Paul’s Place Famous Hotdogs

Pauls Place is a part of Americana. It is very unique in that it’s a mom and pop operation that is packed out everyday. It has been around so long that it has become an institution. The food is simple and the menu is limited, however the simplistic ambiance is worth going. If your not a fan of boiled hot dogs you will not love their main entrée. It is located only 3 miles from my home and I like it.

I long for these dogs. And the best relish I have ever tasted in my life. The buns melt in your mouth, there is none better!

Taste is always very subjective so here’s my spin. These are ordinary dogs at an extraordinary price.

Owner threatened step son with a gun. Owner seems to be a racist. Hotdogs aren’t that good anyway. Dirty establishment.

Best Hot Dogs I have ever had outside Chicago, good place to check out if here on vacation. They only take cash but they do have an ATM machine there.

Hands down the best place to get a hotdog! While it’s not in Wilmington, but its right down the road and so worth it! I have been going here since I was little, and my husband and I will keep going! The looks of it isn’t fancy and its tiny but it is original!

Hot dogs are incredible, and the Paul’s relish is a must. Get a jar to take home with you, and you will transform hot dogs at home too. Being from enc, I have travelled I40 for many years, and Paul’s is always on the agenda.

Still enjoy the dogs and shakes… but the prices are creeping up to where I can not enjoy nearly as much as I used to.

This place is great. First time I ever came here because my friend recommended me to go and it was worth it. It’s cheap and quick. Hot dogs are way better then the trolley stop and fries are seriously so good. It’s great to see small places do good and serving great food.

This is a landmark down south. I’ve been coming to this place since I was little and my dad use to take me. Best hotdogs with relish. Good southern people. It will be a family tradition, I will be taking my kids there to for years to come. The only bad reviews this place gets is from people who are not from here (up north) who think everything is better their way. If u don’t like it then don’t come down here!

I was delighted to find that Paul’s was open on Sunday. Often we travel over weekends and downhome places are not open on Sunday or Monday. I never begrudge them a day off. We drove out to Rocky Point from Wrightsville Beach for a lunch dog or two (or three). We found this cool old iconic place along what must have been the thoroughfare before I-​40 was built.
I ordered one Paul’s Way, but no onion, to sample their famous relish and one with chile, slaw and mustard. This was a good dog. It had a slight firmness, not just fluff and mush that you sometimes get. They have decent flavor, not overdone with garlic and spices. The chile was mild, but good. If I had not already eaten three, I would have gone back for another with just chile and mustard. I ended up eating three because Ms T’s was delivered with onion when she ordered one without. They cheerfully replaced it but we ended up with an extra dog. I just did not need four. The slaw on mine was OK with lots of dark green outer leaf. It is not overwhelmingly good, but works well on a dog with chile.
The famous relish is like a blend of catsup and sweet pickle relish. It was OK, but I would not be the one to make it famous. I like that it is a unique thing, but I’m a chile and slaw guy. I’m really glad we went.

Paul’s Place is excellent if you like your hot dogs all the way! This is truly North Carolina traditional «All the Way!»

I find hotdogs a bit on the scary side but it would be difficult to dislike Paul’s Place. It’s got kitchy charm and everyone in the joint is smiling ear to ear like they’re chomping down on angel wings. Stop by if you’re even close to the area.

All the way dogs are GREAT.

Paul’s Place Famous Hotdogs
Was driving through from the coast and had to make a detour to stop at Paul’s Place Famous Hotdogs in Rocky Point, NC 28 457.
They store off exit 408 had been closed since the last time I stopped by.
Progress, with a great big truck stop.
Went to the closest fast food store and asked the attendant outside if Paul’s was still around «Why sure! Right down this road about 5 miles.»
Nice big bright sign outside and the classic down home restaurant interior.
The relish and hot dogs are excellent. The made fresh cake was OK, as I was there about 7:00pm. Would have been better at noon I’m sure.
Very friendly waitress who had moved down from Ohio in the last year.
Two dog’s wasn’t enough. Had to get just one more.
One of The best part is the locals. Had a friendly conversation with a turkey
hunter and his wife who had been out in a blind since 5:30am, making for a long
day, with only a turkey in sight.
The interior has classic photos from the founding, I think in the late 1920’s or or 1930’s. Will confirm that the next time I go by.
If you are driving down I-​40 toward Wilmington, take the exit right after Burgaw, turn right, then left, and you’ll see on the right a bit down the road.

