Posts Tagged ‘motorcycle-friendly restaurants’

Eat to Ride #3: Hillbilly Hotdogs

Posted: October 6, 2025 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle Rides, motorcycle touring, motorcycle tourism, ride to eat eat to ride
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motorcycle ride to hillbilly hotdog

Ride Destination: Hillbilly Hot Dogs, Lesage, WV                        Route Taken: OH-7 to US-35, then WV-2 south along the Ohio river Distance: ~150 miles round trip                                                  Vibe: Backwoods carnival meets roadside Americana

Hotdogs are a true American staple—loved by many, for better or worse. Hillbilly Hotdogs takes that classic comfort food and gives it a major Appalachian twist, both in flavor and atmosphere.

Location: Hillbilly Hotdog on WV Route 2 north of Huntington, WV.

You can’t miss it: wedged between the road and the mountain, it’s a roadside attraction that grabs your attention whether you stop or just ride by.

The place is packed with quirky, hillbilly-themed décor, including a “Weddin Chaple” that’s hosted real weddings! It will engage your eyes as there is something everywhere you look!

The gravel parking lot offers plenty of space, with overflow parking on both sides of the chapel.

Seating is plentiful, thanks to a couple of converted school buses and a collection of outdoor tables.

The Food

Let’s talk dogs. These aren’t your ballpark franks—they’re Frankenstein creations of chili, slaw, jalapeños, mac & cheese, and whatever else the hillbilly imagination conjure. Here are a few standouts:

  • The Homewrecker: A 15-inch beast loaded with everything but regret. It’s a challenge and a meal, and yes, they make you sign a waiver.
  • The Mothman Dog: Spicy, smoky, and just mysterious enough to make you wonder if you saw something in the woods on the way in.
  • Hillbilly Nachos: Because why not? Pulled pork, cheese, jalapeños, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce that could win awards.

The menu is extensive, with over 30 different types of hotdogs—so many, I wish I had snapped a photo for reference!

On our visit, Debbie opted for the “Ketchup Puppy” (not feeling adventurous that day), while I went for the Taco Dog, loaded with all the classic taco fixings. The dogs themselves are flavorful and high-quality, and the toppings on my Taco Dog were fresh and delicious.

Overall Thoughts: Must-visit food stops for bikers in Appalachia

Hillbilly Hotdogs is a must-visit if you’re anywhere nearby. It’s exactly what your stomach needs during a day trip or a long ride. Even Guy Fieri stopped by to tackle the Homewrecker for “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” The restaurant’s quirky spirit is so iconic, it even appears in the video game Fallout 76.

If you’re planning a ride through West Virginia, make sure Hillbilly Hotdogs is on your itinerary. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that blends great food, fun atmosphere, and true roadside Americana.

Have you been to Hillbilly Hotdog? If so comment below and let me know your thoughts.

Ride On, Ride Safe

Exterior of Triple Nickel Diner with subtle roadside signage

There’s something about a good diner that makes a motorcycle rider feel like they’ve found the end of the rainbow—and at the Triple Nickel Diner in Chesterhill, Ohio, that rainbow ends in a plates of eggs, pancakes and burgers…Oh and homemade pie.

Talking with the staff the diner works to get as much as possible from the local community.  It is a real farm to folk operation.

Location: Triple Nickle Diner on Ohio 555

Nestled on High Street, just off the winding curves of Ohio State Route 555 (aka the “Triple Nickel”).  It can be easy to miss as their roadside sign blends into the local background a little too much. 

The diner is about 100 yards off the main road in Chesterhill. The parking lot was a mix of small gravel and cinder and is not much of an issue the average motorcycle rider.

This cozy roadside gem is more than just a pit stop—it’s a pilgrimage. If you’re riding the 555 and not stopping here, you’re doing it wrong.

The Food

This isn’t your kale-and-quinoa and small portions kind of joint. This is comfort food with a capital “C.” Again all locally sourced as much as possible.

Breakfast Highlights:

  • Eggs your way
  • Garden omelets
  • French toast made with locally baked bread

Lunch & Dinner Favorites:

  • Black Angus burgers
  • Bison burgers for the bold
  • Steak, lamb, and meatloaf—again, as local as it gets

On our visit, we rolled in for breakfast. I went with the egg, sausage, and jalapeño omelet, paired with toast and home fries. Fresh, flavorful, and exactly what a rider needs after a morning of throttle therapy.

Also, we know the pies are homemade, a guy in a pickup was delivering the pies while we ate.  Of course we had to try a slice of warm apple pie.

Overall Thoughts

The Triple Nickel Diner isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a place to arrive. It’s where the ride meets the reward, and where every bite feels like a high-five from the road itself. So next time you’re carving up the 555, make the stop. Your stomach—and your soul—will thank you.

BUT – Hours Matter: Closed Monday and Tuesday and opens at 11AM for lunch on Wednesdays. Plan accordingly or risk heartbreak.