"Oh Carol, don't let him steal your heart away I'm gonna learn to dance If it takes me all night and day" (Chuck Berry) The various "best" in Connecticut lists of this and that are about as common as the weeds on my lawn. I mean, every website every other week seems to post one. Anyway, in a 2024 Taste of Home feature titled "The Best Hot Dogs in Every State", guess who was rated as having the best hot dogs in all of Connecticut? Yup, it was Carol's Lunchbox. And when I checked out their Yelp page, I saw their high 4.5 rating, read the rave reviews, and when combined with their 2024 "Best in the State", I knew I'd make it over to Carol's one of these days. Well today was the day. We found it on the Westwoods Golf Course in Farmington. Just follow the main road in and you'll see it on the left in a long tannish stand-alone building. There's an ordering counter inside, a dining room with plenty of seating, and a lovely outdoor patio with more tables and chairs for nice weather. Their menu is a lot more than those famous hot dogs. It's really comfort food heaven with quesadillas, fries, tenders, burgers, grilled cheese, burgers, wraps, salads, and more. But let's be real.......we were there for the dogs! They offer a Traditional Dog, a Polish Dog, a Hot Diggity Dog, a Chili Dog, a Southern Dog (with Pulled Pork), a Reuben Dog, and the adorably named Beanie Weenie Dog with Baked Beans. None of those dogs will cost you more than $6. You can also go with a two-dog special with chips and a drink for $12-$15. What's that? You were wondering about toppings? No worries, friend, because Carol offers up free ketchup, two mustards, sauerkraut, onions, mayo, green pickle relish, and Carol's homemade hot pepper relish. If you're a big spender, you can add between fifty cents and a buck to your order for chili meat sauce, two types of melted cheese, caramelized onions, or sauteed onions and peppers. They also have side orders (potato salad, fries, rings, and daily specials. Today's specials were chicken wings, a lobster roll, and a tempting short rib grilled cheese. We ordered a two-dog special with yellow mustard, sauerkraut, a soda and chips for the rock-bottom price of $12, and a Hot Diggity Dog (spicy) with chopped onions and some of Carol's homemade hot pepper relish ($6). How wonderful was it to sit outside overlooking the golf course to enjoy such a simple, fun, and totally delicious lunch. My spicy dog was definitely spicy, and Carol's famous hot pepper relish was a great addition to my lunch. I have to say a word about Carol herself. We had the pleasure of chit-chatting with her after lunch, and she puts out such friendly, welcoming customer service vibes, its hard not to become an instant fan of hers. When you visit, I hope you have the pleasure of seeing her smiling face. I promise you, it will be the perfect complement to your terrific lunch. read more

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Good basic bites on the range Came here looking for some summertime burgers and dogs. Inside is sparse, but plenty of seating. Outside was slightly dirty, but the view of the course was pretty. Opted for a smattering of dogs (kielbasa, spicy dog, and plain dog), a bacon jam blue cheese burger, and a brownie for dessert. Food came out after a wait, but we got ketchup and took turns taking bites. The burger was the best bite. good quality beef, strong blue cheese and sweet n salty bacon jam was quite nice. The blue cheese was a bit strong, but I like punchy flavors. The fries were not bad, pretty good bagged fries. The dogs, well they were alright. Not great buns, dogs were of a decent quality, but the kielbasa was too sweet and the spicy dog was only lightly hot. As a lunch place, it does well enough. The burger and fries were worth the price of admission. The dogs were kind of weak, and there dogs need to be of a better quality. But they are still not bad, just not great. read more

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Amazing roadside hotdog stand. Granted it is more 'golf course' side hotdog stand but you get the idea. Located at the course - but open to the public - this hotdog stand offers delicious food, friendly staff, and beautiful views. We opted for the special burger and it was the best burger I have had in a while. Cooked to a beautiful juicy medium, with toppings that just worked well together. Delicious. We also got the hotdog trio, regular, kielbasa, and hot. Just to try them all. While fairly basic at first there are a variety of toppings to chose from to make the very tasty basics your perfect bite. For me it was the hot with homemade hot relish and onions. On a summers day come take a lunch!! read more

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Before a pool day at my mother-in-law's, we went over to Carol's Lunchbox for a quick lunch down the road. For the longest time I never knew this spot was tucked back here! Carol was friendly and welcoming, and there were some really great choices on the menu. We all tried something different and thought it was all delicious! Rosol's hot dogs are always a win, and these were well-dressed. The homemade chili was tasty too. Cute patio area in addition to the indoor dining space. It's nice that the course is fully open to the public, so we never felt out of place. We'll definitely be keeping this spot in mind for an easy lunch in the summer when visiting my mother-in-law! read more