Before I-​40 was finished between Raleigh and Wilmington, and back in my younger days, this place was a must when my Dad would take my brother and I to visit family at the beach. That was my introduction to Paul’s Place and my love for this joint hasn’t waned in the intervening years. Sure, I live a little less than 1000 miles away these days but I still find myself craving a dog from Paul’s from time-​to-​time. Perhaps my childhood connection biases me but I’ve yet to find a hot dog that rivals Paul’s. It is, hands down, the best dog you can get and a big part of that is the relish.
That’s right, the relish. That oft overlooked and occasionally scorned condiment. I’ll be honest with you, I actually hate relish. I don’t like pickles so relish is just abysmal with the one exception being Paul’s. This isn’t your ordinary relish. As it was explained to me, the owners of Paul’s Place were looking for a chili substitute during the rationing years of World War II and stumbled upon this relish recipe and it’s been a mainstay ever since. This isn’t your ordinary relish either. For one, it’s red instead of green. It has a sweetness that isn’t present in ordinary relish and the flavor profile isn’t heavy on pickle at all (though they are certainly an ingredient). It’s tough to describe it but just trust me that it’s worth giving it a try. Even if you aren’t a relish person, give it a whirl at Paul’s and I think you’ll find yourself glad you did.
As far as décor, what can I say? This place hasn’t changed a bit in the 30 or so years I’ve been going. It’s a hole in the wall in Castle Hayne, NC. What, you were expecting Chez Panisse or something? It’s a great hot dog joint, but don’t expect to be blown away by the interior (or the exterior for that matter). This is a spot that caters to locals and knows what it does best — hot dogs. If you are en route to the beach, it’s well worth the 5 minute detour off I-​40 to grab a dog here.

Five generations of my family have eaten at Paul’s Place and I trust five more will continue. I can remember when their hot dogs were .15 each. Once you become addicted to the special relish you will be a fan forever. Five all the way with a Sundrop. Now ain’t that heaven !

I am no fan of the almost famous relish served on dogs here, but I am a big fan of their Southern chili dog. This place is a classic hot dog joint — plain, inside and out; ordering counter and a few tables; regulars sitting or standing about. This place is several miles off I-​40, so folks that stop here are not just riding by this is a destination stop for foodies.
The wiener is classic Southern dog of somewhat mixed heritage, the bun is steamed, and the chili is flavorful, if a little mild. The prices are very reasonable. They have other sandwiches, including barbecue, and fries — but the dogs are what matters.

Paul’s Place is a foodie haven. I guess foodie isn’t the right word, maybe chowhound. It is the kind of place it doesn’t matter if you aren’t hungry you cannot resist stopping. I was on my way to Raleigh from visiting my parents at the beach. I got off to get gas and the sign for 40 West had me go a different way, so I thought what the heck I will drive through these roads and check it out. I drove by, I looked at my clock and had this whole conversation in my head, it’s 1013a, can I really get a hot dog this early, I don’t have to eat it, I can take a bite and throw it away, will I be ready to eat lunch when I arrive Raleigh? YES, skeeeeert, u-​turn in the road and go back to Paul’s.
It is a white cement building, kind of like a convenience store, maybe it was a convenience store before, but now there was only a counter and some tables. I walk up and get a hot dog, ‘all the way’ at Paul’s is their own chili relish blend, mustard and onion on a split white bread bun. It was delicious, I couldn’t bare to throw it away. So, yes I did eat a hot dog at 1015a with a Cheerwine no less. If I am ever in the neighborhood, I would love to go to Paul’s again. A great little find.

Pauls is a cheap, dive that specializes in one thing… hot dogs served many ways. They have other stuff too but don’t bother, go for the dogs. I love the top split buns and the relish is uniquely really good!
When I say the food is cheap, I mean inexpensive not nasty cheap like a 12 pack of hot dogs for $ 0.99 that contain the nasty bits of animals. These are decent dogs (not quite Hebrew National or Nathans) that won’t have you heaving an hour later.
I love the chili dog and wish they had a foot long version! Pauls is also a really good community member. I have friends who are fire fighters and Pauls shows up to give them food and drinks whenever they are on a big fire scene. I know they really appreciate that and for that alone, Pauls gets 5 stars from me!