Hot Dog Charlie's Cohoes

The Cohoes location is reopen after the fire last year. It’s clean and was super quick to get our food. My fam shared 15 mini dogs with the works (mustard, onion and chili sauce), twister fries and onion rings. Everything was yummy and fairly cheap (paid less than $40 for all that). Very tiny dining area inside but quite a few tables outside. Good choice for quick and cheap eats!

This legendary spot just reopened after remodel due to a devastating fire. The food is just as before and with over 100 years history behind this brand, it's the perfect experience that embodies the capital region more than pretty much anything else. Hot Dog Charlie's is our local chain with 3 locations (Lansingburg and Rensselaer), but this location has the most charm and friendliest staff.

Affordable mini hot dogs a regular size hot dogs, plus fries, burgers, onion rings, and drinks

Ok. First off, we were so devastated that they burned down. We couldn't wait until they reopened! We'll they did! Yay! Best hotdogs, best fish fry,and best burgers ever! Thier fish fry blows Ted's out of the water! Sorry Ted's fans. But it's the truth. Service is incredible! These girls have it down pat! Had a wonderful lunch today! Thank you!

We enjoyed our fish fry, popcorn chicken and mini dogs and fresh french fries and onion rings.

Having not sampled a classic mini hot dog from the area before, I was excited to try this local treat! And I wasn't disappointed. A mini hot dog with mustard, onions and meat sauce... delicious, even if it was a little bit greasy. It was definitely fast-food vibe so not a place you'd go and sit down for a fun dinner, but a great quick snack or take away.

First time here.... Dogs were great! Staff is super friendly and welcoming! Will be back....

Hot Dog Charlie's is a Capiral Region classic. We always buy a jar or two of sauce to take home. Staff is super friendly too!

The Cohoes location is reopen after the fire last year. It's clean and was super quick to get our food. My fam shared 15 mini dogs with the works (mustard, onion and chili sauce), twister fries and onion rings. Everything was yummy and fairly cheap (paid less than $40 for all that). Very tiny dining area inside but quite a few tables outside. Good choice for quick and cheap eats!

Food is expensive now since they reopened 2 sodas, cheese fries, and 2 hot dogs $20.38. I ordered my soda with no ice and I was given it with more ice than soda. When I pointed it out I was explicitly told that they couldn't and wouldn't pour me a new one because and I quote "once the soda is put on the counter I would have to purchase a new one!" Over priced and terrible customer service. They lost my service.

This place is DIRTY !!! Not sure who the local health inspector is , but I'm fairly certain that they take bribes!!!!! The two older ladies that work here are RUDE AS FUQ..... there is no hospitality training happening here!!!!! Tried to be pleasant and friendly with these miserable women but they were RUDE AND CONDESCENDING!!!!! The one BYTCH LITERALLY THREW MY FOOD ACROSS THE COUNTER AT ME!!!! Needless to say I took one bite and spit it out!!!! I saw. At least 20 of these dogs on the grill shriveled up like my manhood after a cold bath !!!! The toppings were exposed and uncovered the entire time and since when can you have an AIR CONDITIONING UNIT IN A COMMERCIAL KITCHEN!!!!!!! THE HEALTH INSPECTORS ARE FOR-SALE. IN THE ALBANY AREA

Not just hot dogs but also a piece of history! Their teeny hot dogs are delicious. I think even if Charlie himself gave you his famous chili recipe you couldn't replicate it at home - the flavor comes the cast iron pots used for decades to slowly simmer this amazing chili! In addition to the delicious hot dogs you'll enjoy reading the articles on the wall outlining the history and story of this local staple. Whether you're a local or just driving thru, Hot Dog Charlie's is worth the time.

Sadly this location had a devastating fire today and is obviously closed. I hope they rebuild.

