambiance

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    11 years ago

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    16 years ago

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    13 years ago

    This was okay, but definitely my least favorite of the six hotdogs we tried in Connecticut.

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    13 years ago

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    Page 3 of 4

    Ask the Community - Rawleys Drive-In

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    I wanted to like this place but I got bad vibes. We first walked in and and there was only 1 bar…read morestool (party of 2) so we sat at a high top. They could have easily fit another 3 stools at the bar; people were actually standing in the places stools could have gone. The place felt like an old neighborhood bar where guys went after work for a beer before heading home. Everyone seemed to know each other. Besides the bar scene it was empty. I walked to the bar and asked for menus and a few beers. We had to go to the bar each time to order. We got the buffalo wings and Sikorsky sliders. Food took a while but it was worth it. The wings were breaded so they had a nice crunch to them. The sliders were great - grilled chicken, bacon, sharp cheddar and cracked pepper mayo. The food was really good, I always appreciate a breaded wing. The beer and wings were supposed to be on happy hour at $5 each as noted on the menu. When we got the bill we were charged full price for everything. We asked the bartender why they weren't discounted and he explained that they weren't on HH. We asked him to look at the menu and he said he would honor the prices but the menus were wrong...? I wonder how many times people were charged full price for these items before and didn't take the time to look at the bill. I don't know if that's a normal practice in this place but its a shame because I definitely will not be going back.

    This is a review I meant to write from this summer: This place looks ancient inside but it's…read morecharming old school neighborhood bar with really good food. Sliders are good, also got the buffalo chicken egg roll which was really crunchy. There's usually a dog hanging out inside, well behaved and friendly. I don't mind that at all. It's such a soft environment. As far as drinks, there is not a very good draft beer selection, basically your usual basics and a seahag. Why not some local craft beer?! Service was great until our waitress disappeared (went home?) I ended up going to the bartender to cash our our lunch check from the table. Still we will likely be back because the food is yummy.

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    Rawleys Drive-In - burgers - Updated September 2026

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