I try to hit up all the Sam's Hot Dogs locations as they pop up. Pleasant Valley was the latest addition to that list. Set in a gas station - as most are - this Sam's stand was one of the smaller ones. They weren't busy and seemed to share just the one employee in the whole store. I ordered a single hot dog with everything, but they did not have slaw or onions. So, it just ended up being a chili dog with mustard. This was a bit sad. I did notice a new pepperoni roll here: Lola & Mila's Pepperoni Rolls in provolone and hot pepper cheese. Anyone know where these came from? Can't find much about them! Grade: C

Sam's Hot Dog Stand is a hot dog franchise around the state known for its chili sauce. I have visited most of the locations close to me, but West Union was a new one to me. They are commonly located in gas stations, but this one actually had a separate entrance behind the gas station - plus gambling machines. I ordered one hot dog with chili, slaw, mustard and onions. It was a bit sloppy, but manageable. Decent chili, average slaw and not a bad dog overall. Nothing especially outstanding, but nothing fo knock it on either. Do you have a favorite location? Grade: B

While the southern part of the state has Sam's Hot Dogs, the northern part has T&L Hot Dogs. These are both beloved, local hot dog chains that I've been working my way through. T&L has 8 different locations in North Central WV, and this one was my last to visit: the Clarksburg Walmart. I'm not even sure how a local hot dog joint gets into an establishment like Walmart, but this express location still has all the favorites. I did two hotdogs with onion and ketchup, as well as a slushy. These onions were so finely cut, they were almost grated or minced. Aside from that, I enjoyed the standard hotdog and bonus points for the drink. Grade: B

This is the first time I can say that I've ever seen a Sam's Hot Dogs share a space with Pita Pit. Each is elusive on its own, but putting them both together results in a real rarity. The combo can be found in Hurricane and even has a drive-through. You can order both the pitas and the hot dogs at the same spot. I opted for the standard West Virginia dog: mild chili, slaw, mustard and onion. I think I am one of the few people to go with a hotdog instead of a pita, because it was clear I threw a bit of a wrench in their process. The proportions were a bit off, making it a bit sloppier than I would prefer, but I still enjoyed it. A bit more restraint on the chili and slaw would be ideal. Grade: B

Sam's Hot Dog Stand has over 45 locations in Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Georgia. The basics of every Sam's location includes beef hotdogs, steamed buns, and their chili – mild or spicy. Some locations will add specialties like pork barbecue sandwiches, fries or other sides. On my quest to visit every West Virginia location, I stopped at the Ripley one and ordered my standard hotdog on steamed bun with chili slaw, mustard, and onions. The assembly of this hotdog was ultimately its downfall; the chili on the bottom subbed through the bun and left it falling apart in my hand. I also wish the mustard was below the slaw to help keep it all together. Flavor, though, was pretty standard minus the mustard playing a starring role because it was right on top. Grade: B

Gray's Papaya is one of - if not the - most famous hot dog shop in New York City. It was founded in 1973 by Nicholas Gray.



The "papaya" part of the name refers to the papaya fruit drink they sell. They also sell orange, grape, piña colada, coconut champagne and banana daiquiri fruit drinks, all non-alcoholic.



The storefront became famous for its low prices, according to Eater. "From the time of opening until 1999, the restaurant sold hot dogs for 50 cents each. In 1982, the restaurant launched its famed Recession Special — two hot dogs and a papaya juice for $1.95. It’s still offered today, though it now costs $6.45."



The hole-in-the-wall is open 24 hours a day and serves 100% all beef franks.



I ordered the recession special at the counter and quickly moved to grab my order and head out.



It comes with two hot dogs and a tropical drink. Ketchup and ketchup with onions. Warm bun. Thin weenie. Solid lunch.



The drink was right up my alley. Fruity, sweet and just a bit different. I'd like to try the whole lineup.



Grade: A

In my travels to visit all of the Sam's Hot Dog Stand locations, I thought I just about completed my list. But I discovered a few more locations, like this one in Ashford.



