As part of my new effort to try to get a hot dog in every county (and incorporated city) in Virginia, I started by tackling western-most Lee county early in the process on a brief detour heading to Abingdon for Christmas.
I had initially scoped out a different spot but I liked the Brookside Market was a big less out of my way seeing as how it is only about 2 miles inside the Lee County line.
I had driven a little over 3 hours and when I pulled into the parking lot I saw, one car, two gas pumps, and an "open" sign that I'm still not sure was turned on. After driving that far, I figured I should at least check the door despite lots of signs suggesting I had made a bad choice.
The interior was dimly lit. Sunlight coming in from the front window and door but few other lights on inside. I grabbed a soda from one of the cooler and went back to the counter. I didn't see much food making equipment so I asked if I could get two hot dogs.
The cashier said "absolutely. what toppings?" She gave me the list of the basics "ketchup, mustard, mayo, onions, and jalapenos." She grabbed the buns, added ketchup and mustard, then moved the lid off of a crock pot. Pulling out two hot dogs, then scooping chili over them both. The chili was a surprise as she hadn't mentioned them in the topping list but I wasn't complaining.
I added an extra plain hot dog for my puppy who was waiting in the car. Three hot dogs and a bottle of soda was like $8.50.
These dogs were really good. The chili was the perfect consistency for me and had a nice savory, tangy, slightly sweet flavor. Exceeded expectations for sure.
On a nice day, I would highly recommend getting a handful of dogs and enjoy them at the Powell Mountain overlook. read more