Miss Griffins Footlong Hot Dogs — Restaurant in Chattanooga

Since I was a child, I had gazed at the historic building and artwork on the window at the previous location. For many years, it seemed that the restaurant was closed but the anticipation and artwork on the window intensified my curiosity and appetite to try the food at this establishment. Several weeks ago, I had a chance to try the place out. I tried the hot dog that has fritos on it and my father got a customized hot dog. Immediately after paying for the meal, we realized that it would have been cheaper for him to have just substituted one ingredient but we were unsure if that was allowed and the cashier did not try to answer us, but I substituted something on my hotdog and it was allowed and that’s when we found out and saw it would be cheaper to do that when we got the receipt. Unfortunately, when we received our hotdogs, they did not taste as great as I thought. There was hardly any fritos or chili on the hot dog and the chili tasted like VanCamp. As I previously stated, I have always wondered what the food here tastes like and I even did some research on the restaurant and Miss Griffin as I was growing up and I’m sure she had her own chili recipe and did not simply opt to use VanCamp or any existing chili brand without doctoring it up. I hope that those who enjoy the food here continue to solicit the establishment, especially since it is in the food court of EastGate mall. It would be great if the quality improved and if this mall could be revitalized, it would be even better if the new owners could find a building near the...

When I was fifteen years old, I managed Mr. Griffin's hot dog business on Sat and Sundays to give Mr Griffin some time off. His home was on a nearby street. Otherwise, he was always there. selling his hot dogs. His building sat in a small triangle area bounded by Cemetery Ave., E. Main St. and Central Ave. It had been a liquor store before with space for one car to park. He made his own relish by the gallon. and had started his hot dog business with a stand (kiosk) in the open air across Main street to the left of a gas station. When the liquor store vacated, he moved his equipment into it and added a soft drink box with ice . I made those foot long hot dogs on the week ends with Mr. Griffin's home made relish and store bought mustard by the dozen for some customers, all at 10 cents each. Drinks were 5 cents. I never ate any of the hot dogs, as an employee, because in my day, that would have been stealing. Mr. Griffin paid me about 25 cents an hr. so I made about 4 dollars per weekend, which made me feel very proud and successful. And Mr. Griffin. He was always a very nice, polite, hard working...

I admit it - I'm a hot dog junkie. I am constantly on the lookout for little hot dog joints to get my fix. Today, I stumbled upon a great find in downtown Chattanooga - Griffins.

I know from the reviews that it's only "new" to me. But I loved my Junk Yard Dog. Wow - all that smokey, bacony, BBQ goodness! The dogs are true footlongs - they even cut them in half for you. One is plenty for most but I did see some patrons ordering two.

The dogs are smoked - you can see the pink smoke ring all around it. And the toppings were fresh and perfectly complimented the dog.

The area is a bit rough but I felt perfectly safe among my fellow hot dog aficionados. I will be back to try other offerings for sure. Say hello to Lisa - she's a sweetheart.

I'm ready to go...