Trolly Stop

I’ve been dying to try this local hotdog stand ever since I’ve first came to Wrightsville Beach! The atmosphere definitely reminded me of a great Chicago hotdog stand… Even if the Vienna beef is nowhere to be had, I enjoyed the recommendations from Jackson. I have both the Polish and the traditional trolley dog. Both hit the spot along with the fountain Coke. It didn’t hurt that. It was a beautiful day to have the dogs out on the beach and parking is free in November. Service from Jackson was excellent. We’ll definitely be back.

We tried this place on vacation and it was solid. Tried the mayo & cheese combo cuz it sounded just odd enough haha and it was good. We tried both the Trolly dog and the all beef. I think we each preferred a different one even though they tasted similar. We also tried a build your own with chili, mustard & cheese. They forgot the cheese and they made us a whole new one which was nice because of the line. Reasonable prices which was appreciated. I wouldn’t go out of my way, I’ve had better chili dogs but if you’re nearby it’s worth visiting and trying a fun combo.

Delicious cold brew coffee and chill atmosphere. Great break spot on "the loop"

We had so much fun coming as a school group. They were accommodating for the amount of kids, and dietary needs. For those with celiac, they have gluten free options and change gloves/wipe down work area.

I would submit that after a day at the beach there is no finer taste than that of a Trolly Stop hot dog! Is it objectively the best hot dog on the planet made from the finest ingredients? Probably not. But it's darn good every time! The building is part of Wrightsville Beach history and eating there is a both a delicious treat; but also a trip down memory lane. I saw a couple of other reviews complaining about the quality and prices of the hot dogs. Just stop. It's a beach hot dog and it's at the beach. It's going to be delicious and it's going to cost more than maybe a normal hot dog shop somewhere in the middle of the state. This place is amazing and it's amazing as a total package.. the people are cool, the building is cool and the dogs are good; and it's fun to pop in after walking up from the beach. We we were just here a month or so ago and everyone that worked there was super friendly, the dogs were amazing and it didn't break the bank. Perfect! If you've never been here, you gotta put it on your list.

Need a quick bite to compliment a lovely day at the beach? Look no further than the Trolly Stop! The hot dogs are most reasonable, starting at $4, and they have a wide variety of condiments and toppings to choose from. The service is fast and friendly and of course having an ocean next door make the atmosphere stellar.

I will never give 5/5 for a hot dog. But it's the best hot dog you can get. So good. So many choices also. Worth every penny. A must try.

Was greeted by the friendly owner/manager. Tiny area to order and pick up but cozy. Regular hot dogs, all-beef, vegetarian and vegan dogs available with topping combinations or build your own. Reasonable prices for the beach in summertime. The dogs would be so much better grilled instead of boiled and the buns ought to be toasted to keep them from falling apart quickly.

Ordering process is very efficient. Good variety of options without being too many. And the atmosphere was really cool. Wish they had more merch!

What a cute place!! Perfect place for a quick lunch near the beach. The wrightsville beach hotdog with a pink lemonade hit the spot! Service was fast. Gluten free buns (Udi's), veggie dogs, and vegan toppings are available.

Fun little stop for a quick lunch/snack! They have lots of different kinds of hotdog options that all sound delicious. The building is cool and clearly has some history to the place. Will definitely stop again on my next trip to the beach!

Hit the spot! Their German hot dog with sauerkraut was outstanding! Perfect light lunch spot and nice sunny courtyard to sit in.

We've been here twice this week. The all beef hotdogs are very good and the chili, slaw and onions are on point. Only $4 bucks!

Great dogs at a great price! Very cool building/location, an old school gem. Had a Wrightsville dog, special sauce was on point, dog was a bit colder than I would have liked, will return for sure.

Horrible customer service!!! The guy working there was very rude to my wife and I. We loved trolly stop and were very excited to go after not living in ILM for 5 years. Unfortunately because of this interaction, we will not being spending money at trolly stop anymore.

This place is great! We got a burger dog and a vegetarian dog, both surfer style. You can't beat the price, under $8 for both of us to have a quick meal. (We wish we knew sooner about the free refills on fountain drinks all day!) They have gluten free buns available, so gluten free and vegetarian folks you can enjoy a hot dog, too! Chips, cookies, and sweet tea are available, but we didn't partake in any of those.

