Dave's Famous T & L Hot Dogs, Clarksburg, WV, March, 2026. This local West Virginia chain of seven…read morerestaurants (in Harrison, Taylor, Marion, and Monongahela counties) was established in 1984 by the Henderson family, and is now owned/managed by their third generation family. From their website, "In the early 1990's the Hendersons added a new "twist" to their already popular restaurants. The Oldies Diners were created in an effort to re-create the happy and carefree lifestyle of days long gone by. The walls are covered with antique pictures, toys and memorabilia for customers viewing pleasure. You can listen to the sounds of the oldies as they play on the restored 1950's juke box only 5 cents a play, and enjoy the great hot dogs, famous "fresh cut" fries, and fabulous specialty sandwiches."
Food. (3/5). Given that they're West Virginia's #1 selling hot dog, and the restaurant's specialty, I HAD to try one of their hot dogs with their original chili sauce (prepared daily in their stores). I ordered the #1 Value Meal, with included one of their original hot dogs with homemade chili sauce (choice of mild, medium, or hot), mustard, and raw onions, small fries, and a medium self-serve fountain Pepsi drink ($9.09). My husband ordered a Philly Cheese Steak ($10.99), which consisted of steak in a fresh Italian bun with peppers, onions, and cheese and a medium fountain drink ($?). His order did not come with fries. As per our usual practice, we split the food between us. Overall, the food was tasty enough but the chili dog didn't measure up to my gold standard, Carwanna's in Carbondale, PA. Also, the fillings on the cheese steak (both steak and vegetable toppings) were on the lighter side, and the quantity of fries for the combo meal was also quite small and they were quite greasy. We both were somewhat hungry even after finishing our meal. We'll have a better sense of what, and how much, to order next time! (We definitely need to return to try one of their famous milkshakes).
Service (4/5). We ordered at a counter, and the cashier brought our food to our table. She was efficient, though neither friendly nor unfriendly. That said, she was quite busy, taking orders at the register, and delivering food to dine-in and to-go diners.
Ambiance (4/5). The restaurant is worth visiting if only to see the cool memorabilia! We particularly liked the train that encircles the top of the restaurant, and the 50s-style jukebox. Our ambiance rating would've been 5-stars with (1) better temperature control. (It was too warm in the restaurant on a late afternoon in March), and (2) more cleanliness in the kitchen area. (Fries and trash on floor).
Parking is free and plentiful.