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Pulled in for dinner on this Thursday night to a full parking lot. Then I realized half the parking lot was getting paved and was blocked off. Greeted warmly by the server-cashier and possibly one of the owners. This place has counter service where you order there, pay for it, leave the tip, and then the server brings the food out to your table. I ordered the special fish sandwich and french fries. $16.95 And a can of Coca-Cola. My accountant ordered the cheeseburger, with ketchup and onion, and french fries. $15.95 He also ordered the lemonade iced tea. Within 10 minutes, the food arrived at our table. The fish sandwich was deep fried perfectly on a really nice soft roll with lettuce and tartar sauce. Unfortunately, the fish wasn't seasoned fully to my liking nor salted. Also, no lemon was on the side to squirt on the fish sandwich. The fish was lacking any flavor other than the tartar sauce. This was a big disappointment. The french fries were very good, but it was like a kid size portion for like a three-year-old. Come on now I'm paying $17, give me at least a handful of french fries. Not eight! My accountant who ordered the cheeseburger picked the winner. It was a thick well seasoned piece of beef cooked, medium rare, and he said it was delicious. He also received a ration portion of french fries. I paid a lot of money for two sandwiches, a little bit of french fries, and two drinks. I bet it was close to $43 with 20% tip. This was no bargain. The seating at the restaurant was OK. Our table top was loose and a little bit sticky. The restrooms were marginal. There flies flying around. So overall cleanliness was a little bit disappointing....come on now! I'm glad I got to try Carol's new place. If I come again, it's gonna be for the hotdog special and eat it outside. read more

Carol's Lunchbox - That's the little handful of french fries I got for 17 bucks with the sandwich. Big disappointment. - Hot Dogs Near Me - Farmington, Connecticut

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I recently learned that Taste of Home recognized Carol's Lunch Box for the best hot dog in CT. That's pretty much an instant visit situation for me. Carol's has a small structure where they prepare the food, and there are some nearby picnic tables. Carol's uses bun length Martin Rosol's dogs, and I'm on record as a fan of Rosol's denser than typical hot dogs. Carol's fully steams the dogs, which distinguishes them from other top CT places. I can't say this way my favorite way to prepare a Rosol dog. I think at least partial grilling brings something extra to a dense dog like a Rosol. Carol's has some specialty dogs and build your own options. They're probably about average in terms of the number of topping options. I ordered a Reuben dog and a Chili Dog with mustard and onions. The kraut and chili are both above average for CT. I like that Carol's has the Thousand Island dressing to go with the kraut. That's pretty unique for hot dog spots. But Carol's super power may be the house spicy pepper relish. I didn't order this on my dog, but I met Carol. After hearing it was my first time, Carol offered me a sample of the House Relish. For me, the flavors are more well balanced than one of CT's famous pepper relishes. I was a big fan and I would probably get a dog with just the relish next time I visit. If you like to sample all the best CT hot dog contenders, add Carol's to your list. 4.25 Stars read more

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Amazing service! GREAT food. Everyone here is so kind and talented at making food. Highly recommend this place to play a good round of golf then get some food. read more

A small stand on the side of a parking lot that I never would've visited except to come find the hot dogs. Carol is very friendly and service overall was quick. There are some picnic tables at the stand and there were a few people eating there. There is a variety of hot dogs and what I've tried have mostly been ok. The best and what will bring me back again is Carol's hot pepper relish. It is the perfect balance of flavors and I don't need anything else on a hot dog other than that. read more

I have been to a ton of places that specialize in chili dogs. From New Britain, to Newington, a couple places in Southington that are long gone, the famous Nicks and Nanna's at the BigE decades ago. Michigan places in the Adirondacks, on and on. Carol's is my all time favorite, best quality dogs you'll find. Great options for toppings and her specials are very creative. read more

Solid wings. Cozy spot. Service was great, really nice owner and great spot for some hot dogs.

Carols is fantastic!!! Fresh food and now an incredible setting at Westwoods. I look forward to your homemade soups this winter.

