Spike’s Junkyard Dogs

Closed. :(

Spike’s Junkyard is very clean and I really like the theme of a junkyard they have going on. Food was good and service was even better. They have a sink to wash your hands so you can really dive into your meal and not hold back.
Space is a bit small if you have a big party but it will be great for takeout.

Wow, it is hard to write this review. I love Spike’s food. I love it. I’ve tried almost everything chicken on the menu and never been disappointed … except when I order delivery. For some bizarre reason, it takes an hour and a half to get food from their location in Davis to our location in Union. There’s never an explanation or apology from the restaurant itself (though Foodler’s reps have been contrite every time). So the end result is this: if I’m in the immediate area, I eat in or pick up my order myself. If I want food delivered and time is of the essence, I go with another restaurant.

The rating:
This review is based solely on the fat free veggie dog experience, and for that I’m going to go with three stars.
Why we chose to eat there:
I wanted a hot dog with some fixins, and I wanted to be somewhat healthy, throw in the fact that I certainly didn’t want to actually make it myself and enter Spikes, stage left.
The food:
Sarah and I each had a Patriot Dog, which has Spikes mustard, bacon and cheese. First off, the dog itself was unobtrusive. It was pale with no snap when you bit into it. It lacked much flavor of its own, but to me that is better than trying to make it taste like something by adding tons of seasonings that just ruin it in the end anyway. So while bland, at least it allowed the toppings to come through. I loved spikes mustard, which is a very spicy brown mustard, which may or my not have horseradish, either way, I thought it was great. Sarah on the other hand really disliked the mustard which sorta blew out the whole experience for her. The cheese did not have a ton of flavor, personally, I think a cheese whiz type cheese (a severely underutilized cheese) would have worked much better here. The bacon. Is bacon ever bad? No? Well then this was bacon. And finally the roll. Now I’m a New England guy born and bred so I like my split top bun, sometimes toasted, sometimes not. This was a French loaf, so it wasn’t exactly my cup of tea. You may be saying «but you need a substantial roll for all the topping options». You may be right, but as you will see, the roll doesn’t necessarily help you there.
This brings me to my second hot dog. The German Shepherd, which is Spikes fantastic mustard and sauerkraut. We’ve already spoken about most of the components so let’s talk kraut. It was good, very good in fact. But there was too much liquid left in the kraut, which turned my bun into an unmanageable soggy mess that literally could not hold together. I ended up picking up pieces with my fingers to eat it. Again, taste wise it was great, experience wise it was anything but.
We also ordered curly fries and onion rings, both of which we enjoyed. The curly fries were a bit pale, but surprisingly crisp nonetheless and salted well. The rings were just as good if not better as they were all of the above but with much more GBD going on.
The service:
Sarah picked it up to bring back home. No complaints from her. It was clean, the staff was friendly, the food came out pretty fast. Sorry folks, details aren’t her strong suit.
The final rundown:
For what I wanted, Spikes fit the bill. It was adequate, and for me that is the definition of three stars. It’s possible the real dogs are better, so your mileage may vary, but at least there is a viable fat free dog available if you are feeling particularly lazy some day; awesome girlfriend to pick it up for you not included.

12−21−12 This location is CLOSED
I love Spikes. I love everything from the dog, to the big bun, to the fries. Ballpark dog with no onion, and fries is my go-​to meal, but by now I’ve tried most of their dogs and theyre all great. Clean, fast, done.

This is one of my favorite places in the world! I went so many times in high school on drives down to Providence. I dreamed of having it closer in Mass. I never thought all the RI locations would close down and MA would have more. It’s a shame.
Honestly, I’ve lived in many states over the last few years and have NEVER found a place that recreates the Spike’s taste and experience. The trick is their fresh baked buns, but also all their toppings, their curly fries, the hand washing sink and the hubcap cookies.
And honestly the dogs themselves are great! They are hearty without having to be ordered «jumbo» and the skin is never tough with no «snap.» I can’t imagine why other hot dogs places don’t get it. It’s so awesome to have all the taste balanced so well; unlike other hot dogs you don’t taste 90% bun.
Somerville is definitely my favorite current location with comparatively easier parking than Allston and Boston.

I have a hard time admitting to people I actually eat here.
I’ve gotten the same item off the menu for years. It’s pretty disgusting and involves a big mess and a lot of ketchup. I always try to get it to go, so I can do my disgusting masticating of this delicious hot dog in secret.
The poodle fries with cheese, um yum.
The little plastic cups with lids used for ketchup and other condiment holding? Perfect.
The yellow, red and silver hubcap theme it has going on? Not so much. Another reason why I hate actually eating here.
For a chain restaurant, and for ‘fast food’ hot dogs, they really aren’t that bad. Perfect if you don’t feel like cooking, or if you’re just a little hungover.
Matter of fact, I had a chili cheese dog just last week. Take that diet!