Great dogs with fresh toppings. Staff is super nice i tried N C dog with chili and slaw and one with cheese and kraut. Can't wait to go back and try more

I'm always reluctant to drive across town from Pine Valley to WB for anything, but I'll have to start making exceptions to support this location of Trolly Stop. Last week, I threw an impromptu birthday party for my husband in our backyard. What started as a small group quickly grew to around 50 people. I frantically started looking for casual catering options and was getting nowhere. Trolly Stop was my first choice, but the location closest to us was not available, and I was sure this one wouldn't be either. Each food truck I called assured me it would be impossible to find anything short notice in the middle of the busy season. And then Michelle called me from this Trolly Stop location and saved the day with breezy confidence, "Sure, no problem, we can handle this!" I nearly fell out of my seat. A hot dog cart was my first choice and it was going to happen! Michelle and her team communicated with me throughout the week to customize the options for my guests' dietary needs. The entire process was so stress free. She was accessible and transparent in her communication-no surprise costs! Fast forward to party time, Victor was our server. I attribute at least half the success of my event to Victor and the Trolly Stop hot dog cart. My guests were thrilled to be able to casually walk up and order their favorite selections from this beloved local business, and so were their kids. The ease of the whole thing is what made them stick around and enjoy the backyard for several hours. I got so many questions about how we reserved the hot dog cart, how it all worked, and what a cool idea it was. Victor was patient and personable and made excellent suggestions. And at the end of the night, he packed up all of our leftovers and toppings and gave us a lesson in reheating, and his own favorite recipe for leftover dogs. I will never forget how Trolly Stop saved the day beyond all expectation. And we will definitely be booking them again for more backyard parties. Easy, stress free, everyone can order what they want, no setup or cleanup involved, and they accommodate veggie and gluten free. They have several options for the amount ordered, and it came in *extremely* reasonable for a group of 50 guests (including kids). It looks cool, it tastes good, and it's sure to be the chef's kiss of your event.

Such a fun, local spot! We took a pleasant walk into the downtown area and grabbed hot dogs for lunch. The only option is to-go, but there are plenty of benches around, making this the perfect option on a day with nice weather. Topping combos seemed endless. We ended up going with beef hot dogs, Carolina style, and would 10/10 recommend. The price couldn't be beat at $3 per hot dog.

I just had the greatest coffee of my life, so good and rich in flavor, already looking forward to the next cup tomorrow! Customer service and overall atmosphere was excellent and satisfactory as well, could not give it more praise!

I hate hotdogs, but sheesh. These were the best dogs I've ever had. Sometimes, I dream about them. I need to come back soon.

Simply the best hot dog around. North Carolina style with mustard, onions, chili and slaw is sublime!

Most of us who love this place most are those who've been venturing here since we were kids all wet and sandy from the beach. I've personally gotten the surfer dog since I was little and it's never let me down. If you're not from these parts, it may not be the best hot dog you'll ever eat. But it's cheap and easy and still tastes good even with some sand stuck to it.

This place is quick, cheap, and easy. They do one thing, hot dogs. But they do have a lot of yummy options, including even the type of hot dog you get. I had the fat-free turkey dog and thought it tasted great. As a heads up, they only accept cash. And while they are not expensive they are also not very big, so if this was going to be a main meal you may need to eat more than one depending on your appetite.

Basic good dogs! Limited menu, but large dog menu! Worth the wait, folks have it figured out . Dogs, chips and drinks!

Visited Trolly Stop on an overcast Saturday. It was pretty difficult for me to find parking. The ladies who were working the counter got folks through pretty quickly without an abundance of kindness. I got a dog with chili, slaw, and mustard. They had lots of varieties of dogs but I stuck with my classic. They only have seating available outside. The dog was ok. I thought everything (the dog and chili) were just luke warm. If I'm in Wrightsville Beach again, this would be an easy stop but I don't think I'll go out of my way to return.

Cutest lil hotdog shop ever! Wide variety of hotdogs and snacks. Free refills all day long. I got the cape fear hotdog and they were to die for. Did not have indoor seating though which was a bummer. Definitely putting this as a must stop by the next time I'm down.

Need a hot dog? This little divey spot in Wrightsville Beach will satisfy your craving. From a basic beef dog, to a sausage, vegetarian dog or ground beef (?) dog, you and your group will find something for everyone. Toppings are varied and you can order a specialty dog if you like. Compared to pricing of other food establishments in the area, this is the place if you've got a lot of hungry mouths to feed and a limited pocketbook. Note- CASH ONLY. There are an assortment of bagged chips & cookies available for purchase as well as soda and bottled water. You can take your food and eat outside on the patio area. Parking at the beach is tough, so keep that in mind!

I've been going here since I was 6 years old and to this day will say that these dogs cannot be beat surfer dog is my fav!

