What I love more than anything is that this place doesn't change a bit. It's exactly as good as it was years ago and the service is just as polite. The only thing missing is that bowling game. Oh, and that hot pepper relish is unbeatable. read more

You either love blackies or you don't, but I suggest trying it for yourself and being the judge :) lots of people love it, so it may just be me :) read more

Pretty much an American institution!! No, you can't get fries but you can get your fill of the world famous Blackie's Relish on your tasty hot dog/ham-cheeseburger + splendid and hard to find White Birch Beer! Worth the drive and sometimes wait for a piece of Cheshire/Waterbury history. Staff is quick, attentive and polite. Enjoy your meal and I highly recommend getting a jar of relish to put in your home fridge for summer picnics!! read more

What an awesome professional hot dog stand. One of my favorite in CT. Took my 77 year old mother in law to get fabric to make masks. Ordered 10 hot dogs some for my mom. Had $20 and wanted to pay rest debit. Trued ATM not enough. Told me no problem believe me I'll pay it forward. Thank you. read more

I don't like hot dogs but I like this hot dog!!! Relish is the best part. Very good, have and will continue to drive far to get dogs here

First timer- loved it! Great food and fun place to stop for a bite. It was fun to learn the lingo and watch others order. Hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and drinks. Awesome burch beer! Will be back. read more

Went back in time when I lived right next to Blackie's Hot Dogs- went there has a family reunion- it has been 24 years since I had been there - still the best hot dogs ever- staff super friendly took many family pics for us- very reasonable in price - you won't be disappointed- read more

I grew up in Prospect of Summit. I remember going to blackies all the time for hotdogs. I miss their food like you cant imagine since I moved to SC. Anytime I come home I HAVE to go and get a bunch to have. Never change Blackies. You're good is legendary read more

Dogs were OK. No sauerkraut. No fries. Mustard was basically empty (no excuse they weren't busy). Relish was too hot. No plain green relish. Service was as impersonal as it gets! Being an old Jimmies of Savin Rock guy, this is experience was not good enough for me to return. Bye! read more

Good good- retro feel- a must stop if u r in the area.The prices are OK. And there's not really a lot of places to set up but if you go during the summer there's usually a lot outdoor soace read more

I think Blackie's falls under that type of micro-regional hot spot. People that live within 10 miles will almost always swear by it, and a lot of the people farther away that try will sometimes not see the appeal. So, I live within 10 miles away. In my family, this place is almost sacred...and a stop here is always met with great celebration and revelry. But first things first here; yes, the relish IS amazing, and possibly the best I've ever had. But people, do NOT overlook the dog. Even if you eat one "naked" (like I do with 1 of the 3 I order every time), you will not be disappointed. I don't know where they get their dogs, but they are like this perfectly spiced and perfectly sublime tubes of meat that make my head spin. (Am I talking like a fat guy? Sometimes I feel like I'm talking like a fat guy.) The dogs are steamed, not grilled...which either IS or is NOT your thing. If you're looking for a Frankie's-like grilled dog...keep driving. Anyway, yes...the relish is ridiculously good, the mustard is also something special. But contrary to what many other reviews say, I'd go for the dog, and stay for the condiments. And for a drink, do NOT miss the birch beer. And bring cash....they do NOT take any other form of payment. No. They don't offer ketchup. And that's a good thing. If you put ketchup on your hot dog you might be a member of ISIS. They do offer hamburgers...but seriously, just don't. The staff is always friendly, as long as you know what you want when you're ordering and don't ask a lot of dumb questions. They move a lot of people through there, so just be prepared to keep the flow going. Here would be my suggested order for a first timer. Say exactly what's in the quotes, and if you want it to go, just add "on a truck" to the end. Hungry Man: "3 dogs and a medium birch beer" (leave one dog naked, put relish on one, then relish and mustard on the other) Heavy Snack "2 dogs and a medium birch beer" (leave one dog naked, put relish on the other one) Girlie Order (Seriously, don't. If you only order 1, you're going to want another one) "1 dogs and a medium birch beer" (relish on the dog) Again, I know people have their regional favorites (Woody's, Doogies, Frankie's, Capital Lunch, etc.), but I'm here to tell you...this is a special dog. A very...VERY special dog. #downboy read more

Best hot dogs in CT. Very under rated burgers. I always get 2 dogs and a cheeseburger.

