Frankies

The service was pretty quick considering how many people were there,the staff was very friendly and polite and helpful, the food was excellent and was neatly packaged in a box with a cover put on that you can request for, definitely worth the price that it cost.

First time here I will be back. Fresh and hot foods that taste good.

June 2023 - Who doesn't love a good hot dog? If you do, you must add Frankies to your list. Back in 2018 we visited the original outdoor food stand, but my partner and I somehow lost the photos of that meal as we were changing phones, providers, etc. and I was just starting to post reviews to GM. We do remember getting their famous hot dogs, a fried shrimp order and onion rings. All good. Since then we've eaten at the Frankies restaurant next to the Brooklyn Bakery, but this was our first time back at the original stand in years. A Sunday evening, the line was long. We waited at least 20 minutes for someone to take our order after the cook said the grill was empty. All three hot dogs eaten on the spot were perfect, in terms of the crisp snap to the outer casing to the flavor and juiciness of the meat. The curly fries had a nice crunch. The outdoor seating really needs to be maintained as the picnic tables were sticky and had crumbs on the surface. They could use some new paint and the cement floor could be redone. There is a long strip of grass on the other side of the structure not facing the parking lot. The trash barrels were overflowing with garbage. Not a nice view. We found a way to balance our plates on the top of one can kind of like the old pick up sticks game. {including a photo without the trash cans to show what it can look like} This explains why everyone was eating in their cars. That said, this is food that health experts will tell you not to eat but is simply delicious. The meal options go beyond hot dogs. There is a variety of fried fish, chicken wings, hamburgers, wraps, grilled sandwiches, etc. and no shortage of customers for this publicly appealing menu.

Casual walk-up food. I really love this place, a good hot dog is such a good guilty pleasure! Everyone is always really nice too, the last time I was there it started POURING and they really went above and beyond to make sure I had a cover to keep my food dry for the walk to the car, which they really didn't need to do since I was parked maybe 15ft away. Love the food, love the staff and love the retro-feel atmosphere.

Ordered the fried cheese cubes - it’s literally velveeta cheese with breading… ptsd 🤣 wasted $7.50

This is a drive in with no indoor seating or table service. Best hot dog in Connecticut. Plenty of other drive in options. Food always consist and always very good. Been coming here for most of my 75 years beginning with my parents back in the 50's.

This place is such a classic that going there is almost like stepping back in time. The service is fast and the food is fantastic. Of course the dogs and burgers are great but they also have great clam strip and shrimp platters too. And the steak fries and onion rings are incredible. You can’t go wrong when you stop at Frankie’s.

Best hotdog in CT! You can see why they have been open 86 years - great, fast, friendly service, and delicious foods! I’ll be coming back in the Summer for lobster rolls!

If you're craving a classic, no-frills, absolutely perfect hot dog, Frankie's is the place to go. The dogs are grilled just right with that perfect snap, the buns are always fresh, and the toppings--whether you're into chili, onions, sauerkraut, or just classic mustard--are spot on every time. But it's not just about the dogs. Their fries are golden and crispy, the onion rings are addictive, and the milkshakes hit the spot. The whole menu delivers that nostalgic, satisfying, comfort-food goodness that keeps you coming back. Service is always friendly and quick, and the retro vibe gives the whole place a fun, laid-back feel. You can tell this place has been doing it right for years--and it shows. Frankie's really is the hot dog king, and once you try it, you'll totally understand why!

I love old-time, non-chain, real, honest places. This was one. Walk up window on a sunny day - was great. I had to try the famous dogs... they were big, great bun, and I LOVE the fact that you put on your own condiments at the next window (read: not from packets!!). Service was outstanding. Friendly. Clearly a source of family pride. It had that feel of the place we all know and love from our childhood. I regret only getting hot dogs as I really don't love skinless franks. I was praying for snap. But... they were good. I can't wait to try a burger or the famous clams. Next time - no dogs. All other things. I'm sure they'll be outstanding. Clearly they're doing something right.