Nice little hotdog stand. Very friendly service! I had two chili dogs with the cooper cheese. Very yummy. Picnic table seating was nice on a sunny day. read more

Carol's Lunchbox - Chili dogs! - Hot Dogs Near Me - Farmington, Connecticut

Great food Cole slaw was great, chowder absolutely loved it. Hot dogs & chilli were perfect...service was spot on...price & value great deal for your dollar $$ read more

Carol's Lunchbox - Carol's Lunch Box - Hot Dogs Near Me - Farmington, Connecticut

Terrific hot dog stand! Delicious offerings, nicest staff and food is great. Very convenient location. Easy parking and places to sit. Love it! read more

A small hidden gem in the Farmington area, you'll find this small stand with Carol and Tim serving up fresh hotdogs and warm buns. If you are feeling adventurous then take advantage of the other menu options to enhance that meal with toppings such as onions, chili and cheese. With many different business nearby, I'll suggest coming on by if you are tired of the typical commercial lunch spots such as Subway. You'll have to enjoy your meal in your car or outdoor tables as there is no inside seating but with summer months like these why would you want to. read more

They won Best In The Valley for a reason! They are the best!! Two German Brats today hit the spot. Fabulous fresh bean and corn salad too. read more

Carol's Lunchbox - Carols Hot Dogs - Hot Dogs Near Me - Farmington, Connecticut

Such sweet ladies and loved that they serve real dogs in casing plus they heat the buns (which are quality ones). I am a cole slaw snob and theirs is very good! They serve Lay's chips and Doritos. I would say a guy would need at least 2 dogs to feel full. read more

Carol's Lunchbox - This is take out only - Hot Dogs Near Me - Farmington, Connecticut

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This is a perfect example of customer first service. I was greeted with a smile and a welcome, and with a very happy attitude. The food was great with a price you can't beat. Its the perfect happy little place. Excellent choice for simple lunch! read more

Carol's Lunchbox - Front of restaurant - Hot Dogs Near Me - Farmington, Connecticut

Cute little place with wonderful service. Lola was such a pleasure. My first time there and would recommend with flying colors. Had the lunchbox special. Everything was fresh and top of the line. Go get yourself a hotdog! You won't regret it. Kim read more

Today was my first time going. Carol was super friendly and the food was good. Enjoyed the tortellini and potato salad. Would definitely go back! read more

Great new addition to RT 4 in Farmington. Stopped by on their second day open for a couple dogs and they were delicious. Simple menu but everything you need for a great dog experience. They are still working out some small new opening hiccups but the food was perfect, Carol and her employees are friendly and helpful and this place is a great fit for the area. Give Carol's a try, you'll be glad you did. read more

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Excellent Dogs, great selection, very clean, reasonably priced! Just wish they had Onions in Red Sauce ; )

I visited Carol's lunchbox today for the first time! It's just the cutest place and has outdoor picnic tables too! I went with my friend, Donna. The staff is friendly and extremely accommodating. I ordered a chili dog and a Southern dog (BBQ pork and coleslaw on top of my hot dog). They were both delicious! Donna had a chili dog and a second dog with mustard relish and onions. She too, was very impressed and loved her dogs! We had the pleasure of meeting Carol while we were there! She is a ray of sunshine! Carol was happy to talk with us and is extremely down to earth! With that in mind, we will definitively be going back! Best hot dogs around!! Big Fans of Carol's Lunchbox! Nancy & Donna read more

Set your gps or you may drive right by ...Carol's was featured on our local FOX61 tv show on Friday and it didn't disappoint. We had a kielbasa dog and a hot dog , both were delicious and we'll be sure to stop back when we're in town . The staff at Carol's was very welcoming, and I watched them go out of their way to help some of the customers with there food . It's take out , but there are tables and umbrellas where you can sit and enjoy your meals. The surroundings and table's were very clean . I'm glad saw the promo done by the tv station . It was worth the trip . read more

so so good... and friendly. go have a wonderful conversation with Carol, try the sauce, try the relish. eat & be happy. read more

This place is so cute and Carol is so excited about her restaurant. I love the big band music that plays and outdoor seating. The food is so good. The hot dogs are great and carol turned me onto her cooper cheese. My life, however, was changed by the bratwurst that she proudly will tell you is local and the ingredients were chosen and perfected by her. A great place to stop! read more

Found this place after my daughters little league softball game and it is a hidden Farmington gem. The lady running the stand, I'm assuming it was Carol, was very sweet. She gave my little girl a little a hot dog gummy bear. The hot dogs were delicious and the service was terrific. read more

Drove 30 minutes to find out they are closed until 3/9/2020. No notice on their website or otherr social media.

Good dogs, good toppings, good prices. Is it in my top 10 of hot dog places? No. However, in this neck of the woods, it is top ten. The dogs are pork and beef with a nice snap. The chili is a good consistency and has flavor but not very spicy. The home made hot relish is a nice flavor but can definitely use more heat (add more hot peppers to the mix). That's being critical but honest. I still enjoyed my dogs and definitely better than any other Farmington or West Hartford Hot Dog. read more

This is my favorite lunch spot! Carol & co are so friendly!The hotdogs are delicious & Carol's relish is a must try! Absolutely the best!

