Nu-Way Weiners

This location has been open since 1972. It’s open later than most other Nu-​Way locations, but note that inside dining shuts down an hour before closing — only the drive-​thru is open after that. (They don’t seem to have a problem with people walking up to the drive-​thru window.
This is also super close to the highway, and probably the easiest location to hit if you’re driving thru Macon headed somewhere else.
Their hot dog «all the way» includes chili, onions, and mustard. You don’t see the bright red hot dogs much anymore, but you will find them here. Nice, greasy dogs are served here, and the prices are great. It doesn’t seem like anything particularly special for those not raised on Nu-​Way dogs, but it’s a fun atmosphere.

One reason I actually love visiting Macon. Outside of Family, Nu Way is definitely a must stop when here. There chili dogs are AMAZING! Trust me, once you try them you will be hooked. I used to love eating here when I lived in Macon, now it’s a ritual to visit here right before jumping on the highway before heading home. You owe yourself a visit!

Driving from Birmingham to Savannah, we wanted something off the beaten path for lunch (vs. corporate mega chains). While this was not a healthier option, it was a decision I would make again in a heart beat. We were in and out in no time (a plus for travelers). Service was genuinely friendly and the efficiency was downright impressive. We tried the chili dog (outstanding chili with a subtle unique slightly sweet flavor, don’t forget the onions, they make a great complement) and had to take an extra one to go for the road. Don’t let the bright red hot dog alarm you, it’s a fantastic filling cheap bite to eat. It’s also the best chili dog I’ve had with regards to mess – I could have eaten it with one hand and not have spilled any because the ingredients are perfectly stacked without overfilling. The grilled cheese was also notable – warm gooey and buttery, substantial on Texas toast. The burger and fries were just okay – nothing wrong with them but also nothing special. It is also worth mentioning that all the food was piping hot and served with a smile. Arriving at the lunch rush, they handled a large variety of customers quickly with a smile. Nu Way is a Macon staple since 1913 and has expanded to 6 locations. The original location has a good bit of historical information (not this location) but the expansion locations also have a clean friendly old timey feel to them too. Glad we stopped in and hope we have a chance to come back in the future.

I liked it — hotdogs are typical but the chili was really good and the building, history and other features set it apart

In 1916, Greek American James Wallis opened Nu-​Way Weiners (yes they spell it that way) in 1916, and there it remains, growing into a mini chain in mid-​Georgia, that even Oprah pronounces as one of «her best.»
Nu Way was established the same year as Nathan’s on Coney Island, making it the 2^nd oldest hot dog shop in the US.
I don’t know what it is about Greek/​Americans/​immigrants that they gravitate to the coney island style hot dog, but gravitate they do, in the instances of the ones in Minnesota, Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan, at least.
The Nu-​Way is proprietary dog, maybe 10 or 12 to a pound, skinless, and bright red in color. Their coney sauce is beef, seasonings, and chopped white onion, and is less on the ‘sweet’ side than Skyline or Gold Star (and less on the sweet side is my preference, it means there doesn’t appear to be sugar or cinnamon-​like flavors in it, leaning more towards a pure «beefy taste».
The sauce is wet, to manhandling the buns (ok, stop that) is a necessity.
Nu-​Way has easily moved into my top 5 favorite coney dogs in the country, and I wish I could be in that part of the country more often. Check out their all day menu.