Visit #2, wow. Placed a simple order, four dogs and a burger. Every five minutes, the staff had a confusing discussion about what was pending, continuously stumped by three similar orders. Fifteen minutes later, the original waitress seemed to go back to the grill to prepare our order. Five minutes after that, we finally had our lunch. Then my son decided the dogs were nice and he wanted to check out the burgers too. In went a cheese burger order. Ten minutes later, it's placed in front of him. Another waitress takes it from him and walks to the other end of the bar to give it to....nobody. Comes back and hands it to the patron to my left, whom had ordered a cheeseburger, sixty seconds earlier. He pushes it back and the intercepting waitress stood there for a minute revisiting all of the chaos and communication failures. Finally, she shoves it back in front of my son without a word and walks off. This well traveled burger probably didn't taste to sweet by the time half the shop had handled it. Not once did any of the staff address the patrons as to what what expected of them and all the guests gave the same dumbfounded stare of disbelief. When they were not tripping over themselves they entertained themselves with some light hearted taunting, borderline bickering and often unprofessionally profane chatter. I haven't seen anything like this. Usually, a place that is so small and intimate, usually carries a more congenial behavior. And watching a staff go so brainlocked over a menu that has only 2-3 items.....it was clear that serving cheeseburgers and hamburgers in addition to their namesake dogs, may have been exceeding their operational limitations. We're not locals, we aren't important to them, but the didn't need to make us feel that way. read more

Not impressed yet. I guess I expected more after all the hype that my friends put out about Blackie's hot dogs. My first try was a disappointment. To begin, they were take out dogs brought to me and I ate them about 20 minutes after they were made. They were cool with soggy buns. Not their fault so I'm not blaming them for that. But, I'm not really a relish guy either. That's all you can get (and mustard) on these hot dogs which is fine...that's their thing. Homemade hot pepper relish is what they are famous for and have a tremendous following for. It was good if you really like just relish on your hot dog. All in all, an OK taste with a good quality hot dog. I plan to go back in warmer weather and try them again and eat em right away. read more

My favorite hot dogs in the world. Nothing better than 3 Blackies dogs with a ton of mustard, their famous hand made relish and a birch beer. AWESOME. read more

Lunch for 5 for $26!! Hot dogs are amazing, relish is worth the stop and the cool garage door entrance, old bar and bar stools, and legit historical pictures hanging on the walls give Blackie's a unique old-time ambiance that you just can't make up. We found the staff to be friendly and funny. Wish we lived closer so we could go more often! read more

Another over-rated hot dog stand! Honestly, a hot dog is a hot dog to me, but since I heard everyone in town raving about Blackie's I had to see for myself. All they are, are Nathan's hot dogs! If your hungry then I guess this is the place for you but a few miles into town you can eat at the Notch where they have a better variety of food and not EVERYTHING is not fried! read more

Nice snap to the dog! Unique toppings. No fries or chili here tho, but you wont miss them! No one eats one dog! Great old fashion milk shakes too Yumalicious! read more

A good friend, Mark Angelos and I were hauling a full trailer behind a pickup truck on the way to Florida west on 84. Suddenly Mark grabs the wheel and says TAKE THIS EXIT! what? TAKEITNOW! ok, why? Because, we're gonna have some hotdogs at Blackies! Trusting in Mark's road food knowledge, I cut across a couple of lanes of not happy CT 84W traffic and just made the Cheshire exit. Blackies Hotdogs is just up the Waterbury Rd. from the exit and worth every bit of effort to get there. Like the other posts tell you, just let them know how many dogs that want, load'em up with mustard and relish, get a milk or soda and then shut up and eat. Good eats! If you don't like the fare, maybe check your pulse. read more

No thanks - NOT worth the ten minutes. Nothing special - it's like a 7-11 hot dog but at 7-11 you don't walk out wearing the ketchup on your clothes from the disgusting dirty tables. The place is just gross. Unless you're drunk, hungry and don't want a DUI - I vote no way. read more

Liked the Hummel's hot dogs better than the new brand they've been using. I still go back but not as often.

Great hot dogs! A must stop if you are in the area. They only serve hot dogs and chips.

B/c of the reviews I wanted to give this place a try. We ordered both hot dogs and hamburgers and while the meat of both was good the buns were inedible. Soggy with no structure to hold up the burger and dog making it a mushy mess. The birch beer was good but we would not come back unless they step up their bun game. read more

Disappointing. The menu is very small: dogs, burgers, cheeseburgers, chips, soda, ice cream. No chili dogs, no fries. Even the toppings for the dogs, which I understand is their signature dish, is severely limited. Onions, nope. Sauerkraut, nope. Only ketchup, mustard, and their spicy (jalapeño?) relish. The relish was very tasty I have to say. Service was a bit short of welcoming. Price is good but we won't be going back.. read more

Best hot dog and burger joint I've ever been to. Robert Sietsema spoke the truth about this place. Check it out

Their food is fantastic and the price is just right! The wait can get a bit long during the summer, but it's worth it. The only complaint is the parking when it's busy. Other then that it's great! read more

My husband and my step father live the hot dogs! Can't seem to drive by without turning in to grab a few to go! A landmark at the Cheshire Waterbury line! read more

Don't change a thing Blackie's! If you want old school, then this is your place. They have been cranking out Hummel's dogs forever. Their homemade relish is the best thing you can put on a wiener!! No fries- just chips- love that!! And closed on Fridays cuz you don't eat meat on Fridays- like I said, old school!! read more

