Bill's Hot Dog Stand

I've been eating here for 40 years. People either hate it or love it. You don't come here for a plain hot dog. If you're not going to eat the chili don't even bother. I don't think it's as spicy as it was 20 or 30 years ago but they pretty much taste the same so, anytime I'm near Washington I have to stop and get some for the nostalgia. I'm not sure what they pay the workers but I feel like it's not enough considering how unhappy and unpleasant they have been for the last 40 years. Get your hot dog all the way extra chili.

The absolute BEST hotdogs (and chili) in North Carolina. We drive down from just outside the Raleigh area a few times each year just to make a "hotdog run" to Bill's in little Washington. We buy about two or three dozen for family and friends and we freeze whatever is left. Looking forward to this Tuesday to make another hotdog run 😎 Folks ya have to try Bill's 💯

Bill's Hot Dog stand is an all American classic. They have been serving the same great hot dogs since 1928. 1 of the women behind the counter has worked here for over 50 years! The hot dogs are a style called 'Carolina Red' that has a destinct flavor and color. Really the only way to order them is 'all the way' : mustard, onions and a delicious white chili that has a bit of spice. They deep fry the dogs and put the condiments on the roll first and then the hot dog on top so it looks plain. For $2 it can't be beat. The southern charm is wonderful too. Bill's also has a food truck but I have only gotten them from their physical location. They are located right near downtown by the river front in Washington. Highly recommended!

Hotdogs are usual. They had no sausage dogs. Gallon sweet tea not very good. Cashier huffed and puffed every question asked, we were all very surprised at her lack of patience.

Been coming here literally for decades when down in Beaufort County coming to visit family from Durham. The hot dogs, unique to Bill's, and always a draw for us, are still the tasty hot mess they were. But, I remember the ladies (the ones in those black and white pictures on the wall) who could put together an order literally in a few seconds and could have half a dozen hot dogs ready by the time you side stepped to the register to pay. No longer the case! Understanding that employees of that vintage work ethic exist no longer, it still seems as if the staff we have interacted with the past three times (about six months) are pretty unmotivated and don't seem well trained. Hate to call it out, but that seems to be the case from what I'm seeing. We might try the store at Washington Square next time we're down there, but we always looked forward to getting a couple of hot dogs and enjoying them sitting beside the waterfront, but it seems as if that may not be happening anymore. We'll try one of the other restaurants or the Pitt Brewing company and some of their offerings before a 25 minute wait behind 5 other customers.

Great inexpensive dogs. My fav - get the chili and mustard and slaw, then add the slaw on top yourself. Thats it right there.

Went craving a good bill's hot dog. I was not able to get one due to staffing shortage from what it looked like. Had about 8 people in front of me and a 40 hot dog call-in came in ahead of us. So I knew it would be a long wait for hot dog with only two girls working. Left and went to other site and appeared to be a similar situation at that site. So I got food elsewhere.

First time to Bill’s while in town for work! Excellent hot dogs and chili to go!

Bill's is another legend. Like King Chicken it's one of the places you have to checkout whole visiting Washington, NC. If you're a newbie you may want to limit yourself to 3 or less hotdogs the first visit.

Stopped by this Washington staple on my food tour of Washington while in town for vacation. Service was fast and friendly. Loved the simplicity of the menu. Got my dog with onions and mustard. Delish!

No, thank you and never again first off that was definitely not an all beef hotdog and chili is supposed to have meat in. It not be just a sauce. Will never go back. Not my idea of a great hotdog would rather make my own at home.

Cash only and you will enjoy a great meal! I love it when I didn't have lunch and come around the corner and see Bill's food truck in the parking lot. Never a disappointment.

We are new to the area and kept hearing great things about Bill's, I'm sorry I took so long to try it! This isn't your typical chili dog, and I was quite skeptical at first. I got them "all the way" which is chili, onions and mustard and that will be the way I continue to get them. They are ridiculously good. The chili doesn't look like much, it's more like a paste but has just the right amount of heat and marries the flavor of the additional condiments and dog perfectly. The restaurant itself is barebones but efficient and everyone working there is as nice as can be. I'm trying hard not to make this a weekly habit!!

I grew up eating these hotdogs. The service was quick. So delicious. I was use to the original location, but this location was close to where I was staying.

