Couldn't love this place more. Hot dogs and curly fries are heavenly, and the staff are always friendly. Check it out if you haven't yet - it's an affordable place (rare in Providence) with good food.
(5)
BoomerTelly ..
Being a vegetarian, Spike's isn't an eatery I visit all too often. However, I was with a friend who wanted to eat lunch here a while back, and I went along. I ordered two plain veggie dogs, veggie dogs aren't the best tasting thing I've ever had, but they exist more for a novelty, or social aspect. However, when I was served, I was served two regular dogs. Luckily for me, you can readily tell the difference between the spikes dogs and the veggie dogs, as their hotdogs are somewhat larger and sausage like. I understand mistakes happen, and I'm not one of those vegetarians who freak out and cause a scene. But I politely asked if they could remake the dogs for me. At which point, the person who served me starting arguing with me that I had not ordered veggie dogs. I told him that I'm pretty sure that I haven't eaten pork in 8 years, and that I would please like them to remake them for me. They eventually did make them for me. However, I found their reaction to my polite request extremely rude, especially considering how many people in my possition usually act. Again, mistakes happen, but I've worked in customer service and it's all about how it's handled.
(1)
George M.
So, I am a huge fan of the spikes in the emerald square mall. Great food and great people. I Just used "foodler" as a delivery service for the providence spike's hoping for the same experience. The only portion of the order that was correct was the fires. We ordered 2 grinder dogs and received something with relish on it - not grinder sauce as described and a steak & cheese with no onions and american cheese - there were tons of onions and no cheese. I will not be using foodler to order from this spikes ever again.
(1)
R P.
BEWARE OF DOG! Good dog! For some local culture, drop by, kick back and have a #1 mutt.
(5)
Maximillian S.
Got the "Texas Ranger" dog today. Really tasty. It was the recommendation from the guy at the register. Said it was his favorite and the most popular. The best part was the bread that the dog was on. Good stuff and not flimsy. Really quality dog. Upgrade to 4 stars!
(4)
Stephen D.
Good hotdogs, not as good a Chicago Hot Dogs, having been to Chicago many times. However, it does offer different choices on how to prepare and make interesting a good hot dog. I did not give this establishment a 5 star rating because it does not offer RI's traditional Hot Weiner which puts us on the map. The business tries to obviously make an effort to avoid making wieners, but they do it at their own loss of additional revenue. If they can offer wieners as a choice, they would own the hot dog business in RI. Atmosphere is okay, restrooms are moderately clean. My review here is to nudge them a bit to embrace RI's famous wieners, fail to do so does not make me a frequent customer, but they do deserve a 4 Star for their efforts.
(4)
Sarah W.
I used to come here when my sister and brother went to Providence College, when Spike's first opened 13 years ago. The dogs are delicious and everything's made in the USA. Definitely get the cookie and the meal. The curly fries are better than I remember and I love the Spike's root beer- not too sweet, not too fizzy- just right.
(5)
C J.
This place gets very high marks from me for its consistency...Spike's is good and has been good for years. I stopped in there on a whim today after several years and was very pleased to find that, like always, the dog was very good and properly cooked, the fries were crisp, hot and not overly salty and there's the wonderful bread the hot dogs are served on. Exceptional. I was also pleased to see that there are still veggie dogs offered and that they, too, are properly cooked and served with the same attention that everything else is. One of the really great things about Spike's is how friendly they always seem to be as well. All in all, just about as good as hot dog places get around here...
(5)
Linda A.
This is one of my guilty pleasures. I've never had a Spike's dog I didn't love. The buns are amazingly fresh baguettes, the dogs are quarter pound beauties, and even the tofu pup is tasty -- albeit against my religion -- haha. My faves are the Texas Ranger, the 57 T-Bird, and the RI dogs (a much tastier version of the NY system dogs). I crave the wings on a daily basis. It's a struggle to drive by and not stop for a 7 piece wing. The hubcap cookies are larger than my face and also amazing -- thin and crispy along the edges, soft and chewy towards the middle. Delicious! The owners are also super friendly and wonderful. I can't say a bad thing about this place!
(5)
Elizabeth G.
These hotdogs are drool-worthy. I'm weird about food; so, I've never tried one myself, but every time I see one im in heaven in my head.
(4)
Sarah C.
I've been a lover of Spike's since I was a teen and they still don't disappoint. I usually go with the buffalo dog and fries. I haven't tried their chicken sandwiches or pizzas, as I just can't get anything else but their delicious hot dogs. The fresh baked bread it comes on is also great.
(5)
Vincent T.
Ok.. a cool hot dog joint with a cool theme. although they serve sandwiches, pizza, wings, etc., I've only had the dogs, and boy are they something. these dogs are large.. not like the NY System dogs, but so big that they're served on half of a fresh torpedo (or sub) roll. Then they're topped with practically anything you'd want. You can go with their creations (I prefer the chili-cheese and buffalo dogs) or create your own. The curly fries are always done perfectly and the onion rings are pretty good too. This location is pretty clean, with ample parking. I always see the same guy in there and he's always friendly and helpful.
(5)
Michael M.
This Spike's is so much better than the Attleboro mall one! They have about 20 different weiners to choose from like the 57 T-Bird, which is with honey mustard and swiss cheese or the Texas Ranger, which comes with BBQ sauce, bacon and cheddar cheese. My favorite is the Buffalo dog! The curly fries and wings are really good also. The staff here is very helpful and if you don't know what exactly to get they will give you recommendations. I only wish that they had fried Oreos like the Attleboro location!
(4)
Amanda M.
GOOD DOGS AT SPIKE'S I first heard about Spike's Junkyard Dogs back in 2003, when they had a location in Greenville. The Greenville location has long since closed - bummer - but the Branch Avenue location is a good excuse to go to Providence. The hot dogs do not disappoint. They're everything you want in a hot dog - meaty and juicy - with none of the "junk" you don't (no pun intended). Being a lover of hot dogs - both the edible and the four - legged variety - I definitely love the hot dogs. Mutt? Poodle cheese fries? Where else but Spike's would you find that on the menu? Did I mention they bake all their rolls fresh, right there in the restaurant? It doesn't get any fresher than that. No matter which location you go to, these hot dogs will have your taste buds sit up, roll over and beg for more. I go for either a Mutt or a Texas Ranger, which has cheddar, bacon and BBQ sauce on it. The Mutt is great if you just want the flavor of the hot dog itself, and the poodle cheese fries are cooked just right. So if you're in Providence and you're looking for a good place to have a hot dog, take a little drive down Branch Avenue and follow your nose. - Okay, they're located at 485 Branch Avenue, but following your nose is way more fun. Now who wants some more poodle cheese fries.?
(5)
Sara B.
I gotta say I still like it! Loved it way back in the day late night after drinks and still crave a Friday chicken sammich with like 29 toppings and Curley fries on the dude! I'm not a huge hotdog fan but everything on the menu is good. Nothing too fancy, simple but delicious toppings and the serving sizes are pretty decent. I like the location they have in the emerald mall too. It's not instant, there is about a 10-15 minute wait but at least u know its getting made to order! I ask for the sauces on the side only cuz they out alot, in my opinion.
(4)
Natalie S.
I really love chicken wings and this place is worth the drive for to go. The fries are always freshly made as are the wings. They don't drowned your wings in crappy sauce. They smother them and give you enough blue cheese to enjoy them. Really excellent service everyone is pleasant!
(5)
Karen N.
I was trying to write this review on National Hot Dog Day but I totally missed it! When I mentioned going to that Olneyville place, I was swayed by my northeastern friends that I was misguided and outright wrong. I had to come here. Fine. This place is a bit kitschy. But cute. It looks like a junkyard. If a junkyard was really clean and served food and had washing stations. Let me just say this was the best weiner I've had. Yup, make your jokes... I don't care. The combinations of franks they have here is insane. The buns - ridic. Everything together - lots of silence at the clean junkyard table.
(4)
Camille M.
Really yummy vegetarian hot dogs; the rolls are substantial and freshly baked, and really great toppings and combinations.
(4)
Kathy S.
My boyfriend and I went there tonight for supper.. We are regulars so its so funny how the people already know our order and recite it for us if we forget! The mom is so nice and awesome to chat with while we wait. Even when they are busy they are still fast! The veggie dogs are bomb! So filling! Great food, great prices, great employers, great armosphere!
(5)
Kisha T.
I love that I'm a regular here and haven't even reviewed this place yet. Oh Spike's, you are my go-to hot dog place in Providence. Although I do have hankerings for hot wieners here and there, but most of the time, Spike's Texas Ranger and Chili & Cheddar dogs are what I'm really craving. The best thing about Spike's are the buns. They're baked fresh and really gives the bun a bigger "roll" than just to hold the dog. The dog itself is quite good too. Just enough snap when you bite into it and it's very juicy. Another thing I really love about this place are their Junkyard fries: curly fries with fresh chili and shredded cheddar. Yum yum. It's nothing fancy or complicated but I love that they do the hot dog so well. I really want to try the other things on the menu since the wings and chicken sandwiches look to be rather popular with people too. I'll keep coming back for the dogs and maybe one day, I'll get to see Spike himself!
(5)
Ernest L.
Spikes is consistently great, save for the one time they almost gave me a beef frank, but I forgive them. I used to frequent the Spikes around the block from me in Cranston until it closed for awhile because it exploded or caught on fire or something. One day during its closing, I was determined to have a veggie dog on my lunch break, and I drove the 20 min to this location. The Branch Ave location does not disappoint. I always get the German Shepard out of habit. It comes with Spike's Mustard and sauerkraut. The roll is bulky and chewy. If you put condiments on it, the roll won't get soggy enough to fall apart like a roll from Sunbeam. The veggie dogs are good sized and taste great. The Spike's mustard has a slight kick to it, and I often opt for regular mustard. Sauerkraut is good, but I don't really know anything about what makes a sauerkraut good or bad. Pickled anything is good to me. The curly fries are fun to play with. Boing boing!
(4)
Kameron S.
Best hot dog joint there is, hands down. They do everything right, from the bread (best ever) and the big hot dogs, and my kids love the chicken tenders too. Get the chili cheese dog with spike's spicy mustard. You will thank me. They are all franchises, but have the same quality at every location, which is so nice.
(5)
Eric D.
Try the 57 T-Bird dog.
(5)
Alex H.
This place is great. Unique and delicious selection of about 20 different hot dogs. Sure they sell other food, but you come here for the hot dogs. I got the Buffalo Chicken Dog and it was great! Comes with really tasty curly fries too! I have been here twice and both times I was met with great service and really good food. If you are looking for a quick meal, this is the place to go.
(4)
Michael S.
I'm a hot dog guy... specifically a Chicago hot dog guy. That's the best way to have a hot dog and I stand by it. Enter Spike's. Gf and I wanted to try Olneyville, but it was not opened yet so she found Spike's knowing I wanted a hot dog. Anyways, split three dogs with the gf. Not sure what the name of the one that is like Olneyville's is, but I thought it was very good. Junkyard dog that my gf was good and the chili cheese dog was the standout winner. I liked the roll they use and the hot dog itself had great flavor. Honestly, I did like the dog quite a bit thinking it was more flavorful than my Chicago vienna beef I'm used to. My heart and loyalty will still lie with Vienna beef hot dogs Chicago style, but wow... Spike's is really high up there. Yes, I think it's better than NY hot dogs for sure though. Excellent food and great service (they brought our food to us which is a nice touch for a hot dog joint.) If only I knew there were some Spike's in Boston. I'll def. come back when in the area.
(4)
Rich B.
Sort of over rated. Really wasn't that good. It's gone down in quality every time I've gone...
(2)
Ryan D.
What isn't great about Spike's? Yes I know it is a local chain, but the service and food don't disappoint, much like other chains. The rolls, oh wow those rolls. I have never had a thicker hot dog roll than Spike's. Whoever was the genius behind that grill who said "wow I want a big bulkie roll for my dog" should be given a medal. I always try to get a different dog each time I go. Last night I got myself the Mexicali dog which has salsa, pepperoncini and cheddar cheese. The cheese keeps it all together, along with the large roll. With the different styles of dogs, that roll really holds it all together, where normal rolls would get soggy and fall apart. Definitely get the junkyard fries as a side, not quite your normal chili cheese fries. The chili is nice, thick and meaty (allll right mind out of the gutter). Service is very quick too, bring the food right to you. Ambiance might seem a little kitschy but I think it fits with the restaurant. Definitely hit up not just this Spike's but any in the area if you see one.
(5)
Leah W.
Yes, 5 stars for a hot dog joint! For those of you lamenting the closures of certain locations, don't cry! Dash Providence (Foodler) delivers for them! Like other reviewers, Spike's has ruined me for any other hotdog. A honking, juicy, flavorful dog in a soft fresh chewy roll, and it comes in so many combos that you're bound to be satisfied! My faves: The Patriot, with stone-ground mustard, bacon, and cheddar. The Reuben, with what else but sauerkraut, Swiss, and Russian dressing? So genius! Also, the amazingly delish "hubcap" chocolate chip cookie is the size of my head!
(5)
Dante V.
Went here for lunch take out (1:15 pm) I got 2 junkyard dogs. It's REALLY hard to screw up a hot dog.... Well these wieners were terrible. Awful and old like they had been the last two dogs at the bottom of the container and should have been thrown out. I also noticed that the bun was overly hard, crunchy and stale. I barely finished the first dog and was hoping it was just a fluke, but NOOOOOO!!! The other wiener blew just as badly. VERY sad indeed see, I have had spikes several times before (at the other location downstairs from Jerkys) I would stumble down drunkenly from Jerkys and shove a couple of American sausages in my eating hole. EVERY time they were fresh, tasty and delicious. Not so here my friend. NOT EVEN CLOSE :( The only reason I was able to put that meat log in my mouth was my extreme level of "hungryness" Those gross tube steak's almost had the texture of beef jerky. The other thing that threw me off was the interaction between a customer and employee. I believe she was at least the shift manager. Pretty much from the time I ordered until leaving she was either harassing/mocking this customer that was in the restroom. Talking about her to me and the other workers. I came in the middle of it so I'm not sure exactly what was happening but the word scumbag was thrown around. While I found this quite entertaining if not a bit awkward, most people would not. In a nutshell - OLD WIENERS, STALE BREAD & POOR BOUNDARY HAVING WORKER - yep :) I gave 2 stars for the entertainment and fresh toppings. Otherwise I would have given only 1 star. I tried to contact Spikes about this and found their website. Would you believe there is no way to contact these people through email or HQ/managerial phone? This is THE ONLY contact info I was able to obtain through Spikes website: For current franchise information, please write: Dave Drake Spike's Junkyard Dogs, USA 640 Reservoir Avenue Cranston, RI 02910 OUTSTANDING....................F.A.I.L :( :( :(
(2)
Tyla s.
blah. A couple years ago a friend begged me to order one of their dogs with her because she kept telling me how DELICIOUS they are. umm no. I didn't like it, I didn't see what the big deal was. It was JUST a hot dog. Well tonight my man did the same thing to me. Begged me to try something from there with him because he said the same thing, "they're delicious". So I figured I'd give it another try. & AGAIN, BLAH, didn't like it. I decided to try the steak & cheese. Didn't like it. No flavor, small portion. NOT worth what they charge for it. My boyfriend made me try a bite of his hot dog & it was "OK"... so no, I wouldn't waste my money on that place again.
(2)
Jennifer F.
If you're craving a weiner with the works, come here! This place is cute. It gives you the feeling of being in a garage or junkyard w/o actually being dirty. There is plenty of seating and plenty of choices to choose from. They not only serve weiners, but wings and chicken sandwiches, among other things! My hubby ordered the Texas Ranger, which was filled with BBQ sauce, chopped bacon, and cheddar cheese. I didn't want to take any chances, as we had a 6 hour flight home that same day, so I played it safe and ordered a plain dog with ketchup and pickles. The bun makes ALL the difference! Homemade buns that are soft and warm=yum! The fries are pretty good too. All for a decent price!
(4)
John M.
We were dropping the kid off at school today and decided to find somewhere quick and affordable to grab a bite. So I searched Yelp and found this little hole in the wall located in Providence. I had high expectations after reading the reviews on Yelp and I have to say that I wasn't dissapointed at all. I had read that it was located in a sketchy area of Providence, but it really didn't seem all that bad to me. The restaurant itself is very small and decorated with hub caps and various silly signs, not upscale at all. My daughter who is studying to be a pastry chef tore the place apart about the lack of cleanliness but it didn't seem too bad to me. After all they're serving hot dogs, not beef wellington and as long as it don't see anything too nasty, it doesn't bother me all that much. So we shuffled up to the counter and ordered. They have a large variety of hot dogs that come in a combo with curly fries and a soda or simply by themselves. They also had chicken wings, subs and salads. No burgers though, but I believe that they offer them at other locations, just not this one for whatever reason. I ordered the chili cheese dog, my wife got the Junkyard special (tomatoes, pickles, diced scallions, sweet peppers and spicy mustard), my daughter got a plain and my son the wing basket. My dog was great, the chili was pretty good and the cheese was melted into it. My wife was a little leery when she got hers, but said the flavors worked very well together. The wings were good, a no brainer there and my daughter enjoyed hers as well. One thing that was great was the fact that the dogs come on a home baked half loaf of french bread which had a great texture and taste to it. It's also worth mentioning that the hot dogs are not the typical size you'd get anywhere else, they are larger and I'd estimate that 1 of theirs would equal about 2 regular sized ones. The staff was very friendly, my little guy actually was pretty sad about the wings as they were too spicy for him. He can't tolerate anything spicy and shame on me for even ordering them when he asked for them. The chef noticed he was upset and came right up to us asking if he could get something else for him. Class move in my opinion. Of course I ordered another dog (which I paid for), gave him mine and then ate his wings too. What else would I do right??? I will certainly stop by when I need a quick lunch and I look forward to trying one of the other varities of dogs on the menu. Definitely my kinda place!
(4)
A Z.
The people who work here are so nice. I mean, I don't really always expect an enthusiastic hello when I walk into a chain hotdog joint, but yet I get it every time. I like the Texas Ranger Burger almost as much as I like their wings. OK, fine I love them the same. The fries are also pretty decent and you can get them all kinds of ways just like you can customize your hotdog. I don't LOVE having a giant roll as a hotdog roll, but sometimes when you've got a lot of toppings, you need something to keep them in check. Despite the neighborhood, this place is clean, has a parking lot and the service is always top notch.
(4)
Victor K.
Spike's Junkyard Dogs makes a simple hot dog delicious! People may think a hot dog is just a hot dog until they order one of their specialty dogs! If only they were in walking distance I would go there at least once or twice a week! Also this place has a hotdog challenge that I want to try, if you can eat 6 or more dogs you can win a T-shirt :D
(4)
David G.
I freaking LOVE SPIKES. I had a pretty serious Spike's addiction back in the 90s when I lived on the East Side and my friends and I would go to the Thayer Street spikes almost every day. I tried to eat six dogs in an hour to get my picture on the wall, but instead I ate five and a half, walked outside and threw up on The Gap. Point is, Spikes is awesome. I'm sad that the Thayer Street location is gone, and I'm sad that I'm almost never near one of the other locations so I don't go often. It looks like they may have trimmed down their menu a bit since their 90s heyday, but they still have my two favorites - the Texas Ranger dog (bbq sauce and bacon) and the All-American. A piece of advice - get your All-American with honey mustard instead of spikes mustard. If you save if for last, it's like eating a hot dog for dessert.
(5)
Holiday S.
Spike's serves up a world-class hot dog. Sensational.
(5)
Sarah O.
Surprisingly, best vegetarian hot dog I've had. Loaded w mustard, baked beans, and cheese. Delish!
(3)
Joe B.
Absolutely the best in every way. I only wish they'd expand nationwide!
(5)
Julie A.
I love Spikes. '57 T-bird meal for me. Delicious curly fries and yum yum hotdogs. 2 visits ago, I had a SPIKE sighting. He's so adorable. This location have been around for many years. It remains clean and the Spikes standard is upheld. Keep up the good work!
(4)
Aly K.
I took my parents to Spike's 6 years ago when they came to visit me in Providence. My dad, a native New Yorker, would eat hot dogs everyday if we let him. To this day, he still mentions Spike's to me weekly and is always ready for a trip to RI if I promise to take him. Spike's is great. The hot dogs are awesome, the chicken sandwiches are good too! If you don't like Spike's, I don't like you!
(5)
Keyser S.
Probably one of the more over-rated restaurants in Providence. The quality of the dogs is very poor. If you are looking for a better dog, drive up to Worcester and go to Coney Island.
(2)
Eric S.
The prices aren't bad, and the hot dogs are decent, but the oversized bun is not my preferred style so I probably won't be going back. In all fairness, it's my preference that doesn't fit, not the hot dog itself, hence the three stars.
(3)
S. R.
Great hot dogs on freshly baked bread!
(4)
Morgan C.
We rolled up to Spikes at 9pm on a Sunday night and ordered the following weiners: 1. ALL AMERICAN DOG feat. baked beans & cheese 2. SAMURAI DOG feat. teriyaki & sauted onions 3.GERMAN SHEPARD feat. sauerkraut & mustard 4. JUNKYARD DOG feat. tomato, pickle & hot pepper 5. RUSSIAN feat. sauerkraut, russian dressing & swiss cheese 6. TEXAS RANGER feat. bbq, bacon & cheddar *All the aforementioned featured large, all beef dogs in a huge, fluffy sandwich roll which are very filling, even for large appetites* Individual dog ratings: 1. ALL AMERICAN DOG- 4 stars, the baked beans make it 2. SAMURAI DOG- 2 stars, nothing special except onions 3. GERMAN SHEPARD- 4 stars, completely smothered in melted cheese 4. JUNKYARD DOG- 3 stars, lighter option, heavy on the traditional toppings 5. RUSSIAN- 5 stars, heart attack smothered in cheese and dripping dressing 6. TEXAS RANGER- 3 stars, can't taste the bacon *Skip the poodle fries, which were soggy, and save room for as many dogs as you can fit. After all, these really are the highlight of this place. It's definitely not the faux, junkyard decor*
(4)
Ted D.
Been coming to Spike's for over 20 years (initially at the Thayer St location) and have never had a complaint. Very friendly staff & owners. 57 T-Bird is my favorite. The combo deal is the way to go. I enjoy their O rings and both of my daughters have "graduated" to being able to finish their hot dogs... The neighborhood is fine if, just as you would elsewhere, you keep your head about you. Also, plan to take a right out of the parking lot when leaving because I don't think I have ever successfully pulled off running the gauntlet to go left in the at least 10 years I've been going to this location, the Branch & Hawkins intersection is just too busy!
(4)
Brian M.
