Shorty’s Lunch

Love shortys. Good food at a good price. That sounds like a cliché tag line, but it’s sincere this time.

I am sorry to all who think this place is amazing, but i cannot give it more than two stars… I am not saying the OTHER Shorty’s in town isn’t great– (there are 2… one on Jefferson and one on W Chestnut) but the one I ate at on W. Chestnut did not live up to the hype at all. The first star I give is for price– its extremely cheap. Overall, we got 4 hotdogs, a burger and fries and the total was only $ 11. Second star is for the speed of service– we waited about 15 seconds and our food was already bagged up and ready to go. I ordered two hotdogs with everything, and my friend ordered a Hamburger and fries with gravy. He wanted cheese on his burger and fries, but they do not have cheese here, in any way shape or form. The lettuce was wilted beyond recognition on the burger, plus the entire thing was smashed down almost completely flat. The chili on the dogs was very bland– it did not taste like anything at all. Not sure why people rave about the food… but next time I will try the original Shorty’s on Jefferson in hopes of a better meal.

Love this place! Hasn’t been touched since the 20’s or 30’s. Hope it never is! 2 with everything and gravy fries. Chili, onions and mustard are perfect on their dogs. Fries are piping hot and crisp with enough gravy to give you that great flavor and not drown them! Service is friendly and fast! Cash only so be prepared, but prices are so good lunch for two with tip is under $ 20!

Full disclosure, I took the kids for dogs at George’s Coney Island yesterday…
A good friend who had been to Shorty’s several, as in 20, years ago suggested I go there as I was in Washington on business. A mini Coney Island I was told. In that, I was not disappointed! Although much smaller than the Worcester icon, the booths, menu (the one one the wall) and the food was remarkably similar. One thing missing was the massive amount of… defacement/​nostalgia that Coney Island booths bear. At Shortys, the booths were pristine, or as pristine as a multi generational booth can be. I carved my name into a Coney Island booth when I was in High School. Almost, cough cough, 15? years ago! Yeah right, it’s been carved over several times since then. But the carvings add ambience. But I digress. Both restos have the same signature dog… dog, bun, chili, onions and mustard. Both are excellent… but, the chili was better at Shortys while the actual frankfurter itself was better at Coney Island. The tie breaker is in the onions. Cut too small at Shortys. Hell, it was close to a brunoise! Well cut, but too small to add enough flavour. Note to both places… step up on your mustard! What your using is far to mild, ie flavourless. Shortys does serve fries, a missing element in Worcester, but frankly, the fries were lackluster and the gravy was, well, just not good. No need to expand on that, it’s a hot dog place after all. The service was fantastic!
Overall, if I lived in Washington PA I would be a regular. If you live in this area, frequent it. We’re losing these hometown lunch counters far too quickly. Do you want TGI Fridays as your only lunch option. Dear god I hope not! I’ll be back in the area in 6 months and I’ll be having lunch there again!

«Three with everything and gravy fries, please». There. You’ve just ordered one of the best meals of your life… which just became shorter because of it.

BEST place to stop for lunch in Washington Pa!

Curt, but somewhat friendly and attentive service at a table today. Food, not so hot … hot dogs are waaayyy too salty, there wasn’t enough chili on them (the chili I did have wasn’t very flavorful) and the onions were cut so small it was hard to tell they were even there — what stood out most to me was SALT. I found the fries to be flavorless. My father-​in-​law didn’t like his fish sandwich either — had to slather it in tartar sauce.
The place is dingy and dirty too … floor tiles coming up, sticky tables, food crusted floor mats in the doorway, dirty workspaces behind the counter … makes me wonder what the kitchen looks like …
I understand this place is an institution but I wouldn’t go back despite how cheap the eats are … and, I like a good dive as long as the food is good and it’s clean.

This is the first place I ever ate at in Washington Pennsylvania when you first walk in you will feel like your walking into a Norman Rockwell painting. They feature hot dogs that are very good and come with whatever toppings you want. This place has been there for years and is a favorite amongst locals.

Fries with gravy were amazing! Get the «hotdog with everything» aka their chili dog. You will not be disappointed.
Service was super fast and the staff was very courteous. Our food was served less than 5 minutes after placing our order.
I will surely come back to Shorty’s next time I’m in «Worshington.» ⁵⁄₅ stars.
P. s. its cash only

I am only writing to balance out some of these five-​star reviews… Com’on people! Its cheap hot dogs on cheap buns. Enough already. I guess if you have sentimental attachment, rave on. But for someone looking for a place in Washington who is not hung over, having heart palpitations, and craving nitrates, you can do better even here in this town.

I have not been back home to Washington for over 25 yrs but I still crave Shorty’s hot dogs and fries with gravy. When I was young had their dogs 3 days a week! Live in calif now and have NEVER found one to compare. If you get a chance visit this place you won’t be sorry.

Creepy old wood and dark inside. But some really yummy dogs. Cheap enough. Not quite friendly enough. Believe it is cash only. Not worth a trip to Washington just to dine there but if you are already there…

Three with everything, and gravy fries. Heaven. Why they have not chained this place beyond PA is beyond me —- a must stop if your traveling through.

I grew up eating Shorty’s hotdogs and I can honestly say that 23 years of hotdogs-​these have not changed a bit! And yes, before you ask-​that is a good thing!!! Their chili sauce is amazing! Make sure you get one with «everything!» Its totally worth it! They offer other sandwiches and stuff but I would stick with the hotdogs-​that is after all their specialty!!!

This review is for the W. Chestnut Street location only.
Dollar for dollar, this can’t be beat. Sure, this isn’t where you go for fine dining, but it’s the best food for the price. Just order a hamburger and/​or hotdog «with everything». I used to crave this place when I lived in good ‘ol WashPA, but since I moved away, I make at least one stop every time I come home.