02/19/2026
A Staple on Winston Salem
If you poll North Carolinians on the state’s best hot dogs…Kermit’s Hot Dog House in Winston Salem is bound to be right up there among those with the most votes! Open since 1966, this classic drive-in has been serving breakfast and lunch for decades. You can pull up for curb service, eat at the counter, grab a picnic table, or enjoy your meal in the car. The red hot dogs are the star, especially the chili cheese version or a foot long “all the way” with chili, slaw, and onions on a lightly toasted bun. You’ll also find burgers, onion rings, fries, shakes, and hot fudge sundaes. Large windows, simple decor, and friendly carhops give it a 1970s feel. It’s a short hop off I-40 and still draws packed lunch crowds today!