Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Roast Grill Hot Weiners

    4.2 (186 reviews)
    InexpensiveHot Dogs
    Closed Closed

    The Roast Grill Hot Weiners Photos

    THE ROAST GRILL HOT WEINERS ATMOSPHERE

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

    You might also consider

    More like The Roast Grill Hot Weiners

    Recommended Reviews - The Roast Grill Hot Weiners

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Jeff B.

    I have always wanted to try The Roast. I had my opportunity today. Very nice waitress. Really tight quarters and lots of trinkets on the shelves near the cook area. The hot dog nor the chili were for me. My dog had an almost burnt flavor and the chili had an overly liquidity density without a lot of flavor. I loved the glass bottle cokes. Very reasonably priced but remember it is cash only. Cheers to the longevity and history of this place. It just wasn't for me.

    Rebecca M.

    The Roast Grill was opened in Downtown Raleigh in 1940 by Mary Charles. Today it is operated by Mary's grandson George Poniros and his wife Kathy. It is a small hole in the wall place with 10 bar stools and two two top tables. The cooler is on the other side of the bar stools so it is a small and narrow space. The walls have photos of hot dog eating winners; nostalgia and there are Coke collectibles. Kathy says George has collections everywhere. The menu is simple with hot dogs; soda in bottles; desserts and potato chips were added to the menu recently. The dogs are cooked on the original grill be George and can be topped with slaw; chili; mustard or onions or any combination of those choices. They don't offer ketchup. The restaurant is cash only and the prices include taxes. Tootsie rolls are given with orders too. I'm not a hot dog fan so I just had baklava here made by Kathy. It was a real treat that I'd love more of. I also had a bottle of Coke in a glass. It was a fun experience.

    The Roast Gril
    Gina Marie S.

    This joint is a must-see! George is the real deal churning out grilled hot dogs at the old school grill with Ms. Kathy delivering the goods and drinks. Note: cash only. ATM can be found on the corner at Morgan Street Food Hall. Use the Morgan Street side entrance. Find street parking or I'd suggest downloading in advance the Passport parking app. So, you've parked. You have cash. Now, it's time to eat! Don't ask to see a menu; the menu is hot weiners Be prepared to order yours like this - with mustard because The Roast Grill does not serve ketchup, or sauerkraut. However, there is homemade chili, slaw, and lots of onions. Try one with everything by asking George for it "all the way". For dessert, Kathy offered pound cake made by a fellow parishioner. How could I pass up "church lady" pound cake? Update: the pound cake was delicious! I ordered 2 with mustard then another. 3 hot dogs + 2 Cokes + pound cake + A good deal of hot dog history = $17 - Delicious, kitschy, and affordable Oh, George did expand the menu recently to include bratwurst They serve Coke in glass bottles, which is fantastic. There is an interesting collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia from all round the world. There lots of evidence of loyalty to the NC State Wolf Pack and the NC Hurricanes. As both fly red and black colors, if I cared about sports, I'd pick them for their fashion sense alone. Now that I know the drill, it'll be easier next time. Yes, I'll be back with cash in my wallet. $20 bill will do it.

    Maryellen S.

    The Roast Grill is an experience! One of those unforgettable, hole in the wall places with just a few things on the menu. A must visit regardless of whether you're a local or visiting from out of town. Two tips: 1) Don't ask for catsup, they don't believe in catsup on hot dogs. 2) Cash only!

    Marty B.

    Tasty and satisfying! The sausage was juicy, and the bun was soft. Could use a little more toppings. Overall, a solid hot dog!

    George Poniros serves you the iconic grill roasted wieners which are your signature delicious meal for over 30 years.
    Dale D.

    Best hot roasted wiener in Raleigh, N.C. since 1940. George Poniros cooks and serves you with his masterful style and hilarious banter as he has been doing it this way for over 30 years. This iconic tiny little restaurant often has a line out the door so it is good to arrive early to enjoy these delicious roasted weiners. Order your weiner any way you want with mustard, chili, onions, coleslaw, but beware that you don't ever ask for the cardinal sin of ketchup. Icy cold Coca-Cola in old school little green bottles is the best way to hydrate or you have a choice of beers. Highly recommend that you visit here often.

    Chili only hot dog
    Jackie S.