The Frankie's location on Watertown Avenue is always busy when I drive by, but I had some time for a break when I stopped in the other day. Didn't really need that extra time, the orders were coming out quickly, and I had my lunch in only a few minutes. Went with a Long dog and curly fries. Pretty standard. I had stopped at Gooseboro Drive-In in Bantam last month, in comparison, I felt the dog I received at Frankie's was a notch below the Gooseboro one. I noticed fried seafood selections also, didn't see milkshakes though. But I wouldn't hesitate to stop again if I was passing by and hungry, now that I know those lines move fairly quickly.

If you don't go to Frankie's at least once all summer are you really living? I always like this location in particular, you park your car, pull up to the window and start your order. That's where the magic happens! More of a to-go spot for this particular location but they serve all the staples you can get at Frankie's hot dogs. The menu has all the bells and whistles to select from when it comes to burgers and dogs. On this particular day I got a chili dog while my partner for a hot dog with cheese and bacon and we split some of the Frankie's bites. Everything was cooked to perfect and you get a long dog with your hot dog selection. They put a good amount of chili on the dog, it's not so much spicy, but has a ton of flavor and will leave you wanting more. The bacon was cooked wonderfully and those bites are nice to dip in some much which satisfies any hunger cravings. I have to come back before summers end to try the Philly Cheese Steak but you cannot go wrong with anything you order here.

Food was good (always consistent). Waitress brought our food out fast too. Had a hot dog, cheese cubes.

First time trying Frankies and it won't be my last. Wish I had one near by where I live as their menu is full of options not just hotdogs. My Philly cheese steak "bowl" tasted amazing. The staff that took my order was friendly and very nice.

awesome customer Service..... very accommodating! Best hot dogs around thanks again for the dogs!

This is my second Frankie's location. After waiting my turn, I ordered a hot dog from a window. I didn't see a menu with Special Hot Dog orders like I've seen at the Frankie's near Brooklyn Baking. I'm not sure if I didn't look hard enough or if they usually serve regulars who know the options. I asked for a dog with kraut, relish and mustard, and I was politely told that those are all self serve items. A few minutes after I ordered, the dog arrived on a bread style bun with extra dog sticking out the back and front. This is a popular CT style, although I prefer the bun and dog to be same length so I have bun and toppings in each bite. The dog had good consistency and was well cooked. I added my own toppings which were all pretty good. I didn't notice inside seating and I can't recall whether I saw outside seating. Probably more of a takeout spot. Upon arrival, I was a bit confused about the process because there were a number of people standing around and it wasn't clear if they had ordered, if there was one line to all of the employees or if there was more than one line. It seemed like other people weren't sure either. It all worked out, but perhaps they could make the process more clear. I enjoyed my hot dog and I would return if I were in the area. I prefer some other CT hot dog spots that are closer to me though. Four Stars

All always nostalgic great hotdogs love love the hot relish so good service is always on point. The owner is always around. If you don't see him he's great guy always willing to help the community ambience is great takeout always a good time and a sunny day.

It's sad that another summer season has come to an end and Frankie's has closed for the winter season. They're always missed throughout the winter. But if you really can't wait there's a couple of others here in Connecticut. The big difference is you can eat in at the other Frankie's. This one's still my favorite though. The staff have for the most part always been very pleasant. There's every once in a while you get someone on an off day. But it's never been anything agonizingly horrible. Just not the outgoing vibrant usual ones taking care of you. The food is what it is. Burgers and fries nobody dies. Right? A handful if other items and apps but it's quick service and you get what you expect. The hot dogs are alright. They used to be better but maybe because we were younger. Hahaha.... It's still a favorite on my list as well as countless others. The steak fries are bomb though. Very good. You might want to try to have your hot dog cooked well done. For a while now when I and others I know with me have requested that they have tasted better. Only were still not any younger. Stop by for what it is. Burgers & fries, hamburgers, fried cheese cubes, clam strips and many more items.