I was born and raised in GA but I've been coming to Washington to visit family every year since I was a kid. One thing I always look forward to is getting a hotdog from Bill's. I love everything about this place. The old school red link hotdogs, the simple setup, the price, and of course the great chili they put on the hotdogs. It's kind of hard to describe it because it's like a meatless bean paste, but it's hands down my favorite chili dog. The place has been open since the 1920s and every time I pull up for lunch, the line is still out the door. Trust me, they're doing it right.

FYI despite closing at 5 they stop taking orders at 4:30, the dude at cash register was rude about it as if I was supposed to know that they were closing early somehow when the hours listed online said they're open until 5.

Unique chili-dogs! Carry Out only. Very good Dogs. Will go back for more. Order at service counter. Old school food stand ambiance.

Cheap, cash only. Long lines at lunchtime. Get chili on top. It will fill you up for the whole day.

What would you say if I told you that I know of a place where you can experience the following: * standing in line for 30 minutes * a hot dog with a soggy bun * A hot dog with an exterior as tough as leather * A hot dog made from tasteless, poor quality cuts of meat * A meatless, spicy-yet-flavorless white bean chili Would you want to go? If you do, then Bill's is the place for you. This is one of those places that I have decried before for being famous because they're famous. Our State Magazine, who misses the mark more times than they hit it when it comes to hot dogs, touts this as being one of the top ten hot dogs in the state. Let me fix it for them: this should be on list of top ten worst hot dogs in the state. They fry the hot dogs in some mystery liquid that doesn't look like oil and doesn't look like water. When it comes out of the liquid, it is nice and plump. They place it on the bun with the toppings, wrap it up, and send you on your way (no interior seating- no seating anywhere). In the time it takes you to get to your car or wherever you're going to eat your hot dog, the mystery liquid that plumped the dog oozes out, turns the bun soggy and gummy, and makes the wiener withered and shrunken (significant shrinkage for you Seinfeld fans). I wanted to go back to the line and warn the people waiting, saying, "What are you doing here? Have you been here before? Leave now! Save yourself!" But alas I'm afraid that some people just don't know what a good hot dog is. It certainly isn't here.

I came here based on the recommendation of some locals but I am honestly confused by the positive reviews. This was hands down the worst hotdog I have ever had. I bought lunch for myself and a few friends and they were inedible, none of us could even finish them. The buns were tough and stale and the sauce was flavorless, it was literally like eating paste. The hotdogs themselves were shriveled and leathery. I had to douse it all in ketchup to moisten it enough to choke it down. Sadly we don't plan on returning here.

As I age, I find that my perception of some things, and food is one of the primary things because I still eat, change or are altered by that aging process, or perhaps our tastes become more discerning, or maybe they just go numb! My first experience here, a number of years ago, was a bit of a culture shock - meatless chili, that concept stretches the space/time continuum - so I roundly rejected it - yeah, that's the safe play! We were in "little" Washington this week for a very short period, strolled along the River Walk, grabbed a belly busting cheese biscuits at Mom's, some extraordinary fried Chicken from King's (very much like Price's in Charlotte, just saying), and said "what the hell", slid quietly into Bill's at 9:15 AM, and ask politely for a hot dog, all the way - cost of $1.33, including tax - I think one of the ladies smiled at us! This is a very, very different dog - it's a flaming neon red wiener (Bright Leaf?) that is fried in lard to the point that all tissue is almost gelatinous, the bun is steamed (really steamed), the mustard, onion, and "chili" is loaded in first, and the colorful, very playable wiener is loaded on top, in the nude. A total train wreck of a hot dog, that somehow, strangely, works. It is loaded with heat, one may well be enough, and it all comes together - I missed that the first time through - looking for meat, expecting a different texture! They've been around since 1928, interestingly enough, the same year that Paul's in Rocky Point began, another hot dog joint "famous" for their meatless chili - "some" surmise that the whole meatless chili thingy came out of the depression era - seems close enough! This is a "suggestion" as to the make up of the "chili": 2 cups of water 1 onion 4 tablespoons of flour 1/2 tsp of texas pete 1/2 tsp of tabasco sauce dash of red pepper 1/2 tsp black pepper 1/4 tsp chili powder 1/4 tsp white pepper 1/4 tsp paprika 3/4 tsp dry mustard 1/2 tsp sugar 1/2 tsp salt Cut up onion,add water,bring to a boil and add all ingredients,except flour. Cook 5 mins and add flour. Some have even referred to this as White Bean Chili - well, it ain't. Those white "lumps" are unincorporated flour - these folks don't have no time for no slurry! Interesting dog, totally North Carolina (well not exactly, Sabretts has an Onion Sauce, been around for years), but give it a shot!