Eh. That's really all I have to say. They have very weird hours (closed on Fridays in the summer? Very odd), and their hot dogs are nothing to write home about. Very small menu, and nothing extra to go along with it. You want fries? Nope. Onion rings? Forget it. Their relish is a little to spicy for my liking, and I'm not one to just eat a hamburger or hot dog by itself. The hot dogs are good, but I've had better at other establishments. I like going there just because of the atmosphere, you do really feel like your back in time with how they have everything set up. The staff is always friendly as well, which makes it nice to stop in when in the area. Other than that there is not much else to say. Good for a quick stop, but could find more down the road at Frankie's. read more

I've been going to Blackie's Hot Dog Stand for years, ever since my dad took the whole family to the place when we were all kids. They have great dogs and a very original relish. My dad used to make and bottle his own root beer, but we would always get the birch beer on tap and we always loved it. My dad tried to make a batch of birch beer, but it wasn't as good. Dad's root beer, by the way, was better than A&W's. Blackie's looks like an open garage with a long counter on a corner with a large parking lot. In the Spring & Summer it is packed, even with the less expensive hot dogs at Costco down the street. I was worried about Blackie's since the $1.50 dogs with soda arrived at Costco. However, judging by the crowds at Blackie's they are still doing well. read more

Is is as old school as it gets, in a GREAT way...burgers, dogs and homemade shakes, birch beer too, if you are into that. It is a simple place, with mostly counter seating, which gives you an opportunity to interact with other humans, so take it! This place has its own ordering system... You do stand out when you order like a non-local, but everyone is friendly and accommodating of those of us not in the know. It's cheap, fast, delicious and an experience to boot. And yes, the homemade relish is all that. read more

Seriously great hot dogs here. Yes, I grew up in Waterbury and this place brings me back to my childhood. I took my wife here, a Tennessee native, and even she's hooked. As the other reviewers have said, the menu is simple. I recommend 2 dogs and a birch beer. Apply mustard/relish generously. You will not be disappointed! read more

Burgers dogs and chips, choice of soda or milkshake, if you feel the need to bash this classic menu go anywhere else, it's been around 80 yrs for good reason, sometimes you just want a perfect dog and chips, the carnival is a week a year but blackies is forever!!!! read more

Pretty good hot dogs. Relish is really really good. Would give them 5 stars if the hot dogs were hotter and up to temperature. I heard people ordering "well done" and Im guessing its because they know they wont be very hot when served. I ordered 4 and a burger...the burger was very good. My wife got the burger only and she was happy. Ill go back and Ill definitely go back and order my dogs well done. read more

I'm conflicted. I remember going to Blackie's hot dogs since I was a kid. It's just so familiar. The chocolate milk cartons. How you order by telling them a number and they yell it back to the cooks. "Three!" The bowling arcade game in the back. You slide a puck down this little alley, do you know what I'm talking about? The great homemade mustard and relish. The toasted buns. The fact that it's always closed on Fridays because they don't believe in eating meat that day. They're still the best hot dogs I've ever had. But the last time I went there, I got majorly sick, probably from those hot dogs. It was enough to turn me off hot dogs for a while, and I haven't been back to Blackie's. I really hope it was a fluke. They're really good dogs. Maybe one day I can summon the courage to go back. read more

First, let me say that I'm a vegetarian 99.9% of the time. However there are moments when I fall off the wagon, usually for things like bacon or hotdogs (I know, it's dreadful) So, when my husband & I read the review for this place, I agreed to go along and try one of these hotdogs. Well, I don't get it. My husband is not a vegetarian, and he didn't get it either. We both agreed that the hotdog was so-so. I wanted to fall in love with the relish but couldn't. I wanted to like this place,and admit that the place itself is interesting in a weird way. When we got there it was already kind of busy but within moments a huge wave of people appeared and a line formed out the door..crazy stuff. I'm sorry that neither my husband or I can give this more than two stars, but it appears that the general public is in love with this place.Go figure. read more

Used to stop here en route to and from college. Went back recently and was not disappointed. Delicious hotdogs and simple yet flavorful burgers. This is all you want in life. It's located by the side of the road. Packed with lots of locals. And most importantly excellent and inexpensive food. Their relish is world famous and truly flavorful. Hope this place stays around forever. read more

Best hot dog relish ever. I live in Florida and have it brought down to me whenever I can. Awesome on ANYTHING! Great food!!

Legendary hot dog shop with an old school vibe. The dogs are good but the relish is absolutely outstanding and their famous mustard compliments it perfectly. Located super close to the highway for anyone who might happen to be passing through on 84. read more

Still good and still cheap - 3 dogs + 2 birch beers for less than $8. They are open until 8pm on Sundays! This is a great stop when driving I-84 between Boston and NYC. read more