We were staying in Wrightsville Beach for the weekend and decided that hot dogs sounded like a good option for lunch as a walk from the beach. Trolley Stop seemed like it would be inexpensive and decent enough for lunch. It was very convenient from our hotel, but with 4 stars on Yelp, I expected more. The hot dogs themselves were what you would get at a gas station or ballpark - boiled, not all beef, and on a soggy bun. The toppings were good but weren't good enough to compensate for the lackluster dogs. My wife and son like their hot dogs plain, so they took a few bites and didn't eat the rest. We ended up buying french fries from the place next door instead. Overall, it didn't end up being a very inexpensive or filling lunch.

The guy who owns the place is a local legend and hooked up many a free dog when I was working at the place next door. All the people working there have been pretty cool but it seems like a new crew every year. Good prices, especially for beach food and I never really got the appeal of the cold dog, but I guess it is unique and they have more kinds of dogs available than I ever thought possible prior to going there. Help out a local business and get some good food to boot, what's not to like?

COVID-19: These folks have it down! Hand cleanser on the outside. A sign with the steps to follow (clean your hands, one person inside at a time). Markers for the line. Pros: inexpensive pretty good hotdogs. Lots of variety. I wish reviewers talked about the special sauce. I wish I got at least one dog with it. I tried my spouse's. It is a mayo-based sauce with maybe ketchup in it? Anyways that is what it seemed like and I highly recommend. The slaw was great. Cons: It would have been nicer to have hotter dogs and have toasted buns. Also fresh sauerkraut as opposed to canned. As everyone else notes, it is cash only and there is an ATM a few steps away.

Such a fun place to stop for a quick lunch! All hotdogs are $3.75 and they have a ton of different varieties to choose from, including: all beef, beef and pork, turkey, and veggie. Lots of benches outside to sit and bathrooms near by. I'd recommend getting two hotdogs.

A classic go to if you are in the Wilmington area. Friendly staff, and hot dogs that never fail to amaze!

Trolly Stop is hole in the wall that is a go to for the beach-goers in Wrightsville. It is an interesting experience and is not a bad option for grabbing a quick bite as you're coming off of the beach, or if you want to take some food out to enjoy with your feet in the sand. This place is *CASH ONLY*. That shouldn't be an issue because there is an ATM conveniently located right outside of the restaurant. As you walk in you realize that this is literally just a hole in the wall. It is about the size of a walk-in closet and can probably fit about 7-10 people waiting in line. There is no seating inside, but they do have outdoor seating (some circular stone picnic tables with umbrellas). There are about three workers back in the back and you order up at the cash register to take your dogs to go. I was expecting this little local joint to have some nice folks working inside, but I was disappointed in this regard. The three teenagers working back there didn't crack a smile the whole time we were in there. They mumbled through taking our order and didn't thank us for our business once. We got our 4 dogs Trolly dog style, which is a mixture of beef and pork. They had 10-12 options for specialty dogs with a multitude of toppings. We went for the "North Carolina," "Wrightsville Beach," "Nuclear," and one with just chili, cheese, and mustard. The hot dogs were average, in my opinion. The toppings were loaded on, but you could tell that the dogs didn't have a lot of flavor under there. Not much of a snap whatsoever. The "North Carolina," which is my go to style, had the standard chili, slaw, and mustard. This was a good dog, but the chili lacked any zest and was just kind of bland. The Wrightsville had mustard, secret sauce, onions, and diced tomatoes. This was a little better than the "North Carolina". The secret sauce added a nice dynamic. The best was surprisingly the "Nuclear." It had nacho cheese, jalapeños, and mustard. Nacho cheese is not something I would have thought to ever put on a hot dog, but it actually was very good. A note on the sweet tea: watered down and weak. Overall, the food here is not going to blow you away. Trolly Stop is worth stopping by just to experience some local flavor. It is a good option for something quick and cheap to take to the beach or to enjoy as you are coming off of the beach.

Cool little place good hot dogs! Got the Chicago and North Carolina both good! Next time kinda just wanna order one of each! Will be going back!

Best hotdogs ever. Personal faves are the surfer dog and the WB dog. Great snack to have on the beach. The lines can be really long and hot in the summer though!

