O’Betty’s dogs won’t bite
By Jenny Evans, Graphic Editor
April 26, 2007 | 1:06 a.m.
Baskets heaped with hot french fries release steam into the brisk April air as students form a haphazard line in front of the West State street late-night food haunt, O'Betty’s Red Hot!
Nestled between an art store and a tanning salon, this small-town gem has catered to locals looking for a quick bite and college students looking for a quick hangover cure since its opening in 2003. Specializing in hot dogs, sausages and fresh-cut fries, O’Betty’s is a mandatory stop when visiting the small town of Athens, Ohio.
All-beef dogs going by the names of Hootchy-Kootchy, Varla ‘Va-Va-Voom’, Dixie Hubba-Hubba and Sally “Hide & Peek” are just some of the Red Hot “Varietease” named after pin-up models of the 20th century. If you’re not a meat lover, order your dog “shy” and you’ll be served a vegetarian tofu version.
During the day, you can perch at one of the barstools and watch as your food is prepared, or sit at a small table situated inside. Most customers, however, opt to take their meals “to go” until the restaurant's daily closing time of 3 a.m.
Don’t miss out on the mini wiener hall of fame inside, though, which includes tiny nostalgic hot dog treasures. Set behind glass are a beloved Weinermobile whistle, candy foot-longs, a toy roaster and everything else bearing the food’s likeness. You can also brush up on your hot dog history if you have time to read the signs and plaques on the wall under the sultry stares of framed pin-up girls.
A small walk-up window allows you to place your order and peer into the depth of the kitchen. The cook slathers the American classic hot dogs (and the occasional bratwurst) with sauerkraut, ketchup, mustard and other various condiments, wraps them in foil and hands them over to the customer. As potatoes take a dip into hot oil, the amusement park smell leaps onto the street, luring in those pouring out from nearby bars at closing time. Beware of the occasional intoxicated student looking to score your grub as the staff calls your name to claim your meal.
Boasting more options than Starbucks, O’Betty’s is not for the indecisive. Even ordering french fries, you are confronted with a multitude of choices. Do you want them “cheesey,” tossed with garlic, Cajun style, topped with chili or the more risky triple X version of “XXXtra Cheesey”?
Then comes your main course.
If you’re looking to douse your dog with jalapenos, sautéed mushrooms, diced tomatoes, stadium mustard or celery seeds, O’Betty’s has it in its arsenal of flavorful add-ons.
This hole-in-the-wall joint has become a shoo-in for the “Best of Athens” awards. Just don’t forget your cash -- O’Betty’s doesn’t take credit cards.