HDJ Review - DQ = Disqualified at the Shinnston Dairy Queen

I don’t know of many people who don’t like the ice cream at their local Dairy Queen. Unfortunately, I can’t say that I know of any people that like the hot dogs at the DQ in Shinnston.

Easily one of the most recognizable landmarks in this area of Harrison County, the “barn” is always busy year round. They offer the standard corporate menu and don’t deviate from it at all. When I went for an order of hot dogs, I was taken aback that the only other toppings offered (other than ketchup, mustard, onions, chili, and cheese) were the exact same offerings for the hamburgers. No slaw here.

These dogs are an abomination to all that is right and good to connoisseurs of WV hot dogs. Murphy’s Law was in full effect here: all that could go wrong did go wrong. The bun was stale and barely warm. The onions were flavorless, rough cut pieces. The wiener –what a devastating disappointment—was almost rubbery. The flavor was that of an over processed, brine saturated, festival of fillers. It says 100% beef on the sign, but I don’t know if we’re talking synthesized beef or what. The casing of the wiener had a strange --dare I say “chewy”-- consistency.

But the final nail in the coffin was the chili. Clearly, it’s a variation of Hormel’s canned chili. I don’t know who decided this was a good idea, but I’m willing to bet they had a half-dozen 9-volt batteries attached to their tongue before trying this. Numbed may be the only way one could tolerate it.

Bottom line: if you want ice cream, milkshakes, Blizzards, etc., then this is your place. If you want hot dogs, avoid at all costs. Rating: one weenie, and that’s being generous.