I'm not sure if the quality of the dogs have gone downhill or if my tastes have just changed. In their heyday Spike's had locations sprinkled all over the state. I would scoff at anyone claiming that the best dogs were in places like Chicago or New York because I knew full well that you couldn't find a better hot dog than the ones at Spike's. I even would've picked a Spike's dog over a Fenway Frank (not that there's anything special about Fenway Franks...it's just scientific fact that hot dogs taste better at the ballpark). Now they're down to only a handful of locations and I just don't like them as much as I used to. The hot dogs are still big and meaty. It would still be impressive to make their Hall of Fame by eating six hot dogs, a feat that many dream of, but few realize. But the buns that once seemed so light and perfectly crisp now seem a little chewy with a hint of recent defrosting. The bacon bits that seemed so great just don't cut it in an era where fresh and quality ingredients are all the rage. The once perfectly cooked dog with bubbling browned cheese on top now seems luke warm. Even their fantastic curly fries (It's a scientific fact that curly fries are better than regular fries....bet you didn't think you'd learn so many scientific facts in a Yelp review) now seem overly salty. I don't know if it's me or if it's them, but something has changed over the years. They're worth a try if you've never been, but the next time someone tells me that the best hot dogs in the world come from Chicago, I just might be willing to listen.
(3)
Jalon Z.
Spike's is great and I always try to make a stop here for lunch when I am in Providence. Named after the founding bulldog, "Chairman Spike", the local chain offers unique dogs with a plethora of toppings and a junkyard theme. The standard is the "Junkyard Dog" which comes with Spike's mustard, tomato, pickle, hot pepper rings, & chopped green scallions. There are dog varieties to accomodate anyone's tastes, such as the Samurai Dog with teriyaki sauce or the 57 T-Bird, which has Honey Mustard and melted Swiss. The buns are always fresh, the customers local and orders are taken with a healthy dose of RI conversation and friendliness. The spicy chicken wing baskets have the approval of several co-workers and there is some good chili soup, curly fries, chili fries, etc. All of the dogs can be made vegetarian for the same price, but we have not had the courage to try it out. An Indian co-worker sticks to the chicken breast sandwiches. A dog, fries and soda runs $5.69.
(4)
Dan K.
I only have two complaints about Spike's: (1) The Thayer Street location I practically lived in when I was at Brown is closed, and (2) they've pretty much ruined other hot dogs for me. The Branch Ave location is further out of my way, but I always make it a point to go when I'm in town. Great meaty dogs with just the right amount of spiciness in a big french roll, and lots of toppings available. I go for chili and onions, but a lot of people like the dogs with cheese and/or BBQ sauce, and there are lots of recommended combos on the menu. (Though I advise against the Samurai Dog.) You can get a pretty filling meal for under $6.
(5)
Julie S.
Love going here when I need my late night fix! Texas Ranger is my favorite here, plus any place that has good food quick is a hit in my book!
(4)
Shannon D.
I go here every once in a while. I really like the 57 T-bird but I also tried the Pizza Dog not too long ago and that was pretty good too! Not always my first choice but if I'm in the area and craving a hot dog I know where to go.
(4)
Stop-Hate O.
Had the saurkraut hot dogs.......and the quality of the saurkraut was good quality.......the beef hot dog was good.......will return.....
(4)
Jeffrey S.
Cool little dog spot.
(3)
Scott L.
I've been stopping in here religiously once a week for almost 3 years now (before that the Thayer street location) and I can always find something that leaves me satisfied. Never had any complaints to say about the food yet. Easily the best hot dog franchise I've ever had. My personal favorites are the Texas Ranger (BBQ sauce, chopped bacon, cheddar cheese) and the Pizza Dog (pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese)
(5)
Greg B.
Great food, clean place, friendly service. I recommend the Texas Ranger or Weenie dog. Can't go wrong.
(5)
Meg M.
I am not a native Rhode Islander so I have only just experienced Spike's for the first time today at the Branch Ave. location in Providence. 'Twas quite an enjoyable lunch. My cohort ordered the 57 T-Bird (honey mustard and swiss) and the Texas Ranger(BBQ sauce, bacon and cheddar). I was wary of the Texas Ranger at first because I am not a big BBQ sauce lover, but the flavors went together very nicely. The honey mustard on the T-Bird was sweet but good. I ordered the Ball park dog (chopped onions, cheddar and Spikes mustard, which is like a dijon). Very good nice quality frank(no preservatives or other nasty crap inside, 100% beef) with a baguette style roll which was what made it unique for me. I wish I had been more adventurous and ordered one of the quirkier combos they offer, but as it was my first time I wanted to try a more basic offering just in case I didn't know what I was getting myself into. A return visit to Spike's is definately on the horizon.
(3)
Jesse B.
I'm vegetarian and I love Spikes. I loved it in Boston on Boylston and I love it in Providence on Branch. Everyone who works there has always been really friendly and the food is awesome. So fresh and so tasty. Get the veggy dog - it's yummy!
(5)
Amanda R.
Branch Ave Spikes is the best. Whereas Thayer always looks like a garbage can threw up on the tables, Branch Ave is clean and respectable. Here you can enjoy your hot dog in peace, without being accosted by drunken JWU and Brown hooligans. The one downside is they don't have the secret mini menu Thayer has, but you can still get whatever you want if you order it custom. If you're a vegetarian, try your dog with BBQ sauce, hot peppers, and cheese (A ranger w/ no bacon) Best veggie dog ever.
(4)
Joe M.
One of the best hot dogs you'll ever find... menu offerings run the gamut from the "Mutt" (plain dog, you can add your own mustard and relish and whatever) to the "Junkyard Dog" (bring your bottle of Pepto). Everything is fresh and although some of the toppings are truly bizarre, they get points for creativity and someone must be eating it! My personal favorites are the Texas Ranger and the All American. Possibly even better than the dogs themselves are the buns... not even buns really, but big, warm French rolls that are like a whole other meal. The sides are decent, nothing special, I usually just stick with a dog and sometimes a soda... this usually leaves me at around $5, which I'm more than happy to pay. Overall, nice down-to-earth place that's great for a late night snack or quick meal.
(4)
Mikal B.
I haven't been to Spikes since the spring of 1992 but I still vividly remember their dog being the best I've ever had. The buns, in fact, are actually better than the dogs. Put them together and you've got one of the best hot dogs on Earth!
(5)
Laura H.
Some of the best hot dogs I have ever had! Of course its no Fenway Frank but pretty close. So good, I ordered two! Amazing chili cheese fries and superb nachos. Just don't order a salad from them.
(4)
G S.
It's great that they offer a veggie dog, but I wish it were a better tasting one. It was good...just not great. I do love that they even offer one though and the buns are freakin delicious so definitely four stars here.
(4)
Frederic D.
Great place for a quick Lunch...Really good Hot Dog's !
(4)
E J K.
With the Spike's on Thayer Street closed, this is the only one in Providence, and frankly, it was always the best. Many options on a huge menu, my fav of which has to be the '57 Chevy, with honey mustard, bacon, and swiss. The nicest owner imaginable. It's really that rare place where you can get full and satisfied on a $6 meal.
(4)
Guy D.
What the heck can I say about Spike's JYD? It is an experience and a half. If you live close to providence, try it!!! My fav is the German Shep. Dog w/sauer kraut. Great place. great staff, great atmosphere. Bad on the prostrate, pancreas & colon. A sodium nitrateophile's sweetest dream!!!!!
(4)
Jason B.
This is our home-base Spike's, even if it is not that walkable from our place. My favorite dogs are the Grinder Dog and the RI Weenie Dog (Spike's version of a hot wiener).
(4)
Randy H.
no better place for a hotdog in the state.
(5)
David G.
I freaking LOVE SPIKES. I had a pretty serious Spike's addiction back in the 90s when I lived on the East Side and my friends and I would go to the Thayer Street spikes almost every day. I tried to eat six dogs in an hour to get my picture on the wall, but instead I ate five and a half, walked outside and threw up on The Gap. Point is, Spikes is awesome. I'm sad that the Thayer Street location is gone, and I'm sad that I'm almost never near one of the other locations so I don't go often. It looks like they may have trimmed down their menu a bit since their 90s heyday, but they still have my two favorites - the Texas Ranger dog (bbq sauce and bacon) and the All-American. A piece of advice - get your All-American with honey mustard instead of spikes mustard. If you save if for last, it's like eating a hot dog for dessert.
(5)
Holiday S.
Spike's serves up a world-class hot dog. Sensational.
(5)
Sarah O.
Surprisingly, best vegetarian hot dog I've had. Loaded w mustard, baked beans, and cheese. Delish!
(3)
Joe B.
Absolutely the best in every way. I only wish they'd expand nationwide!
(5)
Julie A.
I love Spikes. '57 T-bird meal for me. Delicious curly fries and yum yum hotdogs. 2 visits ago, I had a SPIKE sighting. He's so adorable. This location have been around for many years. It remains clean and the Spikes standard is upheld. Keep up the good work!
(4)
Aly K.
I took my parents to Spike's 6 years ago when they came to visit me in Providence. My dad, a native New Yorker, would eat hot dogs everyday if we let him. To this day, he still mentions Spike's to me weekly and is always ready for a trip to RI if I promise to take him. Spike's is great. The hot dogs are awesome, the chicken sandwiches are good too! If you don't like Spike's, I don't like you!
(5)
Keyser S.
Probably one of the more over-rated restaurants in Providence. The quality of the dogs is very poor. If you are looking for a better dog, drive up to Worcester and go to Coney Island.
(2)
Eric S.
The prices aren't bad, and the hot dogs are decent, but the oversized bun is not my preferred style so I probably won't be going back. In all fairness, it's my preference that doesn't fit, not the hot dog itself, hence the three stars.
(3)
S. R.
Great hot dogs on freshly baked bread!
(4)
Kisha T.
I love that I'm a regular here and haven't even reviewed this place yet. Oh Spike's, you are my go-to hot dog place in Providence. Although I do have hankerings for hot wieners here and there, but most of the time, Spike's Texas Ranger and Chili & Cheddar dogs are what I'm really craving. The best thing about Spike's are the buns. They're baked fresh and really gives the bun a bigger "roll" than just to hold the dog. The dog itself is quite good too. Just enough snap when you bite into it and it's very juicy. Another thing I really love about this place are their Junkyard fries: curly fries with fresh chili and shredded cheddar. Yum yum. It's nothing fancy or complicated but I love that they do the hot dog so well. I really want to try the other things on the menu since the wings and chicken sandwiches look to be rather popular with people too. I'll keep coming back for the dogs and maybe one day, I'll get to see Spike himself!
(5)
Ernest L.
Spikes is consistently great, save for the one time they almost gave me a beef frank, but I forgive them. I used to frequent the Spikes around the block from me in Cranston until it closed for awhile because it exploded or caught on fire or something. One day during its closing, I was determined to have a veggie dog on my lunch break, and I drove the 20 min to this location. The Branch Ave location does not disappoint. I always get the German Shepard out of habit. It comes with Spike's Mustard and sauerkraut. The roll is bulky and chewy. If you put condiments on it, the roll won't get soggy enough to fall apart like a roll from Sunbeam. The veggie dogs are good sized and taste great. The Spike's mustard has a slight kick to it, and I often opt for regular mustard. Sauerkraut is good, but I don't really know anything about what makes a sauerkraut good or bad. Pickled anything is good to me. The curly fries are fun to play with. Boing boing!
(4)
Kameron S.
Best hot dog joint there is, hands down. They do everything right, from the bread (best ever) and the big hot dogs, and my kids love the chicken tenders too. Get the chili cheese dog with spike's spicy mustard. You will thank me. They are all franchises, but have the same quality at every location, which is so nice.
(5)
Eric D.
Try the 57 T-Bird dog.
(5)
Alex H.
This place is great. Unique and delicious selection of about 20 different hot dogs. Sure they sell other food, but you come here for the hot dogs. I got the Buffalo Chicken Dog and it was great! Comes with really tasty curly fries too! I have been here twice and both times I was met with great service and really good food. If you are looking for a quick meal, this is the place to go.
(4)
Rich B.
Sort of over rated. Really wasn't that good. It's gone down in quality every time I've gone...
(2)
Ryan D.
What isn't great about Spike's? Yes I know it is a local chain, but the service and food don't disappoint, much like other chains. The rolls, oh wow those rolls. I have never had a thicker hot dog roll than Spike's. Whoever was the genius behind that grill who said "wow I want a big bulkie roll for my dog" should be given a medal. I always try to get a different dog each time I go. Last night I got myself the Mexicali dog which has salsa, pepperoncini and cheddar cheese. The cheese keeps it all together, along with the large roll. With the different styles of dogs, that roll really holds it all together, where normal rolls would get soggy and fall apart. Definitely get the junkyard fries as a side, not quite your normal chili cheese fries. The chili is nice, thick and meaty (allll right mind out of the gutter). Service is very quick too, bring the food right to you. Ambiance might seem a little kitschy but I think it fits with the restaurant. Definitely hit up not just this Spike's but any in the area if you see one.
(5)
Leah W.
Yes, 5 stars for a hot dog joint! For those of you lamenting the closures of certain locations, don't cry! Dash Providence (Foodler) delivers for them! Like other reviewers, Spike's has ruined me for any other hotdog. A honking, juicy, flavorful dog in a soft fresh chewy roll, and it comes in so many combos that you're bound to be satisfied! My faves: The Patriot, with stone-ground mustard, bacon, and cheddar. The Reuben, with what else but sauerkraut, Swiss, and Russian dressing? So genius! Also, the amazingly delish "hubcap" chocolate chip cookie is the size of my head!
(5)
Dante V.
Went here for lunch take out (1:15 pm) I got 2 junkyard dogs. It's REALLY hard to screw up a hot dog.... Well these wieners were terrible. Awful and old like they had been the last two dogs at the bottom of the container and should have been thrown out. I also noticed that the bun was overly hard, crunchy and stale. I barely finished the first dog and was hoping it was just a fluke, but NOOOOOO!!! The other wiener blew just as badly. VERY sad indeed see, I have had spikes several times before (at the other location downstairs from Jerkys) I would stumble down drunkenly from Jerkys and shove a couple of American sausages in my eating hole. EVERY time they were fresh, tasty and delicious. Not so here my friend. NOT EVEN CLOSE :( The only reason I was able to put that meat log in my mouth was my extreme level of "hungryness" Those gross tube steak's almost had the texture of beef jerky. The other thing that threw me off was the interaction between a customer and employee. I believe she was at least the shift manager. Pretty much from the time I ordered until leaving she was either harassing/mocking this customer that was in the restroom. Talking about her to me and the other workers. I came in the middle of it so I'm not sure exactly what was happening but the word scumbag was thrown around. While I found this quite entertaining if not a bit awkward, most people would not. In a nutshell - OLD WIENERS, STALE BREAD & POOR BOUNDARY HAVING WORKER - yep :) I gave 2 stars for the entertainment and fresh toppings. Otherwise I would have given only 1 star. I tried to contact Spikes about this and found their website. Would you believe there is no way to contact these people through email or HQ/managerial phone? This is THE ONLY contact info I was able to obtain through Spikes website: For current franchise information, please write: Dave Drake Spike's Junkyard Dogs, USA 640 Reservoir Avenue Cranston, RI 02910 OUTSTANDING....................F.A.I.L :( :( :(
(2)
Tyla s.
blah. A couple years ago a friend begged me to order one of their dogs with her because she kept telling me how DELICIOUS they are. umm no. I didn't like it, I didn't see what the big deal was. It was JUST a hot dog. Well tonight my man did the same thing to me. Begged me to try something from there with him because he said the same thing, "they're delicious". So I figured I'd give it another try. & AGAIN, BLAH, didn't like it. I decided to try the steak & cheese. Didn't like it. No flavor, small portion. NOT worth what they charge for it. My boyfriend made me try a bite of his hot dog & it was "OK"... so no, I wouldn't waste my money on that place again.
(2)
Jennifer F.
If you're craving a weiner with the works, come here! This place is cute. It gives you the feeling of being in a garage or junkyard w/o actually being dirty. There is plenty of seating and plenty of choices to choose from. They not only serve weiners, but wings and chicken sandwiches, among other things! My hubby ordered the Texas Ranger, which was filled with BBQ sauce, chopped bacon, and cheddar cheese. I didn't want to take any chances, as we had a 6 hour flight home that same day, so I played it safe and ordered a plain dog with ketchup and pickles. The bun makes ALL the difference! Homemade buns that are soft and warm=yum! The fries are pretty good too. All for a decent price!
(4)
Heather L.
Couldn't love this place more. Hot dogs and curly fries are heavenly, and the staff are always friendly. Check it out if you haven't yet - it's an affordable place (rare in Providence) with good food.
(5)
Sarah C.
I've been a lover of Spike's since I was a teen and they still don't disappoint. I usually go with the buffalo dog and fries. I haven't tried their chicken sandwiches or pizzas, as I just can't get anything else but their delicious hot dogs. The fresh baked bread it comes on is also great.
(5)
Vincent T.
Ok.. a cool hot dog joint with a cool theme. although they serve sandwiches, pizza, wings, etc., I've only had the dogs, and boy are they something. these dogs are large.. not like the NY System dogs, but so big that they're served on half of a fresh torpedo (or sub) roll. Then they're topped with practically anything you'd want. You can go with their creations (I prefer the chili-cheese and buffalo dogs) or create your own. The curly fries are always done perfectly and the onion rings are pretty good too. This location is pretty clean, with ample parking. I always see the same guy in there and he's always friendly and helpful.
(5)
R P.
BEWARE OF DOG! Good dog! For some local culture, drop by, kick back and have a #1 mutt.
(5)
Maximillian S.
Got the "Texas Ranger" dog today. Really tasty. It was the recommendation from the guy at the register. Said it was his favorite and the most popular. The best part was the bread that the dog was on. Good stuff and not flimsy. Really quality dog. Upgrade to 4 stars!
(4)
Stephen D.
Good hotdogs, not as good a Chicago Hot Dogs, having been to Chicago many times. However, it does offer different choices on how to prepare and make interesting a good hot dog. I did not give this establishment a 5 star rating because it does not offer RI's traditional Hot Weiner which puts us on the map. The business tries to obviously make an effort to avoid making wieners, but they do it at their own loss of additional revenue. If they can offer wieners as a choice, they would own the hot dog business in RI. Atmosphere is okay, restrooms are moderately clean. My review here is to nudge them a bit to embrace RI's famous wieners, fail to do so does not make me a frequent customer, but they do deserve a 4 Star for their efforts.
(4)
Sarah W.
I used to come here when my sister and brother went to Providence College, when Spike's first opened 13 years ago. The dogs are delicious and everything's made in the USA. Definitely get the cookie and the meal. The curly fries are better than I remember and I love the Spike's root beer- not too sweet, not too fizzy- just right.
(5)
BoomerTelly ..
Being a vegetarian, Spike's isn't an eatery I visit all too often. However, I was with a friend who wanted to eat lunch here a while back, and I went along. I ordered two plain veggie dogs, veggie dogs aren't the best tasting thing I've ever had, but they exist more for a novelty, or social aspect. However, when I was served, I was served two regular dogs. Luckily for me, you can readily tell the difference between the spikes dogs and the veggie dogs, as their hotdogs are somewhat larger and sausage like. I understand mistakes happen, and I'm not one of those vegetarians who freak out and cause a scene. But I politely asked if they could remake the dogs for me. At which point, the person who served me starting arguing with me that I had not ordered veggie dogs. I told him that I'm pretty sure that I haven't eaten pork in 8 years, and that I would please like them to remake them for me. They eventually did make them for me. However, I found their reaction to my polite request extremely rude, especially considering how many people in my possition usually act. Again, mistakes happen, but I've worked in customer service and it's all about how it's handled.
(1)
George M.
So, I am a huge fan of the spikes in the emerald square mall. Great food and great people. I Just used "foodler" as a delivery service for the providence spike's hoping for the same experience. The only portion of the order that was correct was the fires. We ordered 2 grinder dogs and received something with relish on it - not grinder sauce as described and a steak & cheese with no onions and american cheese - there were tons of onions and no cheese. I will not be using foodler to order from this spikes ever again.
(1)
C J.
This place gets very high marks from me for its consistency...Spike's is good and has been good for years. I stopped in there on a whim today after several years and was very pleased to find that, like always, the dog was very good and properly cooked, the fries were crisp, hot and not overly salty and there's the wonderful bread the hot dogs are served on. Exceptional. I was also pleased to see that there are still veggie dogs offered and that they, too, are properly cooked and served with the same attention that everything else is. One of the really great things about Spike's is how friendly they always seem to be as well. All in all, just about as good as hot dog places get around here...
(5)
Linda A.
This is one of my guilty pleasures. I've never had a Spike's dog I didn't love. The buns are amazingly fresh baguettes, the dogs are quarter pound beauties, and even the tofu pup is tasty -- albeit against my religion -- haha. My faves are the Texas Ranger, the 57 T-Bird, and the RI dogs (a much tastier version of the NY system dogs). I crave the wings on a daily basis. It's a struggle to drive by and not stop for a 7 piece wing. The hubcap cookies are larger than my face and also amazing -- thin and crispy along the edges, soft and chewy towards the middle. Delicious! The owners are also super friendly and wonderful. I can't say a bad thing about this place!
(5)
Elizabeth G.
These hotdogs are drool-worthy. I'm weird about food; so, I've never tried one myself, but every time I see one im in heaven in my head.
(4)
Amanda M.
GOOD DOGS AT SPIKE'S I first heard about Spike's Junkyard Dogs back in 2003, when they had a location in Greenville. The Greenville location has long since closed - bummer - but the Branch Avenue location is a good excuse to go to Providence. The hot dogs do not disappoint. They're everything you want in a hot dog - meaty and juicy - with none of the "junk" you don't (no pun intended). Being a lover of hot dogs - both the edible and the four - legged variety - I definitely love the hot dogs. Mutt? Poodle cheese fries? Where else but Spike's would you find that on the menu? Did I mention they bake all their rolls fresh, right there in the restaurant? It doesn't get any fresher than that. No matter which location you go to, these hot dogs will have your taste buds sit up, roll over and beg for more. I go for either a Mutt or a Texas Ranger, which has cheddar, bacon and BBQ sauce on it. The Mutt is great if you just want the flavor of the hot dog itself, and the poodle cheese fries are cooked just right. So if you're in Providence and you're looking for a good place to have a hot dog, take a little drive down Branch Avenue and follow your nose. - Okay, they're located at 485 Branch Avenue, but following your nose is way more fun. Now who wants some more poodle cheese fries.?
(5)
Sara B.
I gotta say I still like it! Loved it way back in the day late night after drinks and still crave a Friday chicken sammich with like 29 toppings and Curley fries on the dude! I'm not a huge hotdog fan but everything on the menu is good. Nothing too fancy, simple but delicious toppings and the serving sizes are pretty decent. I like the location they have in the emerald mall too. It's not instant, there is about a 10-15 minute wait but at least u know its getting made to order! I ask for the sauces on the side only cuz they out alot, in my opinion.
(4)
Natalie S.
I really love chicken wings and this place is worth the drive for to go. The fries are always freshly made as are the wings. They don't drowned your wings in crappy sauce. They smother them and give you enough blue cheese to enjoy them. Really excellent service everyone is pleasant!
(5)
Karen N.