They offer 5 different types of hot dogs here, although I'm still not convinced that a "wiener" composed entirely of turkey, or one that is constructed of Soy Protein, and contains 0 grams fat, should be labeled a hot dog at all. They do offer Sabrett which is an all beef, quality wiener. And they also offer a sausage, which while still a sausage is much closer to being a hot dog than those other two. With the 2 types of hamburgers, the 5 kinds of "dogs", and 13 toppings, you have over 1000 options for you and Little Johnnie's to choose from at lunch, and that probably didn't include the option of putting a hamburger on your hot dog, or vice versa. Be sure and discuss each option with Little Johnnie or he may feel neglected, and could turn petulant. Actually the "normal" hot dog choices here are not bad - the chili is a little bland, as is The Trolly Stop's original wiener. But for $2.50, a hot dog that is not bad does not seem like the best choice. In addition, there is very limited seating, it is outside, and you have to share it with people eating ice cream, probably one of 500 kinds of ice cream that is an option. There are better, more classic versions of the American hot dog available, at more reasonable prices, with seating, and no soy protien in sight - try Jeter's, Dick's or Louie's downtown, or even Paul's Famous on the way into town. However if an over priced foo foo dog is your want, these folks can fix you up. And, oh yeah, bring cash, in somethings they do know what is real.

The Trolly Stop and Wrightsville Beach were made for each other. With 10 styles of hot dogs, it's going to take a few visits to try them all, but so far I've tried the Surfer, the Chicago, the Nuclear, and the Wrightsville Beach. Picking a favorite would be like kicking your own child out of your family. Hot dogs are $2.50/each and it's cash-only. If you get them to-go, you get a bag. If you get them for outside, you get a tray. There are several tables between the Trolly Stop and Kohl's, but they can fill up around lunchtime. The staff seems to have memorized all the hot dogs, and make them lightning fast. Lines can get long, but rest assured that it's not the staff's fault!

I have always wanted to try this restaurant and when I finally did they did not disappoint. The service was with a smile and efficient. Thank you for making a day trip excellent.

COVID-19 Warning! The hot dogs here are good, but you have to wait 30-40 minutes in close quarters. This would be fine if the "safety" person Christian did his job and kept the area clear of his 7-10 mask-less buddies that refuse to put on a mask or leave. So if you come here be ready to receive all of the germs of a throng of insolent teen-agers sitting just a few feet away while you wait. After 30-40 minutes of people in the line complaining to them, the police got involved. Too bad -- we are just here to enjoy the beach -- not deal with a hassle!

Good lil quick spot to grab a Dog...Ice Cream shop next door tops it off..Oh and if u have been at the Beach Perfect lil place to keep a balance ...Not a must go but if your around might as well..

The Trolly Stop is a shadow of what it used to be. It doesn't have the good local dive kind of feel thanks in part to the dirty laminated word documents taped to the fridges, franchise location listed t shirts, stacks of Lyft cards, and Harris Teeter store brand items. The hotdogs were pale like they sat in a warm water bath and they were about room temp when served. The "homemade" chili sauce was loose and runny so was the hotdog on one of the kids dogs. Maybe later in the "season" for tourists it's better but the natives I know that grew up on them now don't come here and don't recommend it. We went as a group because a friend had tried to stop here last year based on google reviews (despite what the natives were saying on the walk down). It's doubly disappointing that after the sad hotdogs I got to listen to the locals (WB born since the 60s and 70s) I was with talk about the history and memories of the founders and how great it used to be before the current owners (mid 90s) seemed to tweak things and then franchised it out. This location is cash only with an ATM built into the side of the building. This seems to be a place resting on laurels and location as opposed to continued good service and food. Just because a place has been there forever shouldn't forgive mediocrity.

I aged 10 years just waiting in line for a mediocre hot dog. I'm all for safety and personal protection from Covid but they basically require a hazmat suit to let you enter the store. People guarding the door with hand sanitizer, single file line that seems like it's extending to the ocean and unfriendly staff.

It's an institution. Just go already. You won't regret it. Get a dog, walk up the Station One Walkway and enjoy the ocean. P.S.- all the groms order the Surfer Dogs.

A must try eatery if you're on the beach all day and need something to scarf down! They offer a plethora of differently dressed dogs, as well as vegetarian options for those interested. I didn't get to try many of them, however, the American Hot Dog was super yummy. Just make sure to grab some extra napkins because it can get messy! The Stop itself is decked out on the inside with classic polaroids dating all the way back to the early 90s and serves up friendly and fast service. And while it is cash only, there is an ATM literally three steps to the left of the building.

Today was my first time there. The gentleman there was so kind. We were on a Field Trip and he was good to every child and adult around me in line. I will definitely return. I had North Carolina Turkey Dog and it was delicious. I appreciate good customer service and he sure gave it today!