First time here but will definitely be back. Not sure exactly how many hot dogs I could eat but they are delicious. The chili is certainly different than any other I've had but safe to say they make the dogs great. Go ahead and get them all the way for $2 each. Be prepared to want more...

This is a great NC dog spot. Seriously dogs here in NC is a thing. This is the place to try one. I'm not even kidding. Get the dog all the way. All the way here means Mustard, Onions, & their famous spicy white chili. Bring cash here. These dogs are solid. If you're looking for a huge culinary experience then you're not ready for a hot dog. I'll have to come back and get the sausage dog next time. Yeah I'm coming back. Till next time...

It was a rainy day here in Vanceboro, and I had been meaning to visit the mobile Bill's hot dogs stand for some time. Twice before I went down to have a look and they were already gone. But this time they were there and I called the main store to find out if they were down there as advertised, and would they accept debit cards. Both the Facebook page and the Yelp page indicate they do take cards but the last they do not. It's a bit of a shame because the man who greeted me when I got there, was very friendly and even a bit funny. What wasn't funny however, was the food, in particularly something that was named a chili dog. I actually asked if they had sauerkraut and they do not. That's fine so I went with the chili dog. There was absolutely no chili on it. Just some kind of horrible hot sauce of no easy description. So I took a photo. Anyway, the hot dog was red shriveled and look like it had been floating around in something for a while. The french fries were just fine. The service was good. The one thing you going to want is something to drink after you eat a hot dog there, but they do not sell drinks at their mobile food truck. I give two stars for the gentleman who was at least friendly. As I write this my stomach is turning but that's another story.

We live in SC but my Mom was born and raised in Little Washington. Had the pleasure of visiting Washington. Impossible to leave without grabbing Bills Hotdogs to go. Whether a newbie or regular, get yourself a few "all the way". The Chili is spectacular. If spicy and onions are not your thing, the staff will go lightly on anything you ask. Nothing like a Bills red weiner. Bills is a local icon. Don't miss it even if just passing thru.

If you don't like red hot dogs and prefer the more traditional Frankfurter then this place isn't for you. If you do like red hot dogs this place is for you. Also, they do southern style chili, which is more like shredded onion based. For a meal on the go this place is great.

I grew up eating at a similar mom and pop hot dog place I compare all others to and Bill's was such a pleasant surprise. I don't usually eat spicy food and was nervous the chilli would be too hot-it wasn't, or it was just barely getting there with the last bite. A friend from Little Washington who was with me ordered three for himself, I got one as a snack and will probably order myself two next time. One of the best hot dogs I've had and a such a nice change from the standard bean and beef chili dogs I grew up with.

Bill's is just the perfect place for a throwback hot dog experience. Three people working behind the counter. Simple order process with simple ingredients. Hot dogs frying away. The hot dogs have a nice bite and are a great size. The bun just can't hold up. I'm also not a huge fan of their chili. For me it tasted like peppery sausage gravy without the sausage. I kept thinking it would grow on me as I finished the hot dog. Alas, it did not. Nonetheless, I still recommend that everybody gives Bill's a try. It's clearly an institution in Washington.

Small place. Literally wrap around the whole restaurant when we were in there. They have a sweet selection of bottle soda (pop). And I loved that it really gave me a old school vibe. And they have a huge selection of chips too (hot Cheetos) you literally never seen hot Cheetos at a restaurant. The dogs! I got two specials. Consist of two dogs made all the way with a drink and a bag of chips. And it was just the right portions of everything. I love hot dogs and their dogs were awesome I guess they're suppose to be a little heat to them I didn't get that taste but still good hot dogs. The appearance is definitely not the best but the taste is . I definitely would recommend this restaurant. Not to much in the surrounding area but there is a water front you can enjoy. I didn't because it was cold but still. Over all good little spot.

Squishy bun, neon red hot dog that is fried, and this sauce with a spicy kick. Oh and onions that you will continue tasting until bedtime. But somehow, and for some odd reason, you will like it! The only other thing you can get there are chips and hot pop. As another reviewer stated, take your food to the river walk and enjoy the entire experience. Visiting this area and not eating at Bill's is like going to Asheville, NC and only looking at a postcard of the Biltmore Estates and not going in. Go! Eat! Enjoy!

