Shorty's Famous Hot Dogs • 1916

Since 1916, this family-run hot dog stand has anchored Wake Forest with its signature Southern-style red hots — steamed buns piled with secret-recipe homemade chili and chopped onions. Still operated by the founding family more than a century later, Shorty's draws regulars for grilled-to-order dogs and the kind of easy conversation that comes with pool tables and vintage charm. The chili, made from a guarded family recipe, tastes just as good over crinkle-cut fries as it does on a classic red hot.