I was trying to write this review on National Hot Dog Day but I totally missed it! When I mentioned going to that Olneyville place, I was swayed by my northeastern friends that I was misguided and outright wrong. I had to come here. Fine. This place is a bit kitschy. But cute. It looks like a junkyard. If a junkyard was really clean and served food and had washing stations. Let me just say this was the best weiner I've had. Yup, make your jokes... I don't care. The combinations of franks they have here is insane. The buns - ridic. Everything together - lots of silence at the clean junkyard table.
(4)
Camille M.
Really yummy vegetarian hot dogs; the rolls are substantial and freshly baked, and really great toppings and combinations.
(4)
Kathy S.
My boyfriend and I went there tonight for supper.. We are regulars so its so funny how the people already know our order and recite it for us if we forget! The mom is so nice and awesome to chat with while we wait. Even when they are busy they are still fast! The veggie dogs are bomb! So filling! Great food, great prices, great employers, great armosphere!
(5)
Michael M.
This Spike's is so much better than the Attleboro mall one! They have about 20 different weiners to choose from like the 57 T-Bird, which is with honey mustard and swiss cheese or the Texas Ranger, which comes with BBQ sauce, bacon and cheddar cheese. My favorite is the Buffalo dog! The curly fries and wings are really good also. The staff here is very helpful and if you don't know what exactly to get they will give you recommendations. I only wish that they had fried Oreos like the Attleboro location!
(4)
Laura H.
Some of the best hot dogs I have ever had! Of course its no Fenway Frank but pretty close. So good, I ordered two! Amazing chili cheese fries and superb nachos. Just don't order a salad from them.
(4)
Guy D.
What the heck can I say about Spike's JYD? It is an experience and a half. If you live close to providence, try it!!! My fav is the German Shep. Dog w/sauer kraut. Great place. great staff, great atmosphere. Bad on the prostrate, pancreas & colon. A sodium nitrateophile's sweetest dream!!!!!
(4)
Jason B.
This is our home-base Spike's, even if it is not that walkable from our place. My favorite dogs are the Grinder Dog and the RI Weenie Dog (Spike's version of a hot wiener).
(4)
Michael S.
I'm a hot dog guy... specifically a Chicago hot dog guy. That's the best way to have a hot dog and I stand by it. Enter Spike's. Gf and I wanted to try Olneyville, but it was not opened yet so she found Spike's knowing I wanted a hot dog. Anyways, split three dogs with the gf. Not sure what the name of the one that is like Olneyville's is, but I thought it was very good. Junkyard dog that my gf was good and the chili cheese dog was the standout winner. I liked the roll they use and the hot dog itself had great flavor. Honestly, I did like the dog quite a bit thinking it was more flavorful than my Chicago vienna beef I'm used to. My heart and loyalty will still lie with Vienna beef hot dogs Chicago style, but wow... Spike's is really high up there. Yes, I think it's better than NY hot dogs for sure though. Excellent food and great service (they brought our food to us which is a nice touch for a hot dog joint.) If only I knew there were some Spike's in Boston. I'll def. come back when in the area.
(4)
John M.
We were dropping the kid off at school today and decided to find somewhere quick and affordable to grab a bite. So I searched Yelp and found this little hole in the wall located in Providence. I had high expectations after reading the reviews on Yelp and I have to say that I wasn't dissapointed at all. I had read that it was located in a sketchy area of Providence, but it really didn't seem all that bad to me. The restaurant itself is very small and decorated with hub caps and various silly signs, not upscale at all. My daughter who is studying to be a pastry chef tore the place apart about the lack of cleanliness but it didn't seem too bad to me. After all they're serving hot dogs, not beef wellington and as long as it don't see anything too nasty, it doesn't bother me all that much. So we shuffled up to the counter and ordered. They have a large variety of hot dogs that come in a combo with curly fries and a soda or simply by themselves. They also had chicken wings, subs and salads. No burgers though, but I believe that they offer them at other locations, just not this one for whatever reason. I ordered the chili cheese dog, my wife got the Junkyard special (tomatoes, pickles, diced scallions, sweet peppers and spicy mustard), my daughter got a plain and my son the wing basket. My dog was great, the chili was pretty good and the cheese was melted into it. My wife was a little leery when she got hers, but said the flavors worked very well together. The wings were good, a no brainer there and my daughter enjoyed hers as well. One thing that was great was the fact that the dogs come on a home baked half loaf of french bread which had a great texture and taste to it. It's also worth mentioning that the hot dogs are not the typical size you'd get anywhere else, they are larger and I'd estimate that 1 of theirs would equal about 2 regular sized ones. The staff was very friendly, my little guy actually was pretty sad about the wings as they were too spicy for him. He can't tolerate anything spicy and shame on me for even ordering them when he asked for them. The chef noticed he was upset and came right up to us asking if he could get something else for him. Class move in my opinion. Of course I ordered another dog (which I paid for), gave him mine and then ate his wings too. What else would I do right??? I will certainly stop by when I need a quick lunch and I look forward to trying one of the other varities of dogs on the menu. Definitely my kinda place!
(4)
A Z.
The people who work here are so nice. I mean, I don't really always expect an enthusiastic hello when I walk into a chain hotdog joint, but yet I get it every time. I like the Texas Ranger Burger almost as much as I like their wings. OK, fine I love them the same. The fries are also pretty decent and you can get them all kinds of ways just like you can customize your hotdog. I don't LOVE having a giant roll as a hotdog roll, but sometimes when you've got a lot of toppings, you need something to keep them in check. Despite the neighborhood, this place is clean, has a parking lot and the service is always top notch.
(4)
Victor K.
Spike's Junkyard Dogs makes a simple hot dog delicious! People may think a hot dog is just a hot dog until they order one of their specialty dogs! If only they were in walking distance I would go there at least once or twice a week! Also this place has a hotdog challenge that I want to try, if you can eat 6 or more dogs you can win a T-shirt :D
(4)
Ted D.
Been coming to Spike's for over 20 years (initially at the Thayer St location) and have never had a complaint. Very friendly staff & owners. 57 T-Bird is my favorite. The combo deal is the way to go. I enjoy their O rings and both of my daughters have "graduated" to being able to finish their hot dogs... The neighborhood is fine if, just as you would elsewhere, you keep your head about you. Also, plan to take a right out of the parking lot when leaving because I don't think I have ever successfully pulled off running the gauntlet to go left in the at least 10 years I've been going to this location, the Branch & Hawkins intersection is just too busy!
(4)
Brian M.
I'm not sure if the quality of the dogs have gone downhill or if my tastes have just changed. In their heyday Spike's had locations sprinkled all over the state. I would scoff at anyone claiming that the best dogs were in places like Chicago or New York because I knew full well that you couldn't find a better hot dog than the ones at Spike's. I even would've picked a Spike's dog over a Fenway Frank (not that there's anything special about Fenway Franks...it's just scientific fact that hot dogs taste better at the ballpark). Now they're down to only a handful of locations and I just don't like them as much as I used to. The hot dogs are still big and meaty. It would still be impressive to make their Hall of Fame by eating six hot dogs, a feat that many dream of, but few realize. But the buns that once seemed so light and perfectly crisp now seem a little chewy with a hint of recent defrosting. The bacon bits that seemed so great just don't cut it in an era where fresh and quality ingredients are all the rage. The once perfectly cooked dog with bubbling browned cheese on top now seems luke warm. Even their fantastic curly fries (It's a scientific fact that curly fries are better than regular fries....bet you didn't think you'd learn so many scientific facts in a Yelp review) now seem overly salty. I don't know if it's me or if it's them, but something has changed over the years. They're worth a try if you've never been, but the next time someone tells me that the best hot dogs in the world come from Chicago, I just might be willing to listen.
(3)
Jalon Z.
Spike's is great and I always try to make a stop here for lunch when I am in Providence. Named after the founding bulldog, "Chairman Spike", the local chain offers unique dogs with a plethora of toppings and a junkyard theme. The standard is the "Junkyard Dog" which comes with Spike's mustard, tomato, pickle, hot pepper rings, & chopped green scallions. There are dog varieties to accomodate anyone's tastes, such as the Samurai Dog with teriyaki sauce or the 57 T-Bird, which has Honey Mustard and melted Swiss. The buns are always fresh, the customers local and orders are taken with a healthy dose of RI conversation and friendliness. The spicy chicken wing baskets have the approval of several co-workers and there is some good chili soup, curly fries, chili fries, etc. All of the dogs can be made vegetarian for the same price, but we have not had the courage to try it out. An Indian co-worker sticks to the chicken breast sandwiches. A dog, fries and soda runs $5.69.
(4)
Dan K.
I only have two complaints about Spike's: (1) The Thayer Street location I practically lived in when I was at Brown is closed, and (2) they've pretty much ruined other hot dogs for me. The Branch Ave location is further out of my way, but I always make it a point to go when I'm in town. Great meaty dogs with just the right amount of spiciness in a big french roll, and lots of toppings available. I go for chili and onions, but a lot of people like the dogs with cheese and/or BBQ sauce, and there are lots of recommended combos on the menu. (Though I advise against the Samurai Dog.) You can get a pretty filling meal for under $6.
(5)
Julie S.
Love going here when I need my late night fix! Texas Ranger is my favorite here, plus any place that has good food quick is a hit in my book!
(4)
Shannon D.
I go here every once in a while. I really like the 57 T-bird but I also tried the Pizza Dog not too long ago and that was pretty good too! Not always my first choice but if I'm in the area and craving a hot dog I know where to go.
(4)
Stop-Hate O.
Had the saurkraut hot dogs.......and the quality of the saurkraut was good quality.......the beef hot dog was good.......will return.....
(4)
Jeffrey S.
Cool little dog spot.
(3)
Scott L.
I've been stopping in here religiously once a week for almost 3 years now (before that the Thayer street location) and I can always find something that leaves me satisfied. Never had any complaints to say about the food yet. Easily the best hot dog franchise I've ever had. My personal favorites are the Texas Ranger (BBQ sauce, chopped bacon, cheddar cheese) and the Pizza Dog (pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese)
(5)
Greg B.
Great food, clean place, friendly service. I recommend the Texas Ranger or Weenie dog. Can't go wrong.
(5)
Joe M.
One of the best hot dogs you'll ever find... menu offerings run the gamut from the "Mutt" (plain dog, you can add your own mustard and relish and whatever) to the "Junkyard Dog" (bring your bottle of Pepto). Everything is fresh and although some of the toppings are truly bizarre, they get points for creativity and someone must be eating it! My personal favorites are the Texas Ranger and the All American. Possibly even better than the dogs themselves are the buns... not even buns really, but big, warm French rolls that are like a whole other meal. The sides are decent, nothing special, I usually just stick with a dog and sometimes a soda... this usually leaves me at around $5, which I'm more than happy to pay. Overall, nice down-to-earth place that's great for a late night snack or quick meal.
(4)
Mikal B.
I haven't been to Spikes since the spring of 1992 but I still vividly remember their dog being the best I've ever had. The buns, in fact, are actually better than the dogs. Put them together and you've got one of the best hot dogs on Earth!
(5)
G S.
It's great that they offer a veggie dog, but I wish it were a better tasting one. It was good...just not great. I do love that they even offer one though and the buns are freakin delicious so definitely four stars here.
(4)
Frederic D.
Great place for a quick Lunch...Really good Hot Dog's !
(4)
E J K.
With the Spike's on Thayer Street closed, this is the only one in Providence, and frankly, it was always the best. Many options on a huge menu, my fav of which has to be the '57 Chevy, with honey mustard, bacon, and swiss. The nicest owner imaginable. It's really that rare place where you can get full and satisfied on a $6 meal.
(4)
Morgan C.
We rolled up to Spikes at 9pm on a Sunday night and ordered the following weiners: 1. ALL AMERICAN DOG feat. baked beans & cheese 2. SAMURAI DOG feat. teriyaki & sauted onions 3.GERMAN SHEPARD feat. sauerkraut & mustard 4. JUNKYARD DOG feat. tomato, pickle & hot pepper 5. RUSSIAN feat. sauerkraut, russian dressing & swiss cheese 6. TEXAS RANGER feat. bbq, bacon & cheddar *All the aforementioned featured large, all beef dogs in a huge, fluffy sandwich roll which are very filling, even for large appetites* Individual dog ratings: 1. ALL AMERICAN DOG- 4 stars, the baked beans make it 2. SAMURAI DOG- 2 stars, nothing special except onions 3. GERMAN SHEPARD- 4 stars, completely smothered in melted cheese 4. JUNKYARD DOG- 3 stars, lighter option, heavy on the traditional toppings 5. RUSSIAN- 5 stars, heart attack smothered in cheese and dripping dressing 6. TEXAS RANGER- 3 stars, can't taste the bacon *Skip the poodle fries, which were soggy, and save room for as many dogs as you can fit. After all, these really are the highlight of this place. It's definitely not the faux, junkyard decor*
(4)
Meg M.
I am not a native Rhode Islander so I have only just experienced Spike's for the first time today at the Branch Ave. location in Providence. 'Twas quite an enjoyable lunch. My cohort ordered the 57 T-Bird (honey mustard and swiss) and the Texas Ranger(BBQ sauce, bacon and cheddar). I was wary of the Texas Ranger at first because I am not a big BBQ sauce lover, but the flavors went together very nicely. The honey mustard on the T-Bird was sweet but good. I ordered the Ball park dog (chopped onions, cheddar and Spikes mustard, which is like a dijon). Very good nice quality frank(no preservatives or other nasty crap inside, 100% beef) with a baguette style roll which was what made it unique for me. I wish I had been more adventurous and ordered one of the quirkier combos they offer, but as it was my first time I wanted to try a more basic offering just in case I didn't know what I was getting myself into. A return visit to Spike's is definately on the horizon.
(3)
Jesse B.
I'm vegetarian and I love Spikes. I loved it in Boston on Boylston and I love it in Providence on Branch. Everyone who works there has always been really friendly and the food is awesome. So fresh and so tasty. Get the veggy dog - it's yummy!
(5)
Amanda R.
Branch Ave Spikes is the best. Whereas Thayer always looks like a garbage can threw up on the tables, Branch Ave is clean and respectable. Here you can enjoy your hot dog in peace, without being accosted by drunken JWU and Brown hooligans. The one downside is they don't have the secret mini menu Thayer has, but you can still get whatever you want if you order it custom. If you're a vegetarian, try your dog with BBQ sauce, hot peppers, and cheese (A ranger w/ no bacon) Best veggie dog ever.
(4)
Randy H.
no better place for a hotdog in the state.
(5)
Michael L.
This is a good place for a quick bite before heading into Providence or Pawtucket.The rolls are really good as are the condiments.The curly fries also live up to their billing.I also reccomend the chicken wings as eat in or to go.I will be back!
(4)
Michael L.
This is a good place for a quick bite before heading into Providence or Pawtucket.The rolls are really good as are the condiments.The curly fries also live up to their billing.I also reccomend the chicken wings as eat in or to go.I will be back!
(4)
Joe M.
One of the best hot dogs you'll ever find... menu offerings run the gamut from the "Mutt" (plain dog, you can add your own mustard and relish and whatever) to the "Junkyard Dog" (bring your bottle of Pepto). Everything is fresh and although some of the toppings are truly bizarre, they get points for creativity and someone must be eating it! My personal favorites are the Texas Ranger and the All American. Possibly even better than the dogs themselves are the buns... not even buns really, but big, warm French rolls that are like a whole other meal. The sides are decent, nothing special, I usually just stick with a dog and sometimes a soda... this usually leaves me at around $5, which I'm more than happy to pay. Overall, nice down-to-earth place that's great for a late night snack or quick meal.
(4)
Mikal B.
I haven't been to Spikes since the spring of 1992 but I still vividly remember their dog being the best I've ever had. The buns, in fact, are actually better than the dogs. Put them together and you've got one of the best hot dogs on Earth!
(5)
Laura H.
Some of the best hot dogs I have ever had! Of course its no Fenway Frank but pretty close. So good, I ordered two! Amazing chili cheese fries and superb nachos. Just don't order a salad from them.
(4)
G S.
It's great that they offer a veggie dog, but I wish it were a better tasting one. It was good...just not great. I do love that they even offer one though and the buns are freakin delicious so definitely four stars here.
(4)
Frederic D.
Great place for a quick Lunch...Really good Hot Dog's !
(4)
E J K.
With the Spike's on Thayer Street closed, this is the only one in Providence, and frankly, it was always the best. Many options on a huge menu, my fav of which has to be the '57 Chevy, with honey mustard, bacon, and swiss. The nicest owner imaginable. It's really that rare place where you can get full and satisfied on a $6 meal.
(4)
Guy D.
What the heck can I say about Spike's JYD? It is an experience and a half. If you live close to providence, try it!!! My fav is the German Shep. Dog w/sauer kraut. Great place. great staff, great atmosphere. Bad on the prostrate, pancreas & colon. A sodium nitrateophile's sweetest dream!!!!!
(4)
Jason B.
This is our home-base Spike's, even if it is not that walkable from our place. My favorite dogs are the Grinder Dog and the RI Weenie Dog (Spike's version of a hot wiener).
(4)
Randy H.
no better place for a hotdog in the state.
(5)
Michael L.
This is a good place for a quick bite before heading into Providence or Pawtucket.The rolls are really good as are the condiments.The curly fries also live up to their billing.I also reccomend the chicken wings as eat in or to go.I will be back!
(4)
Eric S.
The prices aren't bad, and the hot dogs are decent, but the oversized bun is not my preferred style so I probably won't be going back. In all fairness, it's my preference that doesn't fit, not the hot dog itself, hence the three stars.
(3)
S. R.
Great hot dogs on freshly baked bread!
(4)
Tyla s.
blah. A couple years ago a friend begged me to order one of their dogs with her because she kept telling me how DELICIOUS they are. umm no. I didn't like it, I didn't see what the big deal was. It was JUST a hot dog. Well tonight my man did the same thing to me. Begged me to try something from there with him because he said the same thing, "they're delicious". So I figured I'd give it another try. & AGAIN, BLAH, didn't like it. I decided to try the steak & cheese. Didn't like it. No flavor, small portion. NOT worth what they charge for it. My boyfriend made me try a bite of his hot dog & it was "OK"... so no, I wouldn't waste my money on that place again.
(2)
Julie S.
Love going here when I need my late night fix! Texas Ranger is my favorite here, plus any place that has good food quick is a hit in my book!
(4)
Shannon D.
I go here every once in a while. I really like the 57 T-bird but I also tried the Pizza Dog not too long ago and that was pretty good too! Not always my first choice but if I'm in the area and craving a hot dog I know where to go.
(4)
Stop-Hate O.
Had the saurkraut hot dogs.......and the quality of the saurkraut was good quality.......the beef hot dog was good.......will return.....
(4)
Jeffrey S.
Cool little dog spot.
(3)
Morgan C.
We rolled up to Spikes at 9pm on a Sunday night and ordered the following weiners: 1. ALL AMERICAN DOG feat. baked beans & cheese 2. SAMURAI DOG feat. teriyaki & sauted onions 3.GERMAN SHEPARD feat. sauerkraut & mustard 4. JUNKYARD DOG feat. tomato, pickle & hot pepper 5. RUSSIAN feat. sauerkraut, russian dressing & swiss cheese 6. TEXAS RANGER feat. bbq, bacon & cheddar *All the aforementioned featured large, all beef dogs in a huge, fluffy sandwich roll which are very filling, even for large appetites* Individual dog ratings: 1. ALL AMERICAN DOG- 4 stars, the baked beans make it 2. SAMURAI DOG- 2 stars, nothing special except onions 3. GERMAN SHEPARD- 4 stars, completely smothered in melted cheese 4. JUNKYARD DOG- 3 stars, lighter option, heavy on the traditional toppings 5. RUSSIAN- 5 stars, heart attack smothered in cheese and dripping dressing 6. TEXAS RANGER- 3 stars, can't taste the bacon *Skip the poodle fries, which were soggy, and save room for as many dogs as you can fit. After all, these really are the highlight of this place. It's definitely not the faux, junkyard decor*
(4)
Ted D.
Been coming to Spike's for over 20 years (initially at the Thayer St location) and have never had a complaint. Very friendly staff & owners. 57 T-Bird is my favorite. The combo deal is the way to go. I enjoy their O rings and both of my daughters have "graduated" to being able to finish their hot dogs... The neighborhood is fine if, just as you would elsewhere, you keep your head about you. Also, plan to take a right out of the parking lot when leaving because I don't think I have ever successfully pulled off running the gauntlet to go left in the at least 10 years I've been going to this location, the Branch & Hawkins intersection is just too busy!
(4)
Brian M.
I'm not sure if the quality of the dogs have gone downhill or if my tastes have just changed. In their heyday Spike's had locations sprinkled all over the state. I would scoff at anyone claiming that the best dogs were in places like Chicago or New York because I knew full well that you couldn't find a better hot dog than the ones at Spike's. I even would've picked a Spike's dog over a Fenway Frank (not that there's anything special about Fenway Franks...it's just scientific fact that hot dogs taste better at the ballpark). Now they're down to only a handful of locations and I just don't like them as much as I used to. The hot dogs are still big and meaty. It would still be impressive to make their Hall of Fame by eating six hot dogs, a feat that many dream of, but few realize. But the buns that once seemed so light and perfectly crisp now seem a little chewy with a hint of recent defrosting. The bacon bits that seemed so great just don't cut it in an era where fresh and quality ingredients are all the rage. The once perfectly cooked dog with bubbling browned cheese on top now seems luke warm. Even their fantastic curly fries (It's a scientific fact that curly fries are better than regular fries....bet you didn't think you'd learn so many scientific facts in a Yelp review) now seem overly salty. I don't know if it's me or if it's them, but something has changed over the years. They're worth a try if you've never been, but the next time someone tells me that the best hot dogs in the world come from Chicago, I just might be willing to listen.
(3)
Jalon Z.
Spike's is great and I always try to make a stop here for lunch when I am in Providence. Named after the founding bulldog, "Chairman Spike", the local chain offers unique dogs with a plethora of toppings and a junkyard theme. The standard is the "Junkyard Dog" which comes with Spike's mustard, tomato, pickle, hot pepper rings, & chopped green scallions. There are dog varieties to accomodate anyone's tastes, such as the Samurai Dog with teriyaki sauce or the 57 T-Bird, which has Honey Mustard and melted Swiss. The buns are always fresh, the customers local and orders are taken with a healthy dose of RI conversation and friendliness. The spicy chicken wing baskets have the approval of several co-workers and there is some good chili soup, curly fries, chili fries, etc. All of the dogs can be made vegetarian for the same price, but we have not had the courage to try it out. An Indian co-worker sticks to the chicken breast sandwiches. A dog, fries and soda runs $5.69.
(4)
Dan K.
I only have two complaints about Spike's: (1) The Thayer Street location I practically lived in when I was at Brown is closed, and (2) they've pretty much ruined other hot dogs for me. The Branch Ave location is further out of my way, but I always make it a point to go when I'm in town. Great meaty dogs with just the right amount of spiciness in a big french roll, and lots of toppings available. I go for chili and onions, but a lot of people like the dogs with cheese and/or BBQ sauce, and there are lots of recommended combos on the menu. (Though I advise against the Samurai Dog.) You can get a pretty filling meal for under $6.