Stopped in for a quick bite while passing through. Grabbed a couple of dogs with mustard and inions and an 8 oz Dr Pepper. it was a home town treat! i recommend anyone in Washington, NC to give it a try!

So yummy. I purchased 25 hotdogs to take home and freezer. You need to get there early to keep from standing outside.

Best chili and hot dog I've ever had! Highly support this business and the owners! Awesome business and great people

You can't visit Washington and not get a Bills hot dog! It is a family business that makes their own special chili that is what actually makes them so special. The buns are steamed and oh so yummy!

I've been hearing about this place even when I don't even live there. So me and my friend decided to visit this town and give this place a shot. You can parallel park to get to this place. We went around 11 AM and there was already a very long line. I was shocked. Also its all to go because there's no place to sit inside. There are however a lot of benches and tables if you walk closer to the river. Once you go inside you'll notice it says cash only. So don't forget to bring your cash. You don't even need a lot of cash. We got 2 hot dogs with regular wieners and 2 with sausages. You can add extra stuff like onions. But with 4 items and 2 water bottles it only cost up to $11. It's a great deal! The hot dogs looked different than the ones I usually get plus it was red! I was questioning it but wow it was so filling and tasty. Definitely worth the line. They also don't take long making your hot dogs because they did it as if it was an assembly line just like Chipotle. One person would get the sausage, the next would get the buns, the next would get all the extra items and another one go to the cashier. Definitely well organized here.

The hot dogs and chips and stuff are good and all don't get me wrong but the presentation is disgusting the hot dogs look nasty(Red Dogs)

Good delicious Washington NC part of history food.. Sometime it is hotter than other times, but otherwise it is the same predictable craved flavor for my whole life.. For those who have never eaten here, it is a steamed bun with a red hotdog, mustard, onions, and a spicy peppery white chilli. Simple and good

A small hole in the wall been here for years, but certainly an aquired taste. Toppings are minimal, and the hot dog is the low quality nuclear red variety. Here in the south, it is all about the toppings, and the brand of hot dog is usually irrelevant. So basically it can stink, and people will rave about it. Go figure, thats insane. The white meatless chili is unique and spicey, but another aquired taste. There are much better places in North Carolina to get a hot dog.

We have to come get Bills hot dogs when we come to town once a year. It's a favorite of ours and we look forward to it all year!

My favorite place to eat when I visit here. Best hotdogs ever. Gotta get their white chili on them. So yummy.

Love Bills Hot Dogs. It's always our go to when in Washington, NC! It's not like your usual hot dog with regular chili. You gotta try it to taste the chili that sets Bills apart!

Local legend is. Bill's Hot Dogs are legendary. Known far and wide for the unusual chili. Many have tried to duplicate this scrumptious concoction. All have fallen short. Do yourself a flavor try the original. Go grab a couple...dozen. They freeze well.

Very unique hot dog for this area. No idea what is in the chili, not sure if meat is even considered. Don't ask for ketchup on your dog cause they don't play that game. Another place you have to stop at when coming through "The Original Washington" (PS They really don't like the little moniker). Get you a couple and walk down by the river. If you go in during the week day say hey to Aunt Monk.

If you haven't had one of Bill's dogs...you absolutely must! They are red!!! And AWESOME! Chili, mustard and onions are the way to go. You aren't truly alive if you can't appreciate one of Bill's hot dogs!

After waiting a short time in line, I walked up and told the nice ladies behind the glass "Three all the way". Grabbed a bag of chips and a fountain Pepsi. The dogs had soft buns, white bean based chili with a little spicy heat, a splash of mustard and a good dose of finely chopped fresh onions. Mmmm good. Can't wait until my next visit.

You have to be from this area to appreciate this hotdog.... yes, the hotdog is cheap and fried but...... the bun is perfectly streamed and you're really there for the white Chile..... that's what made them famous... it's a secret recipe and ALOT of people love it, its addictive!! I think they're so bad, they're good...lol

This place is the best for hotdogs. It's a simple old-times place with an old Coke sign in the front and a screen door. There is nowhere to sit but that's not really a problem. Besides if they did have places to sit, chances are, they would always be packed with people. I've seen some complaints about the topping selection. Yes, it's true that there are only three toppings: mustard, onions and Bill's special chili. There are also people complaining about how the chili looks. No it isn't pretty but neither are many other things we eat. For example, relish looks revolting and chicken salad looks like a half-digested meal, but everyone knows that they taste amazing. Who really cares how their food looks as long as it tastes great? The chili may not look appealing but it is very good. That's the secret that has kept Bill's around for so many years. To get a Bill's hotdog without the chili is like eating a sandwich without the fillings. Sure the bread might be good but you're missing out on the real treat. So the next time you're around Washington, just walk in say "I take it all-the-way please," grab your dog and boot it to a bench on the waterfront to enjoy your treasure.