This place is exactly what you're looking for in a quick lunch. Good, old-fashioned favorites with a slew of toppings. We were there for the wienies but the other sides we tried were great too! Sorry no pics but the ones posted are pretty much how it is! Great prices too! Only drawback was it's not a great neighborhood.

if only I knew the last time i ate there would be my last gone but not forgotten RIP CHARLIES I REMEMBER

Hot Dog Charlie's another YELP Sunday afternoon find! Happened upon this spot by chance and stayed out of curiosity to their mini dogs and Charlie sauce. This gem is tucked away in an area of town that appears industrial but has residential dwellings, I mean come on it been here since 1922, probably wasn't anything around! You have a choice between natural casing dogs and skinless, I'm hoffy #10 guy so natural casing, did the mini dogs 2 with just deli mustard and 4 with the works, no cheese. Let's break it down, a thin layer of deli mustard, amazing taste which complements the Charlie Sauce which taste like a sloppy Joe mix with minced onions. Very flavorful Frankfurter or Winnie all by itself. The toppings definitely created a great combination, paired with the fries that appear to have some sort of a coating that makes for a flavorful and crispy thicker than a shoestring fry. There were other offerings but I'm forever on a Hot Dog quest! The two gals behind the counter were making magic happen as they knocked out order after order, yet maintaining great attitudes! Heard one say they hadn't had a break all day! Thank you Charlie Gals! Great experience.

Full disclosure, I don't do meat sauce on my dogs so that probably effected score. No complaints though. Went for six (6), YES SIX, mini hot dogs with kraut and mustard. Soft steamed buns and a two bite method made for a special treat. Dogs are tasty, place is nostalgic, counter people are friendly and efficient. Got fries as a side and they were good but not amazing. Big guys will need six, average people stick with 4-5 minis. They had burgers and a few other items on menu but stick with their minis, they're the star. Off street parking, small Dining room, and a bit off the main grid.

I love this place. Me and my son come here at least once a month. (20 min drive) but we get the mini's with the works, cheese fries and a milk shake. The place is an old house but awesome and the people are nice..

Best mini Hot Dogs in the Capital District. Tragedy the restaurant had a fire. Hoping they will rebuild soon. Expanding would be a good idea.

There is a mini hotdog war going on in Troy NY and I think Hot Dog Charlie's wins it. The establishment has maintained its old school aesthetic since its inception in 1912, and the mini dogs are incredible. I recommend getting "the works" to try their famous meat sauce and toppings.

I love these tiny little hot dogs they are just perfect every-time,bathroom and place is always clean and the people who work here are always such a pleasure. If you want someone quick but good this is the place for food for sure when my husband and I are in the area this is the spot.

A lil too salty for my taste. The concept is great the lil hot dogs are very good quality but very salty. The steamed buns are great as is their chili sauce again a little salty for human consumption. You will drink 2-3 times more. Consider boiling off some of the salt or making them 25% less salty in general and I would be their once a week at least. The place on the day I went was not so clean. I said something to the staff and they started cleaning up.

Hot Dog Charlie's has been around forever and it shows. Food is consistent always. For this they have a consistent customer base and for good reason. It's too bad though that the owners are letting the place go. The dining area isn't particularly clean, the AC was broken on a 90 degree day I was there, the tiles in the men's room were broken, ceiling tiles missing, parking lot full of litter. Oh well. Hopefully it's just a bump in the road for this long time local food joint. If not I don't expect Charlie to be around much longer.... Clean up your act Charlie or a lot of us are going to miss you and your snappy mini dogs!

The mini hot dog is one of my great discoveries since moving here not long ago and Hot dog Charlie's is one of my favorite places to go for them when I get the crave! What I like about Charlie's is the nostalgia. It's really fun to sit sit at one of their picnic tables on a Summers day or dine indoors. It's fun to file through the line and watch them whip up each hot dog to order. There are lots of other things on the menu, but I always go for their delicious little hot dogs with their famous chili sauce. So good!

The worse case of white trash ignorant service one could possibly imagine. Over charged. They didn't even complete the order correctly on top of charging me for more than I asked for. Told me I had to drive back in to issue my refund. Started yelling at me while on the phone with the manager. So apparently the manager doesn't care how these employees interact with customers. Supposedly a local icon. Staffed with incompetence and the hotdogs at Gus's are way better.

I'm going to chalk this one up to "had to be there" or "I've been going there since I was..." The fries were hot and crispy. Nothing wrong with them. i got the mini dogs with the works. I'm afraid the onions ruined it for me. if the onions tasted like the sweet onions on a McDonald's hamburger it would have been great! But instead, these onions really have a bitter off-putting flavor. Not sure if I'll give HDC another shot. I have many other Capital Region dogs to try.

Honestly my favorite hot dogb joint ever, and that's with Gus's right around that corner (you can't go wrong with either place). My families been eating here for over 50 years. I have relatives who moved away and desperately miss this place. One major difference between Gus's & Charlie's, is that Charlie's has fries, shakes, bacon, fish & clam fries. This is such good comfort food. They have NEVER NEVER NEVER messed up a single order I've EVER made.Thank you Hot Dog Charlie's for kicking ass for decades.

