Went there for the first time today,delish! Told the guy ive never been,gave us menus and said go with the dogs..got 6 minis and zippy fries..awesome. read more

We were excited to try Famous Lunch based on the history and the reviews. Location-wise for our roadtrip to Montreal, it would have worked perfectly for lunch. While we loved the old storefront sign and the sight of the many mini-dogs cooking in the front window, the restaurant was cold, bleak and had a couple of real down-on-their-heels customers. The prices were fantastic, but the food was just passable and the cook/server gave us extremely dirty utensils. read more

Has this interesting outdated 1960s feel to the restaurant combined with a subtle rude "NY" banter with the staff. This place is very cliquey as well as cramped as you stand shoulder to shoulder with other customers waiting to pay. Food is maybe average at best. Enjoy! read more

I've stopped in several times. The staff is very welcoming, the place is clean. There isn't much seating available during lunchtime of 12-1pm. It is a busy place. The 5-8 minute wait for the food is well worth it. I always order the hot dogs and the sausage sandwich. I've never been disappointed. The condiments are always full and the bottles are always clean (which is rare these days). If you are in Troy, stop in! read more

Been coming here since I was s kid with my father. Nothing has changed. I come here whenever I come through. Awesome dogs keep up the good work. read more

Of course, what else is there to say, one of the best places around, a staple in Troy

Greasy and horrible for you but also the most delicious hotdogs ever. Burgers, fries, dogs with the works.... Anything you want for those hungover mornings or some comfort food after a long day... Also REALLY affordable. read more

READ MY ENTIRE REVIEW... Cons: The people outside were sketchy, the floors were dirty, and the young workers don't give a shit that you're there. Pros: The regulars added to the charm, the eating surfaces were immaculate, and the older workers were en pointe. All in all? We loved it; it feels as though you've stepped back 50 years after walking in and the food is good. Upon first inspection, the people outside may have been sketchy but they didn't do anything other than stare (To be honest, my teenage son was with me and he is a 6'4;" 280 lbs.; and wears Elton John-esque, bright red glasses) and I never felt unsafe. People outside, and inside, don't give a shit you're there (get over yourself, honey) and are there for business: order, eat, get on with your day. The floors were gross from dropped food and dirt/debris; but, we're not eating off of the floor, it had been pouring rain all day, and not everyone is delicate while they eat (We don't affectionately refer to each other as, "The Dropping-est, Food-On-Shirt Family," for any ole' reason: we really get into our eating). This being our first time, we had no idea what to do when we walked in and didn't want to create a faux pas. There were two young guys working the front hot dog area and grill. We grabbed a booth (immaculately clean) and I walked up to Hot Dog Kid who told me to hold on a sec and called up an elderly man (I'm going to assume he was the owner based on cumulative observations). SUPER NICE MAN: took my order (2 zippy dogs, zippy cheeseburger, zippy fries, regular fries, a cola, and coffee (total bill under $10). It took about 5 minutes or so: Hot Dog Kid forgot my hot dogs; Owner noticed and called out to HD Kid who promptly brought them over. The young guys never acknowledged anyone unless they were directly spoken to. The two older guys (I'm assuming here) were Elderly Owner and Owner's Middle-Aged Son. I mention their ages for a reason; they busted their own butts: cleaning, dishes, taking orders, and never once stopping/slowing down. Okay...the food...my son said it was the best cheeseburger he ever had and this kid is a burger connoisseur. I can't believe he gave them that distinguished honor as the burger itself looked unremarkable. Yet, he kept muttering, "Mmmm," and licking his chops. The hot dogs had a nice snap, GREAT taste, are the PERFECT size, and you simply can't beat the price. I'll be back and I'm bringing others!! read more

Quintessential American Greasy Spoon. Grab a bite to eat that's delicious, economical and won't make you late for work. This is not health food. Pony up to the counter and order a breakfast sandwich. Two eggs, four strips of bacon, American cheese on rye toast. The bacon was sliced thick and cooked up crispy. Yes, crispy. No limp, undercooked, microwaved bacon here. It was perfect. The eggs were fried with the yolks broken and cooked until just barely set so you don't make a mess. This place feels like an old time movie. Workers on lunch break sitting at a counter. Cook barking orders to a minion. Proper food handling practices upheld...read: gloves were changed after taking my money. Pay at the counter when you're done. The bathrooms are clean, but no warm water. Original flooring very cool. read more

The people here have very bad attitudes They never change there gloves while touch money cheese beef everything so there not sanitary at all But the hotdogs are very good !!! Don't trust the fat kid that touches everything with the same nasty gloves !!!! read more

