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Gus's Hot Dogs

4.4 (34 reviews)
InexpensiveHot Dogs, Fast Food
Open • 10:30 am - 4:00 pm
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Gus's Hot Dogs Photos

GUS'S HOT DOGS ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Good for groups
Good for kids
Outdoor seating

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Two basic Birmingham hot dogs in the front, with fries bringing up the rear. The dogs are grilled and slathered with a tomato-based sauce.

Just east of Birmingham proper right off Interstate 20 in an aging shopping center sits a nice purveyor of that great local tradition, the Birmingham hot dog. Despite its name, it is NOT related to any of the other "Gus's" in the area, whatever the ownership configuration may have once been. The Irondale Gus's is, of course, packed at lunchtime but not overcrowded, and it is not heat-lamp fast food. It takes several minutes at the least to get your order, and more if you want, say, a hamburger cooked to order. The Birmingham dog is decked out with mustard, sauerkraut, onions, and a special tomato-based sauce similar to the region's barbecue sauces, albeit with a different spice pantheon (it is Greek in origin). It can be ordered as is, or with a special chili-like topping made of beef and onion gravy on top. I chose to stay with the basic formula and ordered a combo of two, fries, and drink. Several years ago I reviewed a Hoover/Pelham joint called Tony's, and the dogs at Gus's are pretty similar-tasting, with the sauce playing a sweetish counterpart to the sourness of the kraut. It is a little heavier on the onion than I ordinarily like, but I figure it is this restaurant's unique interpretation of the Birmingham dog. The frankfurter itself probably comes from Ziegler's Meats in nearby Tuscaloosa and is Southern-style skinless, making for an easy bite. One thing interesting about Gus's is that one gets a discount if cash is used instead of cards. I availed myself of that feature. This is a convenient place just two stoplights south of the Interstate, and costs no more than a national chain fast-food meal--with much better taste. So on the way to Atlanta from points west or north, this would be a great lunch option. Potato chips are available instead of fries on the combo meals, and the iced tea comes from Red Diamond, a local brand.

Darrius Smith

After a long day of studying, I chose to go to Gus Hotdogs located in Irondale, Alabama, before going in I noticed it was crowded so I automatically assumed that they were going to be good. As I began to put my order in, I could sense that front counter worker was not too excited about working. To be fair she was polite, just lacked energy. I ordered a Chili Cheese-dog and a polish sausage. I really enjoyed my meal, the food quality was on point and full of flavor. While eating my meal I made sure I was observant. A few things that stood out to me was that they had a deep freezer In the dining area with duct tape on it, I assume they had no other place to put it. As for as cleanliness goes I'd give them a 6/10, the counter was dirty near the drink station, also there was debris on the seats. Over all I would say they did an okay job during cleaning, I would suggest paying attention to detail when cleaning. However I would also like to have seen calorie information on all meal options. My overall rating I would give them a 7/10 cause I really enjoyed the quality of food.

the outside of the store
John M.

Gus's Hot Dogs is a long established restaurant with several locations in the Birmingham, Alabama area. The restaurant, as the name would imply, specialize in hot dogs, but they also have burgers, sandwiches, french fries, onion rings and the usual assortment of menu items that you would associate with this kind of restaurant. I had never been to their Irondale, Alabama location before, but business took me to the area and it was around lunchtime, so long story short, I had a hot dog for lunch. I went with their super chili dog, which is a quarter pound hot dog, onions and mustard. Unlike a lot of hot dog places in the south that rely on cheap hot dogs made with poultry as a key ingredient (the term mechanically separated chicken is by no means an appealing term), Gus's Hot Dogs use a quality hot dog and you can really tell by the taste. They also were pretty liberal with the chili, so just the hot dog was a pretty satisfying lunch (I am currently trying to drop a few pounds, so no french fries or onion rings on this meal). The service was extremely friendly and while the interior was nothing special or fancy, it was clean and relatively comfortable. All in all, if you are in the Birmingham, Alabama area, I would recommend a visit to Gus's Hot Dogs. I don't think you will be disappointed.

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2 months ago

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4 years ago

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2 years ago

The food was good. I had the polish sausage. The service was extremely good. Ambiance is fun and casual. Great place for lunch.

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3 years ago

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2 years ago

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3 years ago

Truly, the best hotdogs around. Soooo good Worth the drive, you won't be disappointed.

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7 years ago

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6 years ago

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John M.

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7 years ago

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17 years ago

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8 years ago

These are the most authentic, original Birmingham dogs around. I always get the chili cheese dog. So good!

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11 years ago

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14 years ago

Just a great hotdog at a good price. If you want more you are in the wrong place.

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12 years ago

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17 years ago

Fantastic hotdogs. Quick service. I come by every time I'm in B'ham.

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16 years ago

Ditto on the best hot dogs. We go almost every Saturday. Super specials all the way. Can't beat 'em anywhere. Egg Salad is yummy, too.

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12 years ago

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14 years ago

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Ask the Community - Gus's Hot Dogs

Review Highlights - Gus's Hot Dogs

“For me the slaw dogs with french fries is the way to go!”

$2.30 Slaw Dog

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Chick-fil-A

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Stopped by here to try the new dish of chicken and waffles. It's served as a sandwich. The chicken…read moresits inside two waffles. It's rather a novelty but it tastes really good. I went inside to place my order and everything went really fast. They have a lot of seating especially since this branch has been renovated. I got mine to go. There is ample parking. Drive through is organized as well. The line looks long but it moves fast as well. I just like to go inside if it's not raining.

I have always been happy with this Chick-fil-a, but lately things seem to be falling apart…read more Today, I waited in line, and when I got to the counter I ordered two cups of chicken noodle soup. The cashier wasn't sure if they would be able to serve it. It was 10:40 am. She asked the manager. He said yes, no problem. I put in the rest of my order, and then was told nevermind they were out of soup. This is the second time this has happened to me, and the second time I left and went somewhere else. The first time I waited in line. Four people were in front of me, and when I got to the counter and tried to order the chicken soup. The cashier told me he couldn't push the soup button. It was after 10:30 am. He asked me what else I would like. I explained I would have to get out of line to ask my elderly dad who was sitting down. The order was canceled. I wasn't going to get back in line because there was now 5 people in line. Lately, also there is always at least 10 people standing in the lobby waiting for orders. Not sure what has happened, but I'm hoping things will change back.

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The restaraunt was super clean upon arrival. There was no one taking orders at the register and all…read more3 order screens had lines so I decided to just order online. Food was decently fast and tasted great. I'm a big fan of the west coast menu that they occasionally bring back. My biggest issue is that their fountain drink machine was working and there was no sign an employee was coming back every few minutes to tell people but drinks weren't 86ed. (They had canned sprite and Diet Coke) All no milkshakes.

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Gus's Hot Dogs - hotdog - Updated October 2026

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