If you don’t know about the Birmingham hot dog, here’s a primer. Greek immigrants helped usher in the frank, slathered with simmered ground beef and topped with a special sauce of vinegar, chili powder and secret spices (read John Archibald’s ode to the city’s signature weiner here).

Birmingham has its iconic hot dog joints, including Andy’s, Sneaky Pete’s and Scott Koney’s. But travel about 25 minutes outside of the city and you’ll find Tony’s Hot Dogs, a thriving eatery on the cusp of Hoover and Pelham. Located in the Southgate Village shopping center next to Goodwill, the hot dog joint serves up breakfast and lunch.

Joseph Tortomasi and his family took over Tony’s in 1993. The restaurant gets rave reviews, ranking up nearly five stars on Google, Yelp and Facebook. In 2019, Big 7 Travel named Tony’s to its list of 50 best hot dogs in America. Two years later, Eat This, Not That named Tony’s the best place to get a hot dog in the state. In October, Tony’s celebrated 30 years of business, complete with a hot dog eating contest.

The popular restaurant is equally known for its long lines. When we stopped in to Tony’s on a recent Tuesday around 10:55 in the morning, we were number 13 in line, and that placement wasn’t too shabby.

“They were lined up out the door last time I was here,” said a couple of patrons.

Still, customers are usually happy to wait. The line moves fast and patrons tend to be cheerful.

Headed to Tony’s Hot Dogs? Here’s what to know.

What time can I get a hot dog?

The hot dog joint opens for business at 5:30 in the morning. Breakfast ends around 10 a.m., but you can order hot dogs from the time Tony’s opens its doors, right up until closing.

How many hot dogs are on the menu?

There are 11 hot dogs on the menu, including chili dogs and the junk yard dog, and corn dogs. Plus, there’s an option for polish sausage.

What should I order if I’m new to Tony’s?

If you’re looking for a meal close to the traditional “Birmingham” dog, try the beef sauce dog complete with mustard, sauerkraut, and beef sauce. If you want a Southern classic, order the slaw dog. The best introduction to Tony’s is the joint’s namesake — the Tony’s Hot Dog topped with mustard onions, kraut, and the restaurant’s special sauce.

What’s up with the Chicago dog? Is it any good?

If you’re a Chicago Dog purist, you’re going to want to sit this one out (sorry). No. one — proper Chicago dogs are made with 100% beef franks. Tony’s hot dogs aren’t all beef, so if you order their version, don’t expect the satisfying snap of fully beef hot dogs. The toppings on the weiner are pretty up to snuff (points for the tomato slices and the relish) except for a couple of things. One, Tony’s serves its iteration of a Chicago dog with a pickle slice. Real Chicago dog lovers know the pickle is supposed to be a spear. Also, true Chicago dogs are served on a poppy seed bun.

I’m trying to beat the rush. What’s the best time to show up?

Tony’s is busy all day, but the eatery has two big rushes– 7 a.m. for breakfast and 11 to 12:30 for lunch. Hoping for a short wait and plenty of seating? Hit the restaurant outside of those rush times.