A Day in the Life at the Roast Grill
I love Raleigh’s Roast Grill. This little (and I mean little!) hot dog counter occupies a cubbyhole on the ground floor of an old house on South West Street. An old-fashioned “Hot Weiners” Coca Cola sign hanging over the neon Roast Grill sign in the window beckons to hungry passersby. This Mom ‘n Pop joint is owned and operated by George Poniros and his mom, Mrs. Poniros. George’s grandmother, Mary Charles, opened the place for business back in 1940. Not a lot has changed since then and the Roast Grill today is a veritable time capsule. I’ve been going there to get my hot dog fix for more than 30 years now.
On a recent visit this summer I stopped in for my usual 2 hot dogs, mustard chili and slaw and a Sprite, and chatted with George and his Mom some. As a rule the place is packed at lunchtime, but as it was kind of late —2 o’clock or so—the ambience was more relaxed than usual. There was only me, one little old lady and about 5 or so young people in there. As I was sitting at the counter finishing up my lunch and eyeing the homemade baklava and pound cake, one young fellow approached George and asked him about the baklava. I heard him say how his girlfriend was Lebanese and her grandmother made baklava with pistachio nuts. Mrs. Poniros piped up and said, “Mine is Greek! It’s the real baklava and we use only walnuts!” When the kid asked how much for a piece George told him $2.50. Apparently he and his friends had spent all their money on hot dogs, as he looked disappointed and said he’d have to try it another time. Well, I couldn’t resist that, so I asked George to give him a piece, on me. I think that gesture acted on George because he treated him to an additional piece as well! He cut the 2 pieces up so the young man and his friends could each have a taste.
As I left they were all animated and were “thanking me sir” and wolfing it down. I felt mighty full then even though I didn’t get any baklava myself! I love that place! You’d never have an experience like that at a MacDonalds!
What a great story - true character of Raleigh folks I’d say
Comment by Lisa Jeffries — September 21, 2008 @ 11:01 pm
PS - JUST noticed the adoption corner… AWESOME! One of my pups came from the SPCA and the other was a stray who found his way home with us!
Comment by Lisa Jeffries — September 21, 2008 @ 11:03 pm
I had the pleasure to enjoy Roast Grill for the first time a couple of weeks ago, and they were definitely the best hot dogs in NC.
Comment by Elliot — September 22, 2008 @ 7:49 am
I have heard nothing but good things about The Roast Grill. I don’t suppose they’d want to add bratwurst to the menu?
FYI - The single BEST (and funniest) thing about The Roast Grill is the prominent “Hot Weiners” sign — located immediately across the street from Flex. That juuuuust noses out the Totally Committed Baptist Church, whose sign is located just out the back gate from Dorothea Dix Hospital.
Comment by MMI — September 22, 2008 @ 4:06 pm
Nah, I doubt it… Their fame lies with hot dogs and only hot dogs; Well, the baklava, too! And whatever you do, don’t ask for ketchup! The irony of that sign and the nightclub across the street has long been a Raleigh urban legend! I’ll have to check out the Baptist Church sign>> hilarious!
Comment by Raleigh Boy — September 22, 2008 @ 4:45 pm
Thank you SO VERY Much, Goodnight-Raleigh Staff, for the wonderful depictation of our humble and historic family business, that we will strive to keep in operation for hopefully ETERNITY! …I, Hot-Dog-George, am very proud and happy to be able to keep it all going, with as few changes from the original idea of “Do something simple, and do it as well as you possibly can! You will have lifelong fans!” All modesty aside, I do believe that we profess the greatest tasting item that this world calls ‘the hot dog!’ I am proud to serve the many hundreds of ‘regulars’ that we see monthly / weekly / and DAILY even! …And they really love the fact that I know how they want their hot dogs topped, and to what degree of BURN, their choice of beverage, and exactly how much of a RUSH that controls their entry & departure (”Gotta Go George!, Quick-Quick?”) Please visit and enjoy our website: pictures, history, and anecdotal goodies! http://www.roastgrill.com …hotdoggeorge proudly thanks you!
Comment by hotdoggeorge — September 22, 2008 @ 7:58 pm
I can attest that the Roast Grill fosters a welcoming lunch-time environment away from the hectic modern life we all lead. Not only are George and Mrs. Poniros comforting souls to befriend, but on a lucky day you might see, and hear, George’s operatic singing sister. Boy, what a treat this place is. The hot dogs are pretty darn delicious to boot (and you can also get them burnt if you wish–yum!!) “You wanna go where everybody knows your name.” This place is Raleigh’s quintessential “Cheers”. If you haven’t been to the Roast Grill, you have missed living!!! (Just don’t ask for ketchup!!!!) Cheers Roast Grill.
Comment by Pianist Frank — September 23, 2008 @ 10:25 am
Roast Grill is THE place to get the best dog in Raleigh! Everytime I go visit my friends the Poniros’ there, it reminds me that life does not have to be any more complex than great friends, a simply delicious meal, and straight forward kindness! Bravo! Miss you tons…can’t wait to come back from Missouri to have a dog all the way. Congratulations on the great reviews!
Comment by Conductor Lisa — September 23, 2008 @ 11:47 am
I used to work on Hillsborough St. and our back door opened onto the little alley to the left of The Roast Grille. How I miss the dogs and the little Cokes in vintage bottles!
Comment by scott reston — September 23, 2008 @ 6:57 pm
There is something really special about this place.
I remember the first time I went in for lunch, and how I had never experienced anything like it before. You have to have an amazing amount of adoration and respect for the philosophy of doing something simple, but doing it in an amazing way.
George and his mom really do have the best memory of any restaurateur in town. Despite their very simple menu, there is even a vegetarian option — the “ruth dog”. It consists of a hot dog bun, slaw, mustard, onions and hot sauce. It was so named after a friend of theirs that is a vegetarian.
As was mentioned, the baklava is to die for. Hands down the best I’ve ever had.
Comment by John — September 23, 2008 @ 7:36 pm
that place is one of my favorite places to grab a dog. i wish i had brought cash today!
Comment by Devin — September 30, 2008 @ 12:19 pm
I tried this place for the first time yesterday. The Hot Dogs were delicious! I can’t believe I have lived in Raleigh this long and never made it there sooner. I always enjoy eating at ecclectic places like this.
Comment by Pineview Style — October 1, 2008 @ 2:17 pm