By Jack Houvouras
HQ 117 | SPRING 2022
Finally, after more than three decades in business, this magazine is tackling the most controversial debate in Huntington’s rich and storied history — which local hot dog is the best. For 33 years we have lived in fear of touching this red-hot topic, but this year we are finally stepping up to the plate. We hope you’ll enjoy our light-hearted look at the five locally owned hot dog stands that are beloved by their loyal customers both near and far.
Preparing for this edition got me thinking not only about my favorite hot dog, but some of my other favorite foods in Huntington. As is often the case, most of these items are not particularly healthy; but they are, in my humble opinion, undeniably delicious. You owe it to yourself to try them at least once in your life. Here is a list of my favorite guilty pleasures that can be found around town.
I was 15 and on the YMCA swim team when I first sampled a Tudor’s biscuit. John Tudor was a champion swimmer in his prime and a big supporter of our team, so we would frequent his restaurant after morning practices. The Mickey has always been my favorite menu item which features egg, Canadian bacon and melted cheddar cheese. It leaves me full and satisfied for hours.
When it comes to hot dogs, Stewart’s has always been my choice. I even worked there briefly in college, scarfing down as many dogs as possible in between hopping cars. I’ve always liked mine with sauce, mustard and onion. Add a bag of Snyder chips and a root beer and you’ll be in hog heaven.
As for pizza, I have always been a Monty’s loyalist. There’s just something about their sauce that rings my bell. I fondly recall walking there with friends after dances at Cammack Junior High and filling the small restaurant with loud conversation and laughter.
Huntington has a smorgasbord of great burger joints, but there are two places that stand out to me. For casual dining nothing beats a Southside Slider, served from their popular light blue food truck. For a more upscale experience, nothing comes close to Savannah’s “Fantastic Filet Mignon Burger.” It’s a bit unfair to compare their offering to other burgers because it’s made with house-ground certified Angus beef filet mignon and served on a ciabatta roll. Put simply, it’s the best burger I’ve ever had anywhere.
When it comes to sweets, I’m a chocolate addict. There are three places I head to when I’m jonesing for a fix — Austin’s Homemade Ice Cream for two scoops on a cone, Midway for their exquisite chocolate milkshake and Jim’s for their famous chocolate pie. Mmmm.
The cuisine I crave most is Italian, and there are two dishes in the area that I highly recommend. The first is Rocco’s spaghetti and meatballs. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to nearly every major city in America as well as Venice, Florence and Rome in Italy, and I have yet to find an Italian eatery that can top Rocco Muriale’s marinara sauce. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous then head over to La Famiglia and ask owner Ralph Hagy to make you the “Jack Houvouras Special.” It’s not on the menu, but it’s made with any pasta you choose and topped with their homemade sausage in a very spicy red sauce. It’s hot, but damn good.
So, there you have it — my selections for some of the best fare in town. Give them a try and let me know your thoughts. In the meantime, enjoy our cover story on Huntington’s best frankfurters.
