I am sure this place is nostalgic for a lot of people, and as a bit of a hot dog expert, I had to find out what everyone was talking about. I had occasion to be in Burlington at lunch one day recently, and decided I needed to stop in. Zack's definitely fits that "area establishment" vibe, and people were coming in and out quickly... now I see why. They get you moving fast! I share John C's thoughts: Within about 15 seconds, a gentleman asked what we wanted. We had barely gotten the menu out when he said, "We have hamburgers and hot dogs. Hot dogs come with chili, onions, and slaw." Unlike John C I opted for chili cheese fries, because I am a glutton for punishment, but otherwise, got the hot dogs the same way, but add cheese. Food was out in a flash, and like John, i kind of wish more care was put into it to up the quality. I don't need my stuff lightning fast. Anyhow, just to be honest, I didn't care for the overall flavor of anything in particular. The hot dog franks and bun were pretty average, no toasting or buttering, frank was barely warm. The chili was HEAVY on cumin and pretty much overpowered everything, including the cheese. Chili cheese fries were a bit better, you could kind of thin out the chili and bring more balance to the cheese sauce. I ate these with a fork. I think if I visited again, I would go the burger route and get these for my chili cheese fix. Overall, I am glad to try an area staple, but it just wasn't my thing. At a place like this, there is surely a regular fan base that likes it exactly how it is, and I would never want to change that. Do your thing for them, it just wasn't my thing! read more

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It had been almost a year since i was last at this hot dog joint, one of my very favorites! Zack's began in 1928, moved into this location in 1977. The grandson of the original owner sold the business in 2021, after of 80 years of ownership by the same family. Things have changes some, there is not the cozy feel of a family spot, none of the wait staffs that had been there for years remain, the replacement are mainly young and a bit distracted. The three main components that made the hot dog here great generally remain - great chili, soft buns, and Zack's made in house hot sauce. The dogs on this visit were very good, but I will get them to go in the future. read more

Zack's Hot Dogs - These are good dogs - Hot Dogs Near Me - Burlington, North Carolina

My friend Michael took me to Zacks's Hot Dogs in Burlington North Carolina. It was established in 1928.We are both passionate about our love for a good hot dog. We sat down and our waitress Avery greeted us with a beautiful smile and we placed our orders. I ordered two chilli hot dogs with onions and fries. I took my first bite and I was very happy like a fat kid in a candy store. The hotdog had the perfect bite and saltiness that was perfect combination with the chilli. My crinkle fries were just enough and fried perfectly. Kaitlyn was one of the waitresses that probably could tell we weren't from there. She had a great personality like a real spit fire "Never change". Kaitlyn make sure you visit CT. All the staff were friendly great southern hospitality. The ambiance is very nostalgic. I felt like I walked into a cool place with nice stools and comfortable. I look forward to visiting Zack's Hot Dogs next time I'm in North Carolina. Please make sure you check out Zack's Hot Dogs and try the hamburger as well. Kaitlyn said they are delicious. To all my Yelpers let's continue to eat our way through the world #foodie4life. read more

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It's fine for what it is. I was looking for a Yum Yum replacement when I moved to Burlington. Again, this if fine. I like that the dogs are grilled instead of steamed. The chili isn't great. It's oily. And everything just feels too expensive. In the long run, I've settled on Skids for when I want a hotdog. If I'm not going to find something as good as Yum Yum, I should at least not pay a ton for it. read more

What happened?!?!??? We drive about 45 minutes on a regular basis to get milkshakes (especially their Cheerwine shake-Yum!) and hot dogs or burgers. Normally great. But tonighr, the worst meal we,ve ever had here. My fries and hot dog were both cold and the fries were not seasoned. My husband's burger bun was refrigerator cold. The ladies sitting across the aisle from us couldn't ever get service and finally stood up and yelled that their hot dogs were cold. (On a plus note, the staff did make them some hot ones.). And sadly, they've changed their menu and completely stopped serving ice cream or shakes. Definitely not worth the long drive. So sad to see one of our favorite places going downhill so fast. read more