I stopped at Carol's Lunchbox with my kids on a total whim while on a little road trip! It was awesome!! I highly recommend! The hotdogs were delish!! So happy we stopped!!! read more

Carol works so hard in each hotdog and it shows. Absolutely delicious food with super friendly service . read more

Carol's Lunchbox - Doesn't get any better than Carol's Lunchbox for lunch in Farmington. Love in every Dog she makes! - Hot Dogs Near Me - Farmington, Connecticut

A really quaint place in Avon. My first stop here as I was in the area but in retrospect worth the ride if I had not been in the locale! Very amiable service from the owner Carol and her congenial assistant Lola. A most succulent hot dog and the chili topping was just dandy. read more

Great little hotdog stand love the chili dogs and potato salad, coleslaw and Mac and cheese. Quick bite to eat with friendly service.

Great place for the most delicious quick bite! Everything is SO fresh and flavorful. Carol puts a lot of love in every bite. Great service and amazing hot dogs n' brats! Coleslaw is yummy too! read more

This is such a cute little spot. Food and prices are excellent and the service was outstanding. I love the outdoor seating. It was a great way to enjoy a quick lunch and be outdoors at the same time. I will definitely recommend to friends and I will be back! read more

Carol's Lunchbox is the best. The best dogs north of Coney Island, and east of Memphis! Carol uses wholesome ingredients, and her recipes for relish, baked beans, sauerkraut, cole slaw are delicious - and with her great friendly self and staff, it's like putting a happy helping of good cheer into your heart! This place is a great discovery in sleepy little Farminton, CT. Just up the road from Miss Porter's School for Girls, nestled between the hills and the Farmington River, Carol's Lunchbox is nourishment for your soul! read more

Wonderful, wonderful friendly people at Carol's. You're greeted with big smiles and an overwhelming enthusiasm to provide great service. It's awesome. I've been here twice in two days. I had the spicy dog on my first visit topped with Carols own red pepper relish. My second time with my wife, I tried a standard dog with meat sauce and a Brat along with my wife who ordered a side of baked beans. I'm sorry to admit the food is just average. The baked beans do NOT appear to be homemade. The red pepper relish isn't that spicy and the dogs aren't hot. It seems that the dogs are boiled or steamed? They sure are NOT grilled, and that's what's missing. No char or grill marks nor the grilled flavor. The dogs just aren't hot on the inside. It's unfortunate because I wanted to really enjoy this dog joint. If you enjoy average, then this is the place to go. read more

Joint # 96: CAROL'S LUNCHBOX, Farmington, CT. Carol's Lunchbox has only been open for 31 days folks. But don't let that fool, you! This joint has everything a dog lover likes: great dogs, fair price and an awesome atmosphere. Plus, Carol is here and she serves 'em up with a smile. Come down and as Carol says, "Make it a dog day!" RATING(S): J. Diggity Dog: 8/10, Dog Man Sac: 7/10 J. Diggity said, "Hey we're here at Carol's Lunchbox, 1365 Farmington Avenue, Farmington. The sign is not up yet, so if you are going to come here soon, it's right in the Midas parking lot near the Big Bird bridge. So, mustard, onion, sauce we had a Martin Rosol's, Inc. beef and pork, natural casing. Had a lot of snap to it. It was a steamed dog. Chili was good. Wasn't as spicy as I would have liked, but of course, that's me...I have a spicy palate. Mustard - fantastic. Raw onion, diced up, it was pretty good. Not finely chopped, but a little bigger chunks than diced. Anyway, good dog. I'm giving it an 8. Bun was good, presentation was fantastic. They've only been here for 31 days and I think they're going to do pretty good. I really enjoyed the spot. Nice spot." Dog Man Sac said, "The dog was very good. I like steamed dogs. I prefer them to be honest with you. Lot of snap in that dog. Bun was pretty good. Not a New England style toasted. It was split-top, not toasted, but that's fine. Onion and mustard were great. The chili, I got to be honest... I'm going to do a half/half on that. Not my preferred chili. I wanted a little kick, also wanted a meatier flavor. Overall I'm giving it a Dog Man Sac 7. This place however, is beautiful. Carol's Lunchbox!" read more

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Just stopped here after I noticed it driving by. The owner is super nice and the food was quick and reasonably priced. Loved her homemade coleslaw. Perfect spot for a quick bite. read more