Bob's Dogs in Oak Island, North Carolina - Restaurant Review

Looking for a quick meal to hold you off until dinner? Bob's Dogs in Oak Island, NC is the answer. This quaint eatery is located directly off of the bridge heading to Oak Island, North Carolina, and offer guests an opportunity to taste truly unique hot dog creations.

First Impressions of Bob's Dogs Oak Island, NC

If you are driving too fast, you will miss it. Bob's Dogs is tucked away in a small micro mall building usually reserved for small offices. The sign is a banner attached to another sign facing the street. The banner looks as if it were made at a local office store. There was nothing special or exemplary about the outside of the business. The only outdoor seating was two bistro sets. So if you want to enjoy the warm summer breezes and someone is outside, you will be out of luck.

Entering Bob's Dogs Oak Island, NC you encounter a small quaint eatery with décor of local artists along the walls. All paintings are for sale. This is a positive plug for local businesses. Seating is not designed for parties of more than four with a total capacity not to exceed 50. When I visited, I was in a party of 11, so we were scattered throughout the restaurant. The color scheme was neutral and not overpowering.

Wait Staff and Menu at Bob's Dogs Oak Island, NC

We were greeted by one server/hostess/bus person who informed us we could sit anywhere. She then informed us to go to the counter to order. The information given was confusing for someone who had not dined there before this particular day. Throughout the dining experience the one floor employee was wiping off tables. This is good for health concerns, but the use of strong chemicals should not be an option. So Bob's Dogs was striking out.

We went to the counter to order expecting a larger menu board instead to be greeted with a poorly produced menu. No creativity was used in the making of the menu. The delight came from the concoctions on the menu. We were entertained by selections such as Jamaican, chili pie, and an "everything" hot dog. Prices ranged for $2.50 for a plain hot dog to over $4 for the specialty hot dogs. French fries were available for an additional $2.

Lunch at Bob's Dogs Oak Island, NC

Having younger children in the group, we decided on plain hot dogs for them. We tried the Jamaican and the chili pie with a side of French fries. We sat down and waited for our order. Our number was called as if we were in a fast food restaurant. We picked up or food and began lunch. The first noticeable turn off was the amount of salt put on the French fries. The taste was lost with the overbearing amount of sodium.

The next noticeable turn-off was the bread used. Instead of a traditional hot dog bun, Bob's Dogs used a portion of a sub roll. For a small child, a hot dog turned into a fork and knife meal. The Jamaican hot dog was satisfactory, but not exceptional. The vegetable choices, peppers and onions, were overcooked and bland.

Pros

Nice atmosphere

Supported local artists

Unique menu choices

Cons

Overpriced for a hot dog shop

French fries were too salty

Limited seating

Hours of operation

My Take and Thoughts

While on vacation if you are looking for a quick meal, then Bob's Dogs is a perfect midday delight. Price aside, Bob's Dogs has a unique atmosphere and décor of a non-traditional beach business. The staff is friendly and attentive to the customers. The drawbacks include limited seating, unsavory hot dogs, and value for the quality. Bob's Dogs attempts to hide the poor taste of the hot dogs with the toppings and catchy name for the meals. Bob's Dogs Oak Island has work to do before it can transform its business into something great.