Drove all the way here from another city only to find that as of May 25 Zack's no longer has ice cream. No more shakes, floats etc., which they had served for decades. Who made this bonehead decision?! And the portion of fries served is significantly smaller. We will not be coming back. read more

Zack's is Burlington North Carolina's oldest restaurant and a downtown staple. Hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken nuggets, chicken sandwich, fries, onion rings, chicken wings and much more! read more

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Service was insanely fast! The building itself reminded me of a Steak and Shake with the 50s diner look. I appreciated how many options you could get with your hot dog, and I went a bit wild (hence the pickles). I always prefer a pork dog so I was happy to find that Zack's uses pork. I also tried Zack's hot sauce and that was fire! It reminds me of Texas Pete but a bit more of a barbecue-style sauce. The fries weren't my favorite, but I also am not generally a fan of crinkle fries. They don't salt them, but they provide salt for you to use if you want it. I enjoyed them with Zack's hot sauce though. Cheap meal and a great place to go if you're looking for a hot dog! read more

Zack's Hot Dogs - Hot Dogs Near Me - Burlington, North Carolina

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Wish I could give them gem 10+ Stars!!! The family and I tried a new business in Burlington. Apparently this is a 96+ year business that has been established in the city for almost a year. They took over the old Steak and Shake. It's s cute 70s style vibe. We were seated immediately....not a huge crowd ! The menu has an array of items to choose from. ** They have the ol school Ne High Grape in a glass bottle!! ** Food came out pretty fast - it wasn't an extended wait but just right. My entire family devoured our food and left nothing but cheese sauce on the plates. The hotdogs topped with chili/ cheese/ coleslaw was amazing!! Fries = came with chili and cheese. Amazing!! Kiddos got strawberry milkshakes which they loved!! My husband regretted getting the hotdog and chicken wing combo. He said the wings were good but he wanted another hotdog. Cash Discount if paying by Cash!! We will return!! This is a newer location ....the original location is located downtown Burlington, NC. read more

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The food gets worse and worse every time you go in there why is this you do all the work on the building and can I get a heat table to keep the food hot I don't understand I've been going there for 60 years and now the first food so bad and now when you go in there you can't get any service you got two or three people in there and got waitresses and white stuff and everybody's off in their own little world not exact world that's all I have to say about that my read more

It takes you so long to get waited on then when you get waited on, it takes you forever to get your food. They have messed this place up and it's not good anymore. It is awful. read more

I was in Burlington and saw the sign and said let's try it out. This place is known for there hot dogs so that is what I got which was two chili cheese dogs , the chili was very good and they offer slice cheese or block cheese on your hot dog so of course I got it when block cheese and that's something I will definitely be back to get. They don't salt the fry's which is fine with me they gave me plenty of salt packs plus the bbq sauce was very delicious. The staff was very friendly and informative and the inside was super clean everybody had gloves on. read more

Zack's Hot Dogs - Hot Dogs Near Me - Burlington, North Carolina

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We have always like Zacks but they have went to the dogs service is pathetic and it was really nasty in there and the condiment bottles were disgusting and that is being nice they need a manager in there not just a couple of kids that don't know what they are doing the servers couldn't even remember what tables they waited on to clean them up just sad to see how bad it has gotten in there read more

I've been an occasional customer since they first opened. I've always understood this is a dogs and burger joint, not haute cuisine. The food has been consistently well prepared and the premises tidy. Until today. Hot dogs and chili served tepid. Chili recipe has changed, I believe, and not for the better. French fries perhaps too long in the freezer. Overall cleanliness, well, not good, especially entrances and restrooms. Service was very good and very courteous, but can't make up for the other problems. Should probably shut down for steam cleaning. 5 stars for service only. read more

Did y'all know "Zack's" has opened within the HollyHill Mall??? Lunch run for a great little red hot dog on 2, and some hot French fries and a cold drink, but of course there are more options (hot dogs are my fav) The service was quick, staff friendly , work areas very clean and the food made to order. Y'all help me support a great company expanding in new areas and giving us more wonderful great tasting options. Seating area within the mall for your enjoyment than of course there is shopping read more

