With Sandy’s closing, where else can you get a good hot dog around Columbia?
RIP, Sandy’s, ye bastion of Angus beef hot dog goodness.
The Columbia area will lose a comfort food staple when Sandy’s Famous Hot Dogs closes its three remaining restaurants at the end of this year.
While founder Bud Sanderson built a legacy on his iconic slaw dog — complete with Sandy’s special-recipe chili — his restaurants aren’t the only hot dog game in town. That’s good news for frank fans around Columbia, who won’t go hungry.
Here are a few places that will fill your hot dog cravings after you’ve said goodbye to Sandy’s:
The Haute Dog Lady food truck: These are fancy dogs. These haute dogs have everything from classic toppings to pineapple relish and “haute sauce” (get it?).
Follow “Haute Dog Lady” on Facebook to find out when the truck will be at public events.
Jimmy’s Mart: Do not — we repeat, DO NOT — turn your nose up at this gas station hot dog.
9900 Two Notch Road, Columbia
Mack’s Cash Grocery: These dogs are simple and cheap, which are truly the best qualities of any good hot dog.
1809 Laurel St., Columbia
Reservoir Dogs — These ain’t your mama’s hot dogs. Duck confit, roasted garlic aioli and brie and pepper jelly all make appearances on this wiener menu.
725 Saluda Ave., Columbia (inside Scoopy Doo Gelato Shop)
Rockaway Athletic Club: This place might be best known for good ol’ sloppy pimento cheeseburgers, but Rockaway makes a darn fine hot dog, too.
2719 Rosewood Drive, Columbia
Rosewood Dairy Bar: Another restaurant that’s best known for something else — fried chicken — also cooks up a good dog.
3003 Rosewood Drive, Columbia
Rush’s: It’s a Midlands staple that can be mentioned in the same breath as Sandy’s, so you know the dogs are good.
Nine locations in the Midlands
Thirsty Fellow: It’s the Willie Dog, and it’s got chili, cheese and onions. Nothing to argue with here.
621 Gadsden St., Columbia
Wurst Wagen food truck: Okay, these aren’t technically hot dogs. But they’re in the family, and they’re incredibly popular. Find this food truck at various events in the Midlands, especially events featuring beer.
Follow “The Wurst Wagen” on Facebook to find out where the truck will be.
Zesto: Like Rush’s and Sandy’s, Zesto (no matter which location you visit) serves up a locally loved hot dog that’s stood the test of many years.
Various locations
Did we miss your favorite hot dog restaurant? Let us know. Email reporter Sarah Ellis at sellis@thestate.com.
This story was originally published December 17, 2019 at 11:42 AM.