(5)
Scott L.
I've been stopping in here religiously once a week for almost 3 years now (before that the Thayer street location) and I can always find something that leaves me satisfied. Never had any complaints to say about the food yet. Easily the best hot dog franchise I've ever had. My personal favorites are the Texas Ranger (BBQ sauce, chopped bacon, cheddar cheese) and the Pizza Dog (pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese)
(5)
Greg B.
Great food, clean place, friendly service. I recommend the Texas Ranger or Weenie dog. Can't go wrong.
(5)
Jennifer F.
If you're craving a weiner with the works, come here! This place is cute. It gives you the feeling of being in a garage or junkyard w/o actually being dirty. There is plenty of seating and plenty of choices to choose from. They not only serve weiners, but wings and chicken sandwiches, among other things! My hubby ordered the Texas Ranger, which was filled with BBQ sauce, chopped bacon, and cheddar cheese. I didn't want to take any chances, as we had a 6 hour flight home that same day, so I played it safe and ordered a plain dog with ketchup and pickles. The bun makes ALL the difference! Homemade buns that are soft and warm=yum! The fries are pretty good too. All for a decent price!
(4)
Meg M.
I am not a native Rhode Islander so I have only just experienced Spike's for the first time today at the Branch Ave. location in Providence. 'Twas quite an enjoyable lunch. My cohort ordered the 57 T-Bird (honey mustard and swiss) and the Texas Ranger(BBQ sauce, bacon and cheddar). I was wary of the Texas Ranger at first because I am not a big BBQ sauce lover, but the flavors went together very nicely. The honey mustard on the T-Bird was sweet but good. I ordered the Ball park dog (chopped onions, cheddar and Spikes mustard, which is like a dijon). Very good nice quality frank(no preservatives or other nasty crap inside, 100% beef) with a baguette style roll which was what made it unique for me. I wish I had been more adventurous and ordered one of the quirkier combos they offer, but as it was my first time I wanted to try a more basic offering just in case I didn't know what I was getting myself into. A return visit to Spike's is definately on the horizon.
(3)
Jesse B.
I'm vegetarian and I love Spikes. I loved it in Boston on Boylston and I love it in Providence on Branch. Everyone who works there has always been really friendly and the food is awesome. So fresh and so tasty. Get the veggy dog - it's yummy!
(5)
Amanda R.
Branch Ave Spikes is the best. Whereas Thayer always looks like a garbage can threw up on the tables, Branch Ave is clean and respectable. Here you can enjoy your hot dog in peace, without being accosted by drunken JWU and Brown hooligans. The one downside is they don't have the secret mini menu Thayer has, but you can still get whatever you want if you order it custom. If you're a vegetarian, try your dog with BBQ sauce, hot peppers, and cheese (A ranger w/ no bacon) Best veggie dog ever.
(4)
Gus L.
I've been coming here for years and as a former trainer I can tell you the struggle. But Spike's junkyard dogs has the best local treatment you'll find anywhere in the region. With their wide range of hot dogs to dog collars, they provide a service this county has been lacking in the last decade. Every time I bring my aunt and her boy Randy here, we order one of their famous dogs that he can go to town on. Randy always enjoys himself with the older pups too. Quality run dog brothel in a quality managed district.
(5)
Maximillian S.
Got the "Texas Ranger" dog today. Really tasty. It was the recommendation from the guy at the register. Said it was his favorite and the most popular. The best part was the bread that the dog was on. Good stuff and not flimsy. Really quality dog. Upgrade to 4 stars!
(4)
Stephen D.
Good hotdogs, not as good a Chicago Hot Dogs, having been to Chicago many times. However, it does offer different choices on how to prepare and make interesting a good hot dog. I did not give this establishment a 5 star rating because it does not offer RI's traditional Hot Weiner which puts us on the map. The business tries to obviously make an effort to avoid making wieners, but they do it at their own loss of additional revenue. If they can offer wieners as a choice, they would own the hot dog business in RI. Atmosphere is okay, restrooms are moderately clean. My review here is to nudge them a bit to embrace RI's famous wieners, fail to do so does not make me a frequent customer, but they do deserve a 4 Star for their efforts.
(4)
R P.
BEWARE OF DOG! Good dog! For some local culture, drop by, kick back and have a #1 mutt.
(5)
Sarah W.
I used to come here when my sister and brother went to Providence College, when Spike's first opened 13 years ago. The dogs are delicious and everything's made in the USA. Definitely get the cookie and the meal. The curly fries are better than I remember and I love the Spike's root beer- not too sweet, not too fizzy- just right.
(5)
Heather L.
Couldn't love this place more. Hot dogs and curly fries are heavenly, and the staff are always friendly. Check it out if you haven't yet - it's an affordable place (rare in Providence) with good food.
(5)
BoomerTelly ..
Being a vegetarian, Spike's isn't an eatery I visit all too often. However, I was with a friend who wanted to eat lunch here a while back, and I went along. I ordered two plain veggie dogs, veggie dogs aren't the best tasting thing I've ever had, but they exist more for a novelty, or social aspect. However, when I was served, I was served two regular dogs. Luckily for me, you can readily tell the difference between the spikes dogs and the veggie dogs, as their hotdogs are somewhat larger and sausage like. I understand mistakes happen, and I'm not one of those vegetarians who freak out and cause a scene. But I politely asked if they could remake the dogs for me. At which point, the person who served me starting arguing with me that I had not ordered veggie dogs. I told him that I'm pretty sure that I haven't eaten pork in 8 years, and that I would please like them to remake them for me. They eventually did make them for me. However, I found their reaction to my polite request extremely rude, especially considering how many people in my possition usually act. Again, mistakes happen, but I've worked in customer service and it's all about how it's handled.
(1)
George M.
So, I am a huge fan of the spikes in the emerald square mall. Great food and great people. I Just used "foodler" as a delivery service for the providence spike's hoping for the same experience. The only portion of the order that was correct was the fires. We ordered 2 grinder dogs and received something with relish on it - not grinder sauce as described and a steak & cheese with no onions and american cheese - there were tons of onions and no cheese. I will not be using foodler to order from this spikes ever again.
(1)
C J.
This place gets very high marks from me for its consistency...Spike's is good and has been good for years. I stopped in there on a whim today after several years and was very pleased to find that, like always, the dog was very good and properly cooked, the fries were crisp, hot and not overly salty and there's the wonderful bread the hot dogs are served on. Exceptional. I was also pleased to see that there are still veggie dogs offered and that they, too, are properly cooked and served with the same attention that everything else is. One of the really great things about Spike's is how friendly they always seem to be as well. All in all, just about as good as hot dog places get around here...
(5)
Linda A.
This is one of my guilty pleasures. I've never had a Spike's dog I didn't love. The buns are amazingly fresh baguettes, the dogs are quarter pound beauties, and even the tofu pup is tasty -- albeit against my religion -- haha. My faves are the Texas Ranger, the 57 T-Bird, and the RI dogs (a much tastier version of the NY system dogs). I crave the wings on a daily basis. It's a struggle to drive by and not stop for a 7 piece wing. The hubcap cookies are larger than my face and also amazing -- thin and crispy along the edges, soft and chewy towards the middle. Delicious! The owners are also super friendly and wonderful. I can't say a bad thing about this place!
(5)
Elizabeth G.
These hotdogs are drool-worthy. I'm weird about food; so, I've never tried one myself, but every time I see one im in heaven in my head.
(4)
Sarah C.
I've been a lover of Spike's since I was a teen and they still don't disappoint. I usually go with the buffalo dog and fries. I haven't tried their chicken sandwiches or pizzas, as I just can't get anything else but their delicious hot dogs. The fresh baked bread it comes on is also great.
(5)
Vincent T.
Ok.. a cool hot dog joint with a cool theme. although they serve sandwiches, pizza, wings, etc., I've only had the dogs, and boy are they something. these dogs are large.. not like the NY System dogs, but so big that they're served on half of a fresh torpedo (or sub) roll. Then they're topped with practically anything you'd want. You can go with their creations (I prefer the chili-cheese and buffalo dogs) or create your own. The curly fries are always done perfectly and the onion rings are pretty good too. This location is pretty clean, with ample parking. I always see the same guy in there and he's always friendly and helpful.
(5)
Kathy S.
My boyfriend and I went there tonight for supper.. We are regulars so its so funny how the people already know our order and recite it for us if we forget! The mom is so nice and awesome to chat with while we wait. Even when they are busy they are still fast! The veggie dogs are bomb! So filling! Great food, great prices, great employers, great armosphere!
(5)
Amanda M.
GOOD DOGS AT SPIKE'S I first heard about Spike's Junkyard Dogs back in 2003, when they had a location in Greenville. The Greenville location has long since closed - bummer - but the Branch Avenue location is a good excuse to go to Providence. The hot dogs do not disappoint. They're everything you want in a hot dog - meaty and juicy - with none of the "junk" you don't (no pun intended). Being a lover of hot dogs - both the edible and the four - legged variety - I definitely love the hot dogs. Mutt? Poodle cheese fries? Where else but Spike's would you find that on the menu? Did I mention they bake all their rolls fresh, right there in the restaurant? It doesn't get any fresher than that. No matter which location you go to, these hot dogs will have your taste buds sit up, roll over and beg for more. I go for either a Mutt or a Texas Ranger, which has cheddar, bacon and BBQ sauce on it. The Mutt is great if you just want the flavor of the hot dog itself, and the poodle cheese fries are cooked just right. So if you're in Providence and you're looking for a good place to have a hot dog, take a little drive down Branch Avenue and follow your nose. - Okay, they're located at 485 Branch Avenue, but following your nose is way more fun. Now who wants some more poodle cheese fries.?
(5)
Sara B.
I gotta say I still like it! Loved it way back in the day late night after drinks and still crave a Friday chicken sammich with like 29 toppings and Curley fries on the dude! I'm not a huge hotdog fan but everything on the menu is good. Nothing too fancy, simple but delicious toppings and the serving sizes are pretty decent. I like the location they have in the emerald mall too. It's not instant, there is about a 10-15 minute wait but at least u know its getting made to order! I ask for the sauces on the side only cuz they out alot, in my opinion.
(4)
Natalie S.
I really love chicken wings and this place is worth the drive for to go. The fries are always freshly made as are the wings. They don't drowned your wings in crappy sauce. They smother them and give you enough blue cheese to enjoy them. Really excellent service everyone is pleasant!
(5)
Karen N.
I was trying to write this review on National Hot Dog Day but I totally missed it! When I mentioned going to that Olneyville place, I was swayed by my northeastern friends that I was misguided and outright wrong. I had to come here. Fine. This place is a bit kitschy. But cute. It looks like a junkyard. If a junkyard was really clean and served food and had washing stations. Let me just say this was the best weiner I've had. Yup, make your jokes... I don't care. The combinations of franks they have here is insane. The buns - ridic. Everything together - lots of silence at the clean junkyard table.
(4)
Camille M.
Really yummy vegetarian hot dogs; the rolls are substantial and freshly baked, and really great toppings and combinations.
(4)
Michael M.
This Spike's is so much better than the Attleboro mall one! They have about 20 different weiners to choose from like the 57 T-Bird, which is with honey mustard and swiss cheese or the Texas Ranger, which comes with BBQ sauce, bacon and cheddar cheese. My favorite is the Buffalo dog! The curly fries and wings are really good also. The staff here is very helpful and if you don't know what exactly to get they will give you recommendations. I only wish that they had fried Oreos like the Attleboro location!
(4)
Kisha T.
I love that I'm a regular here and haven't even reviewed this place yet. Oh Spike's, you are my go-to hot dog place in Providence. Although I do have hankerings for hot wieners here and there, but most of the time, Spike's Texas Ranger and Chili & Cheddar dogs are what I'm really craving. The best thing about Spike's are the buns. They're baked fresh and really gives the bun a bigger "roll" than just to hold the dog. The dog itself is quite good too. Just enough snap when you bite into it and it's very juicy. Another thing I really love about this place are their Junkyard fries: curly fries with fresh chili and shredded cheddar. Yum yum. It's nothing fancy or complicated but I love that they do the hot dog so well. I really want to try the other things on the menu since the wings and chicken sandwiches look to be rather popular with people too. I'll keep coming back for the dogs and maybe one day, I'll get to see Spike himself!
(5)
Ernest L.
Spikes is consistently great, save for the one time they almost gave me a beef frank, but I forgive them. I used to frequent the Spikes around the block from me in Cranston until it closed for awhile because it exploded or caught on fire or something. One day during its closing, I was determined to have a veggie dog on my lunch break, and I drove the 20 min to this location. The Branch Ave location does not disappoint. I always get the German Shepard out of habit. It comes with Spike's Mustard and sauerkraut. The roll is bulky and chewy. If you put condiments on it, the roll won't get soggy enough to fall apart like a roll from Sunbeam. The veggie dogs are good sized and taste great. The Spike's mustard has a slight kick to it, and I often opt for regular mustard. Sauerkraut is good, but I don't really know anything about what makes a sauerkraut good or bad. Pickled anything is good to me. The curly fries are fun to play with. Boing boing!
(4)
Kameron S.
Best hot dog joint there is, hands down. They do everything right, from the bread (best ever) and the big hot dogs, and my kids love the chicken tenders too. Get the chili cheese dog with spike's spicy mustard. You will thank me. They are all franchises, but have the same quality at every location, which is so nice.
(5)
Eric D.
Try the 57 T-Bird dog.
(5)
Alex H.
This place is great. Unique and delicious selection of about 20 different hot dogs. Sure they sell other food, but you come here for the hot dogs. I got the Buffalo Chicken Dog and it was great! Comes with really tasty curly fries too! I have been here twice and both times I was met with great service and really good food. If you are looking for a quick meal, this is the place to go.
(4)
Michael S.
I'm a hot dog guy... specifically a Chicago hot dog guy. That's the best way to have a hot dog and I stand by it. Enter Spike's. Gf and I wanted to try Olneyville, but it was not opened yet so she found Spike's knowing I wanted a hot dog. Anyways, split three dogs with the gf. Not sure what the name of the one that is like Olneyville's is, but I thought it was very good. Junkyard dog that my gf was good and the chili cheese dog was the standout winner. I liked the roll they use and the hot dog itself had great flavor. Honestly, I did like the dog quite a bit thinking it was more flavorful than my Chicago vienna beef I'm used to. My heart and loyalty will still lie with Vienna beef hot dogs Chicago style, but wow... Spike's is really high up there. Yes, I think it's better than NY hot dogs for sure though. Excellent food and great service (they brought our food to us which is a nice touch for a hot dog joint.) If only I knew there were some Spike's in Boston. I'll def. come back when in the area.
(4)
Rich B.
Sort of over rated. Really wasn't that good. It's gone down in quality every time I've gone...
(2)
Ryan D.
What isn't great about Spike's? Yes I know it is a local chain, but the service and food don't disappoint, much like other chains. The rolls, oh wow those rolls. I have never had a thicker hot dog roll than Spike's. Whoever was the genius behind that grill who said "wow I want a big bulkie roll for my dog" should be given a medal. I always try to get a different dog each time I go. Last night I got myself the Mexicali dog which has salsa, pepperoncini and cheddar cheese. The cheese keeps it all together, along with the large roll. With the different styles of dogs, that roll really holds it all together, where normal rolls would get soggy and fall apart. Definitely get the junkyard fries as a side, not quite your normal chili cheese fries. The chili is nice, thick and meaty (allll right mind out of the gutter). Service is very quick too, bring the food right to you. Ambiance might seem a little kitschy but I think it fits with the restaurant. Definitely hit up not just this Spike's but any in the area if you see one.
(5)
Sarah O.
Surprisingly, best vegetarian hot dog I've had. Loaded w mustard, baked beans, and cheese. Delish!
(3)
Julie A.
I love Spikes. '57 T-bird meal for me. Delicious curly fries and yum yum hotdogs. 2 visits ago, I had a SPIKE sighting. He's so adorable. This location have been around for many years. It remains clean and the Spikes standard is upheld. Keep up the good work!
(4)
Joe B.
Absolutely the best in every way. I only wish they'd expand nationwide!
(5)
Aly K.
I took my parents to Spike's 6 years ago when they came to visit me in Providence. My dad, a native New Yorker, would eat hot dogs everyday if we let him. To this day, he still mentions Spike's to me weekly and is always ready for a trip to RI if I promise to take him. Spike's is great. The hot dogs are awesome, the chicken sandwiches are good too! If you don't like Spike's, I don't like you!
(5)
Keyser S.
Probably one of the more over-rated restaurants in Providence. The quality of the dogs is very poor. If you are looking for a better dog, drive up to Worcester and go to Coney Island.
(2)
Dante V.
Went here for lunch take out (1:15 pm) I got 2 junkyard dogs. It's REALLY hard to screw up a hot dog.... Well these wieners were terrible. Awful and old like they had been the last two dogs at the bottom of the container and should have been thrown out. I also noticed that the bun was overly hard, crunchy and stale. I barely finished the first dog and was hoping it was just a fluke, but NOOOOOO!!! The other wiener blew just as badly. VERY sad indeed see, I have had spikes several times before (at the other location downstairs from Jerkys) I would stumble down drunkenly from Jerkys and shove a couple of American sausages in my eating hole. EVERY time they were fresh, tasty and delicious. Not so here my friend. NOT EVEN CLOSE :( The only reason I was able to put that meat log in my mouth was my extreme level of "hungryness" Those gross tube steak's almost had the texture of beef jerky. The other thing that threw me off was the interaction between a customer and employee. I believe she was at least the shift manager. Pretty much from the time I ordered until leaving she was either harassing/mocking this customer that was in the restroom. Talking about her to me and the other workers. I came in the middle of it so I'm not sure exactly what was happening but the word scumbag was thrown around. While I found this quite entertaining if not a bit awkward, most people would not. In a nutshell - OLD WIENERS, STALE BREAD & POOR BOUNDARY HAVING WORKER - yep :) I gave 2 stars for the entertainment and fresh toppings. Otherwise I would have given only 1 star. I tried to contact Spikes about this and found their website. Would you believe there is no way to contact these people through email or HQ/managerial phone? This is THE ONLY contact info I was able to obtain through Spikes website: For current franchise information, please write: Dave Drake Spike's Junkyard Dogs, USA 640 Reservoir Avenue Cranston, RI 02910 OUTSTANDING....................F.A.I.L :( :( :(
(2)
Leah W.
Yes, 5 stars for a hot dog joint! For those of you lamenting the closures of certain locations, don't cry! Dash Providence (Foodler) delivers for them! Like other reviewers, Spike's has ruined me for any other hotdog. A honking, juicy, flavorful dog in a soft fresh chewy roll, and it comes in so many combos that you're bound to be satisfied! My faves: The Patriot, with stone-ground mustard, bacon, and cheddar. The Reuben, with what else but sauerkraut, Swiss, and Russian dressing? So genius! Also, the amazingly delish "hubcap" chocolate chip cookie is the size of my head!
(5)
David G.
I freaking LOVE SPIKES. I had a pretty serious Spike's addiction back in the 90s when I lived on the East Side and my friends and I would go to the Thayer Street spikes almost every day. I tried to eat six dogs in an hour to get my picture on the wall, but instead I ate five and a half, walked outside and threw up on The Gap. Point is, Spikes is awesome. I'm sad that the Thayer Street location is gone, and I'm sad that I'm almost never near one of the other locations so I don't go often. It looks like they may have trimmed down their menu a bit since their 90s heyday, but they still have my two favorites - the Texas Ranger dog (bbq sauce and bacon) and the All-American. A piece of advice - get your All-American with honey mustard instead of spikes mustard. If you save if for last, it's like eating a hot dog for dessert.
(5)
Holiday S.
Spike's serves up a world-class hot dog. Sensational.
(5)
John M.
We were dropping the kid off at school today and decided to find somewhere quick and affordable to grab a bite. So I searched Yelp and found this little hole in the wall located in Providence. I had high expectations after reading the reviews on Yelp and I have to say that I wasn't dissapointed at all. I had read that it was located in a sketchy area of Providence, but it really didn't seem all that bad to me. The restaurant itself is very small and decorated with hub caps and various silly signs, not upscale at all. My daughter who is studying to be a pastry chef tore the place apart about the lack of cleanliness but it didn't seem too bad to me. After all they're serving hot dogs, not beef wellington and as long as it don't see anything too nasty, it doesn't bother me all that much. So we shuffled up to the counter and ordered. They have a large variety of hot dogs that come in a combo with curly fries and a soda or simply by themselves. They also had chicken wings, subs and salads. No burgers though, but I believe that they offer them at other locations, just not this one for whatever reason. I ordered the chili cheese dog, my wife got the Junkyard special (tomatoes, pickles, diced scallions, sweet peppers and spicy mustard), my daughter got a plain and my son the wing basket. My dog was great, the chili was pretty good and the cheese was melted into it. My wife was a little leery when she got hers, but said the flavors worked very well together. The wings were good, a no brainer there and my daughter enjoyed hers as well. One thing that was great was the fact that the dogs come on a home baked half loaf of french bread which had a great texture and taste to it. It's also worth mentioning that the hot dogs are not the typical size you'd get anywhere else, they are larger and I'd estimate that 1 of theirs would equal about 2 regular sized ones. The staff was very friendly, my little guy actually was pretty sad about the wings as they were too spicy for him. He can't tolerate anything spicy and shame on me for even ordering them when he asked for them. The chef noticed he was upset and came right up to us asking if he could get something else for him. Class move in my opinion. Of course I ordered another dog (which I paid for), gave him mine and then ate his wings too. What else would I do right??? I will certainly stop by when I need a quick lunch and I look forward to trying one of the other varities of dogs on the menu. Definitely my kinda place!
(4)
A Z.
The people who work here are so nice. I mean, I don't really always expect an enthusiastic hello when I walk into a chain hotdog joint, but yet I get it every time. I like the Texas Ranger Burger almost as much as I like their wings. OK, fine I love them the same. The fries are also pretty decent and you can get them all kinds of ways just like you can customize your hotdog. I don't LOVE having a giant roll as a hotdog roll, but sometimes when you've got a lot of toppings, you need something to keep them in check. Despite the neighborhood, this place is clean, has a parking lot and the service is always top notch.
(4)
Victor K.
Spike's Junkyard Dogs makes a simple hot dog delicious! People may think a hot dog is just a hot dog until they order one of their specialty dogs! If only they were in walking distance I would go there at least once or twice a week! Also this place has a hotdog challenge that I want to try, if you can eat 6 or more dogs you can win a T-shirt :D
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : No Drive-Thru : No Caters : No
Burger or Hamburger is savored as the most desired fast food meal in the United States. A hamburger is basically a sandwich prepared by stuffing ground meat patty, generally beef, between two slices of a bun cut in half. Hamburger is also famous for its seasoning. Most popular condiments used in hamburgers in the United States are mustard, mayonnaise, and ketchup. Besides ground meat patty, hamburgers are also stuffed with lettuce, onions, tomato slices, pickles, and cheese.