Hot Dog Charlie's simply has the best hot dogs there is. The buns are toasted to perfection while dogs are grilled to juicy deliciousness and then the mustard on top brings it all together. The meat sauce is light, and not overpowering, but it adds another layer of tastiness. I could eat dozens of these dogs as they are so addicting. Also the fries are very good, they are crispy and have good flavor. The fish fries are also good as they are crispy and delicious. The price is fair and the employees are friendly and funny. Overall, this place is one of the best with phenomenal dogs.

As always, the food is good. Small Hot dogs have a bite to them. I just found out after all these years, the only beef hot dog they offer is the big one. I still like it. Hot dogs are boiled and quickly thrown on the flat top, not browned on the grill, but they are still good. Chili is good , but my absolute favorite is the cheese fries. Always go with a large. I haven't lived in the state of New York for over 10 years, but every time I come back to visit I have to get hot dog Charlie's.

Hot Dog Charlies impressed the hell out of me. Maybe because I didn't expect much from this local chain. Or maybe because I didn't eat breakfast and was craving my first bite of food for the day. Yes, on the Tour de Hot Dog, these little suckers became my breakfast, lunch AND dinner. Hot Dog Charlies serves up a mini wiener with its casing, yellow mustard, meat sauce and onions all on a mini bun from Bella Napoli. HD Charlies gets a few things right here. The steamed bun had some excellent chew, almost akin to some artisan loaf of bread. I also really enjoyed the dog. A light snap to the casing complete with the necessary juiciness. The dog starts to stumble as you get to the meat sauce. Much like Gus's, but nowhere near to the same extent, HD Charlies meat sauce tends to have a raw spice grit. I think this grit tends to be a common pitfall when tasting these local dogs, and any place avoiding it tends to receive high marks. If I was going for straight taste, I'd take Hot Dog Charlies over Gus's any day. Their fairly solid meat sauce and well prepared product are worth the extra mile or two needed to drive up rt 32.

Who does not love, love, love Charlie's? I am giving five stars for Hot Dog Charlie's being one of the best in their category. Hot Dog Charlie's was always a childhood favorite. The dogs were something like .15 a piece on a special day of the week. On the way home from work, once a week, my father would buy fifty or so hot dogs with the works for our family dinner. Fast forward thirty years and the hot dogs and recipe has not changed a bit! The dogs casings are crisp and juicy. The buns are warm and fresh. The sauce can not be replicated. The french fries are amazingly unique in texture...very crispy and seasoned just right. The sausage and pepper sandwiches are equally delicious. Interior is exactly as I remember it... small, formica tables and chairs, tile flooring, has not had an upgrade in decades, an open kitchen so you can see exactly how your food is being prepared...it's all good! I would not care if it were any other way as long as the food stays solid and it has!! The staff cooks are focused and expeditious. A forty dollar order with a lot of food and a variety of requests regarding condiments had us out the door in less then five minutes. Hot Dog Charlie's is one of those places that stands the test of time.

If these guys could fix their meat sauce, Hot Dog Charlie's would be incredible. Our little Capital District hot dog micro-region is defined by these diminutive dogs slathered with a line of mustard, a spoonful of raw onion, and topped with meat sauce. If you were from Michigan, you would say it's like a Coney only smaller. Anyhow, Hot Dog Charlie's does great things with their buns and dogs. The buns are steamed, and the dogs are gently warmed, keeping them plump and juicy with a nice snap to the casing. But they completely fall down on the raw spice graininess in the sauce. But of the holy trinity of these joints - Hot Dog Charlie's, Gus's and Famous Lunch - the sauce holds this long beloved establishment back to second place in the great regional hot dog war.

I know what you're thinking. "Four stars for a hot dog joint? This chick clearly has no taste!" But you're also slightly intrigued and you want to know more. Let's be real. Hot Dog Charlie's is not trying to be a fine dining establishment. Far from it. It serves hot dogs, french fries and hamburgers, along with a handful of other artery-clogging, guilty-pleasure foods. And with fast food prices, it does hot dogs right. I should explain that although I'm from this area, the mini hot dog phenomenon was not introduced to me until I participated not too long ago in an adventure known as the Tour de Hot Dog. This Tour consisted of a number of hungry people, led by Daniel B., on a quest to sample all the best local mini hot dogs in search of the finest little wiener. Hot Dog Charlie's was our first stop on the tour, and it stuck with me. I had one plain and one with 'the works'. Of all the dogs with 'the works' I had that day, Charlie's did it best. Their meat sauce is tasty, and the ratio of sauce to mustard to onions is perfect. The buns are warm and moist; the dog is juicy and has a nice snap when you bite it. I have not experienced the grittiness in the sauce that some reviews mention. The service is friendly and the staff are careful to not slop the condiments all over the bun, which means that you can dig in without getting messy hands.