My husband is from Little Washington and insisted we come here on our first visit to his hometown. Once I got over my horror at the red color of the hot dogs and the fact that they fry them, I came to my senses and realized that Bill's is the best hot dog stand you will ever find. First tip: ignore the color of the dogs. Just pretend you don't notice. Once you take a bite you won't care anyway. Second tip: get the dogs "all the way," which means loaded with their secret sauce, mustard, and onion. You will taste onion for the rest of the day, but you won't even care because these dogs are amazing. Third tip: unless you are looking for a small snack, get more than one. They are small and you will likely need a couple to fill up for a meal. Bill's is a cultural experience and a culinary masterpiece. Do yourself a favor and go now.

I blinked and I almost missed this place. While working in Washington, NC, I stumbled across this little hot dog joint for a bit to eat. It was very divey and I thought it would be a hidden gem. It was good, but not so much the hidden gem I wanted. First, it is standing room only. This isn't somewhere you stay and eat. You order your dog at the counter and then pay. This is a no frills place as they only have the hot dogs and bagged chips with soft drinks. I was a bit confused by the chilli. I have lived in NC all my life and I have never seen white, porridge-like chilli for a hot dog before. I stayed away from it as it scared me a bit and just got mustard and onions on my dog. A hot dog, bag of chips, and a drink cost me a little over $3. Can't beat the price. Good place for a bite to eat but probably won't rush back any time soon.

Bill's is just awesome. We go here every time we are in town. I have pictures of the hubby hugging his bag of dogs that we picked up for breakfast....seriously. There is no seating, like others have said. They have an assembly line, you order, and you leave. If you want some ambiance, march yourself and your dogs over to the waterfront and eat them there. And the chili? You don't question the chili, you EAT the chili!

Original, genuine and unique. Their spicy chili is AWESOME! It's best to keep it simple with chili and mustard here. The chili is the right amount of spice and the way they cook their dogs has not changed in ages. I appreciate their dedication to tradition. It is a timeless flavor and truly one of my favorite things about the town of Washington, NC. Let it be known that I am not a hot dog fan, but any time I can get my hands on a Bill's hot dog, I will!

Went and tried today. An interesting experience, not my cup of tea. I like my hot dog chili to be meat no beans. The hot dogs were soggy not much flavor. At least I did get the experience.

You can beat a Bill's Hot Dog. My family is from Washington, I've lived there but now I've called Hawaii home for the last 16 years but EVERY time I go home, Bill's is a must stop...usually a few times. It's a requirement for me to bring home 10 for my husband. it's not the same as fresh but if you freeze them in paper and foil over night, they'll stay frozen that 15 hour trip back to Hawaii. They are everything people have reported...a red hot dog fried in oil, soft, steamed white bread buns, condiments include mustard and onions and chili. The chili is a topic of conversation every time I go home...is it white beans? Is it lard and flour and salt & pepper? Who knows? Who cares? Just eat it...it's amazing! No tables, only bottled soft drinks and chips. Best thing to do is order from the original location and take them down to the waterfront and enjoy the view while you enjoy your dog.

This is the best place in town to get a Hot Dog! My Favorite is a Hot Dog with mustard, ketchup, chili YUMMY! With a Coke and Lay Chips.

Best hot dogs I've ever had. Grew up here and could never forgive myself for the years I missed them as a vegetarian. Gotta get two and gotta get the spicy stuff :) I remember a friend when I was younger who's mom thought they had figured out the secret recipe. Not a chance.

I had read and heard alot of great reviews on Bill's hot dogs. Honestly its red/ pink hot dogs fried in grease. Sorry I wasn't a fan. I think most people love the chili.

Bill's Hot Dogs is a staple of my childhood summers visiting my grandparents. This is and will always be my first stop back in town. Brought my husband for the first time last year and I was worried that we were going to hit the first major stumbling block of our marriage if he didn't like them. Nothing to worry about though, as he, of course, loved his all the way dogs!