Hamburgers are also categorized into two types in the United States. Fast food hamburger and individual hamburgers served at restaurants are two basic types of burgers served in the United States. The individual hamburgers served at restaurants are prepared using everything including lettuce, onion, tomato, and sliced pickles as well as melted cheese on the patty or crumbled on top. American restaurants also serve veggie burgers for those who don't relish meat. Cheeseburgers are also hot favorite in the United States.
McDonalds is the most popular fast food burger restaurant serving different types of burgers in the United States. On the other hand, there are several restaurants such as Burger King are famous for serving the best hamburgers in the United States. Most burger restaurants in the United States often serve hamburgers with French fries and other condiments. If you have a liking for burgers in the United States, then you won't be disappointed. You can easily find the best burger restaurants in your city on our Restaurants Listings directory. Check the reviews and ratings of the top burger restaurants and savor yourself with the best hamburger in the city.
Heather L.
Couldn't love this place more. Hot dogs and curly fries are heavenly, and the staff are always friendly. Check it out if you haven't yet - it's an affordable place (rare in Providence) with good food.
(5)BoomerTelly ..
Being a vegetarian, Spike's isn't an eatery I visit all too often. However, I was with a friend who wanted to eat lunch here a while back, and I went along. I ordered two plain veggie dogs, veggie dogs aren't the best tasting thing I've ever had, but they exist more for a novelty, or social aspect. However, when I was served, I was served two regular dogs. Luckily for me, you can readily tell the difference between the spikes dogs and the veggie dogs, as their hotdogs are somewhat larger and sausage like. I understand mistakes happen, and I'm not one of those vegetarians who freak out and cause a scene. But I politely asked if they could remake the dogs for me. At which point, the person who served me starting arguing with me that I had not ordered veggie dogs. I told him that I'm pretty sure that I haven't eaten pork in 8 years, and that I would please like them to remake them for me. They eventually did make them for me. However, I found their reaction to my polite request extremely rude, especially considering how many people in my possition usually act. Again, mistakes happen, but I've worked in customer service and it's all about how it's handled.
(1)George M.
So, I am a huge fan of the spikes in the emerald square mall. Great food and great people. I Just used "foodler" as a delivery service for the providence spike's hoping for the same experience. The only portion of the order that was correct was the fires. We ordered 2 grinder dogs and received something with relish on it - not grinder sauce as described and a steak & cheese with no onions and american cheese - there were tons of onions and no cheese. I will not be using foodler to order from this spikes ever again.
(1)R P.
BEWARE OF DOG! Good dog! For some local culture, drop by, kick back and have a #1 mutt.
(5)Maximillian S.
Got the "Texas Ranger" dog today. Really tasty. It was the recommendation from the guy at the register. Said it was his favorite and the most popular. The best part was the bread that the dog was on. Good stuff and not flimsy. Really quality dog. Upgrade to 4 stars!
(4)Stephen D.
Good hotdogs, not as good a Chicago Hot Dogs, having been to Chicago many times. However, it does offer different choices on how to prepare and make interesting a good hot dog. I did not give this establishment a 5 star rating because it does not offer RI's traditional Hot Weiner which puts us on the map. The business tries to obviously make an effort to avoid making wieners, but they do it at their own loss of additional revenue. If they can offer wieners as a choice, they would own the hot dog business in RI. Atmosphere is okay, restrooms are moderately clean. My review here is to nudge them a bit to embrace RI's famous wieners, fail to do so does not make me a frequent customer, but they do deserve a 4 Star for their efforts.
(4)Sarah W.
I used to come here when my sister and brother went to Providence College, when Spike's first opened 13 years ago. The dogs are delicious and everything's made in the USA. Definitely get the cookie and the meal. The curly fries are better than I remember and I love the Spike's root beer- not too sweet, not too fizzy- just right.
(5)C J.
This place gets very high marks from me for its consistency...Spike's is good and has been good for years. I stopped in there on a whim today after several years and was very pleased to find that, like always, the dog was very good and properly cooked, the fries were crisp, hot and not overly salty and there's the wonderful bread the hot dogs are served on. Exceptional. I was also pleased to see that there are still veggie dogs offered and that they, too, are properly cooked and served with the same attention that everything else is. One of the really great things about Spike's is how friendly they always seem to be as well. All in all, just about as good as hot dog places get around here...
(5)Linda A.
This is one of my guilty pleasures. I've never had a Spike's dog I didn't love. The buns are amazingly fresh baguettes, the dogs are quarter pound beauties, and even the tofu pup is tasty -- albeit against my religion -- haha. My faves are the Texas Ranger, the 57 T-Bird, and the RI dogs (a much tastier version of the NY system dogs). I crave the wings on a daily basis. It's a struggle to drive by and not stop for a 7 piece wing. The hubcap cookies are larger than my face and also amazing -- thin and crispy along the edges, soft and chewy towards the middle. Delicious! The owners are also super friendly and wonderful. I can't say a bad thing about this place!
(5)Elizabeth G.
These hotdogs are drool-worthy. I'm weird about food; so, I've never tried one myself, but every time I see one im in heaven in my head.
(4)Sarah C.
I've been a lover of Spike's since I was a teen and they still don't disappoint. I usually go with the buffalo dog and fries. I haven't tried their chicken sandwiches or pizzas, as I just can't get anything else but their delicious hot dogs. The fresh baked bread it comes on is also great.
(5)Vincent T.
Ok.. a cool hot dog joint with a cool theme. although they serve sandwiches, pizza, wings, etc., I've only had the dogs, and boy are they something. these dogs are large.. not like the NY System dogs, but so big that they're served on half of a fresh torpedo (or sub) roll. Then they're topped with practically anything you'd want. You can go with their creations (I prefer the chili-cheese and buffalo dogs) or create your own. The curly fries are always done perfectly and the onion rings are pretty good too. This location is pretty clean, with ample parking. I always see the same guy in there and he's always friendly and helpful.
(5)Michael M.
This Spike's is so much better than the Attleboro mall one! They have about 20 different weiners to choose from like the 57 T-Bird, which is with honey mustard and swiss cheese or the Texas Ranger, which comes with BBQ sauce, bacon and cheddar cheese. My favorite is the Buffalo dog! The curly fries and wings are really good also. The staff here is very helpful and if you don't know what exactly to get they will give you recommendations. I only wish that they had fried Oreos like the Attleboro location!
(4)Amanda M.
GOOD DOGS AT SPIKE'S I first heard about Spike's Junkyard Dogs back in 2003, when they had a location in Greenville. The Greenville location has long since closed - bummer - but the Branch Avenue location is a good excuse to go to Providence. The hot dogs do not disappoint. They're everything you want in a hot dog - meaty and juicy - with none of the "junk" you don't (no pun intended). Being a lover of hot dogs - both the edible and the four - legged variety - I definitely love the hot dogs. Mutt? Poodle cheese fries? Where else but Spike's would you find that on the menu? Did I mention they bake all their rolls fresh, right there in the restaurant? It doesn't get any fresher than that. No matter which location you go to, these hot dogs will have your taste buds sit up, roll over and beg for more. I go for either a Mutt or a Texas Ranger, which has cheddar, bacon and BBQ sauce on it. The Mutt is great if you just want the flavor of the hot dog itself, and the poodle cheese fries are cooked just right. So if you're in Providence and you're looking for a good place to have a hot dog, take a little drive down Branch Avenue and follow your nose. - Okay, they're located at 485 Branch Avenue, but following your nose is way more fun. Now who wants some more poodle cheese fries.?
(5)Sara B.
I gotta say I still like it! Loved it way back in the day late night after drinks and still crave a Friday chicken sammich with like 29 toppings and Curley fries on the dude! I'm not a huge hotdog fan but everything on the menu is good. Nothing too fancy, simple but delicious toppings and the serving sizes are pretty decent. I like the location they have in the emerald mall too. It's not instant, there is about a 10-15 minute wait but at least u know its getting made to order! I ask for the sauces on the side only cuz they out alot, in my opinion.
(4)Natalie S.
I really love chicken wings and this place is worth the drive for to go. The fries are always freshly made as are the wings. They don't drowned your wings in crappy sauce. They smother them and give you enough blue cheese to enjoy them. Really excellent service everyone is pleasant!
(5)Karen N.
I was trying to write this review on National Hot Dog Day but I totally missed it! When I mentioned going to that Olneyville place, I was swayed by my northeastern friends that I was misguided and outright wrong. I had to come here. Fine. This place is a bit kitschy. But cute. It looks like a junkyard. If a junkyard was really clean and served food and had washing stations. Let me just say this was the best weiner I've had. Yup, make your jokes... I don't care. The combinations of franks they have here is insane. The buns - ridic. Everything together - lots of silence at the clean junkyard table.
(4)Camille M.
Really yummy vegetarian hot dogs; the rolls are substantial and freshly baked, and really great toppings and combinations.
(4)Kathy S.
My boyfriend and I went there tonight for supper.. We are regulars so its so funny how the people already know our order and recite it for us if we forget! The mom is so nice and awesome to chat with while we wait. Even when they are busy they are still fast! The veggie dogs are bomb! So filling! Great food, great prices, great employers, great armosphere!
(5)Kisha T.
I love that I'm a regular here and haven't even reviewed this place yet. Oh Spike's, you are my go-to hot dog place in Providence. Although I do have hankerings for hot wieners here and there, but most of the time, Spike's Texas Ranger and Chili & Cheddar dogs are what I'm really craving. The best thing about Spike's are the buns. They're baked fresh and really gives the bun a bigger "roll" than just to hold the dog. The dog itself is quite good too. Just enough snap when you bite into it and it's very juicy. Another thing I really love about this place are their Junkyard fries: curly fries with fresh chili and shredded cheddar. Yum yum. It's nothing fancy or complicated but I love that they do the hot dog so well. I really want to try the other things on the menu since the wings and chicken sandwiches look to be rather popular with people too. I'll keep coming back for the dogs and maybe one day, I'll get to see Spike himself!
(5)Ernest L.
Spikes is consistently great, save for the one time they almost gave me a beef frank, but I forgive them. I used to frequent the Spikes around the block from me in Cranston until it closed for awhile because it exploded or caught on fire or something. One day during its closing, I was determined to have a veggie dog on my lunch break, and I drove the 20 min to this location. The Branch Ave location does not disappoint. I always get the German Shepard out of habit. It comes with Spike's Mustard and sauerkraut. The roll is bulky and chewy. If you put condiments on it, the roll won't get soggy enough to fall apart like a roll from Sunbeam. The veggie dogs are good sized and taste great. The Spike's mustard has a slight kick to it, and I often opt for regular mustard. Sauerkraut is good, but I don't really know anything about what makes a sauerkraut good or bad. Pickled anything is good to me. The curly fries are fun to play with. Boing boing!
(4)Kameron S.
Best hot dog joint there is, hands down. They do everything right, from the bread (best ever) and the big hot dogs, and my kids love the chicken tenders too. Get the chili cheese dog with spike's spicy mustard. You will thank me. They are all franchises, but have the same quality at every location, which is so nice.
(5)Eric D.
Try the 57 T-Bird dog.
(5)Alex H.
This place is great. Unique and delicious selection of about 20 different hot dogs. Sure they sell other food, but you come here for the hot dogs. I got the Buffalo Chicken Dog and it was great! Comes with really tasty curly fries too! I have been here twice and both times I was met with great service and really good food. If you are looking for a quick meal, this is the place to go.
(4)Michael S.
I'm a hot dog guy... specifically a Chicago hot dog guy. That's the best way to have a hot dog and I stand by it. Enter Spike's. Gf and I wanted to try Olneyville, but it was not opened yet so she found Spike's knowing I wanted a hot dog. Anyways, split three dogs with the gf. Not sure what the name of the one that is like Olneyville's is, but I thought it was very good. Junkyard dog that my gf was good and the chili cheese dog was the standout winner. I liked the roll they use and the hot dog itself had great flavor. Honestly, I did like the dog quite a bit thinking it was more flavorful than my Chicago vienna beef I'm used to. My heart and loyalty will still lie with Vienna beef hot dogs Chicago style, but wow... Spike's is really high up there. Yes, I think it's better than NY hot dogs for sure though. Excellent food and great service (they brought our food to us which is a nice touch for a hot dog joint.) If only I knew there were some Spike's in Boston. I'll def. come back when in the area.
(4)Rich B.
Sort of over rated. Really wasn't that good. It's gone down in quality every time I've gone...
(2)Ryan D.
What isn't great about Spike's? Yes I know it is a local chain, but the service and food don't disappoint, much like other chains. The rolls, oh wow those rolls. I have never had a thicker hot dog roll than Spike's. Whoever was the genius behind that grill who said "wow I want a big bulkie roll for my dog" should be given a medal. I always try to get a different dog each time I go. Last night I got myself the Mexicali dog which has salsa, pepperoncini and cheddar cheese. The cheese keeps it all together, along with the large roll. With the different styles of dogs, that roll really holds it all together, where normal rolls would get soggy and fall apart. Definitely get the junkyard fries as a side, not quite your normal chili cheese fries. The chili is nice, thick and meaty (allll right mind out of the gutter). Service is very quick too, bring the food right to you. Ambiance might seem a little kitschy but I think it fits with the restaurant. Definitely hit up not just this Spike's but any in the area if you see one.
(5)Leah W.
Yes, 5 stars for a hot dog joint! For those of you lamenting the closures of certain locations, don't cry! Dash Providence (Foodler) delivers for them! Like other reviewers, Spike's has ruined me for any other hotdog. A honking, juicy, flavorful dog in a soft fresh chewy roll, and it comes in so many combos that you're bound to be satisfied! My faves: The Patriot, with stone-ground mustard, bacon, and cheddar. The Reuben, with what else but sauerkraut, Swiss, and Russian dressing? So genius! Also, the amazingly delish "hubcap" chocolate chip cookie is the size of my head!
(5)Dante V.
Went here for lunch take out (1:15 pm) I got 2 junkyard dogs. It's REALLY hard to screw up a hot dog.... Well these wieners were terrible. Awful and old like they had been the last two dogs at the bottom of the container and should have been thrown out. I also noticed that the bun was overly hard, crunchy and stale. I barely finished the first dog and was hoping it was just a fluke, but NOOOOOO!!! The other wiener blew just as badly. VERY sad indeed see, I have had spikes several times before (at the other location downstairs from Jerkys) I would stumble down drunkenly from Jerkys and shove a couple of American sausages in my eating hole. EVERY time they were fresh, tasty and delicious. Not so here my friend. NOT EVEN CLOSE :( The only reason I was able to put that meat log in my mouth was my extreme level of "hungryness" Those gross tube steak's almost had the texture of beef jerky. The other thing that threw me off was the interaction between a customer and employee. I believe she was at least the shift manager. Pretty much from the time I ordered until leaving she was either harassing/mocking this customer that was in the restroom. Talking about her to me and the other workers. I came in the middle of it so I'm not sure exactly what was happening but the word scumbag was thrown around. While I found this quite entertaining if not a bit awkward, most people would not. In a nutshell - OLD WIENERS, STALE BREAD & POOR BOUNDARY HAVING WORKER - yep :) I gave 2 stars for the entertainment and fresh toppings. Otherwise I would have given only 1 star. I tried to contact Spikes about this and found their website. Would you believe there is no way to contact these people through email or HQ/managerial phone? This is THE ONLY contact info I was able to obtain through Spikes website: For current franchise information, please write: Dave Drake Spike's Junkyard Dogs, USA 640 Reservoir Avenue Cranston, RI 02910 OUTSTANDING....................F.A.I.L :( :( :(
(2)Tyla s.
blah. A couple years ago a friend begged me to order one of their dogs with her because she kept telling me how DELICIOUS they are. umm no. I didn't like it, I didn't see what the big deal was. It was JUST a hot dog. Well tonight my man did the same thing to me. Begged me to try something from there with him because he said the same thing, "they're delicious". So I figured I'd give it another try. & AGAIN, BLAH, didn't like it. I decided to try the steak & cheese. Didn't like it. No flavor, small portion. NOT worth what they charge for it. My boyfriend made me try a bite of his hot dog & it was "OK"... so no, I wouldn't waste my money on that place again.
(2)Jennifer F.
If you're craving a weiner with the works, come here! This place is cute. It gives you the feeling of being in a garage or junkyard w/o actually being dirty. There is plenty of seating and plenty of choices to choose from. They not only serve weiners, but wings and chicken sandwiches, among other things! My hubby ordered the Texas Ranger, which was filled with BBQ sauce, chopped bacon, and cheddar cheese. I didn't want to take any chances, as we had a 6 hour flight home that same day, so I played it safe and ordered a plain dog with ketchup and pickles. The bun makes ALL the difference! Homemade buns that are soft and warm=yum! The fries are pretty good too. All for a decent price!
(4)John M.
We were dropping the kid off at school today and decided to find somewhere quick and affordable to grab a bite. So I searched Yelp and found this little hole in the wall located in Providence. I had high expectations after reading the reviews on Yelp and I have to say that I wasn't dissapointed at all. I had read that it was located in a sketchy area of Providence, but it really didn't seem all that bad to me. The restaurant itself is very small and decorated with hub caps and various silly signs, not upscale at all. My daughter who is studying to be a pastry chef tore the place apart about the lack of cleanliness but it didn't seem too bad to me. After all they're serving hot dogs, not beef wellington and as long as it don't see anything too nasty, it doesn't bother me all that much. So we shuffled up to the counter and ordered. They have a large variety of hot dogs that come in a combo with curly fries and a soda or simply by themselves. They also had chicken wings, subs and salads. No burgers though, but I believe that they offer them at other locations, just not this one for whatever reason. I ordered the chili cheese dog, my wife got the Junkyard special (tomatoes, pickles, diced scallions, sweet peppers and spicy mustard), my daughter got a plain and my son the wing basket. My dog was great, the chili was pretty good and the cheese was melted into it. My wife was a little leery when she got hers, but said the flavors worked very well together. The wings were good, a no brainer there and my daughter enjoyed hers as well. One thing that was great was the fact that the dogs come on a home baked half loaf of french bread which had a great texture and taste to it. It's also worth mentioning that the hot dogs are not the typical size you'd get anywhere else, they are larger and I'd estimate that 1 of theirs would equal about 2 regular sized ones. The staff was very friendly, my little guy actually was pretty sad about the wings as they were too spicy for him. He can't tolerate anything spicy and shame on me for even ordering them when he asked for them. The chef noticed he was upset and came right up to us asking if he could get something else for him. Class move in my opinion. Of course I ordered another dog (which I paid for), gave him mine and then ate his wings too. What else would I do right??? I will certainly stop by when I need a quick lunch and I look forward to trying one of the other varities of dogs on the menu. Definitely my kinda place!
(4)A Z.
The people who work here are so nice. I mean, I don't really always expect an enthusiastic hello when I walk into a chain hotdog joint, but yet I get it every time. I like the Texas Ranger Burger almost as much as I like their wings. OK, fine I love them the same. The fries are also pretty decent and you can get them all kinds of ways just like you can customize your hotdog. I don't LOVE having a giant roll as a hotdog roll, but sometimes when you've got a lot of toppings, you need something to keep them in check. Despite the neighborhood, this place is clean, has a parking lot and the service is always top notch.
(4)Victor K.
Spike's Junkyard Dogs makes a simple hot dog delicious! People may think a hot dog is just a hot dog until they order one of their specialty dogs! If only they were in walking distance I would go there at least once or twice a week! Also this place has a hotdog challenge that I want to try, if you can eat 6 or more dogs you can win a T-shirt :D
(4)David G.
I freaking LOVE SPIKES. I had a pretty serious Spike's addiction back in the 90s when I lived on the East Side and my friends and I would go to the Thayer Street spikes almost every day. I tried to eat six dogs in an hour to get my picture on the wall, but instead I ate five and a half, walked outside and threw up on The Gap. Point is, Spikes is awesome. I'm sad that the Thayer Street location is gone, and I'm sad that I'm almost never near one of the other locations so I don't go often. It looks like they may have trimmed down their menu a bit since their 90s heyday, but they still have my two favorites - the Texas Ranger dog (bbq sauce and bacon) and the All-American. A piece of advice - get your All-American with honey mustard instead of spikes mustard. If you save if for last, it's like eating a hot dog for dessert.
(5)Holiday S.
Spike's serves up a world-class hot dog. Sensational.
(5)Sarah O.
Surprisingly, best vegetarian hot dog I've had. Loaded w mustard, baked beans, and cheese. Delish!
(3)Joe B.
Absolutely the best in every way. I only wish they'd expand nationwide!
(5)Julie A.
I love Spikes. '57 T-bird meal for me. Delicious curly fries and yum yum hotdogs. 2 visits ago, I had a SPIKE sighting. He's so adorable. This location have been around for many years. It remains clean and the Spikes standard is upheld. Keep up the good work!
(4)Aly K.
I took my parents to Spike's 6 years ago when they came to visit me in Providence. My dad, a native New Yorker, would eat hot dogs everyday if we let him. To this day, he still mentions Spike's to me weekly and is always ready for a trip to RI if I promise to take him. Spike's is great. The hot dogs are awesome, the chicken sandwiches are good too! If you don't like Spike's, I don't like you!
(5)Keyser S.
Probably one of the more over-rated restaurants in Providence. The quality of the dogs is very poor. If you are looking for a better dog, drive up to Worcester and go to Coney Island.
(2)Eric S.
The prices aren't bad, and the hot dogs are decent, but the oversized bun is not my preferred style so I probably won't be going back. In all fairness, it's my preference that doesn't fit, not the hot dog itself, hence the three stars.
(3)S. R.
Great hot dogs on freshly baked bread!
(4)Morgan C.
We rolled up to Spikes at 9pm on a Sunday night and ordered the following weiners: 1. ALL AMERICAN DOG feat. baked beans & cheese 2. SAMURAI DOG feat. teriyaki & sauted onions 3.GERMAN SHEPARD feat. sauerkraut & mustard 4. JUNKYARD DOG feat. tomato, pickle & hot pepper 5. RUSSIAN feat. sauerkraut, russian dressing & swiss cheese 6. TEXAS RANGER feat. bbq, bacon & cheddar *All the aforementioned featured large, all beef dogs in a huge, fluffy sandwich roll which are very filling, even for large appetites* Individual dog ratings: 1. ALL AMERICAN DOG- 4 stars, the baked beans make it 2. SAMURAI DOG- 2 stars, nothing special except onions 3. GERMAN SHEPARD- 4 stars, completely smothered in melted cheese 4. JUNKYARD DOG- 3 stars, lighter option, heavy on the traditional toppings 5. RUSSIAN- 5 stars, heart attack smothered in cheese and dripping dressing 6. TEXAS RANGER- 3 stars, can't taste the bacon *Skip the poodle fries, which were soggy, and save room for as many dogs as you can fit. After all, these really are the highlight of this place. It's definitely not the faux, junkyard decor*
(4)Ted D.
