Why Sheetz Might Have The Most Beloved Gas Station Hot Dogs In The US
Sheetz is famous for its fried snacks, coffee drinks, and for popularizing touchscreen menus at convenience stores. Yet many customers think the chain's true highlight is its beloved hot dogs. Sheetz sells more than 200 million made-to-order food items per year, and hot dogs are its most popular offering. They're sold at a base cost of $1 (a rare deal nowadays), but the price is only part of why some folks think Sheetz boasts some of the best gas station hot dogs in the U.S.
The classic Sheetz hot dog comes with an array of spreads and toppings to choose from. Many can be added for free, like sauerkraut, diced onions, and ketchup. Others cost extra, such as cheese, chili, or bacon. If you're feeling fancy, you can upgrade to a pretzel bun for 70 cents more, or opt for an over-the-top specialty hot dog, like the Dockside Seadog, crowned with fried fish and pico de gallo.
Despite gussied-up alternatives, many prefer the O.G. "The one thing that keeps me coming back there is the hot dogs. It really is the best deal you can get there, and I love all the different toppings," one Reddit user explained.
Beloved Sheetz hot dogs do have haters, but they're worth trying for the price
Depending on where you live, Sheetz offers some of the best gas station food in the state – hot dogs included. There are over 800 locations dotted across Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. If you're ever on a road trip in PA, which is home to 38% of its stores, you'll likely have a chance to make a pitstop there. Although the dogs have garnered widespread popularity, they have vocal haters, too.
In a review of Sheetz foods you should always get or avoid, Mashed contributor Nikelle Murphy suggested skipping the hot dogs. "While mine was warmed through, it didn't have the golden, crisp exterior I was hoping for. The result was a pale hot dog with one basic, forgettable texture," Murphy wrote. One Redditor lamented over their construction, saying, "They slop so much [ketchup] on that it soaks through, and the bun just falls apart." Another added, "It's also tragic the way they wrap them up by pairs in one wrapper."
Although noted drawbacks of Sheetz hot dogs exist, there's no denying that they're a cheap and filling component of a quick meal. Standout hot dog pairings at the chain include mac and cheese bites, mozzarella sticks, and fries. For a substantial complement to these sides that's not a hot dog, consider the meatball sub, BLT wrap, quesadillas, or burger. Newbies shouldn't sleep on the frozen treats either, which include smoothies and milkshakes.