The menu foods are cooked to order any way the Customer prefers. It's all good. Fresh product. Besides hit. Dogs. Of. All varieties. The. Seafood. Is. Very tasty and well portioned

My cousin and I just left Retail 101, so we shopped up an appetite. I was driving and took a wrong turn and came upon Frankies Hot Dogs. Frankie's Hot Dog is an family owned business. I can always try a hotdog spot. I told my cousin let's stop and of course, I check Yelp to see what it was about. They had a few locations but all ratings were 4 stars. I came across the foot-long hotdog with sauteed onions, chili and I added ketchup & mustard. My cousin and I split the hot dog and it was banging. The hot dog had a nice bite and the chili had great flavor. The sauteed onions hit the spot. they have a huge menu, they also prepare fried seafood and vegetarian entrees as well and specialty sides. If you get lost or in Watertown please stop into Frankies Hot Dogs and order whatever you fancy. To my Yelpers lets continue eating our way through the world.

service was great, friendly, fast , well organized, the place was clean and inviting , great menu, the hot dogs were great and they have like 8,000,000,000 toppings to choose from, I also ordered the sea food platter, thinking it was like most Ct. dawg places. shrimp, scallops, clams , fish, onion rings and a choice of sauces. unfortunately it was not wonderful fresh battered seafood, this pile of industrially breaded seafood piled high and very greasy arrived , what a disappointment , soooo bad and so upset. get the dawgs , but I don't suggest the fried seafood unless you are in the mood for an oil change

On a hot summer day this is the place to be! You seriously can never go wrong with a hot dog. We've never had something from the menu that wasn't good (and we've tried almost everything). If you're feeling adventurous, check out the reidville dr location for their famous hot dog wall! Frankie's also offers catering for your events, and we have been to events where they catered and it was great! They had all the basics and were very accommodating and prepared! The hot dogs are fried and then grilled, the curly fries are the best, not spicy, no salt is added to any of the fries.

On our way into NYC and stopped to have a Famous Frankie's! It was amazing and did not disappoint. All the kids loved it and so did the parents!

Frankie's is literally a gem for hotdogs. They're hotdog kings for a reason. It's done right, not overcooked. They have so many topping choices that take your dog next level. Crispy bun without the mess. But my favorite and what puts it over the top for me is the hot relish. There's something about theirs, that is just amazing. It's not "hot" but it is packed with flavor, savory and delicious. Everything's great. Juicy fresh burgers, crunchy perfect fries - curly too!

What's more summer than a roadside legendary hot dog? This has been a staple in the community since 1937 and for good reason. They know the regulars by name and treat everyone like family. Oh yeah they make a pretty good hot dog too!

The food was ordered right at the outdoor counter. There were plenty of options from hot dogs to burgers to cheesesteaks and all was made to order. The staff was friendly and the pricing was reasonable. I had a sausage burger with peppers and onions ($4.69?), and curly fries ($2.45?) with a side of cheese ($.99?). The sausage burger was alright. It was very skinny and could have been more flavorful. The bread was the key here. The fries were crispy and the cheese was a nice compliment as it had a slight kick to it. I also tried the fried cheese cubes. They were fried to perfection with plenty of cheese. Will I go back? Definitely.

I'm I'm just saying if you're a good friend I would be a lot nicer than I would have you know that you can do whatever you're going for I love it when I see it but I'm a big boy so I'm a girl so you don't know that I'm just trying my luck with that is my favorite song of mine I

They serve me soup a small paper party Party Bowl Taste it like canned soup. I will never order soup there again

OMG. LOBSTER. ROLL. IS. EVERYTHINGGGGGG. Customer service was great, food was made quickly and delicious!!!!

Wonderful server interesting to come by here right off 84 parking in front plus an eating sit down to the left 200'. Covered nice Ordered the clam stops nicely done with lemon slices the curly fries crunchy the calamari was fresh but it does not get crispy the marinara sauce was weak no bite overall for the money great buy enjoy

Frankie's is the best place for a great hotdog! They are practicing all the necessary precautions to keep patrons save during Covid. The servers are friendly & efficient. We've been a few times for dogs & fries & they never disappoint. The food is fresh, hot & served up so quickly.

I've been coming to this place for going on 30 years and gone up and down the menu multiple times, and I'm going to be honest with you here, it's not that great. (Runs and hides from angry mob...) It could be that I'm not a huge fan of the hot dogs (much prefer Blackies across town), or possibly that I just don't really enjoy fried food. I mean there's nothing terrible here and nothing that would make you second guess ordering it, it's just....mediocre. Service is great and prices are fair and we have always been in and out quickly. Overall it just kind of reminds me of like stadium/baseball game food. Again, not terrible but if you have any other option within 5 miles, I'd make that drive. The Carvel next door is a nice bonus though!