Been coming to Spike's for over 20 years (initially at the Thayer St location) and have never had a complaint. Very friendly staff & owners. 57 T-Bird is my favorite. The combo deal is the way to go. I enjoy their O rings and both of my daughters have "graduated" to being able to finish their hot dogs... The neighborhood is fine if, just as you would elsewhere, you keep your head about you. Also, plan to take a right out of the parking lot when leaving because I don't think I have ever successfully pulled off running the gauntlet to go left in the at least 10 years I've been going to this location, the Branch & Hawkins intersection is just too busy!
(4)Brian M.
I'm not sure if the quality of the dogs have gone downhill or if my tastes have just changed. In their heyday Spike's had locations sprinkled all over the state. I would scoff at anyone claiming that the best dogs were in places like Chicago or New York because I knew full well that you couldn't find a better hot dog than the ones at Spike's. I even would've picked a Spike's dog over a Fenway Frank (not that there's anything special about Fenway Franks...it's just scientific fact that hot dogs taste better at the ballpark). Now they're down to only a handful of locations and I just don't like them as much as I used to. The hot dogs are still big and meaty. It would still be impressive to make their Hall of Fame by eating six hot dogs, a feat that many dream of, but few realize. But the buns that once seemed so light and perfectly crisp now seem a little chewy with a hint of recent defrosting. The bacon bits that seemed so great just don't cut it in an era where fresh and quality ingredients are all the rage. The once perfectly cooked dog with bubbling browned cheese on top now seems luke warm. Even their fantastic curly fries (It's a scientific fact that curly fries are better than regular fries....bet you didn't think you'd learn so many scientific facts in a Yelp review) now seem overly salty. I don't know if it's me or if it's them, but something has changed over the years. They're worth a try if you've never been, but the next time someone tells me that the best hot dogs in the world come from Chicago, I just might be willing to listen.
(3)Jalon Z.
Spike's is great and I always try to make a stop here for lunch when I am in Providence. Named after the founding bulldog, "Chairman Spike", the local chain offers unique dogs with a plethora of toppings and a junkyard theme. The standard is the "Junkyard Dog" which comes with Spike's mustard, tomato, pickle, hot pepper rings, & chopped green scallions. There are dog varieties to accomodate anyone's tastes, such as the Samurai Dog with teriyaki sauce or the 57 T-Bird, which has Honey Mustard and melted Swiss. The buns are always fresh, the customers local and orders are taken with a healthy dose of RI conversation and friendliness. The spicy chicken wing baskets have the approval of several co-workers and there is some good chili soup, curly fries, chili fries, etc. All of the dogs can be made vegetarian for the same price, but we have not had the courage to try it out. An Indian co-worker sticks to the chicken breast sandwiches. A dog, fries and soda runs $5.69.
(4)Dan K.
I only have two complaints about Spike's: (1) The Thayer Street location I practically lived in when I was at Brown is closed, and (2) they've pretty much ruined other hot dogs for me. The Branch Ave location is further out of my way, but I always make it a point to go when I'm in town. Great meaty dogs with just the right amount of spiciness in a big french roll, and lots of toppings available. I go for chili and onions, but a lot of people like the dogs with cheese and/or BBQ sauce, and there are lots of recommended combos on the menu. (Though I advise against the Samurai Dog.) You can get a pretty filling meal for under $6.
(5)Julie S.
Love going here when I need my late night fix! Texas Ranger is my favorite here, plus any place that has good food quick is a hit in my book!
(4)Shannon D.
I go here every once in a while. I really like the 57 T-bird but I also tried the Pizza Dog not too long ago and that was pretty good too! Not always my first choice but if I'm in the area and craving a hot dog I know where to go.
(4)Stop-Hate O.
Had the saurkraut hot dogs.......and the quality of the saurkraut was good quality.......the beef hot dog was good.......will return.....
(4)Jeffrey S.
Cool little dog spot.
(3)Scott L.
I've been stopping in here religiously once a week for almost 3 years now (before that the Thayer street location) and I can always find something that leaves me satisfied. Never had any complaints to say about the food yet. Easily the best hot dog franchise I've ever had. My personal favorites are the Texas Ranger (BBQ sauce, chopped bacon, cheddar cheese) and the Pizza Dog (pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese)
(5)Greg B.
Great food, clean place, friendly service. I recommend the Texas Ranger or Weenie dog. Can't go wrong.
(5)Meg M.
I am not a native Rhode Islander so I have only just experienced Spike's for the first time today at the Branch Ave. location in Providence. 'Twas quite an enjoyable lunch. My cohort ordered the 57 T-Bird (honey mustard and swiss) and the Texas Ranger(BBQ sauce, bacon and cheddar). I was wary of the Texas Ranger at first because I am not a big BBQ sauce lover, but the flavors went together very nicely. The honey mustard on the T-Bird was sweet but good. I ordered the Ball park dog (chopped onions, cheddar and Spikes mustard, which is like a dijon). Very good nice quality frank(no preservatives or other nasty crap inside, 100% beef) with a baguette style roll which was what made it unique for me. I wish I had been more adventurous and ordered one of the quirkier combos they offer, but as it was my first time I wanted to try a more basic offering just in case I didn't know what I was getting myself into. A return visit to Spike's is definately on the horizon.
(3)Jesse B.
I'm vegetarian and I love Spikes. I loved it in Boston on Boylston and I love it in Providence on Branch. Everyone who works there has always been really friendly and the food is awesome. So fresh and so tasty. Get the veggy dog - it's yummy!
(5)Amanda R.
Branch Ave Spikes is the best. Whereas Thayer always looks like a garbage can threw up on the tables, Branch Ave is clean and respectable. Here you can enjoy your hot dog in peace, without being accosted by drunken JWU and Brown hooligans. The one downside is they don't have the secret mini menu Thayer has, but you can still get whatever you want if you order it custom. If you're a vegetarian, try your dog with BBQ sauce, hot peppers, and cheese (A ranger w/ no bacon) Best veggie dog ever.
(4)Joe M.
One of the best hot dogs you'll ever find... menu offerings run the gamut from the "Mutt" (plain dog, you can add your own mustard and relish and whatever) to the "Junkyard Dog" (bring your bottle of Pepto). Everything is fresh and although some of the toppings are truly bizarre, they get points for creativity and someone must be eating it! My personal favorites are the Texas Ranger and the All American. Possibly even better than the dogs themselves are the buns... not even buns really, but big, warm French rolls that are like a whole other meal. The sides are decent, nothing special, I usually just stick with a dog and sometimes a soda... this usually leaves me at around $5, which I'm more than happy to pay. Overall, nice down-to-earth place that's great for a late night snack or quick meal.
(4)Mikal B.
I haven't been to Spikes since the spring of 1992 but I still vividly remember their dog being the best I've ever had. The buns, in fact, are actually better than the dogs. Put them together and you've got one of the best hot dogs on Earth!
(5)Laura H.
Some of the best hot dogs I have ever had! Of course its no Fenway Frank but pretty close. So good, I ordered two! Amazing chili cheese fries and superb nachos. Just don't order a salad from them.
(4)G S.
It's great that they offer a veggie dog, but I wish it were a better tasting one. It was good...just not great. I do love that they even offer one though and the buns are freakin delicious so definitely four stars here.
(4)Frederic D.
Great place for a quick Lunch...Really good Hot Dog's !
(4)E J K.
With the Spike's on Thayer Street closed, this is the only one in Providence, and frankly, it was always the best. Many options on a huge menu, my fav of which has to be the '57 Chevy, with honey mustard, bacon, and swiss. The nicest owner imaginable. It's really that rare place where you can get full and satisfied on a $6 meal.
(4)Guy D.
What the heck can I say about Spike's JYD? It is an experience and a half. If you live close to providence, try it!!! My fav is the German Shep. Dog w/sauer kraut. Great place. great staff, great atmosphere. Bad on the prostrate, pancreas & colon. A sodium nitrateophile's sweetest dream!!!!!
(4)Jason B.
This is our home-base Spike's, even if it is not that walkable from our place. My favorite dogs are the Grinder Dog and the RI Weenie Dog (Spike's version of a hot wiener).
(4)Randy H.
no better place for a hotdog in the state.
(5)David G.
I freaking LOVE SPIKES. I had a pretty serious Spike's addiction back in the 90s when I lived on the East Side and my friends and I would go to the Thayer Street spikes almost every day. I tried to eat six dogs in an hour to get my picture on the wall, but instead I ate five and a half, walked outside and threw up on The Gap. Point is, Spikes is awesome. I'm sad that the Thayer Street location is gone, and I'm sad that I'm almost never near one of the other locations so I don't go often. It looks like they may have trimmed down their menu a bit since their 90s heyday, but they still have my two favorites - the Texas Ranger dog (bbq sauce and bacon) and the All-American. A piece of advice - get your All-American with honey mustard instead of spikes mustard. If you save if for last, it's like eating a hot dog for dessert.
(5)Holiday S.
Spike's serves up a world-class hot dog. Sensational.
(5)Sarah O.
Surprisingly, best vegetarian hot dog I've had. Loaded w mustard, baked beans, and cheese. Delish!
(3)Joe B.
Absolutely the best in every way. I only wish they'd expand nationwide!
(5)Julie A.
I love Spikes. '57 T-bird meal for me. Delicious curly fries and yum yum hotdogs. 2 visits ago, I had a SPIKE sighting. He's so adorable. This location have been around for many years. It remains clean and the Spikes standard is upheld. Keep up the good work!
(4)Aly K.
I took my parents to Spike's 6 years ago when they came to visit me in Providence. My dad, a native New Yorker, would eat hot dogs everyday if we let him. To this day, he still mentions Spike's to me weekly and is always ready for a trip to RI if I promise to take him. Spike's is great. The hot dogs are awesome, the chicken sandwiches are good too! If you don't like Spike's, I don't like you!
(5)Keyser S.
Probably one of the more over-rated restaurants in Providence. The quality of the dogs is very poor. If you are looking for a better dog, drive up to Worcester and go to Coney Island.
(2)Eric S.
The prices aren't bad, and the hot dogs are decent, but the oversized bun is not my preferred style so I probably won't be going back. In all fairness, it's my preference that doesn't fit, not the hot dog itself, hence the three stars.
(3)S. R.
Great hot dogs on freshly baked bread!
(4)Kisha T.
I love that I'm a regular here and haven't even reviewed this place yet. Oh Spike's, you are my go-to hot dog place in Providence. Although I do have hankerings for hot wieners here and there, but most of the time, Spike's Texas Ranger and Chili & Cheddar dogs are what I'm really craving. The best thing about Spike's are the buns. They're baked fresh and really gives the bun a bigger "roll" than just to hold the dog. The dog itself is quite good too. Just enough snap when you bite into it and it's very juicy. Another thing I really love about this place are their Junkyard fries: curly fries with fresh chili and shredded cheddar. Yum yum. It's nothing fancy or complicated but I love that they do the hot dog so well. I really want to try the other things on the menu since the wings and chicken sandwiches look to be rather popular with people too. I'll keep coming back for the dogs and maybe one day, I'll get to see Spike himself!
(5)Ernest L.
Spikes is consistently great, save for the one time they almost gave me a beef frank, but I forgive them. I used to frequent the Spikes around the block from me in Cranston until it closed for awhile because it exploded or caught on fire or something. One day during its closing, I was determined to have a veggie dog on my lunch break, and I drove the 20 min to this location. The Branch Ave location does not disappoint. I always get the German Shepard out of habit. It comes with Spike's Mustard and sauerkraut. The roll is bulky and chewy. If you put condiments on it, the roll won't get soggy enough to fall apart like a roll from Sunbeam. The veggie dogs are good sized and taste great. The Spike's mustard has a slight kick to it, and I often opt for regular mustard. Sauerkraut is good, but I don't really know anything about what makes a sauerkraut good or bad. Pickled anything is good to me. The curly fries are fun to play with. Boing boing!
(4)Kameron S.
Best hot dog joint there is, hands down. They do everything right, from the bread (best ever) and the big hot dogs, and my kids love the chicken tenders too. Get the chili cheese dog with spike's spicy mustard. You will thank me. They are all franchises, but have the same quality at every location, which is so nice.
(5)Eric D.
Try the 57 T-Bird dog.
(5)Alex H.
This place is great. Unique and delicious selection of about 20 different hot dogs. Sure they sell other food, but you come here for the hot dogs. I got the Buffalo Chicken Dog and it was great! Comes with really tasty curly fries too! I have been here twice and both times I was met with great service and really good food. If you are looking for a quick meal, this is the place to go.
(4)Rich B.
Sort of over rated. Really wasn't that good. It's gone down in quality every time I've gone...
(2)Ryan D.
What isn't great about Spike's? Yes I know it is a local chain, but the service and food don't disappoint, much like other chains. The rolls, oh wow those rolls. I have never had a thicker hot dog roll than Spike's. Whoever was the genius behind that grill who said "wow I want a big bulkie roll for my dog" should be given a medal. I always try to get a different dog each time I go. Last night I got myself the Mexicali dog which has salsa, pepperoncini and cheddar cheese. The cheese keeps it all together, along with the large roll. With the different styles of dogs, that roll really holds it all together, where normal rolls would get soggy and fall apart. Definitely get the junkyard fries as a side, not quite your normal chili cheese fries. The chili is nice, thick and meaty (allll right mind out of the gutter). Service is very quick too, bring the food right to you. Ambiance might seem a little kitschy but I think it fits with the restaurant. Definitely hit up not just this Spike's but any in the area if you see one.
(5)Leah W.
Yes, 5 stars for a hot dog joint! For those of you lamenting the closures of certain locations, don't cry! Dash Providence (Foodler) delivers for them! Like other reviewers, Spike's has ruined me for any other hotdog. A honking, juicy, flavorful dog in a soft fresh chewy roll, and it comes in so many combos that you're bound to be satisfied! My faves: The Patriot, with stone-ground mustard, bacon, and cheddar. The Reuben, with what else but sauerkraut, Swiss, and Russian dressing? So genius! Also, the amazingly delish "hubcap" chocolate chip cookie is the size of my head!
(5)Dante V.
Went here for lunch take out (1:15 pm) I got 2 junkyard dogs. It's REALLY hard to screw up a hot dog.... Well these wieners were terrible. Awful and old like they had been the last two dogs at the bottom of the container and should have been thrown out. I also noticed that the bun was overly hard, crunchy and stale. I barely finished the first dog and was hoping it was just a fluke, but NOOOOOO!!! The other wiener blew just as badly. VERY sad indeed see, I have had spikes several times before (at the other location downstairs from Jerkys) I would stumble down drunkenly from Jerkys and shove a couple of American sausages in my eating hole. EVERY time they were fresh, tasty and delicious. Not so here my friend. NOT EVEN CLOSE :( The only reason I was able to put that meat log in my mouth was my extreme level of "hungryness" Those gross tube steak's almost had the texture of beef jerky. The other thing that threw me off was the interaction between a customer and employee. I believe she was at least the shift manager. Pretty much from the time I ordered until leaving she was either harassing/mocking this customer that was in the restroom. Talking about her to me and the other workers. I came in the middle of it so I'm not sure exactly what was happening but the word scumbag was thrown around. While I found this quite entertaining if not a bit awkward, most people would not. In a nutshell - OLD WIENERS, STALE BREAD & POOR BOUNDARY HAVING WORKER - yep :) I gave 2 stars for the entertainment and fresh toppings. Otherwise I would have given only 1 star. I tried to contact Spikes about this and found their website. Would you believe there is no way to contact these people through email or HQ/managerial phone? This is THE ONLY contact info I was able to obtain through Spikes website: For current franchise information, please write: Dave Drake Spike's Junkyard Dogs, USA 640 Reservoir Avenue Cranston, RI 02910 OUTSTANDING....................F.A.I.L :( :( :(
(2)Tyla s.
blah. A couple years ago a friend begged me to order one of their dogs with her because she kept telling me how DELICIOUS they are. umm no. I didn't like it, I didn't see what the big deal was. It was JUST a hot dog. Well tonight my man did the same thing to me. Begged me to try something from there with him because he said the same thing, "they're delicious". So I figured I'd give it another try. & AGAIN, BLAH, didn't like it. I decided to try the steak & cheese. Didn't like it. No flavor, small portion. NOT worth what they charge for it. My boyfriend made me try a bite of his hot dog & it was "OK"... so no, I wouldn't waste my money on that place again.
(2)Jennifer F.
If you're craving a weiner with the works, come here! This place is cute. It gives you the feeling of being in a garage or junkyard w/o actually being dirty. There is plenty of seating and plenty of choices to choose from. They not only serve weiners, but wings and chicken sandwiches, among other things! My hubby ordered the Texas Ranger, which was filled with BBQ sauce, chopped bacon, and cheddar cheese. I didn't want to take any chances, as we had a 6 hour flight home that same day, so I played it safe and ordered a plain dog with ketchup and pickles. The bun makes ALL the difference! Homemade buns that are soft and warm=yum! The fries are pretty good too. All for a decent price!
(4)Heather L.
Couldn't love this place more. Hot dogs and curly fries are heavenly, and the staff are always friendly. Check it out if you haven't yet - it's an affordable place (rare in Providence) with good food.
(5)Sarah C.
I've been a lover of Spike's since I was a teen and they still don't disappoint. I usually go with the buffalo dog and fries. I haven't tried their chicken sandwiches or pizzas, as I just can't get anything else but their delicious hot dogs. The fresh baked bread it comes on is also great.
(5)Vincent T.
Ok.. a cool hot dog joint with a cool theme. although they serve sandwiches, pizza, wings, etc., I've only had the dogs, and boy are they something. these dogs are large.. not like the NY System dogs, but so big that they're served on half of a fresh torpedo (or sub) roll. Then they're topped with practically anything you'd want. You can go with their creations (I prefer the chili-cheese and buffalo dogs) or create your own. The curly fries are always done perfectly and the onion rings are pretty good too. This location is pretty clean, with ample parking. I always see the same guy in there and he's always friendly and helpful.
(5)R P.
BEWARE OF DOG! Good dog! For some local culture, drop by, kick back and have a #1 mutt.
(5)Maximillian S.
Got the "Texas Ranger" dog today. Really tasty. It was the recommendation from the guy at the register. Said it was his favorite and the most popular. The best part was the bread that the dog was on. Good stuff and not flimsy. Really quality dog. Upgrade to 4 stars!
(4)Stephen D.
Good hotdogs, not as good a Chicago Hot Dogs, having been to Chicago many times. However, it does offer different choices on how to prepare and make interesting a good hot dog. I did not give this establishment a 5 star rating because it does not offer RI's traditional Hot Weiner which puts us on the map. The business tries to obviously make an effort to avoid making wieners, but they do it at their own loss of additional revenue. If they can offer wieners as a choice, they would own the hot dog business in RI. Atmosphere is okay, restrooms are moderately clean. My review here is to nudge them a bit to embrace RI's famous wieners, fail to do so does not make me a frequent customer, but they do deserve a 4 Star for their efforts.
(4)Sarah W.
I used to come here when my sister and brother went to Providence College, when Spike's first opened 13 years ago. The dogs are delicious and everything's made in the USA. Definitely get the cookie and the meal. The curly fries are better than I remember and I love the Spike's root beer- not too sweet, not too fizzy- just right.
(5)BoomerTelly ..
Being a vegetarian, Spike's isn't an eatery I visit all too often. However, I was with a friend who wanted to eat lunch here a while back, and I went along. I ordered two plain veggie dogs, veggie dogs aren't the best tasting thing I've ever had, but they exist more for a novelty, or social aspect. However, when I was served, I was served two regular dogs. Luckily for me, you can readily tell the difference between the spikes dogs and the veggie dogs, as their hotdogs are somewhat larger and sausage like. I understand mistakes happen, and I'm not one of those vegetarians who freak out and cause a scene. But I politely asked if they could remake the dogs for me. At which point, the person who served me starting arguing with me that I had not ordered veggie dogs. I told him that I'm pretty sure that I haven't eaten pork in 8 years, and that I would please like them to remake them for me. They eventually did make them for me. However, I found their reaction to my polite request extremely rude, especially considering how many people in my possition usually act. Again, mistakes happen, but I've worked in customer service and it's all about how it's handled.
(1)George M.
So, I am a huge fan of the spikes in the emerald square mall. Great food and great people. I Just used "foodler" as a delivery service for the providence spike's hoping for the same experience. The only portion of the order that was correct was the fires. We ordered 2 grinder dogs and received something with relish on it - not grinder sauce as described and a steak & cheese with no onions and american cheese - there were tons of onions and no cheese. I will not be using foodler to order from this spikes ever again.
(1)C J.
This place gets very high marks from me for its consistency...Spike's is good and has been good for years. I stopped in there on a whim today after several years and was very pleased to find that, like always, the dog was very good and properly cooked, the fries were crisp, hot and not overly salty and there's the wonderful bread the hot dogs are served on. Exceptional. I was also pleased to see that there are still veggie dogs offered and that they, too, are properly cooked and served with the same attention that everything else is. One of the really great things about Spike's is how friendly they always seem to be as well. All in all, just about as good as hot dog places get around here...
(5)Linda A.
This is one of my guilty pleasures. I've never had a Spike's dog I didn't love. The buns are amazingly fresh baguettes, the dogs are quarter pound beauties, and even the tofu pup is tasty -- albeit against my religion -- haha. My faves are the Texas Ranger, the 57 T-Bird, and the RI dogs (a much tastier version of the NY system dogs). I crave the wings on a daily basis. It's a struggle to drive by and not stop for a 7 piece wing. The hubcap cookies are larger than my face and also amazing -- thin and crispy along the edges, soft and chewy towards the middle. Delicious! The owners are also super friendly and wonderful. I can't say a bad thing about this place!
(5)Elizabeth G.
These hotdogs are drool-worthy. I'm weird about food; so, I've never tried one myself, but every time I see one im in heaven in my head.
(4)Amanda M.
GOOD DOGS AT SPIKE'S I first heard about Spike's Junkyard Dogs back in 2003, when they had a location in Greenville. The Greenville location has long since closed - bummer - but the Branch Avenue location is a good excuse to go to Providence. The hot dogs do not disappoint. They're everything you want in a hot dog - meaty and juicy - with none of the "junk" you don't (no pun intended). Being a lover of hot dogs - both the edible and the four - legged variety - I definitely love the hot dogs. Mutt? Poodle cheese fries? Where else but Spike's would you find that on the menu? Did I mention they bake all their rolls fresh, right there in the restaurant? It doesn't get any fresher than that. No matter which location you go to, these hot dogs will have your taste buds sit up, roll over and beg for more. I go for either a Mutt or a Texas Ranger, which has cheddar, bacon and BBQ sauce on it. The Mutt is great if you just want the flavor of the hot dog itself, and the poodle cheese fries are cooked just right. So if you're in Providence and you're looking for a good place to have a hot dog, take a little drive down Branch Avenue and follow your nose. - Okay, they're located at 485 Branch Avenue, but following your nose is way more fun. Now who wants some more poodle cheese fries.?
(5)Sara B.
