Summer goes to the (hot) dogs

Check these places out if you’re looking for the all-American food

What would summer be without hot dogs? Forget the weenies, we went looking for the perfect dog to go with the dog days of summer.

To start off, we went to the ultimate hot dog stand — the baseball park. For $3 at the Columbia Blowfish game, you can get a big and juicy hot dog that is flavorful even into the fifth inning.

Here’s a few other places to check out:

Sandy’s Famous Hot Dogs

Four area locations

11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 12-9 p.m. Sunday

The oldies radio station is always playing at Sandy’s, giving the red-and-white-striped Columbia institution a nostalgic feel. Just say “super slaw dog” (about $2) and you won’t be disappointed. The hot dogs are grilled and loaded with chili and a sweet, crunchy coleslaw that speaks of the South. Nothing fancy but pure pleasure. Chips, ice cream and shakes available.

Edna’s #1

3609 River Drive; (803) 252-6696

10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday

This simple drive-in, the kind where they slide open the screened window to hand your food, is popular with the construction crowd. The chili dogs, made with mild, meaty homemade chili, onions and mustard, are cheap and filling (three for $2.79!). Unwrap your dogs at one of the shaded picnic tables and reminisce about the good old days. Fries as well as ice cream and milkshakes available.

Mr. Mustard’s Hot Dog and Sandwich Company

7210 Broad River Road, Irmo; (803) 233-3065

11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday

The former owner of Tally-Ho Club opened this beach-themed restaurant in the fall, serving grilled Nathan’s hot dogs, including a not-too-sweet Tally-Ho Slaw Dog (with chili), Chicago Dog (sweet relish contrasts well with the slice of dill pickle on top), and a meaty Edisto Chili Dog. These dogs ($2-$2.50) are a close second to Sandy’s, proving that grilled is much better than boiled. Chips, fries and onion rings available.

Hot Dog Heaven

7444 Broad River Road, Irmo; (803) 749-0611

5:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday

This eatery (with Christian sayings on the walls) has been serving Nathan’s and Hebrew National dogs ($2.50) with small-town friendliness for four years. The boiled hot dogs lack the snap that grilling does, and the mild coleslaw and chili can’t make up for it. Chips, fries, onion rings and ice cream available.

Jimmy’s Mart

9900 Two Notch Road; (803) 736-3440

6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday

Since 1975, this convenience store and small restaurant has served up to a 1,000 dogs a day to construction workers, businessmen, retirees and Spring Valley High students. The weathered building is a local watering hole for regulars who were there before the sprawl took over. The no-nonsense dogs ($2) come topped with a meaty, homemade chili that is as old-school as the atmosphere.