Blackie's - Cheshire, CT

Hot dogs are all that really matter. They are big, pink Hummel-brand plumpies that are boiled to the point that they literally blossom with flavor as their outside surface bursts apart from heat. The mustard is excellent, and we recommend a modest bed of it applied to the top of each wiener, all the better for the relish to cling to. This relish is thick, luxurious, and pepper-hot enough that your lips will glow after lunch.

88% Approval Rating (52 votes)

Overall: Worth planning a day around

Must Eats

hot dog with relish ($2.00)

Written Reviews

Michael Stern

"We are embarrassed to admit that we have lived in Connecticut half our lives, but never went to Blackie’s until just recently. It has been a thriving drive-in since 1928, and for hot dog lovers in greater Waterbury and beyond, it is a culinary landmark. Its unique ..." [Read More].

NY Dogger

May 12, 2009

"Today I discovered Blackie's, and tried a couple of their famous hot dogs. Bottom line: the dogs were okay. Ordinary at best. Blackie's hot dogs are Hummel's brand, which is the beginning of the problem for me. I do not like Hummel's dogs. To me, Hummel's dogs ..." [Read More].

griecot

March 05, 2007

"Growing up in Connecticut, I always considered Blackie's a special treat. 20 years later, while visiting my home during a business trip, I had the opportunity to introduce my co-workers to Blackie's hot dogs and relish. You can imagine the pride I felt when they ..." [Read More].

jnshns

March 03, 2006

"I love roadside stands, and my favorites are those that specialize in hot dogs. I've eaten at many of the well known, highly praised stands across the country, as my profession allows me to travel extensively. I think Blackie's of Cheshire, CT is among the top three ..." [Read More].

Logbooks

10/11/2008 - ayersian, $2
5/3/2008 - ayersian, $5
6/28/2007 - Michael Stern, $6
7/8/2002 - Michael Stern, $4

Map & Directions

2200 Waterbury Rd., Cheshire, CT
203-699-1819

Hours & Policies

Seasons:	Open Year Round
Meals Served:	Lunch
Operational Hours:	Always Call Ahead!
Credit Cards Accepted:	No
Alcohol Served:	No
Outdoor Seating:	No
Reservations Accepted:	No
Delivery Available:	No
Takeout Counters:	Yes

"We ordered six hot dogs for two people and they came on double-layered, heavy-duty plates. This photo is, of course, pre-mustard-and-relish."
Michael Stern

"Like the 'rippers' of New Jersey's premier hot dog sources, Blackie's well-done franks quite literally erupt from their hot oil bath. Extra time gives them extra snap that, in my opinion, makes the regular dogs seem a bit flabby."
Michael Stern

"The peppery relish Blackie's offers for its hot dogs is legendary. We find that a good line of mustard underneath helps more relish cling."
Michael Stern

"The previous photo, of an undressed hot dog, is, of course, ludicrous. This picture shows the Blackie's experience as it needs to be: a pair (at least) of hot dogs topped with zesty mustard and plenty of relish."
Michael Stern

"Blackie's only side dish is a bag of potato chips. I never bother with them, wanting to save maximum appetite for hot dog eating."
Michael Stern

"This is the extent of Blackie's menu. In this place, variety is not the spice of life ... relish is."
Michael Stern

"There is a dining room at either end of Blackie's. In the center is a short counter with stools. The whole front wall swings up and out of the way so dining at the counter is practically an al fresco experience."
Michael Stern