Like most others, this location is set inside a gas station. It doubles as a Hunts Brothers pizza spot as well as cookie distributor. I did a hotdog with mild chili, slaw, mustard and onions. All the flavors melded well together. They really packed on the slide here, though, which made it a bit too wet. Though, I know many others would not be complaining about too much slaw.



Grade: C

"Jim ‘Biker Jim’ Pittenger is not your ordinary culinary chef. He is however, the undisputed Gourmet Dog King of Denver. With an appetite for grilling exotic game meat ... Pittenger has redefined an American icon in his own image in more ways than one ... Pittenger has generated local, regional, national, and international acclaim for his grilled gourmet dogs, cream cheese, sizzling caramelized onions ..."



I had to check out this quirky place. Their menu offers dogs made of ostrich, elk, boar, rattlesnake, rabbit, veal and more. I went with a slightly less adventurous option in the chicken peach chipotle - "fresh fruit, hot peppers and lean chicken make this a flighty delight."



There are also a bunch of different topping options with everythint from cactus to mustard cream sauce. I added "THE CONSPIRACY - Bleu cheese, bacon red onion marmalade, lemon aioli, and French-fried onions." That sweet and salty combo is my jam. It's a whole different hot dog experience with an unconventional dog and unconventional toppings. A whole new flavor profile that is unexpected - and delicious.



Grade: A

I'm on a mission to visit every T&L Hot Dogs location. These WV classic hot dog joints are usually decorated in the theme of a diner. That is certainly the case at the location in Clarksburg at Rosebud Plaza.



"With seven great locations and our famous hot dog chili for sale at your local grocery store, you’re never far from a dining experience that is pure Americana. Enjoy our classic hot dogs, made-to-order Black Angus burgers, hand cut french fries, homemade cole slaw and thick milkshakes – while surrounded by great American nostalgia."



I went for the standard West Virginia style hot dog complete with chili, slaw, mustard and onions. I was surprised to see hunks of carrot in the law, because that's usually not as noticeable. Not a bad hot dog; a solid quick choice when the hankerin' hits.



Grade: B

My quest to try all of the different Sam's Hot Dogs locations takes me to some interesting places – namely gas stations. To be fair, there are some gas stations that indeed have great food. So, off to Cross lanes, I ventured.



I ordered a hotdog with mild chili, mustard, onions and slaw on an English-style bun. A traditional West Virginia-style hotdog is not on an English style bun, but I find them to be one of life's little delights. how did this one stack up? I like onions, but this one had way too much. The chili and slaw are both fine, and the English bun may have been a bit too toasted. But all in all, a decent dog.



Grade: B

Cryptids are pretty popular these days; Mothman turned from a terrifying monster to a friendly anti-hero we celebrate through merchandise, at festivals - and even at restaurants.



Bigfoot Hotdogs, named after another cryptid, in New Martinsville serves up primarily a few hot dogs, but also friees, wings, onion rings, chicken tenders and sloppy joes.



The restaurant portion itself is not very large; I assume the bar/gambling area brings in more money. But, I thought the tin ceiling and counter front were cool, and there was some fun merch. Overall, though, it's fairly simple and unassuming.



I ordered a hot dog with chili, cheeese and onion. It's a hefty dog, but flavors were all pretty mild. I did, however, get some more flavor from those jalapeno poppers with raspberry dipping sauce. Love the play on spicy and sweet there.



Grade: B

On a dreary day in Keyser, I ducked into Hometown - The Last Stand to get out of the rain and get a bite of food. The restaurant has two main offerings: paninis and hotdogs.



They offer a number of custom hotdogs, which include toppings like pickled Vidalia onions and brown mustard.



I ordered the "Gettin' Crazy," which includes macaroni & cheese and bacon. How can you go wrong with that combo?



There is a reason why the creamy macaroni and cheese, and the salty combination works so well. This hot dog capitalized on that, but I do wish that the macaroni was warm. It didn't quite get to temp, which affects the texture and flavor a bit.



Grade: B