The best hot dogs that crisp first bite you take the bun is exquisite. This receipt for this hot dog has descended from above. I am delighted to see their hot dogs sold at some of the local markets. I am literally starving just thinking about i. Yum 1000/1000

Decent fast food can't go wrong with Frankie's . The hot dogs are the best . I usually never have a problem but I got the fried vegetables this time and they were slimy and gross . Never getting those again.

In the summertime, I cannot drive across CT without stopping at Frankie's in Waterbury. Frankie's appears to be a simple drive-up hot dog stand, but it is so much more. The staff is super friendly and interact with all the customers waiting for their food. Once I asked a server how their lobster roll was prepared, he answered, "butter and lobster, just like God intended". My favorites are the lobster roll, soft shell crab, whole belly clams and hot dogs(all pictured). Everything is prepared fresh when you order it, so you may have about a five minute wait for your food. Also, at the end of the little strip mall that Frankie's is located in, there is a pavilion with picnic tables for easy dining. The seafood items run about $15 each, but can compete with any of the shacks along the New England Shore.

Sorry to say ... Off the mark today . Have had great hotdogs in the past ... Not today . Hot dog bun dry , not fresh ..a grilled roll per request with no taste of butter . Fried clams , Frankly, tasted old and had an off taste . Not eating them . Going to another place as I am still hungry . Let me know if you want to replace this order with fresh , hot flavorful food and I will be happy to give it another try . My order was around $25- Btw ... Onion rings had the same off taste ... Hmmm ... Could it be the oil it was fried in ???

The Hot dogs at Frankie's are good, but it would have been better if I were not from NYC. Visiting family in Connecticut, I decided to whip out my trusty Yelp phone app to look for a local place to eat, I wasn't looking for anything fancy, just something satisfying and quick, my Yelp app told me to "Go that way" so I decided to try them out. I ordered 2 Hot dogs one regular and one with chili, along with a side of Steak fries and Cheese balls. The hot dogs were good, and satisfying, I preferred their original Hot dog over the chili, the Steak Fries were nice and thick, cooked well, the cheese balls were very memorable, I recommend trying them out, its a must, they are a combination between a tater tot and macaroni and cheese... Yummy. The only problem was that Its hard to compare any hot dog once you have tried "Grays Papaya's" Hot dogs in NYC. The Hot dogs at Frankie's were satisfying and well priced, im just not a fan. I recommend Frankie's to anyone in the area, they are worth a try.

Best sit Down hot dog/burger joint in Waterbury in my opinion! Appreciate the consistent,great service over the years. Never a bad meal! Food cooked to order and always served with a genuine smile. Not so easy to come by anymore in this age of "I want it now" fast food! Would rather wait for great food than get so/so food really fast!!! Lol .

Place is a treasure, food is always great, awesome menu options and the pavilion available to eat under us always clean - didn't see a speck of food or dirt in the place!

I knew this was going to be great when we pulled up on a Friday night and there was a line all the way down past the storefront. Classic hot dog shack. You just can't go wrong. Hot dogs are huge. Even my 6 yr old (not big eater) polished off his entire dog.

They're alright if it your in the area but there are so many better hot dog places in CT such as, Rawleys, super duper weenie, or blackies. But if you want to stay local it's a decent place,

the original and the best frankies foods always good cant wait til it reopens end of march some time....only issue with this place its a free for all they should have an order line and pick up window

Service is not really good but the food definitely was. Girls taking orders are quite rude for servicing customers. Food was delicious and fresh. Fried calamari tasted fresh, not that freezer taste you'd expect coming from a local fast food joint.

There not to many places like Frankies. Home of the foot long hotdogs. Where else can you get food that taste the same as it did 25 years ago.

I asked for a plain dog (no fur, and a pedigree) with steak fries (no cow) and a Diet Coke. They were prompt, efficient, and friendly. $8.33 for the whole order. The signs on the storefront were hilarious. I took some photos, but I didn't want to look like a weirdo tourist. Anywhoo great job to Frankie's.

