Charlie Joseph's Downtown — Restaurant in LaGrange

I'd had Charlie Joseph's on my bucket list for years. For at least two years, maybe as many as four years. I recently departed ATL early enough on my way back to FL to venture off the interstate and track it down. Wow, I'm glad that I did.

When I arrived, they couldn't have been open for very long, because staff was sweeping the sidewalk out front and cleaning windows, and there were four customers inside. I snagged a stool at the counter and perused the menu.

The menu has...maybe twelve? no more than 15 options. KISS theory is in effect here. I opted for a cheeseburger and a chili cheese dog. And a Diet Coke, because calories.

Having lived in ATL in the distant past and being an infrequent visitor to the northside OTP to meet and greet my lady, I've had more than my share of Varsity dogs and burgers. Those items are squooshed in a clamshell grill and toasted on both sides. Not at CJ's place.

First, some folks sing the praises of grilled (or griddled) hot dogs. Not me. I love boiled hot dogs, and CJ's boils theirs in a 6-quart sauce pan, maybe a dozen or two at a time. Bonus! I think that they griddle the burgers in back, because I didn't see anybody flipping them up front.

Regardless, the meat isn't the star here...the buns are. They assemble your chosen delectable, pop it into a steamy appliance (that is likely called a steamer, but I'd never seen this before, so who knows), and serve it to you after several seconds in the bun sauna.

Honestly, the buns...are...heavenly. Not fancy--definitely not fancy. But they are akin to your notion of floating on a cloud. Maybe your idea of freshly-spun cotton candy. They are so soft and cushy and warm and...gadzooks. Just go get one.

The burgers have 'a little extra', from what I could tell. Like the Milo's chain, but without the cigarette-ash-tasting sauce that Milo's slathers on everything. There's maybe a half or third of another burger inside there, and it makes for a satisfying cheeseburger. They plop a pickle chip (or slice) on top of the hot bun, which I promptly plucked off and ate. I think that I did that before I took the picture. I was hangry.

I didn't get a plate. You won't get a plate. Nobody gets a plate. You get your food on a sheet of pre-cut wax paper. Which was extraordinarily satisfying. I finished my meal, folded up the sheet of wax paper, and was done. It was like a symbolic closure to the meal. Or something.

You order what you want, the staff person writes it on your ticket, then goes and makes and delivers your order. Your ticket is still open. As I sat there, many more people arrived and took seats and ordered. Some finished their first order quickly, and the staff would ask, "What would you like next?" They'd add whatever else to the ticket and go make it. It's kind of like running a tab in a bar, but with tasty vittles. I almost wanted to hang out and do the Dozen Cheeseburger Challenge, but I had driving to do.

If you're ever driving by LaGrange and have time, get off of the interstate and go check out this place. It is iconic and a gem. I hope to get back as soon...

The best chili cheese dogs I've experienced in my life. I have challenged anyone I know to this fact and it has continued to stand amongst anyone I know. I am a LaGrange local and this has been a staple of my life for quite a long time. Charlie Joseph's has been around since I believe the 1920s. The downtown location has two counters and two doors as it was pre-civil rights but I've heard during the 50s and 60s it was a stage for sit-ins. It's Coca-Cola memorabilia is expansive and amazing! And possibly some of the oldest and rare in Georgia. You can even order bottled beverages to this day or Cheerwine. You cannot go wrong with their patented steamed dogs and well crafted hamburgers. Prices are superb. I always recommend three chili dogs with mustard, ketchup, and onions with Texas Pete hotsauce and a side cheese burger. However as an adult I don't quite eat that much any more. When I come back home this is a must stop-in. For hotdog enthusiasts it is definitely one for the bucket list. Not only is it extremely historic it has stood the test of time as many of the historic places in downtown LaGrange have been replaced...

Today we enjoyed a LaGrange, Georgia, classic. We found ourselves in the charming small town at lunch and decided to give it a try. Opened since 1920, yes 1920, locals have enjoyed many a hot dog and hamburger at this downtown location less than a block from the beautiful town square (with a beautiful fountain). I had a cheeseburger while my husband enjoyed two chili dogs. You can add a bag of chips (fries are not available). The menu is pretty diverse. The homage to Coca-Cola covers the walls. Among the decor of signs of all kinds, my husband spotted a sign for a Lemon Sour and prices for the various sizes. I inquired with the man who appeared to be in charge. He explained the elixirs content. Then he added, “want to try some - if I can watch your face.” Let’s just say...it has a kick. Definitely worth a stop. And, if you can’t find a stool or a seat - they have walk-up windows on...