Family-run Tony’s Hot Dogs in Pelham named top 50 best hot dogs in America by Big 7 Travel

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IMG 1562 Family-run Tony's Hot Dogs in Pelham named top 50 best hot dogs in America by Big 7 Travel
Tony’s Hot Dogs named best hot dogs in Alabama. Joseph and Misty Tortomasi in the center. Photo by Pat Byington for Bham Now

The international foodie and travel digital publication – Big 7 Travel has named Tony’s Hot Dogs in Pelham as the best place to find a hot dog in Alabama and America.

IMG 1556 Family-run Tony's Hot Dogs in Pelham named top 50 best hot dogs in America by Big 7 Travel
On top, the Tony Dog – the signature Hot Dog with mustard, onions kraut and sauce. Below, Chili Dog – Chili mustard and onions. Photo by Pat Byington for Bham Now

Known for its “Best 50 in America” lists,  Big 7 Travel has featured several Birmingham area food establishments in their “best of lists,” including brick & tin in downtown Birmingham and Mountain Brook , for having the best sandwich in Alabama.

A Surprise

According to Tony’s Hot Dogs owners Joseph and Misty Tortomasi, the recognition by Big 7 Travel was a surprise.

“They (Big 7 Travel)  sent us a message on Facebook informing us that their community had voted us top hot dog place in Alabama,” said Misty. “We had no clue about it, but it was wonderful surprise.”

26 Years and Counting

Celebrating their 26th year as a business on October 29th, Tony’s Hot Dogs, a genuine family owned business,  has been at the same location on Montgomery Highway in Pelham since Joseph bought the restaurant when he was 24 years old.

Tony’s Hot Dogs serves breakfast and lunch, beginning at 5:30am and closing at 3:00pm (they open at 6:30am on Saturday and closed on Sunday).  Along with their hot dogs, Tony’s is also known for their 9-10 ounce Giant Burgers.

Everybody is Like Family

Besides their food, what is the secret to Tony’s Hot Dogs?

Joseph summed it up best.

“Everybody is like family here.  We know their name and their order, kinda like the TV show Cheers.  We actually have people drive by, honk their horn, we know they are coming back, we know they want, and we have their food ready in a few minutes.”

“That’s our drive thru!” added Misty with a laugh.

IMG 1553 Family-run Tony's Hot Dogs in Pelham named top 50 best hot dogs in America by Big 7 Travel
Tony Hot Dogs in Pelham. Photo by Pat Byington for bham Now

Check It Out

Be sure to check out Tony’s Hot Dogs for breakfast or lunch weekdays and on Saturday.

Hot tip:  If you are exploring nearby Oak Mountain State Park for a day, eat breakfast at Tony’s and pick up lunch at the end of the day before 3:00pm.

Pat Byington
Pat Byington

Longtime conservationist. Former Executive Director at the Alabama Environmental Council and Wild South. Publisher of the Bama Environmental News for more than 18 years. Career highlights include playing an active role in the creation of Alabama's Forever Wild program, Little River Canyon National Preserve, Dugger Mountain Wilderness, preservation of special places throughout the East through the Wilderness Society and the strengthening (making more stringent) the state of Alabama's cancer risk and mercury standards.

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