House sitting for my sister in Athens, I wanted to try a couple of local hot spots for lunch and decided on O’Betty’s. Also known as O’Betty’ Red Hot, I wasn’t quite sure if I would even like a Red Hot, but I thought it was a clever name and made plans to stop by the cute little restaurant in Uptown.
O’Betty’s first opened in 2003 within the college campus of Ohio University and has been a staple of students and locals over the years. Serving meaty franks (usually smoked or cured), they are dyed to give them their red color, hence the name Red Hot. Using fresh ingredients and served in “toasted and steamed honey buns”, the topping combinations are what keep the students coming back.
A Red Hot, also known as a Texas hot, is a term coined in Rochester, NY which refers to a “pork, beef or pork/beef combination hot dog.” 
Stepping through the door I was welcomed with an aroma of steamed buns and fried potatoes. Studying the menu above the counter, I found humor in the names of their red hot selections paying tribute to famous burlesque stars. From the classic Gypsy “High Class” to the modern Tempest “Stormy Weather”, there were so many options that I had a difficult time making my selection. I decided to try the Dixie “Hubba-Hubba” which was topped with homemade chili sauce, onion, cheddar cheese and stadium mustard.
As I waited for the servers to complete my order, I browsed the hot dog display which included vintage signs, wiener dog paraphernalia and hot dog-related merchandise. While hot dogs seem as American as baseball and apple pie, they are first historically mentioned by ancient author, Homer, describing casings filled with ground meat and spices. Vienna and Frankfurt have taken ownership of this delicacy claiming its invention in the 1800s and calling them “dachschund sausages.” In 1987, Frankfurt celebrated the hot dog’s 500th anniversary.
Americans claim the invention of the hot dog and bun combination. Charles Feltman came up with a novel idea by serving the hot dogs wrapped in a bun to keep from burning their patron’s hands. So this is apparently how the hot dog became a favorite meal for baseball games.
The artwork and items on display were incredibly fascinating. The collection provides a historical and educational look at the invention of the red hot and its evolution over the years.
I was even more amazed by the multiple awards O’Betty’s had won since 2004 with their latest award in 2015. They were also listed as one of “15 Mouthwatering Restaurants in Ohio You Have to Try” written by Katie Quinn, a local Ohio writer.
I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into this amazing hot dog fully loaded with toppings. They say the hot dog has an outer casing that makes your first bite “snap.” The servings were quite generous so I saved half for later, but it was definitely difficult to pull myself away from eating the whole dog. I can’t wait to check off all of the menu items and look forward to some new inventions.
Have you had the opportunity to dine at O’Betty’s Red Hot? Which hot dog did you select? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.
What to See and What to Do:
O’Betty’s Red Hot
15 W. State Street
Athens, OH 45701
Telephone: 740 589 6111
Where to Eat:
O’Betty’s Red Hot
15 W. State Street
Athens, OH 45701
Telephone: 740 589 6111
What to Eat:
Check out O’Betty’s Red Hot Menu to find your favorite hot dog:
http://www.obettys.com/hot-dogs.html
You can also design your own hot dog creation!
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