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Probably the best hot dogs I've had in NC. The chili was amazing. The fries was average but they were plentiful. The dogs reminded me of the little pink ones we bought as a kids. It was quite pack and no wear to sit which reassured me it was good. The service was very fast and they didn't even write down the order. Everything was correct and they even have coke in glass bottles. 4 hotdogs, 3 fries, 1 cheeseburger, 1 coke and 2 sweet teas was 25 bucks. So price is pretty affordable and definitely recommend. read more

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New owners same food. Been coming here for 20 years. The food tonight was the same as we always have. Hot, greasy and fresh. read more

Zack's Hot Dogs - Hot dog with cheese and chili - Hot Dogs Near Me - Burlington, North Carolina

Hotdogs here at Zack's must be great to many, just didn't agree with my system. Not sure if it was the chili that day or the wiener itself but, it didn't stay down long after consumption. This was at the downtown Burlington restaurant. Since then I see they've open up 2 more sites in Alamance County Area. They do have dedicated customers from near & far. Maybe in the future I'll try again just to see if it's the same thing or different! Stay posted! Also the Restaurant was very, very dirty also. Maybe short staffed that day. read more

Zacks has great service, great hot dogs and a wonderful history. There is no better place to get a hot dog (or two). If Joey Chestnut had eaten Zacks hot dogs he never would have even tried Impossible Meat hot dogs. read more

Just stopped in for a quick bite after our ministry get together. Hot dogs, cheese dogs, fries and sweet teas. Very good. read more

Zack's Hot Dogs - Hot Dogs Near Me - Burlington, North Carolina

Went to Zacks Saturday. There were four empty tables that had dirty plates and glasses. Multiple servers saw us, but none cleaned a table so we could sit. We waited close to 10 minutes and finally just left. This never happened under the old owner. I will be hard pressed to ever go back when I am in Burlington. read more

The drive thru is always closed need to get some help or just close down-- I drive all the way up there and am disabled and can't get out of the car--this is some BS read more

Zack's hotdogs are the best! I've been eating at the downtown location since I was a kid and it's still one of my favorite places to eat. We tried the Garden Rd. location recently and the guy at the drive through window was super nice and of course the food was delicious. read more

Whether you relocating or just visiting, one thing is always essential....FOOD!! Today I checked out Zack's Famous Hot dogs in Burlington NC. I've been waiting to check this place out for about a month. So since it was famous for its hotdogs . I figured I would check them out. Grease and a brown paper bag means this must be good. The food was hot and fresh. The hot dog was good, over all I would rate it a 7 out of 10. read more

Zack's Hot Dogs - Hot Dogs Near Me - Burlington, North Carolina

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I once asked for a cheese dog, but unbeknownst to me, the dog was separate. Vegetarians--you'd love this. I don't know if I'll ever recover from the betrayal of my no-dog-cheese-dog. And you'd think I'd learn from my mistake months later when I returned? You'd be wrong because I was the fool who once again, ordered a cheese dog--hold the dog. I never complained and I'm not willing to give up so I plan to return on another day in hopes of receiving my cheese hotdog just as I imagined read more

Used to be best hot dogs anywhere but not the same quality as before. Service is slow too. Miss the old Zack's. read more

Old fashion go a grab hot dog and savory chili dog place. Excellent service and took me back to a past time and place. Bar style stool eatery and some tables...local goodness. read more

Great food, great service, great employees. Friendly and always asking "is there anything else I can get you"!

