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Pete’s Famous Hot Dogs

Originally uploaded by re6smith.

1925 2nd Ave. North
Birmingham, AL 35203
(205) 252-2905

“[There’s] something about [these hot dogs]. I mean, you can take a hot dog
and wrap it up and put it in a sack, and go out there and eat it. It doesn’t
taste the same as it does when it’s in here. This preacher s—s—said it’s
something in these walls that, you know—that makes it taste like that. And
that’s true.”
–Gus Koutroulakis

Birmingham legend, Gus Koutroulakis, has been slinging hot dogs from the
same tiny stand in downtown Birmingham, Pete’s Famous, since 1948.
According to Gus, his Uncle Pete and a buddy bought the place in 1939 with
money they won in a Pinochle game. Pete renamed the place after his selfproclaimed
famous dogs when he bought out his business partner in 1946.
That same year, Pete installed the colorful neon sign that still lights up 2nd
Avenue. And Gus still makes his dogs the same way his uncle did: “all the
way” with mustard, kraut, and special sauce. Or, you can order a “special,”
with a beef topping that’s—be careful—not chili. The classic sauce is unique
to Birmingham and certainly a Greek addition to classic take-away fare. No
one’s quite sure who came up with it, but variations on that same sauce can
be found all over town. A visit to Pete’s Famous is quite an experience, so
when you visit, spend some time taking in Gus’s hot dog wisdom and
learning interesting tidbits from loyal customers, while downing a few of what
are arguably the most famous dogs in Birmingham. The record, by the way,
is eighteen hot dogs eaten in one visit.

(written by Robert McCrary)

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