There’s something nostalgic about the tiny 250-square-foot kitchen on the south end of Dauphin Street, home of The Wacked Out Weiner of Mobile. The carryout-only eatery was once a Krystal fast food joint in the ‘50s and ‘60s, according to Robert Jur, owner of the Downtown location. But it’s not just the refurbished mid-century wall and ceiling tiles, the upbeat jazz music being piped in or even Jur’s friendly, personalized service that evokes memories of simpler times. It’s the weiners.
“What’s more American than hot dogs?” Jur asks rhetorically. Not much, and not much else says summertime like a Nathan’s all-beef hot dog hugged in a fresh, steamed bun. “It’s great food for when you’re having a good time,” Jur says of the meat he slings at one of the many Wacked Out franchises in Alabama.
While there is a standard menu across all locations, Jur explains that individual stores are able to add their own region-specific items. For example, the “Mob City” dog was created for Port City noshers and comes dressed with ketchup, mustard, sauerkraut, chili and a dill pickle spear. Don’t like those toppings? Every frankfurter is totally customizable.
“We like to see the looks on people’s faces when we say you can put whatever you want on your dog,” Jur laughs while showcasing the more than 40 garnishes offered. “At this location, we offer unlimited toppings. You can’t see your dog when you leave here.” A few give-it-a-try ingredients include French’s French fried onions, Gouda cheese, Sriracha hot sauce and made-fresh-daily coleslaw, potato salad and chili.
Considering all the wacky ways to dress a weenie, one might be surprised by Jur’s favorite: a modest chili dog with mustard and onions. But patrons can follow suit, keeping their creations as simple as they’d like. “We can do plain dogs,” he mentions. Our advice? Make it a combo with chips and a drink — and Jur’s homemade bread pudding — and you’ve got yourself a perfect lunch or late-night bite to celebrate the dog days of summer.
On the Menu
Frito Pie Dog
Crumbled Fritos add a salty crunch to the top of this dog that’s smothered in chili, nacho cheese, onion, cheddar and jalapeños. A dollop of sour cream adds a hint of coolness.
Backyard Dog
This ain’t your normal grilled-in-the-yard dog. This weenie comes dressed with brown mustard, bacon, coleslaw, baked beans, jalapeños and Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce.
Chili Cheese Dog
While the name sounds pretty standard, there’s nothing about this fork-and-knife dog, covered in mustard, onion, freshly made chili and shredded cheese, that’s boring.
Wacky Macky
No topping is too zany when it comes to wacking out weiners, including creamy mac ‘n’ cheese, twice-cooked bacon, barbecue sauce and shredded cheddar, for good measure.
The Wacked Out Weiner of Mobile • 209A Dauphin Street • 408-9442
(Mobile location) 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., M – Th; 11 a.m. – 2 a.m., F – Sa; closed Su • Robertsdale • Foley • Saraland • Gulf Shores