I had never heard of this place but I'm so glad I got to try it! This is the best bargain for a meal I've seen. The prices are a throwback to the '50's! The most expensive item on their menu was $4.60. If you're on a tight budget, look no further than Zack's. Zack's has that old time diner vibe. Counter seats and booths available for seating. Friendly and fast service too! I had a craving for a good hot dog. and since Zack's is known for their chili dogs and that was pretty much all that was leaving the kitchen the entire time I was there. I was in the right place. I ordered a chili dog with onions and mustard, a cheeseburger and fries plus a cheerwine to drink. The chili was meaty and a little smoky in flavor. I loved it toasted bun and all! Zack's sauce on every table made me curious to taste it so I drizzled a bit over my chili and WOW! It has a nice kick! I'm glad I didn't put too much or my tongue wouldn't have survived. The french fries weren't remarkable but they were piping hot and were a great compliment after I sprinkled a little salt and some of Zack's sauce on them. I really enjoyed the burger too! I wasn't expecting much and was pleasantly surprised for sure. Totally worth it if you want a burger while the rest of your party wants a hot dog. They do have plates and other things on the menu too if that is more to your taste. I may just have to stop in for breakfast one day. read more

Zack's Hot Dogs - I didn't ask for mustard but luckily I like mustard anyway. - Hot Dogs Near Me - Burlington, North Carolina

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I said this the last time we went to Zack's now I will say it again and mean it. I WILL NEVER GO THERE AGAIN. The chili is greasy, the bun was cold and they put chopped cabbage (large pieces of cabbage) on the hot dog when you ask for slaw. I mentioned it to the server and he said thats what they use. I asked him why they called it slaw and he didn't know. Zacks was the place to go for a hotdog but not anymore. read more

Mebane location: Two dogs. mustard chili onions slaw, and like the original in Burlington the chili is outstanding! Soft bun, hot stuff hot cold stuff cold a first rate dog One star off for takeout experience, new employee (1st time alone he said) and he just couldn't keep up with the three of us there. A Friday night is not the night for the new guy to learn, this is directed at management not the employee read more

I was told "you can't come to Burlington and not get a Zack's hot dog" I came, I ate, I was not impressed. The bread was stale, the dog was tasteless and chili was meh. You can get better hot dog from Costco. They need to live up to the hype. read more

Must have been a very bad day at Zacks. While there I saw raw meat prepared on the prep board and minutes later a brockly head for a salad. The floor was filthy. Fries on the floor were walked on. The hot dogs were nothing special. The meat sauce flavorless without the "Secret Sauce" and no celery salt to be found. The chopped cabbage added texture to the dogs but that's all. read more

Zack's Hot Dogs - Behind the scenes. A filthy floor. - Hot Dogs Near Me - Burlington, North Carolina

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Cute little place in downtown Burlington with very low prices. I had a chili cheese dog that arrived on the plate swimming in very, very greasy chili. If I wasn't nearly weaned on hot dogs from a very young age I'd of had the chili all over me, but somehow managed to not make a mess. The chili itself was not very flavorful. The fries were pretty good, crispy on the outside and perfect on the inside. The best thing about Zack's was the table service. We had a super nice guy wait on us. I can't say the same about the guys at the take out counter! They seemed grouchy and wanted people to know what they wanted from the moment they walked in the door! Move it, people! read more

Zack's Hot Dogs - Greasy & sloppy chili cheese dog. - Hot Dogs Near Me - Burlington, North Carolina

Great service !! The food was on point !!! Bright crips and very modern ambiance inside and outside!!!

Nothing unique about this place. The food is mediocre, at best. The service is decent, though.

The service here is abysmal, and no one seems to be trained to do anything right. All the young girls at night when i went up there seemingly werent taught about sanitation since they play on their phones with their gloves on, never wash their hands, ect. Its bad. I was so hungry i foolishly tried to eat my hotdog anyway and of course i got sick, Stay Away!!!! read more

It's a hot dog. I think they are overrated and more expensive since new owners took over and trying to expand. The chili smell will make the whole downtown smell in the mornings and it's not a good smell when getting to work. read more

First time hearing about it so I had to check it out!! The food is amazing, the service is top tier, and I love the diner feel! I most definitely recommend this restaurant to anybody who loves good comfort food! read more

If you are from the Alamance County area, you have probably been to Zack's. Service is awesome. Food is as good as always. Looking forward to trying the new locations. read more