    Call ahead to make sure they're open. But if they are, go! Yes there are only 13 bar stools and 2 2-top tables however the hot dogs are delicious! You can also get them to go. George isn't too chatty but the staff is very nice. The bins are so soft, the wiener is the perfect size and the chili is just right! CASH ONLY

    Outside
    Marva J.

    A very strong four as it is a one of a kind place and takes you back to a simpler time . I was impressed with the hot dog and chili. The grill he uses is very interesting and they take a lot of pride in their business and great customer service which never goes out of style. Very small place and often crowded but worth the wait which isn't long and it's perfect if you just want a great hotdog and drink . The fact that they serve beer is a plus and adds to the simplicity of having a hotdog and a beer . It's a nice bit of history also.

    Hot Dog All they way

    See all

    Photo of Adam B.
    750
    1256
    502

    2 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Fred B.
    497
    2069
    10854

    1 year ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Chip C.
    69
    15
    17

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Great hotdogs with home made chili and slaw. I have been going there for more than 20 years!

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mike F.
    76
    15
    0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kelly Z.
    90
    129
    26

    2 years ago

    Great service, delicious hotdogs. Well worth the wait to get in the door, A Raleigh institution!

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Wray B.
    90
    25
    22

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Brian C.
    2409
    141
    11

    5 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ron W.
    856
    1204
    6483

    17 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of T W.
    0
    16
    13

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Roast Grill has excellent hot dogs!! By far, the best in North Carolina. Once you try them, you will be amazed!

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    One of best Hot Dogs in town. The History of the place is my favorite part. It's tiny inside.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Bob P.
    15
    96
    222

    4 years ago

    Great dogs and worth the stop. Chili onions mustard slaw - perfect. Bring cash - enjoy.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - The Roast Grill Hot Weiners

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Hot Dogs 1,873 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Jim's Ole Time

    Jim's Ole Time

    4.5(25 reviews)
    5.7 mi
    $

    Great taste, but too messy. Loved the flavors, but the toppings kept falling off. Still, one of the…read morebetter hot dogs I've had!

    if one is as into seeking great hot dogs as I am, one goes where ever the trail leads - even to the…read morefront of a Lowe's Home Improvements store in Cary, and this trip was definitely worthwhile.. There Jim Rivers has been setting up his steel hot dog stand for nearly 14 years now, and is there almost everyday beginning at 11:30 - he misses some days because he also sets up at the North Carolina State Fair each year. He steams his weiners - Red Hots (neon red Southern weiner)for $1,50, Nathans All Beef for $2.00, Jalapeno (with the pepper already in the weiner) for $2.50, and a Sausage dog, also for $2.50. His toppings(whatever you want at no additional charge) include mustard, ketchup (ugh!), chili, onions, slaw, mayo (double ugh!), cheese, sauerraut, red onion (foo foo), and relish (we get visitors from the far north). The Red Hot is your basic Southern Chili dog with a weiner of questionable parentage, chile, onions and/or slaw, on a nice, soft bun. This is a very good hot dog. The chili is not home made since the All Knowing, All Seeing Wake County government has decided that only brick and mortar restaurants can prepare such items in their duly and regularly inspected kitchens - this apparently is true even if the rating is not particularly good. Jim uses Patterson's Grand Slam All Beef Chili, which is available in 5 pound tubs or #10 cans. This is very good commercially prepared chili, right up there with Matinee brand used by Allen & Son in Chapel Hill. The Nathan's All Beef hot dog with chili, mustard, and Jim's slaw is an outstanding slaw dog - one of the best I've tried, and I've tried more than a few. The quality of the weiner reals comes thru, and is very well showcased by the soft bun, tasty chili, and not too sweet mayo based slaw. On my next visit, I'll try the Jalapeno dog and the Sausage dog instead of the All Beef - well, probably in addition too it. Jim is friendly and personable, the service is quick, the pricing reasonable - there is no seating available, but sitting in an airconditioned auto munching several dogs ain't at all bad.

    Photos
    Jim's Ole Time - Jim's Truck and Trailer in the lot. Nice advertising.

    Jim's Truck and Trailer in the lot. Nice advertising.

    Jim's Ole Time - Red dog with mustard , chili and onion.

    Red dog with mustard , chili and onion.

    Jim's Ole Time

    See all

    The Roast Grill Hot Weiners - hotdog - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...