I gotta say I still like it! Loved it way back in the day late night after drinks and still crave a Friday chicken sammich with like 29 toppings and Curley fries on the dude! I'm not a huge hotdog fan but everything on the menu is good. Nothing too fancy, simple but delicious toppings and the serving sizes are pretty decent. I like the location they have in the emerald mall too. It's not instant, there is about a 10-15 minute wait but at least u know its getting made to order! I ask for the sauces on the side only cuz they out alot, in my opinion.
(4)Natalie S.
I really love chicken wings and this place is worth the drive for to go. The fries are always freshly made as are the wings. They don't drowned your wings in crappy sauce. They smother them and give you enough blue cheese to enjoy them. Really excellent service everyone is pleasant!
(5)Karen N.
I was trying to write this review on National Hot Dog Day but I totally missed it! When I mentioned going to that Olneyville place, I was swayed by my northeastern friends that I was misguided and outright wrong. I had to come here. Fine. This place is a bit kitschy. But cute. It looks like a junkyard. If a junkyard was really clean and served food and had washing stations. Let me just say this was the best weiner I've had. Yup, make your jokes... I don't care. The combinations of franks they have here is insane. The buns - ridic. Everything together - lots of silence at the clean junkyard table.
(4)Camille M.
Really yummy vegetarian hot dogs; the rolls are substantial and freshly baked, and really great toppings and combinations.
(4)Kathy S.
My boyfriend and I went there tonight for supper.. We are regulars so its so funny how the people already know our order and recite it for us if we forget! The mom is so nice and awesome to chat with while we wait. Even when they are busy they are still fast! The veggie dogs are bomb! So filling! Great food, great prices, great employers, great armosphere!
(5)Michael M.
This Spike's is so much better than the Attleboro mall one! They have about 20 different weiners to choose from like the 57 T-Bird, which is with honey mustard and swiss cheese or the Texas Ranger, which comes with BBQ sauce, bacon and cheddar cheese. My favorite is the Buffalo dog! The curly fries and wings are really good also. The staff here is very helpful and if you don't know what exactly to get they will give you recommendations. I only wish that they had fried Oreos like the Attleboro location!
(4)Laura H.
Some of the best hot dogs I have ever had! Of course its no Fenway Frank but pretty close. So good, I ordered two! Amazing chili cheese fries and superb nachos. Just don't order a salad from them.
(4)Guy D.
What the heck can I say about Spike's JYD? It is an experience and a half. If you live close to providence, try it!!! My fav is the German Shep. Dog w/sauer kraut. Great place. great staff, great atmosphere. Bad on the prostrate, pancreas & colon. A sodium nitrateophile's sweetest dream!!!!!
(4)Jason B.
This is our home-base Spike's, even if it is not that walkable from our place. My favorite dogs are the Grinder Dog and the RI Weenie Dog (Spike's version of a hot wiener).
(4)Michael S.
I'm a hot dog guy... specifically a Chicago hot dog guy. That's the best way to have a hot dog and I stand by it. Enter Spike's. Gf and I wanted to try Olneyville, but it was not opened yet so she found Spike's knowing I wanted a hot dog. Anyways, split three dogs with the gf. Not sure what the name of the one that is like Olneyville's is, but I thought it was very good. Junkyard dog that my gf was good and the chili cheese dog was the standout winner. I liked the roll they use and the hot dog itself had great flavor. Honestly, I did like the dog quite a bit thinking it was more flavorful than my Chicago vienna beef I'm used to. My heart and loyalty will still lie with Vienna beef hot dogs Chicago style, but wow... Spike's is really high up there. Yes, I think it's better than NY hot dogs for sure though. Excellent food and great service (they brought our food to us which is a nice touch for a hot dog joint.) If only I knew there were some Spike's in Boston. I'll def. come back when in the area.
(4)John M.
We were dropping the kid off at school today and decided to find somewhere quick and affordable to grab a bite. So I searched Yelp and found this little hole in the wall located in Providence. I had high expectations after reading the reviews on Yelp and I have to say that I wasn't dissapointed at all. I had read that it was located in a sketchy area of Providence, but it really didn't seem all that bad to me. The restaurant itself is very small and decorated with hub caps and various silly signs, not upscale at all. My daughter who is studying to be a pastry chef tore the place apart about the lack of cleanliness but it didn't seem too bad to me. After all they're serving hot dogs, not beef wellington and as long as it don't see anything too nasty, it doesn't bother me all that much. So we shuffled up to the counter and ordered. They have a large variety of hot dogs that come in a combo with curly fries and a soda or simply by themselves. They also had chicken wings, subs and salads. No burgers though, but I believe that they offer them at other locations, just not this one for whatever reason. I ordered the chili cheese dog, my wife got the Junkyard special (tomatoes, pickles, diced scallions, sweet peppers and spicy mustard), my daughter got a plain and my son the wing basket. My dog was great, the chili was pretty good and the cheese was melted into it. My wife was a little leery when she got hers, but said the flavors worked very well together. The wings were good, a no brainer there and my daughter enjoyed hers as well. One thing that was great was the fact that the dogs come on a home baked half loaf of french bread which had a great texture and taste to it. It's also worth mentioning that the hot dogs are not the typical size you'd get anywhere else, they are larger and I'd estimate that 1 of theirs would equal about 2 regular sized ones. The staff was very friendly, my little guy actually was pretty sad about the wings as they were too spicy for him. He can't tolerate anything spicy and shame on me for even ordering them when he asked for them. The chef noticed he was upset and came right up to us asking if he could get something else for him. Class move in my opinion. Of course I ordered another dog (which I paid for), gave him mine and then ate his wings too. What else would I do right??? I will certainly stop by when I need a quick lunch and I look forward to trying one of the other varities of dogs on the menu. Definitely my kinda place!
(4)A Z.
The people who work here are so nice. I mean, I don't really always expect an enthusiastic hello when I walk into a chain hotdog joint, but yet I get it every time. I like the Texas Ranger Burger almost as much as I like their wings. OK, fine I love them the same. The fries are also pretty decent and you can get them all kinds of ways just like you can customize your hotdog. I don't LOVE having a giant roll as a hotdog roll, but sometimes when you've got a lot of toppings, you need something to keep them in check. Despite the neighborhood, this place is clean, has a parking lot and the service is always top notch.
(4)Victor K.
Spike's Junkyard Dogs makes a simple hot dog delicious! People may think a hot dog is just a hot dog until they order one of their specialty dogs! If only they were in walking distance I would go there at least once or twice a week! Also this place has a hotdog challenge that I want to try, if you can eat 6 or more dogs you can win a T-shirt :D
(4)Ted D.
Been coming to Spike's for over 20 years (initially at the Thayer St location) and have never had a complaint. Very friendly staff & owners. 57 T-Bird is my favorite. The combo deal is the way to go. I enjoy their O rings and both of my daughters have "graduated" to being able to finish their hot dogs... The neighborhood is fine if, just as you would elsewhere, you keep your head about you. Also, plan to take a right out of the parking lot when leaving because I don't think I have ever successfully pulled off running the gauntlet to go left in the at least 10 years I've been going to this location, the Branch & Hawkins intersection is just too busy!
(4)Brian M.
I'm not sure if the quality of the dogs have gone downhill or if my tastes have just changed. In their heyday Spike's had locations sprinkled all over the state. I would scoff at anyone claiming that the best dogs were in places like Chicago or New York because I knew full well that you couldn't find a better hot dog than the ones at Spike's. I even would've picked a Spike's dog over a Fenway Frank (not that there's anything special about Fenway Franks...it's just scientific fact that hot dogs taste better at the ballpark). Now they're down to only a handful of locations and I just don't like them as much as I used to. The hot dogs are still big and meaty. It would still be impressive to make their Hall of Fame by eating six hot dogs, a feat that many dream of, but few realize. But the buns that once seemed so light and perfectly crisp now seem a little chewy with a hint of recent defrosting. The bacon bits that seemed so great just don't cut it in an era where fresh and quality ingredients are all the rage. The once perfectly cooked dog with bubbling browned cheese on top now seems luke warm. Even their fantastic curly fries (It's a scientific fact that curly fries are better than regular fries....bet you didn't think you'd learn so many scientific facts in a Yelp review) now seem overly salty. I don't know if it's me or if it's them, but something has changed over the years. They're worth a try if you've never been, but the next time someone tells me that the best hot dogs in the world come from Chicago, I just might be willing to listen.
(3)Jalon Z.
Spike's is great and I always try to make a stop here for lunch when I am in Providence. Named after the founding bulldog, "Chairman Spike", the local chain offers unique dogs with a plethora of toppings and a junkyard theme. The standard is the "Junkyard Dog" which comes with Spike's mustard, tomato, pickle, hot pepper rings, & chopped green scallions. There are dog varieties to accomodate anyone's tastes, such as the Samurai Dog with teriyaki sauce or the 57 T-Bird, which has Honey Mustard and melted Swiss. The buns are always fresh, the customers local and orders are taken with a healthy dose of RI conversation and friendliness. The spicy chicken wing baskets have the approval of several co-workers and there is some good chili soup, curly fries, chili fries, etc. All of the dogs can be made vegetarian for the same price, but we have not had the courage to try it out. An Indian co-worker sticks to the chicken breast sandwiches. A dog, fries and soda runs $5.69.
(4)Dan K.
I only have two complaints about Spike's: (1) The Thayer Street location I practically lived in when I was at Brown is closed, and (2) they've pretty much ruined other hot dogs for me. The Branch Ave location is further out of my way, but I always make it a point to go when I'm in town. Great meaty dogs with just the right amount of spiciness in a big french roll, and lots of toppings available. I go for chili and onions, but a lot of people like the dogs with cheese and/or BBQ sauce, and there are lots of recommended combos on the menu. (Though I advise against the Samurai Dog.) You can get a pretty filling meal for under $6.
(5)Julie S.
Love going here when I need my late night fix! Texas Ranger is my favorite here, plus any place that has good food quick is a hit in my book!
(4)Shannon D.
I go here every once in a while. I really like the 57 T-bird but I also tried the Pizza Dog not too long ago and that was pretty good too! Not always my first choice but if I'm in the area and craving a hot dog I know where to go.
(4)Stop-Hate O.
Had the saurkraut hot dogs.......and the quality of the saurkraut was good quality.......the beef hot dog was good.......will return.....
(4)Jeffrey S.
Cool little dog spot.
(3)Scott L.
I've been stopping in here religiously once a week for almost 3 years now (before that the Thayer street location) and I can always find something that leaves me satisfied. Never had any complaints to say about the food yet. Easily the best hot dog franchise I've ever had. My personal favorites are the Texas Ranger (BBQ sauce, chopped bacon, cheddar cheese) and the Pizza Dog (pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese)
(5)Greg B.
Great food, clean place, friendly service. I recommend the Texas Ranger or Weenie dog. Can't go wrong.
(5)Joe M.
One of the best hot dogs you'll ever find... menu offerings run the gamut from the "Mutt" (plain dog, you can add your own mustard and relish and whatever) to the "Junkyard Dog" (bring your bottle of Pepto). Everything is fresh and although some of the toppings are truly bizarre, they get points for creativity and someone must be eating it! My personal favorites are the Texas Ranger and the All American. Possibly even better than the dogs themselves are the buns... not even buns really, but big, warm French rolls that are like a whole other meal. The sides are decent, nothing special, I usually just stick with a dog and sometimes a soda... this usually leaves me at around $5, which I'm more than happy to pay. Overall, nice down-to-earth place that's great for a late night snack or quick meal.
(4)Mikal B.
I haven't been to Spikes since the spring of 1992 but I still vividly remember their dog being the best I've ever had. The buns, in fact, are actually better than the dogs. Put them together and you've got one of the best hot dogs on Earth!
(5)G S.
It's great that they offer a veggie dog, but I wish it were a better tasting one. It was good...just not great. I do love that they even offer one though and the buns are freakin delicious so definitely four stars here.
(4)Frederic D.
Great place for a quick Lunch...Really good Hot Dog's !
(4)E J K.
With the Spike's on Thayer Street closed, this is the only one in Providence, and frankly, it was always the best. Many options on a huge menu, my fav of which has to be the '57 Chevy, with honey mustard, bacon, and swiss. The nicest owner imaginable. It's really that rare place where you can get full and satisfied on a $6 meal.
(4)Morgan C.
We rolled up to Spikes at 9pm on a Sunday night and ordered the following weiners: 1. ALL AMERICAN DOG feat. baked beans & cheese 2. SAMURAI DOG feat. teriyaki & sauted onions 3.GERMAN SHEPARD feat. sauerkraut & mustard 4. JUNKYARD DOG feat. tomato, pickle & hot pepper 5. RUSSIAN feat. sauerkraut, russian dressing & swiss cheese 6. TEXAS RANGER feat. bbq, bacon & cheddar *All the aforementioned featured large, all beef dogs in a huge, fluffy sandwich roll which are very filling, even for large appetites* Individual dog ratings: 1. ALL AMERICAN DOG- 4 stars, the baked beans make it 2. SAMURAI DOG- 2 stars, nothing special except onions 3. GERMAN SHEPARD- 4 stars, completely smothered in melted cheese 4. JUNKYARD DOG- 3 stars, lighter option, heavy on the traditional toppings 5. RUSSIAN- 5 stars, heart attack smothered in cheese and dripping dressing 6. TEXAS RANGER- 3 stars, can't taste the bacon *Skip the poodle fries, which were soggy, and save room for as many dogs as you can fit. After all, these really are the highlight of this place. It's definitely not the faux, junkyard decor*
(4)Meg M.
I am not a native Rhode Islander so I have only just experienced Spike's for the first time today at the Branch Ave. location in Providence. 'Twas quite an enjoyable lunch. My cohort ordered the 57 T-Bird (honey mustard and swiss) and the Texas Ranger(BBQ sauce, bacon and cheddar). I was wary of the Texas Ranger at first because I am not a big BBQ sauce lover, but the flavors went together very nicely. The honey mustard on the T-Bird was sweet but good. I ordered the Ball park dog (chopped onions, cheddar and Spikes mustard, which is like a dijon). Very good nice quality frank(no preservatives or other nasty crap inside, 100% beef) with a baguette style roll which was what made it unique for me. I wish I had been more adventurous and ordered one of the quirkier combos they offer, but as it was my first time I wanted to try a more basic offering just in case I didn't know what I was getting myself into. A return visit to Spike's is definately on the horizon.
(3)Jesse B.
I'm vegetarian and I love Spikes. I loved it in Boston on Boylston and I love it in Providence on Branch. Everyone who works there has always been really friendly and the food is awesome. So fresh and so tasty. Get the veggy dog - it's yummy!
(5)Amanda R.
Branch Ave Spikes is the best. Whereas Thayer always looks like a garbage can threw up on the tables, Branch Ave is clean and respectable. Here you can enjoy your hot dog in peace, without being accosted by drunken JWU and Brown hooligans. The one downside is they don't have the secret mini menu Thayer has, but you can still get whatever you want if you order it custom. If you're a vegetarian, try your dog with BBQ sauce, hot peppers, and cheese (A ranger w/ no bacon) Best veggie dog ever.
(4)Randy H.
no better place for a hotdog in the state.
(5)Michael L.
This is a good place for a quick bite before heading into Providence or Pawtucket.The rolls are really good as are the condiments.The curly fries also live up to their billing.I also reccomend the chicken wings as eat in or to go.I will be back!
(4)Michael L.
This is a good place for a quick bite before heading into Providence or Pawtucket.The rolls are really good as are the condiments.The curly fries also live up to their billing.I also reccomend the chicken wings as eat in or to go.I will be back!
(4)Joe M.
One of the best hot dogs you'll ever find... menu offerings run the gamut from the "Mutt" (plain dog, you can add your own mustard and relish and whatever) to the "Junkyard Dog" (bring your bottle of Pepto). Everything is fresh and although some of the toppings are truly bizarre, they get points for creativity and someone must be eating it! My personal favorites are the Texas Ranger and the All American. Possibly even better than the dogs themselves are the buns... not even buns really, but big, warm French rolls that are like a whole other meal. The sides are decent, nothing special, I usually just stick with a dog and sometimes a soda... this usually leaves me at around $5, which I'm more than happy to pay. Overall, nice down-to-earth place that's great for a late night snack or quick meal.
(4)Mikal B.
I haven't been to Spikes since the spring of 1992 but I still vividly remember their dog being the best I've ever had. The buns, in fact, are actually better than the dogs. Put them together and you've got one of the best hot dogs on Earth!
(5)Laura H.
Some of the best hot dogs I have ever had! Of course its no Fenway Frank but pretty close. So good, I ordered two! Amazing chili cheese fries and superb nachos. Just don't order a salad from them.
(4)G S.
It's great that they offer a veggie dog, but I wish it were a better tasting one. It was good...just not great. I do love that they even offer one though and the buns are freakin delicious so definitely four stars here.
(4)Frederic D.
Great place for a quick Lunch...Really good Hot Dog's !
(4)E J K.
With the Spike's on Thayer Street closed, this is the only one in Providence, and frankly, it was always the best. Many options on a huge menu, my fav of which has to be the '57 Chevy, with honey mustard, bacon, and swiss. The nicest owner imaginable. It's really that rare place where you can get full and satisfied on a $6 meal.
(4)Guy D.
What the heck can I say about Spike's JYD? It is an experience and a half. If you live close to providence, try it!!! My fav is the German Shep. Dog w/sauer kraut. Great place. great staff, great atmosphere. Bad on the prostrate, pancreas & colon. A sodium nitrateophile's sweetest dream!!!!!
(4)Jason B.
This is our home-base Spike's, even if it is not that walkable from our place. My favorite dogs are the Grinder Dog and the RI Weenie Dog (Spike's version of a hot wiener).
(4)Randy H.
no better place for a hotdog in the state.
(5)Michael L.
This is a good place for a quick bite before heading into Providence or Pawtucket.The rolls are really good as are the condiments.The curly fries also live up to their billing.I also reccomend the chicken wings as eat in or to go.I will be back!
(4)Eric S.
The prices aren't bad, and the hot dogs are decent, but the oversized bun is not my preferred style so I probably won't be going back. In all fairness, it's my preference that doesn't fit, not the hot dog itself, hence the three stars.
(3)S. R.
Great hot dogs on freshly baked bread!
(4)Tyla s.
blah. A couple years ago a friend begged me to order one of their dogs with her because she kept telling me how DELICIOUS they are. umm no. I didn't like it, I didn't see what the big deal was. It was JUST a hot dog. Well tonight my man did the same thing to me. Begged me to try something from there with him because he said the same thing, "they're delicious". So I figured I'd give it another try. & AGAIN, BLAH, didn't like it. I decided to try the steak & cheese. Didn't like it. No flavor, small portion. NOT worth what they charge for it. My boyfriend made me try a bite of his hot dog & it was "OK"... so no, I wouldn't waste my money on that place again.
(2)Julie S.
Love going here when I need my late night fix! Texas Ranger is my favorite here, plus any place that has good food quick is a hit in my book!
(4)Shannon D.
I go here every once in a while. I really like the 57 T-bird but I also tried the Pizza Dog not too long ago and that was pretty good too! Not always my first choice but if I'm in the area and craving a hot dog I know where to go.
(4)Stop-Hate O.
Had the saurkraut hot dogs.......and the quality of the saurkraut was good quality.......the beef hot dog was good.......will return.....
(4)Jeffrey S.
Cool little dog spot.
(3)Morgan C.
We rolled up to Spikes at 9pm on a Sunday night and ordered the following weiners: 1. ALL AMERICAN DOG feat. baked beans & cheese 2. SAMURAI DOG feat. teriyaki & sauted onions 3.GERMAN SHEPARD feat. sauerkraut & mustard 4. JUNKYARD DOG feat. tomato, pickle & hot pepper 5. RUSSIAN feat. sauerkraut, russian dressing & swiss cheese 6. TEXAS RANGER feat. bbq, bacon & cheddar *All the aforementioned featured large, all beef dogs in a huge, fluffy sandwich roll which are very filling, even for large appetites* Individual dog ratings: 1. ALL AMERICAN DOG- 4 stars, the baked beans make it 2. SAMURAI DOG- 2 stars, nothing special except onions 3. GERMAN SHEPARD- 4 stars, completely smothered in melted cheese 4. JUNKYARD DOG- 3 stars, lighter option, heavy on the traditional toppings 5. RUSSIAN- 5 stars, heart attack smothered in cheese and dripping dressing 6. TEXAS RANGER- 3 stars, can't taste the bacon *Skip the poodle fries, which were soggy, and save room for as many dogs as you can fit. After all, these really are the highlight of this place. It's definitely not the faux, junkyard decor*
(4)Ted D.
Been coming to Spike's for over 20 years (initially at the Thayer St location) and have never had a complaint. Very friendly staff & owners. 57 T-Bird is my favorite. The combo deal is the way to go. I enjoy their O rings and both of my daughters have "graduated" to being able to finish their hot dogs... The neighborhood is fine if, just as you would elsewhere, you keep your head about you. Also, plan to take a right out of the parking lot when leaving because I don't think I have ever successfully pulled off running the gauntlet to go left in the at least 10 years I've been going to this location, the Branch & Hawkins intersection is just too busy!
(4)Brian M.
I'm not sure if the quality of the dogs have gone downhill or if my tastes have just changed. In their heyday Spike's had locations sprinkled all over the state. I would scoff at anyone claiming that the best dogs were in places like Chicago or New York because I knew full well that you couldn't find a better hot dog than the ones at Spike's. I even would've picked a Spike's dog over a Fenway Frank (not that there's anything special about Fenway Franks...it's just scientific fact that hot dogs taste better at the ballpark). Now they're down to only a handful of locations and I just don't like them as much as I used to. The hot dogs are still big and meaty. It would still be impressive to make their Hall of Fame by eating six hot dogs, a feat that many dream of, but few realize. But the buns that once seemed so light and perfectly crisp now seem a little chewy with a hint of recent defrosting. The bacon bits that seemed so great just don't cut it in an era where fresh and quality ingredients are all the rage. The once perfectly cooked dog with bubbling browned cheese on top now seems luke warm. Even their fantastic curly fries (It's a scientific fact that curly fries are better than regular fries....bet you didn't think you'd learn so many scientific facts in a Yelp review) now seem overly salty. I don't know if it's me or if it's them, but something has changed over the years. They're worth a try if you've never been, but the next time someone tells me that the best hot dogs in the world come from Chicago, I just might be willing to listen.
(3)Jalon Z.
Spike's is great and I always try to make a stop here for lunch when I am in Providence. Named after the founding bulldog, "Chairman Spike", the local chain offers unique dogs with a plethora of toppings and a junkyard theme. The standard is the "Junkyard Dog" which comes with Spike's mustard, tomato, pickle, hot pepper rings, & chopped green scallions. There are dog varieties to accomodate anyone's tastes, such as the Samurai Dog with teriyaki sauce or the 57 T-Bird, which has Honey Mustard and melted Swiss. The buns are always fresh, the customers local and orders are taken with a healthy dose of RI conversation and friendliness. The spicy chicken wing baskets have the approval of several co-workers and there is some good chili soup, curly fries, chili fries, etc. All of the dogs can be made vegetarian for the same price, but we have not had the courage to try it out. An Indian co-worker sticks to the chicken breast sandwiches. A dog, fries and soda runs $5.69.
