Blackie's Hot Dog Stand: Authentic Hot Dogs and Homemade Relish in Cheshire, CT

There's a reason Blackie's has been around forever. Literally. The. Best. Today was 2 with a cheeseburger. Of course legendary spicy relish on both. 10 stars.

Stopped in for a bite to eat surprise was great hotdogs were what we came for just remember there closed on Friday Back in the day fridays was a Irish catholic no meet day

Service was great, and fast, Hot Dogs are spot on! Nice basic place for good dogs, I have been a few times now and I will be a repeat customer! The relish has a nice little kick and it's homemade!

Very cool old school no frills tasty hot dogs and cheeseburgers! Driving through Connecticut. Stopped and checked out Blackie's. They make their own relish. You dress up the hot dog and cheeseburger how you would like. You have a choice of homemade relish, spicy ground mustard, and ketchup. They are not open on Fridays. No meat allowed on Fridays!

12.11.24 This place is almost or should be an institution. Blackie's has been here for years. I went there as a kid and my parents even went there when they were young. They sell burgers & dogs. The hot dog far outweigh the amount of burgers that they sell. You come here for the hot dogs. They have their own house made pepper relish and it is sort of hot. It's a love hate relationship with this stuff. You either love it or hate it. The service is spot on and quick. Even when they have a bit of a crowd you get your food fairly quick. They're good like that. The dogs do have that snap to them when you bite into them. The place itself is a no frills laid back plainly designed place that hasn't changed in decades from what I remember. The have a good sized parking lot. They are very close to on ramp off ramp to and from 84 in either direction. It's also very easy to get back on either way you're heading. The staff is always very kind, hospitable and willing to talk to you in between orders or during any down time when they have it. I haven't had one of their dogs in years. That was until a couple weeks ago when I received a call from my mother who needed a ride. She got stuck with her car and was lucky enough to pull off the road into their parking lot. When I got there I informed them what happened & asked if it was going to be ok to leave the car there for hours until a tow truck arrived. They were so nice and accommodating. So I had to buy a hot dog and a birch beer. Just as important as the dogs are here, it's just as important to order a birch beer soda. One of my all time favorites which brings me back to when I was a kid. Where's the birch beer? It's so refreshing and very tasty. If you haven't had a birch beer, try one. It's almost life changing. Yeah I know, most of you know about birch beer but I've run into people lately that didn't know about it or ever had one. It's fountain soda style. Not bottles. Final item is their prices are reasonable. Yes they've gone up in price over the years, but then again, who hasn't. Especially since covid hit. Enjoy.

I'm a bit late posting this review, but I do want to give a summary of my experience over at Blackie's, right across the line in Cheshire. So I was actually wanting to try this place out for the better part of a year and got my chance late last month. It is a very old-fashioned eatery that has been around since 1928. In 4 years, this place will be 100 years old. In that near century, they have largely stayed true to their roots, and this deserves nothing but respect. This means if you come here, don't go in looking to make fancy orders. They stick with their classic playbook. It is because of this that I will do something I rarely ever do and PRAISE them for staying Cash Only! If they ever change up that formula, it would likely kill their marketing. Now, when you come here, you GOTS TO have their house made relish! I typically never have relish on anything, but having it here was SO good! The food that goes with it is affordable and pretty decent. Now some things about Blackie's does kind of throw me off a bit or seems a bit questionable. Being closed on Fridays for example is a choice. Normally when you have a day off in a week, you would think it to be Sunday, sometimes even Monday. But Friday? Okay... Really, the aspects about this place that makes me scratch my head are at most minor nitpicks, and the food itself is 4-star worthy. Customer service is pretty good here too which is admirable given that during my visit someone actually complained that they didn't offer more on the menu. So with all the said, I'll summarize my final thoughts below: If you are looking for a big custom order, this place isn't for you. But if you are in the mood for classic, simple, and effective, here is your new favorite spot! You know, as long as it isn't Friday.

2 and a birch is the best summer lunch ever. I can't get enough of the mustard and house made relish (you add it yourself). Cash only Seats at the grill bar or tables on the side. Easy to find between Cheshire/Waterbury/Wolcott and off I-84. Blackie's is a classic!

This hot dog and burger place is a landmark in Waterbury area. Must stop if driving by on I84. Hot dogs are fantastic and burgers just as good. Must try the relish with either choice. Please note restaurant closed on Fridays.