Pulliams (East Winston) 

Don't let the name fool you. Yes, it's officially called J.S. Pulliam Barbeque—and yes, you can order barbecue—but make no mistake: this is a hot dog stand through and through.

Pulliam's has occupied the same hillside along Old Walkertown Road, just beyond Smith Reynolds Airport, since 1910—older than sliced bread, and barely changed since. The little shack doubles as a time capsule, with vintage signs and decades of memorabilia covering nearly every inch. In 2018, the family even auctioned off sheds full of antiques that had sat untouched for decades.

Located in the city's Ogburn Station area, Pulliams is a hot dog stand in every sense of the word. There are no booths inside and no picnic tables outside—just a scattering of tree stumps that regulars claim as their seats, though plenty of folks simply eat in their cars. 

You won't mind the lack of seating once you try the dogs, named the best in the South by Rachael Ray Magazine. The bright red franks are a Carolina classic: order one all the way, then wash it down with a Cheerwine or another throwback soda pulled ice-cold from the vintage bottle coolers.

• Pulliams is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (closed Sunday and Monday)

P.B.'s Takeout (Ardmore)

P.B.'s feels like the quintessential Winston-Salem hot dog stand. It's occupied its corner of Ardmore on South Hawthorne for nearly four decades, in a building that's been a neighborhood lunch stop since the 1960s. If you're not sure you've found the right place, just look for the smiling hot dog painted across the front of the building.

Inside, it's a tiny counter operation—a few stools, a handful of picnic tables out front, and cash is still the only payment they accept. The dogs come all the way on a buttered, toasted bun, with chili and slaw made fresh daily. Round out your meal with fries, tots, burgers, or wings.

And here's a bit of trivia: "P.B." is short for Polar Bear, the nickname of founder Mike Mayo, who opened the spot with his sister in 1987.

• P.B.'s Takeout is open Monday to Saturday for lunch (closed Sunday)

Kermit's (Southside area)

Kermit's has been drawing folks to Winston-Salem's south side for 60 years, and it remains one of the city's true roadside institutions. The vintage curbside awning looks like it belongs in a 1950s movie, and the carhop service is the real deal: pull into a parking space, flip on your lights, and someone brings your tray to the car. Prefer to eat inside? Grab a booth.

Kermit Williams opened the place, and his son, Buster, carried on the family tradition for decades. The footlong is the signature order, especially topped with the house-made pimento cheese, while the crispy onion rings have earned nearly as devoted a following. The milkshakes come in just one size: large.

There's plenty more worth trying, too, including crinkle fries, homemade peach pie warmed on the grill, and a full breakfast menu with eggs, bacon, and country ham.

• Kermit's is open Monday through Saturday for breakfast and lunch (closed Sundays)

Doss' (Kernersville)

One stop that ventures beyond the city limits is Doss' Ice Cream, which has sat along N. Main Street in nearby Kernersville for 40+ years. The nearby scenery has evolved over the years, but Doss' has held onto its classic diner feel. Vintage signs, old photographs, antique advertising, and an eclectic collection of clowns give the dining room plenty to look at while you wait.

The footlong hot dogs are served on toasted buns—a detail owner Jim Doss has long insisted makes all the difference. Pair one with a scoop from the lineup of 32 hand-dipped ice cream flavors, and you'll understand why generations continue making the trip.

• Doss' Ice Cream is open daily from 10 a.m.–9 p.m. (and until 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays)

Dairi-O (multiple spots)

Dairi-O is the outlier here—and not only because there are several of them. The restaurant began locally in 1947 as a walk-up hot dog and milkshake stand in nearby King, NC. Today, four locations serve Forsyth County alone—two in Winston-Salem, plus Clemmons and Kernersville—making it the easiest of these longtime favorites to find.

The hot dogs are best enjoyed the local way: a toasted bun topped with chili, mustard, and slaw—and the ice cream and 30+ milkshake flavors are every bit as popular. Unlike classic roadside stands, Dairi-O offers modern perks like drive-thrus and online ordering.

Another fun detail: each location has its own distinct look, with playful architecture that provides a little personality. If you're up for a short drive, head to Dairi-O's King location, about 20 minutes north of downtown, where you'll enter through a giant milkshake cup complete with oversized straws—a roadside attraction in its own right.

• Dair-O locations are open daily from 10 a.m.–10 p.m. (until 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays)

More Top Dogs 
8 More Must-Trys

Mayberry (Ardmore). Ice cream may get top billing, but don't sleep on the hot dogs at this classic neighborhood grill. Mayberry's has been serving Winston-Salem since 1969, and its Carolina Dog keeps regulars coming back alongside the banana splits, milkshakes, and classic diner fare.

Hot Dog City (Patterson Ave.) It isn't much to look at from the outside—the kind of place visitors pass by without a second glance, but locals know better. Sitting just north of downtown, this unassuming local favorite serves a variety of all-beef footlongs with scratch-made chili and slaw.

Piedmont Aviation Snack Bar (East Winston/Ogburn Station). Tucked inside an airport hangar near Smith Reynolds Airport, this old-school counter has been serving comfort food since 1942. The hot dogs are simple and satisfying, while regulars also rave about the Philly cheesesteak and tenderloin biscuits.

Mike's Vegan Grill (Downtown). Just across from Kaleideum in downtown Winston-Salem, Mike's proves plant-based comfort food belongs in the conversation. The Carolina Hotdog comes piled high with homemade veggie chili, slaw, onions, and the restaurant's signature sauce.

That Place in the West End (West End). Better known for poke bowls, this neighborhood gem has also built a loyal following for its creative hot dogs. The Dangerous Dog—wrapped in bacon and topped with jalapeño pimento cheese—is the one to order.

Dash-City Dogs (Jonestown Road) What began as a humble hot dog cart in 2020 has grown into a beloved walk-up window in southwest Winston-Salem. Owner Jeff grills plump, all-beef dogs with your choice of toppings, plus a rotating lineup of creative specialty dogs. Grab a picnic table and dig in.

Joe's Take-Out (Clemmons). Tucked into a strip mall, this hidden gem serves everything from Carolina-style classics to Chicago-inspired specialty dogs, alongside burgers, barbecue, tacos, and its signature roasted street corn.

Kings Hot Dogs (Rural Hall). On the northern edge of Forsyth County, this longtime diner is known for the King Dog—a half-pound all-beef hot dog loaded however you like it. Round things out with crinkle fries, Hershey's ice cream, or one of the thick milkshakes.

Hungry for More?

Hot dogs are just one stop on Winston-Salem's culinary map. From Moravian cookies and Lexington-style barbecue to Krispy Kreme doughnuts, the city has no shortage of signature tastes. Explore our guide to Signature Must-Try Flavors for more local favorites.

You can also browse our Food & Drink section for restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, breweries, and more dining content to help plan your next meal — or your next weekend.