This is a hole in the wall that's been operating since 1923 or 1933. The people working there genuinely seem to like it and love perpetuating this tradition of greasy food in the middle of the "Troylet." You can sit at the counter, in a booth, or get take-out. They sell tiny, little hot dogs, so small that if you usually eat two normal ones, you should get four or five here. If you get them with "everything" they'll come covered in Famous Lunch's zippy sauce, which is like chili. Very greasy, fattening stuff, but really good. My companion got a zippy cheeseburger, a burger covered similarly in zippy sauce. Two RC Colas and it came out to under $6.00. Delicious, and definitely not health food. read more

Have been away from LA for over 25 years. Went to Pinks as a teen and go there every time I am back in LA (2-3 times a year). Continued great food, service and ambience. Well worth any wait for hot dog officianados. read more

They call it Famous for a reason. These bite size hot dogs, which have been served up since the 20's are great. Not sure what's on the topping -never asked- but it's good stuff. A must stop if you're in the Troy area. read more

This place never gets old! They've kept up the same style of serving, cooking, waiting, etc. and its stayed just as perfect throughout the years. It took me a long long time growing up not to be skeeved out by little hot dogs. Once I realized they would be exactly the same as a big hot dog, I gave it a try and it was a great treat for my mouth! I personally don't like zippy sauce, or the rest of the works, but give me a bit of ketchup and I am the happiest girl ever! Also, I'm a big fan of the cheeseburgers - I love me some burger on the flat grill! Obviously that means its a greasy burger, but that's how I like it best! And - you can get yourself an RC cola to go with your meal, and what isnt great about that?!?!? If you are in Troy - check out this must-try dive! read more

Love this place!! My son loves to sit at the counter and eat his 6 mini hot dogs with zippy sauce!! and of course his soda too!!

I'd like to thank the kind folks on Albany's Yelp page who recommended this place to me when I asked about something that's unique to eat in Albany. I got the mini dog special - 4 mini dogs + can of soda for $4 and I was not disappointed. I ordered it with everything but onions, not realizing that it would include mustard as well (silly me!). But to my surprise, the mustard didn't bother me at all. Is it a different kind of mustard? Or did I just not taste it 'cos the meat sauce was so damn tasty? And that's pretty much the highlight for me - the sauce. I'm really glad that I stopped by to try it before flying out. read more

shudder. i went here twice with kenz. the second time we left and went somewhere else as we Just Couldn't Do it. it seems that other's really love the place but i can't just like it based on it's quirkyness. the hotdogs are in casings. again i shudder. i know, this makes them more authentic. but i just don't want to bite down and hear a pop and have to twist my teeth and head to completely sever the bite. and our meat sauce had crunchy bits that i suspected were perhaps bone. oh, back to the dog. after the effort to get a bite into my mouth, i realized that the flavor was dull and uninteresting. i expected at least some yummy juicy spicyness. but no. the fries were also boring. the people that work and frequent the place Are interesting to engage with so at least that makes the trip worthwhile. and even tho we didn't like the food i wasn't too put out because it cost me like $5 for the two of us to Not eat. read more

I have to say, even though the establishment doesn't look like much, it sure produces a mean hot dog with meat sauce!!! My wife is very particular about meat sauces and usually doesn't like anyones, but she raved about the Famous Lunch sauce. This is as good as it gets! We'll be back! read more

Very old-school dive diner type of place but that's part of it's charm. The little hot dogs are pretty good, but it's the sauce that really makes them. It's a bit of a local landmark, definitely worth a stop read more

WOW!! Where do I start? I had breakfast there last week. Eggs, sausage, potatoes, toast, coffee! Lunch.Dinner time - Hot Dogs (onions, mustard, sauce), Fresh cut French Fries, or hamburgers, cheeseburgers, Stop by and visit Shawn and the guys!! The RC Cola was cold, and reminded me of when I was a kid. Great food all around. STORMY (Ken) PS - I love the rice pudding for dessert. (They make it in house!) read more

I walked in to get me some dog's I was standing right where the register is right by the grill I looked over at tge guy at the grill and he was moving the dog's from one side of the grill to the other with no gloves I turned right around and went out the door Dont think I'll be going back there again read more

Yeah this place is THE BOMB. Little chili hotdogs early in the morning with a hangover make you sick but i still went anyway. I'll probably never go back since I'm moving on with my life after college but this place will always have a place in my heart. *sigh* read more

