Cheap Eats: Spike's Junkyard Dogs

I tend not to eat at places with the word “junkyard” in their name, but when the food is as good as at Spike’s Junkyard Dogs, rules can be broken. Spike’s offers up hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, subs, salads, and wings (plus burgers at the Somerville and Boylston branches) that are quick, inventive, and delicious.

The obvious order is a hot dog, but there are so many toppings to choose from. You can order a named dog, such as the Junkyard Dog (mustard, tomato, pickle, hot pepper rings, and chopped scallions) or the Patriot Dog (mustard, bacon, and cheddar), or you can pick and choose from a long list of options. The all-beef hotdogs are well spiced and contain no fillers. They are not served on the typical white-bread buns, but on something closer to French bread – crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. With the heartier bread and loads of toppings, one hot dog makes a filling meal. Hot dogs are $2.75 to $3.45, or you can order a combo with fries and a drink for $5.69. Veggie dogs are also available.

And what meal isn’t made better by curly fries, the more playful cousin of the French fry? The fries ($1.79, $2.19) are crispy, with plenty of salt and a touch of pepper, and can be topped with cheese or chili as well. The onion rings ($2.99) are just a little sweet, and the crunchy coating is a nice contrast to the cooked onion.

Spike’s has three branches in Massachusetts – Davis Square, Allston, and Boylston Street. They are all open 11 am to 1 am (Boylston stays open until 2am on the weekends) and are perfect for a quick snack or meal.

Originally posted at Bostonist