Is this a biker hang out? Should I don my Dale Earnhardt t-​shirt before stepping into the premises? I’m confused by all of the Americana on the walls that has a automobile enthusiast’s flare. Nah, it’s just a hipster joint smack in the middle of still hip, Davis Square.
I find it sac-​relidge to walk in here and order anything BUT the numerous hot dog creations they’ve «invented» at Spike’s. Cheeseburger… are you kidding me? Chicken sandwich? LOL, not here anyway. This is and has always been about the HAWTDAWGS. So without further adieu:
I’ve had the Chicago a handful of times which always stayed true to the original and could confuse your location-​sensor. The 57 T-​bird with honey mustard and swiss (who knew this would be gangbusters for a hot dog?!) is spectacular. The pizza dog, which is my absolute favorite and one of those I’ve thought of replicating at home and never seem to get around to doing. And finally of course, the tried and true chili dog.
Spike’s dogs aren’t wimpy sized… I believe they are each a ¼ lb. You’ll look at the menu and say, «well each of these are only $ 4, I might as well order 3 of them». DON’T! Two is plenty before your belly wants to burst… there is even a wall of fame of people eating just six of these to get up there. That’s a lot of animal product, so unless you’re a big fella or lady, I’d highly advise against ever getting more than three at a time… and even that is pushing it. Two seems to be my limit.
You can’t walk in here with a group of 10 — 15 people, it is a hole in the wall. A fun place to be given the kitsch that surrounds you and makes you giggle as you read the signs. Order at the counter, grab your 2 — 3 dogs, munch down and be gone all within a 15 minute period… ez game.
Spike’s, recommended by thick, black glasses wearing, vintage Vans sporting hipsters everywhere… give it a shot!

One hot dog, one steak and cheese, 2 orders and fries– and we waited 20 mins. Good lord, did you have to slaughter the cow?
The hot dog itself was good, as was the bun, the chili on my chili cheese dog was boring, bland, and there wasn’t much of it. Cheese was kinda gross, and I likes me some cheese! Steak & cheese was «meh» with lots and lots of rubbery canned mushrooms (or perhaps those were lost gaskets from the truck parts decorating this place?).
Curly fries were yummy. And they have Mt. Dew instead of coke products, so for me that gets them bonus points.

I got the ballpark hot dog-​onions, cheese, mustard. It was plump & juicy. My mom got the chicken ceasar sandwich which was good too. I’m craving Spikes again for dinner tonight… is that bad?

Ode to a Dog
Dear Spike’s I have loved you from year to year
when you were in Providence and now that you’re here.
Davis Square’s a great place for a Ballpark and fries
But check the special menu: those toppings will surprise!
Here one will find no mystery meat. Just yummy and tasty
(and the buns can’t be beat.)
So try to eat Spike’s, have a dog and some fries.
I promise your dog will be awesome – no lies!
— — — –
Ahem.
I love it. The end.

Good lord, I do love me a 57 T Bird Veggie Dog.
Melted swiss cheese, the BEST honey mustard I’ve ever had (and I’m a bit of a connoisseur), fantastic bun… is it even a bun? It’s more like a fresh baguette.
Props to Chairman Spike — this is a great local chain.

Getting food from Spike’s can be slow slow slow, even if there’s no line. Their food takes time to prepare, and they seem to be deliciously under-​staffed at the Davis Square location. Maybe the fact that it’s a cash-​only establishment is also slowing them down. It takes time to count those coins.
Nevertheless, the food can be great – particularly the onion rings – and everything is miles better than your standard fast food flavors.

When I was in college, I went to the Spike’s on Thayer Street in Providence at least twice a week, contributing in no small part to my Senior 20. After that location closed, I allowed myself to try Spike’s in its other Southern New England Area locations.
The one in Davis Square is pretty much identical food-​wise to the former location in Providence, which is just fine with me. This is still the best hot dog I’ve ever had. The buns are toasted and garlicky, not a throw-​away like they are at the ballpark. The Texas Ranger is probably my favorite (cheese, bacon, barbecue sauce), but if this isn’t your taste, they have about twenty other dogs to choose from. The curly fries are pretty great too.
I was also pleasantly surprised to see that the Davis Square location featured the Casey Dog, named after a Brown University senior who tragically died in 2000. I was aware that the Providence location came up with this hot dog in memory of him; I thought it was a nice gesture that other locations have picked it up too.

Kid friendly, fresh ingredients, happy faces, vegetarian options? Spikes!
Our family of three ate like kings for $ 15. Three dogs, one large fry, and one sody pop was perfect. The meal came out fast, which made me happy since my toddler has zero patience (and anger management techniques).
The best part of the meal? Washing our hands at the sink set up by the garbage can. No toddler grease on me. Love you Spikes.

I simply don’t see what the fuss is about.
I’m in a generous mood though, so for every negative thing I say, I’ll preempt it with something positive. (see, the color of my soul is more like a dark gray rather than a pitch black like everybody thinks)
I like that they have a huge selection of types of dogs. I dislike that every one that I’ve selected has been unpleasant.
I like that they’re open late. I dislike that no matter what time I go it still tastes the same — bad.
I like the location. I dislike that it’s decorated like it should be in Disneyland (explosion of fake).
I like that they try to serve vegetarians with their vegi dogs (as opposed to, say, Texas Roadhouse in North Dartmouth — see my review). I dislike that they fail to serve vegetarians well (bland is being generous… and good vegi-​dogs *do* exist).
I like their fries (I like all fries). I dislike everything else.

Amazing dogs! I had the one with BBQ sauce and it was great! The burgers look tasty as well! Next time I’m coming back for the tenders! Don’t know why I waited so long to try it but I shouldn’t have!