It doesn't taste great, the place could use a little repair here and there, but frankly I don't really care because there are ten hot dogs and one RC Cola sitting in front of me, ready to give me the most epic indigestion I have ever experienced (the award still goes to Shalimar's Lunch Buffet, though). Famous Lunch is a place where etiquette is faux pas and quantity over quality dominates. It's a simple place with simple food and that is something that always deserves praise in my book. Yeah it doesn't taste great and it's a bit messy, but I also know that your pants are pulled a little too high for me to take you seriously. read more

Where to begin! I stumbled across Famous Lunch around 2 years ago I've been about 30 plus time since its that good, best hot dogs I've ever had! The owners are so friendly and talkative, they seem to know everyone that walks in the door, this place has been around for ever! Its so cheap to I usually get 6 dogs with the works a fry, and a slice of pie, and leave for about $9-$11. Its a great HOT DOG place. Truly amazing hole in the wall. read more

I am72 years old and I have been going to famous lunch since I was 14 years old. I live in Florida now but I am coming to new York for a weeding and I will be at famous lunch on the 22nd of July to get 60 hot dogs to take back with me to Florida, I crave those things and can't wait to get there. read more

This is my favorite lunch spot with my friend Reilly. W e usually each get the special (4 dogs with a soda for 4.50 otd ) but sometimes we get 12-18 between the 2 of us. This is the very best hot dog you can get. There grilled and topped with there special zippy sauce and mustard and onions. They are flavorful and look GREAT. Best in town. Also there breakfast is fast cheap and good. read more

It's a greasy hot dog joint. Perhaps the best greasy hot dog joint! Take it and like it. Absolutely love this place. Booths, counter, everything in that vintage red design...I dig it. I can easily polish off 12 with everything and wash 'em down with a couple of throwback RC Colas. Great food, great staff, and the other patrons are always good to talk with. I prefer their food slightly over Hot Dog Charlie's but they don't offer the same range of food and beverages. read more

Lousy service, and we were overcharged for mediocre food. The cashier didn't correct the problem when I questioned the bill. This place lost any future business from us!!! read more

I was disappointed after all the hype. The service was slow, the restaurant was dingy. It was a hole in the wall dive that served us our order in prices rather than all together as a meal. The meat sauce was greasy and made me sick for the rest of the evening. read more

I got 2 mini hotdogs loaded , a cheeseburger with grilled onions and a soda for $5. It was cool that they carried RC Cola. Food comes out very quickly and while not fancy, it's delicious. There are a lot of regulars so I had to slightly pretend to know what I was doing lol read more

Best mini hot dogs in the capital region. I also had the rice pudding which is the best I've ever had, even beats my mom's, just don't tell her. The price is great and their hamburgers with grilled onions are pretty good too. Make sure you have cash as they don't accept debit or credit cards. read more

If you're looking for authentic hot dogs with the works, this is the place to go! You can get a decent amount of hot dogs for a good price. Everything is made right in front of you which I personally like. read more

When asked about my childhood, Famous Lunch is a staple. I will always remember cutting lawns with my uncle and hitting up Famous Lunch on the way home. This place has the best mini dogs in the world. A plate of mini dogs, an order of fries and a chocolate milk. Nothing is better! read more

New to the Troy area, I decided to try famous as it was said to be an "institution." In this case institution and quality are not one in the same, and I will not be returning. The establishment was dirty with food and a layer of stickiness along all the floors and surfaces. The service was unorganized and forgot half of our order. I tried the hot dogs with the famous "zippy sauce," which is basically a mystery meat sauce. The combination was both bland and greasy. Despite the appealing name, I would pass on Famous and zippy sauce. read more

I fiend for these hot dogs. You can't find places like these in America anymore. I go back everytime I'm in town. read more

Good to have once in a while. Better hot dog spots in the area, despite what you may hear/read. The legend of the name outweighs the quality of food. Their is a far better hot dog place just across the bridge. read more

cheese burger is great. Full of people at noon time. Small dog looks yummy, but i don like the flavor of the sauce on the dog.

My husband and I went to try Famous Lunch sometime last fall for the first time and to my surprise we loved it. After our visit our friend was telling me to try their rice pudding which was the best I ever had and went back for more.I don't know what took us so long to go there but we certainly will be back. read more

My favorite place to go when I get in town. I only go for the dogs (hembolds)... I use to go to Hot Dog Charlie's when I was a kid. My Grandfather got me started with the dogs. Famous is one of the best places to go though. I must say I havent tried any of the others yet though. I've been going to Famous for about the last 20 years. read more

Walked down from RPI to Famous Lunch a few times, each time was delicious. At first I was confused about ordering, but you simply just order at the counter and are served those delicious tiny dogs with the ever so tasty zippy sauce!! They have quick service and costs so little. read more