Milwaukie, Oregon - Roake's (the hot dog folks)

Technically in Milwaukie (but super convenient to Oregon City) you can find the main Roake's location (there is another in NorthEast Portland). The McLoughlin Roake's has a history going back to 1937, though it has not always been under its present name and ownership. 

It amuses me a little that the first thing you read on the sign is "Great Burgers".

The burgers are tasty, but that is a weiner dog on the roof for a reason. Their web site calls them "the hot dog folks". Of the T-shirts they sell, two emphasize the classic hot dog stand vibe, and the third declares "Bite the weiner".

The last time we were there I noticed a sign announcing their new chicken sandwich. That's nice, but there is no way we are getting that when there are hot dogs on the menu.

We visited three times total to be sure, and I am declare the Long Hot Dog the winner. 

There is certainly nothing wrong with the Short Hot Dog, but you get so much more for the extra two dollars!

The Plump Dog - which give you the extra volume in girth instead of length - is an interesting idea, but the distribution of toppings works better on the long one.

Standard toppings include mustard, onions, relish, ketchup, and kraut. On one level this makes me worry about specifying "no kraut" every single time (which I keep accidentally calling slaw), but a better way to look at it is that you get a lot of bang for your buck without paying extra.

Coney sauce is also available, though that makes it a different menu item. Having tried coney dogs and non-Coney dogs, I still recommend the Long Hot Dog, every time. It's tasty!

The awesome looking retro indoor dining is open if you wear a mask, but most patrons were opting for takeout or using the outdoor picnic tables.

Obviously, we ate in our car.

There were three of us, so we tried a platter of fries, which was supposed to be a double portion. Even among three it was way too much. The fries were fine, just know that portions are large.

I tried a root beer shake as well, because I found the idea intriguing. It was kind of weird. I think root beers works better in floats, where it is less fully integrated, but that may be personal. They also have more traditional flavors.

Also, prices were really good. The online menu is a little outdated, but everything is still reasonable.

And there is at least the possibility of getting car service at night, just like the old days.

http://www.roakesthehotdogfolks.com/