I've never met a hotdog I didn't like, ha, and this place did not dissappoint. 1st my boyfriend ordered one: Sabrett with chili sauce and onions. I didn't get one at first but took a bite of his and went back in to order one. I tried a fat free with jalepenos, chili sauce and onions. Both were delicious and I think I could easily eat 3 because I literally vacuumed it down in about 30 seconds. It's take-away only and it looks like the line gets crazy but when we were there, we just walked right in and got our hotdogs. Yeah, their processed dirty water dogs but that's what makes them taste great.

Very touristy counter ordering restaurant with hot dogs only...no other options. The website said hamburgers and cheesesteaks....they were not available. Only average dogs......there are other places locally that will not disappoint. Probably will not return.

Such an amazing little hot dog stand. The dogs were excellent and the service was too. A great place to grab a dog while taking a break from the beach. So good

Finally tried the best hot dogs in Wilmington and I wasn't disappointed. Super close to the beach and great to step off the beach and grab some hot dogs. You won't be disappointed and you can't beat the price.

Really was disappointed with this spot. Husband and I just needed a quick lunch snack without having to leave the beach area, so we stopped in here. We're not really hot dog people, but we do enjoy smoked sausage, so that is what we ordered. The reason I was so disappointed is that it wasn't a smoked sausage at all.. it tasted like a straight up plain old boiled hot dog. Wouldn't ever stop here again. Also inconvenient that it's cash only.

This is a great little place to grab a quick bite to eat, located in the heart of wrightsville. Good chili dogs! They also have decent veggie dogs for you vegetarians ;) my only complaint is they are cash only facility, which is a bit inconvenient (granted there are several ATMs nearby). There can be a line out the door on a busy summer day, but it goes rather quickly. There is no indoor seating, but there are several covered tables right next to the building.

First, this place takes cash only....and you may need coins for parking meter. Secondly, the hours that are posted on apps for this hot dog place may be incorrect. For example, if the app indicates the place is closed at 5 it may be that they are closed from 5-6 to restock and reopen at 6. So may want to swing by there even if app indicates it's closed as it may be open. I've been getting hot dogs from this place for the last several decades. Gotta visit there at least once!

The best hot dogs in New Hanover county. Period. Pros: the Chicago (not completely authentic without the sport peppers, but delicious nonetheless), the Carolina... hell, any of them really Cons: the wait (lines are often out the door), cash-only in Wrightsville

Best hot dogs in Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach hands down! My favorite is the North Carolina dog. Wonderful service always very fast. Only downside is they only take cash but there is an ATM right outside of the store. Perfect meal after getting off the boat or coming in from the beach. Also have some of the best pink lemonade. The atmosphere is very cool too, the wall is covered in photos of costumers and their dogs!

The Good: - Hot Dogs are the best in the world - Pink Lemonade - Their Ice (it's the little completely crushable shaved pellets) The Bad: (if I had to name something) - the lines in the summer An AD Tip: - if it's the summer and your craving a dog, but not the line, hit the one near the college or downtown - their t-shirts are a pretty cool, plus who doesn't want to support / show their love for the Trolly ?!? OK To say I love Trolly Stop, is an understatement! It has been a staple of my diet from as far back as I can remember! It is the first and last place I hit when I'm in town! Where to start? Most people think the only way to get a proper hot dog is either from a vendor in NYC or at a game! Luckily this is not the case at all! Trolly Stop blows those out of the water! If you go in the summer expect a line, and it is walk in and out type place, there is no seating inside, so you'll have to take your food outside and sit at one of the benches located outside on the sidewalk. But really that only add to the charm that is the one, the only "Original Trolly Stop!" During the summer, I'll admit it, I usually go to the either the one Downtown ILM or off College, because I m not big on lines, but if I have to, it is well worth the wait. And for those of you who either veggie heads, or hot the hot-dog type, they do have a few other options (but Hot Dogs is really why you go!) And if you're a pink lemonade fan, their rocks! For me - this a complete MUST when your in Wilmington, but if you don't believe me, just try it for yourself!

The Trolly Stop is one of my favorite places, and I don't just mean one of my favorite places at Wrightsville Beach. They are one of my favorite places EVER! I've been coming here since I was a child, and it hasn't changed much over the years, which is a big plus, as the hot dogs are just as good now as they were then. They have a simple menu, friendly service, and really great hot dogs. What more can you want? Yes, they are cash only, but their prices are really reasonable, so you shouldn't have any trouble scrounging up the cash for a hot dog or two. My favorite dog is the North Carolina dog - mustard, some very tasty chili, and delicious cole slaw top what I think is the perfect hot dog. Simple, but delicious. I have never been here when there wasn't a line, but the line always seems to move pretty quickly and the wait is never too long.