IMG_7643

Every Friday through the end of 2018, the Rant will feature a dish that stands out among Lee County’s restaurant scene. We’ll usually focus on lunch, but there aren’t any rules – we just want to let you know (if you don’t already) about the many dining options we have that are owned and operated by people right here in Lee County. Today, it’s hot dogs from Scoops.

There’s nothing fancy about Scoops. There’s not even anything unnecessary about Scoops. Downtown Sanford’s hot dog stand is just that – a wooden stand you can either walk up to or drive up to. And the menu isn’t much bigger. But there’s something to be said for doing one thing only, but doing it really, really well. That’s a Scoops hot dog. Although the business is on its third owner after a recent sale (subscription required), Scoops has been serving those hot dogs downtown for more than 30 years. It should be noted that Scoops doesn’t have any seating on site – don’t let that deter you. If you’re flying solo for the day, bring the dogs back to your desk or even eat them in your car. If you’re with a group, grab a seat at nearby Jaycee Park or a bench downtown.

Also, make sure to bring cash. Scoops doesn’t accept credit or debit cards.

THE DISH: There’s not much to say. $1.50 gets you a classic Carolina red hot dog, to which you can add a limited assortment of toppings. We recommend getting two of them with chili, cheese, mustard, and onions – that comes to less than $5 with a can of soda ($1), making it not only delicious, but also one of Sanford’s best lunch bargains. But hey, really, get ’em however you prefer ’em.

WHAT ELSE TO GET: You can get a bag of chips (60 cents) as a side, but we find those just take up valuable hot dog real estate in the belly. The only other item on the menu – the $3 sausage dog – is perfectly serviceable, but at twice the price, it’s hard to see how it’s better than the classic hot dog Scoops does so perfectly. Scoops is about the hot dogs – stick to those and you’ll enjoy the peak Scoops experience.

Scoops is located at 815 Wicker Street and is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Support our advertisers.