Probably my favorite place for small dogs with the works in the Capital region. That's actually saying quite a bit since there are couple other well known local places where you can get these things. I just think the execution is better, overall taste is cleaner. Store is clean. Outside area could use a bit of upkeep but certainly acceptable. Off street parking. Haven't been here in couple of years but drove by the other day and made a mental note to stop by. Glad I did as memories of these dogs with the works did not disappoint. Employees were friendly and helpful.

I make a special trip here to enjoy their famous "all beef" mini hot dogs with the works. Each mini dog is a natural casing wiener served on a steamed bun and topped with deli mustard, sweet minced onions, and Charlie's special chili meat sauce. I usually pick up a dozen mini dogs with the works, french fries, and the homemade creamy rice pudding with cinnamon. Everything, including the burgers, fish frys, Italian sausage sandwiches, and onion rings are made and cooked to order.

Hubby and I were in the area and he said that we had to go here as it was a local institution. Well I love hot dogs so I was game. Was a small place but did have some tables that we were able to eat at. I opted for two mini natural casing dogs with cheese and two mini dogs with cheese and chili and a small fries with cheese - hubby got the same as me. I liked that the buns were steamed and the dogs were hot and fresh. I loved the crispy, hot fries with the cheese sauce. The hot dog flavor for me was just ok and the chili was too sweet for me - hubby felt the same. I would still come back here again to try some of their other items as I liked the simple menu and quick order counter.

I grew up in the housing development across the street from this little joint. As kids - Dad would buy a rack on Sunday mornings so we could watch Chief J. Strongbow Wrestle Tony Guerria. As Teenagers, we would hang out in Charlie's until they closed at 10pm. In my later years, I live in Pittsburgh but I look forward to trips back home so I can get a few of those amazing hot dogs with Charlie's famous meat sauce, mustard and onions. I love the way those little Hembolds snap between my teeth when I bite into them! Perfectly complimented by their fluffy, little steamed buns! You can't go wrong with Charlie's Hot Dogs!

Who are we kidding, this is pretty good, but you need to hit Famous Lunch in Troy and have the real deal mini hot dogs.

Grew up eating here. Best hot dogs in the entire universe. I'm not some paranoid health jerk, I've been eating this since...ever, and guess what? I'm still breathing! Mom and I used to sit in the car with a tray of dogs and scarf them down. Wonderful!

Have not been here in years. I myself can't eat food like this very often. I'd be fat if I did. So on the occasion that I do get food like this I tend to hype myself a bit for it. One of those days where that's all you can think of while ordering and smelling it on the way home. So story is.... Ordered my food was given everything in bags (didn't look in the bags) and half the topings I wanted on them were not there upon returning home. I know I asked for them sure as heck I was charged for them. Maybe crew was having a bad day. Maybe it was just missed. Whatever. doesn't matter much. Stuff happens. Most places these days don't care about a bad review. I don't write a lot of reviews and should not write them when hangry. Thank you for reaching out. It's the local business owners who make a difference and it is very much appreciated even if it doesn't seem like it. No need to make it "right". I'm sure the next time the tiny hotdogs will be just delicious. Don't let one mediocre experience for me ruin the next persons. Go get some hotdog Charlies and enjoy. I have edited this a bit to add some info and a proper review.

When I was kid my dad would always bring me to the Hot Dog Charlies at Latham Circle Mall and I was always afraid of anything other than plain dogs. Eventually I gave in and tried them with the works and fell in love. But after discovering Gus's and more importantly Famous Lunch, HDC doesn't really stand out as the best anymore. They do a decent dog but their meat sauce doesn't quite match up with the others.

Cheap, fast and delicious. Not a beautiful place but quaint if you're used to small town upstate New York. This may be the first time I've been to a restaurant dedicated to hotdogs. They serve regular sized and mini hotdogs all with meat chili. The works will get you sauerkraut, relish and mustard and ketchup. Served piping hot and really hits the spot. Didn't get the fries but they looked and smelled delicious.