(4)Dan K.
I only have two complaints about Spike's: (1) The Thayer Street location I practically lived in when I was at Brown is closed, and (2) they've pretty much ruined other hot dogs for me. The Branch Ave location is further out of my way, but I always make it a point to go when I'm in town. Great meaty dogs with just the right amount of spiciness in a big french roll, and lots of toppings available. I go for chili and onions, but a lot of people like the dogs with cheese and/or BBQ sauce, and there are lots of recommended combos on the menu. (Though I advise against the Samurai Dog.) You can get a pretty filling meal for under $6.
(5)Scott L.
I've been stopping in here religiously once a week for almost 3 years now (before that the Thayer street location) and I can always find something that leaves me satisfied. Never had any complaints to say about the food yet. Easily the best hot dog franchise I've ever had. My personal favorites are the Texas Ranger (BBQ sauce, chopped bacon, cheddar cheese) and the Pizza Dog (pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese)
(5)Greg B.
Great food, clean place, friendly service. I recommend the Texas Ranger or Weenie dog. Can't go wrong.
(5)Jennifer F.
If you're craving a weiner with the works, come here! This place is cute. It gives you the feeling of being in a garage or junkyard w/o actually being dirty. There is plenty of seating and plenty of choices to choose from. They not only serve weiners, but wings and chicken sandwiches, among other things! My hubby ordered the Texas Ranger, which was filled with BBQ sauce, chopped bacon, and cheddar cheese. I didn't want to take any chances, as we had a 6 hour flight home that same day, so I played it safe and ordered a plain dog with ketchup and pickles. The bun makes ALL the difference! Homemade buns that are soft and warm=yum! The fries are pretty good too. All for a decent price!
(4)Meg M.
I am not a native Rhode Islander so I have only just experienced Spike's for the first time today at the Branch Ave. location in Providence. 'Twas quite an enjoyable lunch. My cohort ordered the 57 T-Bird (honey mustard and swiss) and the Texas Ranger(BBQ sauce, bacon and cheddar). I was wary of the Texas Ranger at first because I am not a big BBQ sauce lover, but the flavors went together very nicely. The honey mustard on the T-Bird was sweet but good. I ordered the Ball park dog (chopped onions, cheddar and Spikes mustard, which is like a dijon). Very good nice quality frank(no preservatives or other nasty crap inside, 100% beef) with a baguette style roll which was what made it unique for me. I wish I had been more adventurous and ordered one of the quirkier combos they offer, but as it was my first time I wanted to try a more basic offering just in case I didn't know what I was getting myself into. A return visit to Spike's is definately on the horizon.
(3)Jesse B.
I'm vegetarian and I love Spikes. I loved it in Boston on Boylston and I love it in Providence on Branch. Everyone who works there has always been really friendly and the food is awesome. So fresh and so tasty. Get the veggy dog - it's yummy!
(5)Amanda R.
Branch Ave Spikes is the best. Whereas Thayer always looks like a garbage can threw up on the tables, Branch Ave is clean and respectable. Here you can enjoy your hot dog in peace, without being accosted by drunken JWU and Brown hooligans. The one downside is they don't have the secret mini menu Thayer has, but you can still get whatever you want if you order it custom. If you're a vegetarian, try your dog with BBQ sauce, hot peppers, and cheese (A ranger w/ no bacon) Best veggie dog ever.
(4)Gus L.
I've been coming here for years and as a former trainer I can tell you the struggle. But Spike's junkyard dogs has the best local treatment you'll find anywhere in the region. With their wide range of hot dogs to dog collars, they provide a service this county has been lacking in the last decade. Every time I bring my aunt and her boy Randy here, we order one of their famous dogs that he can go to town on. Randy always enjoys himself with the older pups too. Quality run dog brothel in a quality managed district.
(5)Maximillian S.
Got the "Texas Ranger" dog today. Really tasty. It was the recommendation from the guy at the register. Said it was his favorite and the most popular. The best part was the bread that the dog was on. Good stuff and not flimsy. Really quality dog. Upgrade to 4 stars!
(4)Stephen D.
Good hotdogs, not as good a Chicago Hot Dogs, having been to Chicago many times. However, it does offer different choices on how to prepare and make interesting a good hot dog. I did not give this establishment a 5 star rating because it does not offer RI's traditional Hot Weiner which puts us on the map. The business tries to obviously make an effort to avoid making wieners, but they do it at their own loss of additional revenue. If they can offer wieners as a choice, they would own the hot dog business in RI. Atmosphere is okay, restrooms are moderately clean. My review here is to nudge them a bit to embrace RI's famous wieners, fail to do so does not make me a frequent customer, but they do deserve a 4 Star for their efforts.
(4)R P.
BEWARE OF DOG! Good dog! For some local culture, drop by, kick back and have a #1 mutt.
(5)Sarah W.
I used to come here when my sister and brother went to Providence College, when Spike's first opened 13 years ago. The dogs are delicious and everything's made in the USA. Definitely get the cookie and the meal. The curly fries are better than I remember and I love the Spike's root beer- not too sweet, not too fizzy- just right.
(5)Heather L.
Couldn't love this place more. Hot dogs and curly fries are heavenly, and the staff are always friendly. Check it out if you haven't yet - it's an affordable place (rare in Providence) with good food.
(5)BoomerTelly ..
Being a vegetarian, Spike's isn't an eatery I visit all too often. However, I was with a friend who wanted to eat lunch here a while back, and I went along. I ordered two plain veggie dogs, veggie dogs aren't the best tasting thing I've ever had, but they exist more for a novelty, or social aspect. However, when I was served, I was served two regular dogs. Luckily for me, you can readily tell the difference between the spikes dogs and the veggie dogs, as their hotdogs are somewhat larger and sausage like. I understand mistakes happen, and I'm not one of those vegetarians who freak out and cause a scene. But I politely asked if they could remake the dogs for me. At which point, the person who served me starting arguing with me that I had not ordered veggie dogs. I told him that I'm pretty sure that I haven't eaten pork in 8 years, and that I would please like them to remake them for me. They eventually did make them for me. However, I found their reaction to my polite request extremely rude, especially considering how many people in my possition usually act. Again, mistakes happen, but I've worked in customer service and it's all about how it's handled.
(1)George M.
So, I am a huge fan of the spikes in the emerald square mall. Great food and great people. I Just used "foodler" as a delivery service for the providence spike's hoping for the same experience. The only portion of the order that was correct was the fires. We ordered 2 grinder dogs and received something with relish on it - not grinder sauce as described and a steak & cheese with no onions and american cheese - there were tons of onions and no cheese. I will not be using foodler to order from this spikes ever again.
(1)C J.
This place gets very high marks from me for its consistency...Spike's is good and has been good for years. I stopped in there on a whim today after several years and was very pleased to find that, like always, the dog was very good and properly cooked, the fries were crisp, hot and not overly salty and there's the wonderful bread the hot dogs are served on. Exceptional. I was also pleased to see that there are still veggie dogs offered and that they, too, are properly cooked and served with the same attention that everything else is. One of the really great things about Spike's is how friendly they always seem to be as well. All in all, just about as good as hot dog places get around here...
(5)Linda A.
This is one of my guilty pleasures. I've never had a Spike's dog I didn't love. The buns are amazingly fresh baguettes, the dogs are quarter pound beauties, and even the tofu pup is tasty -- albeit against my religion -- haha. My faves are the Texas Ranger, the 57 T-Bird, and the RI dogs (a much tastier version of the NY system dogs). I crave the wings on a daily basis. It's a struggle to drive by and not stop for a 7 piece wing. The hubcap cookies are larger than my face and also amazing -- thin and crispy along the edges, soft and chewy towards the middle. Delicious! The owners are also super friendly and wonderful. I can't say a bad thing about this place!
(5)Elizabeth G.
These hotdogs are drool-worthy. I'm weird about food; so, I've never tried one myself, but every time I see one im in heaven in my head.
(4)Sarah C.
I've been a lover of Spike's since I was a teen and they still don't disappoint. I usually go with the buffalo dog and fries. I haven't tried their chicken sandwiches or pizzas, as I just can't get anything else but their delicious hot dogs. The fresh baked bread it comes on is also great.
(5)Vincent T.
Ok.. a cool hot dog joint with a cool theme. although they serve sandwiches, pizza, wings, etc., I've only had the dogs, and boy are they something. these dogs are large.. not like the NY System dogs, but so big that they're served on half of a fresh torpedo (or sub) roll. Then they're topped with practically anything you'd want. You can go with their creations (I prefer the chili-cheese and buffalo dogs) or create your own. The curly fries are always done perfectly and the onion rings are pretty good too. This location is pretty clean, with ample parking. I always see the same guy in there and he's always friendly and helpful.
(5)Kathy S.
My boyfriend and I went there tonight for supper.. We are regulars so its so funny how the people already know our order and recite it for us if we forget! The mom is so nice and awesome to chat with while we wait. Even when they are busy they are still fast! The veggie dogs are bomb! So filling! Great food, great prices, great employers, great armosphere!
(5)Amanda M.
GOOD DOGS AT SPIKE'S I first heard about Spike's Junkyard Dogs back in 2003, when they had a location in Greenville. The Greenville location has long since closed - bummer - but the Branch Avenue location is a good excuse to go to Providence. The hot dogs do not disappoint. They're everything you want in a hot dog - meaty and juicy - with none of the "junk" you don't (no pun intended). Being a lover of hot dogs - both the edible and the four - legged variety - I definitely love the hot dogs. Mutt? Poodle cheese fries? Where else but Spike's would you find that on the menu? Did I mention they bake all their rolls fresh, right there in the restaurant? It doesn't get any fresher than that. No matter which location you go to, these hot dogs will have your taste buds sit up, roll over and beg for more. I go for either a Mutt or a Texas Ranger, which has cheddar, bacon and BBQ sauce on it. The Mutt is great if you just want the flavor of the hot dog itself, and the poodle cheese fries are cooked just right. So if you're in Providence and you're looking for a good place to have a hot dog, take a little drive down Branch Avenue and follow your nose. - Okay, they're located at 485 Branch Avenue, but following your nose is way more fun. Now who wants some more poodle cheese fries.?
(5)Sara B.
I gotta say I still like it! Loved it way back in the day late night after drinks and still crave a Friday chicken sammich with like 29 toppings and Curley fries on the dude! I'm not a huge hotdog fan but everything on the menu is good. Nothing too fancy, simple but delicious toppings and the serving sizes are pretty decent. I like the location they have in the emerald mall too. It's not instant, there is about a 10-15 minute wait but at least u know its getting made to order! I ask for the sauces on the side only cuz they out alot, in my opinion.
(4)Natalie S.
I really love chicken wings and this place is worth the drive for to go. The fries are always freshly made as are the wings. They don't drowned your wings in crappy sauce. They smother them and give you enough blue cheese to enjoy them. Really excellent service everyone is pleasant!
(5)Karen N.
I was trying to write this review on National Hot Dog Day but I totally missed it! When I mentioned going to that Olneyville place, I was swayed by my northeastern friends that I was misguided and outright wrong. I had to come here. Fine. This place is a bit kitschy. But cute. It looks like a junkyard. If a junkyard was really clean and served food and had washing stations. Let me just say this was the best weiner I've had. Yup, make your jokes... I don't care. The combinations of franks they have here is insane. The buns - ridic. Everything together - lots of silence at the clean junkyard table.
(4)Camille M.
Really yummy vegetarian hot dogs; the rolls are substantial and freshly baked, and really great toppings and combinations.
(4)Michael M.
This Spike's is so much better than the Attleboro mall one! They have about 20 different weiners to choose from like the 57 T-Bird, which is with honey mustard and swiss cheese or the Texas Ranger, which comes with BBQ sauce, bacon and cheddar cheese. My favorite is the Buffalo dog! The curly fries and wings are really good also. The staff here is very helpful and if you don't know what exactly to get they will give you recommendations. I only wish that they had fried Oreos like the Attleboro location!
(4)Kisha T.
I love that I'm a regular here and haven't even reviewed this place yet. Oh Spike's, you are my go-to hot dog place in Providence. Although I do have hankerings for hot wieners here and there, but most of the time, Spike's Texas Ranger and Chili & Cheddar dogs are what I'm really craving. The best thing about Spike's are the buns. They're baked fresh and really gives the bun a bigger "roll" than just to hold the dog. The dog itself is quite good too. Just enough snap when you bite into it and it's very juicy. Another thing I really love about this place are their Junkyard fries: curly fries with fresh chili and shredded cheddar. Yum yum. It's nothing fancy or complicated but I love that they do the hot dog so well. I really want to try the other things on the menu since the wings and chicken sandwiches look to be rather popular with people too. I'll keep coming back for the dogs and maybe one day, I'll get to see Spike himself!
(5)Ernest L.
Spikes is consistently great, save for the one time they almost gave me a beef frank, but I forgive them. I used to frequent the Spikes around the block from me in Cranston until it closed for awhile because it exploded or caught on fire or something. One day during its closing, I was determined to have a veggie dog on my lunch break, and I drove the 20 min to this location. The Branch Ave location does not disappoint. I always get the German Shepard out of habit. It comes with Spike's Mustard and sauerkraut. The roll is bulky and chewy. If you put condiments on it, the roll won't get soggy enough to fall apart like a roll from Sunbeam. The veggie dogs are good sized and taste great. The Spike's mustard has a slight kick to it, and I often opt for regular mustard. Sauerkraut is good, but I don't really know anything about what makes a sauerkraut good or bad. Pickled anything is good to me. The curly fries are fun to play with. Boing boing!
(4)Kameron S.
Best hot dog joint there is, hands down. They do everything right, from the bread (best ever) and the big hot dogs, and my kids love the chicken tenders too. Get the chili cheese dog with spike's spicy mustard. You will thank me. They are all franchises, but have the same quality at every location, which is so nice.
(5)Eric D.
Try the 57 T-Bird dog.
(5)Alex H.
This place is great. Unique and delicious selection of about 20 different hot dogs. Sure they sell other food, but you come here for the hot dogs. I got the Buffalo Chicken Dog and it was great! Comes with really tasty curly fries too! I have been here twice and both times I was met with great service and really good food. If you are looking for a quick meal, this is the place to go.
(4)Michael S.
I'm a hot dog guy... specifically a Chicago hot dog guy. That's the best way to have a hot dog and I stand by it. Enter Spike's. Gf and I wanted to try Olneyville, but it was not opened yet so she found Spike's knowing I wanted a hot dog. Anyways, split three dogs with the gf. Not sure what the name of the one that is like Olneyville's is, but I thought it was very good. Junkyard dog that my gf was good and the chili cheese dog was the standout winner. I liked the roll they use and the hot dog itself had great flavor. Honestly, I did like the dog quite a bit thinking it was more flavorful than my Chicago vienna beef I'm used to. My heart and loyalty will still lie with Vienna beef hot dogs Chicago style, but wow... Spike's is really high up there. Yes, I think it's better than NY hot dogs for sure though. Excellent food and great service (they brought our food to us which is a nice touch for a hot dog joint.) If only I knew there were some Spike's in Boston. I'll def. come back when in the area.
(4)Rich B.
Sort of over rated. Really wasn't that good. It's gone down in quality every time I've gone...
(2)Ryan D.
What isn't great about Spike's? Yes I know it is a local chain, but the service and food don't disappoint, much like other chains. The rolls, oh wow those rolls. I have never had a thicker hot dog roll than Spike's. Whoever was the genius behind that grill who said "wow I want a big bulkie roll for my dog" should be given a medal. I always try to get a different dog each time I go. Last night I got myself the Mexicali dog which has salsa, pepperoncini and cheddar cheese. The cheese keeps it all together, along with the large roll. With the different styles of dogs, that roll really holds it all together, where normal rolls would get soggy and fall apart. Definitely get the junkyard fries as a side, not quite your normal chili cheese fries. The chili is nice, thick and meaty (allll right mind out of the gutter). Service is very quick too, bring the food right to you. Ambiance might seem a little kitschy but I think it fits with the restaurant. Definitely hit up not just this Spike's but any in the area if you see one.
(5)Sarah O.
Surprisingly, best vegetarian hot dog I've had. Loaded w mustard, baked beans, and cheese. Delish!
(3)Julie A.
I love Spikes. '57 T-bird meal for me. Delicious curly fries and yum yum hotdogs. 2 visits ago, I had a SPIKE sighting. He's so adorable. This location have been around for many years. It remains clean and the Spikes standard is upheld. Keep up the good work!
(4)Joe B.
Absolutely the best in every way. I only wish they'd expand nationwide!
(5)Aly K.
I took my parents to Spike's 6 years ago when they came to visit me in Providence. My dad, a native New Yorker, would eat hot dogs everyday if we let him. To this day, he still mentions Spike's to me weekly and is always ready for a trip to RI if I promise to take him. Spike's is great. The hot dogs are awesome, the chicken sandwiches are good too! If you don't like Spike's, I don't like you!
(5)Keyser S.
Probably one of the more over-rated restaurants in Providence. The quality of the dogs is very poor. If you are looking for a better dog, drive up to Worcester and go to Coney Island.
(2)Dante V.
Went here for lunch take out (1:15 pm) I got 2 junkyard dogs. It's REALLY hard to screw up a hot dog.... Well these wieners were terrible. Awful and old like they had been the last two dogs at the bottom of the container and should have been thrown out. I also noticed that the bun was overly hard, crunchy and stale. I barely finished the first dog and was hoping it was just a fluke, but NOOOOOO!!! The other wiener blew just as badly. VERY sad indeed see, I have had spikes several times before (at the other location downstairs from Jerkys) I would stumble down drunkenly from Jerkys and shove a couple of American sausages in my eating hole. EVERY time they were fresh, tasty and delicious. Not so here my friend. NOT EVEN CLOSE :( The only reason I was able to put that meat log in my mouth was my extreme level of "hungryness" Those gross tube steak's almost had the texture of beef jerky. The other thing that threw me off was the interaction between a customer and employee. I believe she was at least the shift manager. Pretty much from the time I ordered until leaving she was either harassing/mocking this customer that was in the restroom. Talking about her to me and the other workers. I came in the middle of it so I'm not sure exactly what was happening but the word scumbag was thrown around. While I found this quite entertaining if not a bit awkward, most people would not. In a nutshell - OLD WIENERS, STALE BREAD & POOR BOUNDARY HAVING WORKER - yep :) I gave 2 stars for the entertainment and fresh toppings. Otherwise I would have given only 1 star. I tried to contact Spikes about this and found their website. Would you believe there is no way to contact these people through email or HQ/managerial phone? This is THE ONLY contact info I was able to obtain through Spikes website: For current franchise information, please write: Dave Drake Spike's Junkyard Dogs, USA 640 Reservoir Avenue Cranston, RI 02910 OUTSTANDING....................F.A.I.L :( :( :(
(2)Leah W.
Yes, 5 stars for a hot dog joint! For those of you lamenting the closures of certain locations, don't cry! Dash Providence (Foodler) delivers for them! Like other reviewers, Spike's has ruined me for any other hotdog. A honking, juicy, flavorful dog in a soft fresh chewy roll, and it comes in so many combos that you're bound to be satisfied! My faves: The Patriot, with stone-ground mustard, bacon, and cheddar. The Reuben, with what else but sauerkraut, Swiss, and Russian dressing? So genius! Also, the amazingly delish "hubcap" chocolate chip cookie is the size of my head!
(5)David G.
I freaking LOVE SPIKES. I had a pretty serious Spike's addiction back in the 90s when I lived on the East Side and my friends and I would go to the Thayer Street spikes almost every day. I tried to eat six dogs in an hour to get my picture on the wall, but instead I ate five and a half, walked outside and threw up on The Gap. Point is, Spikes is awesome. I'm sad that the Thayer Street location is gone, and I'm sad that I'm almost never near one of the other locations so I don't go often. It looks like they may have trimmed down their menu a bit since their 90s heyday, but they still have my two favorites - the Texas Ranger dog (bbq sauce and bacon) and the All-American. A piece of advice - get your All-American with honey mustard instead of spikes mustard. If you save if for last, it's like eating a hot dog for dessert.
(5)Holiday S.
Spike's serves up a world-class hot dog. Sensational.
(5)John M.
We were dropping the kid off at school today and decided to find somewhere quick and affordable to grab a bite. So I searched Yelp and found this little hole in the wall located in Providence. I had high expectations after reading the reviews on Yelp and I have to say that I wasn't dissapointed at all. I had read that it was located in a sketchy area of Providence, but it really didn't seem all that bad to me. The restaurant itself is very small and decorated with hub caps and various silly signs, not upscale at all. My daughter who is studying to be a pastry chef tore the place apart about the lack of cleanliness but it didn't seem too bad to me. After all they're serving hot dogs, not beef wellington and as long as it don't see anything too nasty, it doesn't bother me all that much. So we shuffled up to the counter and ordered. They have a large variety of hot dogs that come in a combo with curly fries and a soda or simply by themselves. They also had chicken wings, subs and salads. No burgers though, but I believe that they offer them at other locations, just not this one for whatever reason. I ordered the chili cheese dog, my wife got the Junkyard special (tomatoes, pickles, diced scallions, sweet peppers and spicy mustard), my daughter got a plain and my son the wing basket. My dog was great, the chili was pretty good and the cheese was melted into it. My wife was a little leery when she got hers, but said the flavors worked very well together. The wings were good, a no brainer there and my daughter enjoyed hers as well. One thing that was great was the fact that the dogs come on a home baked half loaf of french bread which had a great texture and taste to it. It's also worth mentioning that the hot dogs are not the typical size you'd get anywhere else, they are larger and I'd estimate that 1 of theirs would equal about 2 regular sized ones. The staff was very friendly, my little guy actually was pretty sad about the wings as they were too spicy for him. He can't tolerate anything spicy and shame on me for even ordering them when he asked for them. The chef noticed he was upset and came right up to us asking if he could get something else for him. Class move in my opinion. Of course I ordered another dog (which I paid for), gave him mine and then ate his wings too. What else would I do right??? I will certainly stop by when I need a quick lunch and I look forward to trying one of the other varities of dogs on the menu. Definitely my kinda place!
(4)A Z.
The people who work here are so nice. I mean, I don't really always expect an enthusiastic hello when I walk into a chain hotdog joint, but yet I get it every time. I like the Texas Ranger Burger almost as much as I like their wings. OK, fine I love them the same. The fries are also pretty decent and you can get them all kinds of ways just like you can customize your hotdog. I don't LOVE having a giant roll as a hotdog roll, but sometimes when you've got a lot of toppings, you need something to keep them in check. Despite the neighborhood, this place is clean, has a parking lot and the service is always top notch.
(4)Victor K.
Spike's Junkyard Dogs makes a simple hot dog delicious! People may think a hot dog is just a hot dog until they order one of their specialty dogs! If only they were in walking distance I would go there at least once or twice a week! Also this place has a hotdog challenge that I want to try, if you can eat 6 or more dogs you can win a T-shirt :D
(4)