This is the hotdog I judge all others against. Top to your preference, but I've never been disappointed. To be fair, the chilli isn't my favorite but it's still good. The menu offers a wide variety of options, mainly fried, but all delicious. Dogs, burgers, chicken, seafood and appetizers and I can never decide what to eat. It's all so good.

Excellent service and food. Love this place........... best hot dogs around .............

Visited yesterday- it's like time stands still- in the BEST way!! Service was prompt and the food was delicious!! We ordered a plain hot dog, well done fries (which we usually do to ensure all the fries are crispy and cooked enough), mixed veggies with tarter sauce, and onion rings- and a medium birch beer - all for around ~$17- not bad!!! And picked up some Soft serve to accompany our order from carvel next door! Watertown Frankie's equals summertime!!! Love it!!!

Excellent treatment the request comes out in the right time, good place and family, the staff seems to always be at ease always smiling

Best hot dogs ever. Delicious philly chicken sandwich. This is my go- to place and i live right near Blackies famous hot dog place. The staff is very friendly , especially Jonathan ! So helpful and polite always. Fun summer place to go because it is outdoors and Carvel is next door.

Window side eating......standing in the cold and eating hot dogs and cheese fries. if you are going to do it, go here....tasty food, fast service. And the staff smiles and says thank you! That is so important. Plus you get to watch all the cars flyby on the 1/4 mile strip right in front of the restaurtant!!

Let me just start by saying, I'm not really a fan of hotdogs and not a fan of Frankie's hotdogs either. They bun always gets soggy and that makes me mad. But what I DO love is their chicken sandwich with peppers and onions on a Portuguese roll. It's moist and comforting and perfectly seasoned. I also, do not understand people's obsessions with their fried veggies. I'm assuming their not hand breaded but I could be wrong and I apologize if I am. But The quality, to me, does not jusitfy the price. Frankie's is overpriced. But it's a staple and Waterbury. That nostalgic place that you grew up eating and your parents grew up eating. If you had a guest in town, I'd probably bring them here in the summer. Just to say they went. But i'm ordering the chicken sandwich.

One question is why when a great restaurant starts to franchise out the quality and service hoes to crap? They had a great local thing for many many years , but the more locations that open the food quality goes down. Why do businesses do this, customers are what made you and customers are what can break you. We've stopped going after last year.. order a well done burger and it was burned on the outside and somehow they managed to leave it raw in the middle, that's not easy to do but they nailed it. Another time we had moldly hot dog rolls. The hot dogs themselves are okay the side orders are mediocre and I used to get the whole belly clams the were good but last year maybe they misunderstood me I got clam strips. I think I was over charged on that one. Well Frankie's please this season coming up ...do better and serve the food that is fresh and delicious. If not I am done with Frankie's for good

grew up in waterbury and frankies dogs are the best you will ever eat.i live in the south and all you can get is skinless dogs oh my god awful.not to mention clam strips.if i ever come back i know the first place im headed

Great food, many choices. They also have whole belly clams. Driffrent types of hot dogs. Irish which has bacon on it, and the French which has cheese on it. This is one of my favorite take outs

The good old fashion'd BBQ Joint. Still has the classic order outside at the front window setup. Has a nice patio area in the distance that gives an amazing view of route 8 and the sunset. Food is delicious. Prices are great. If you want that oldschool 50s diner approach, there is a carvel next door that makes amazing milkshakes to wash down that hot dog and burger. The parking can be a bit tough and the line is awful to wait in during cold seasons, but the wait is worth it. Whether you are passing by, looking for the perfect fried food, or a local it is a must that you stop by Frankie's and enjoy a good old fashioned experience from America's past time.

I sort of feel like I like this place because I enjoy the experience of going to a walk up place in the summer and eating my hot dog on the hood of my car more than I actually enjoy the hotdog, but whatever. There's a few different types of hotdogs you can order (with a slice of cheese, chili, etc) from a friendly teenager behind the counter & you put your own toppings on, which I prefer. I'm not into the fried food, so no comment on that. A little overpriced for what you get, but who cares. I like this location better than the original.