Hot Diggity! This blessed little place is clean and the people that work here care. You step up to order and they listen. Your order is freshly made (yes, I know they are hot dogs) to order with the most delicate touch. Toppings? Yes, if you want them. The biggest mistake you can make is if you don't order the most delicious cheese burger or spiral fries. Have a seat on a stool and wait for the drool, Hot Dog Charlies - YOU RULE!

I've never been to the establishment, but did buy a jar of the chili sauce with meat. I am not a fan: it's extremely salty and the texture of the sauce is grainy. It looks good but I am disappointed with the product. Maybe the chili tastes differently coming from the restaurant itself.

. I think they have changed their dog provider. I have been there twice in the past 3 weeks and the dogs were inedible. Meat sauce, onions and rolls were great. Dogs sucked. This comes from someone who has been a fan for 60 years.

If you are unfamiliar with the area, and depending on a GPS to get you to this place, you might just drive right past it if you aren't paying attention. It's small and old school.. just like a hotdog joint should be. We are new to the area, and have been on the quest for the perfect dog since our arrival last winter. We have yet to be impressed until we came to HD Charlie's. We had been told about this place by a friend who has spent some time in the area, and had big expectations. We weren't let down. I ordered the #1 combo: 4 mini dogs with the works, fries, and a drink. They were out of peps/diet pepsi, but no matter.. I came to eat, not drink! I ordered a Dr. P and got down to business with my dogs. As previous reviewers have stated, there is a definite "crisp" to the hotdog when you bite into it. I chalk this up to the natural casing. While this is a GOOD thing, it's a little annoying at times, because I had a hard time biting through said casing, and more than once, the entire hot dog came right off the bun when I was taking a bite. Again, not a complaint, just a testament to the crispness of the hotdog. The meat sauce was actually very good! As opposed to a couple of the other places I've been to, it really had a good flavor, and wasn't runny at all. In fact, I managed to eat all 4 of my min dogs without a mess. The staff really places the meatsauce, mustard and onions just so, which reduces the mess :) The fries were OK, I ended up eating about 5 as the main attraction were the hotdogs. Good stuff! It's the kind of place that we'll bring visiting friends and family members to when they are in town!

I have loved Hot Dog Charlies since I was about 10.In High School after a football game 5 friends and I went one Sunday and we ate like 70 of them.Recently I went for lunch alone as retired.I ordered 5 w/ the works and onion rings and soda.Price with tax was over $9.00.Far removed from the .15 cent each days I remember.Hot dogs were okay,not Same as a few yrs ago as have changed vendor they buy dogs from.Rings were good,a bit greasy.Rootbeer soda was weak as dispensing less syrup flavoring.Not worth it any longer,not the same as I remember.

The best hot dogs I ever had. The mini dogs with mustard are the best of all time. I love them and the fish fries are pretty good too. The price is fair and the workers tell some entertaining stories about their lives. This is the best place for hot dogs. Go here and get some dogs.

Good Hot Dogs. Love the hot meat sauce. The building could use a facelift. Easy to get in and out. Cheap and affordable. Miss the owner from years ago. RIP.

I tried both the small hot dogs and the regular size Sabrett hot dogs with their famous meat sauce. The meat sauce is how I like it, somewhat spicy. Fast service.

The last time I was there the place was so filthy I decided never to go back. The hot dogs are great, but it is too dirty to be a place that serves food.

i gave Hot Dog Charlies a second chance. they came through. the hot dog rolls are soft and fresh. the have a wide screen TV you can watch. i been a customer since the 1960's and will continue to be so. also a collection of newspapers to read while eating lunch. Hot Dog Charlies I came back !

Started going to Charlies in 1974. Got a job as a supply and payroll driver for Barclay Home Products between hoosick falls and cohoes. asked one of the girls where a good place for lunch was and she pointed me to charlies. been going there ever since. over the years i've tried everything on the menu and haven't found anything i don't like. mini hot dogs w/sauce and onion are my favorite though.

dogs and sauce are good, however, nobody has mentioned the BURGERS or SHAKES! OMG the burgers are a quarter pound of freshly cooked seasoned beef with grilled onions and ketchup. They even ask how you want it cooked! Medium of course.

i have gone yo hot dog charlies for most of my life and food is great so keep up the good work yours truly william c rogers of troy new york.