Zack’s Drive Inn

Hot dogs are like an institution in the Glens Falls area. And Zack’s is not your regular hot dog stand, instead it is one of the last remaining meal on your window while you sit in your car places (alas no roller skates).
We used to go every now and then when I was a kid, but I had Zack’s a few years ago and was less than impressed. My dad is a lifelong fan and I am a Dog Shack
fan. The difference… Dog Shack hot dogs are 3 for $ 1.69 (they used to be 3 for 0.99) and Zack’s are $ 1.50 each. Dog Shack is open year round and Zack’s is a drive in place that is open during the non-​winter months. At Zack’s you can either get it togo or eat in your car (or bring chairs like we did on our last excursion… I will always question the decision to expand the cooking facilities and get rid of the booths inside, but that is another story), and at Dog Shack it is togo, or you can eat outside.
Now this review is about my recent trip. We went with the kids and my parents and I ordered 3 hot dogs with the works (mustard, sauce and onions) and ate one of my dad’s «extra» ones. The hot dog sauce is spicy (and I like spicy); almost to the point that people might complain. And the flavor is delicious. Just writing this review makes me want to drive 1 hr 15 mins to get some. The other stuff… rings, french fries… meh. But the hot dogs… oh the hot dogs.
The question I must now answer is what is my economic threshold? Am I willing to pay almost 3x as much for a hot dog? Maybe when dad is buying I get Zack’s and when I’m buying, I get Dog Shack… sounds like a plan.
Interesting Notes — Zack’s was founded the year my dad was born — 1944. My dad took my mom there after their wedding… which either means my mom is the coolest lady alive, or she is seething with silent rage at being taken to a hot dog stand on her wedding day.