Don't Pass on Nostalgic Middlefield Hot Dog Stand

If you’ve never stopped in to Guida’s, on Historic Route 66 in Middlefield, I recommend that you take the time. The building isn’t fancy and has an unassuming presence along the busy commuter road, making it easy to miss.

What makes Guida’s so special? Their famous 10 inch grilled hot dogs. Not only are the hotdogs and buns grilled to perfection, but patrons can from a variety of tasty toppings, including chili, sauerkraut, fried onions and roasted red peppers. The dogs are fairly priced at $3.25. Better yet, stop by on Monday, when Guida's offers 2 for 1 day, from 4 to 8 p.m.

Guida’s was established as a small roadside hot dog stand in 1946. In 1953, the late Bill Guida purchased the stand and surrounding land, and by 1957, popularity had grown enough that he built the landmark that stands today. Today it is owned by Lucy Malatesta, an officially named New Guida's Restaurant.

I wasn’t the only passer-by who stopped in on a hot, dog day afternoon. As I sat at the lunch counter, the stream of customers never stopped. Three staff moved quickly between the grill, counter, dining room, and ice cream window, taking order after order. There was almost no wait time, and as near as I can tell, Guida's is the prefect combination between fast food and home cooking.

The atmosphere at Guida’s is nostalgic and patrons will feel as though they’ve stepped back in time 50 years, in part because little has changed over the years. Cash is still the only accepted commodity of exchange. (There is the modern convenience of an on-site ATM, for the younger generation who tends to only carry ‘cards’ with them.) The family friendly restaurant is perfect for someone looking for great food, in a simple dining environment, and at reasonable prices.

Breakfast is offered from 7 o’clock in the morning (Guida's opens at 8 a.m. on Sundays) until 11:30 a.m. For just a few dollars, you can have a hearty home cooked breakfast while you visit with the locals, many of whom have been frequenting the place for decades. 

While the famous hotdog remains a top choice for many, others prefer one of the sausage patties, made at  in nearby Durham. Other lunch options include a half dozen burger options and a dozen sandwiches on the board. The dinner options are just as basic, but plenty hearty enough when fries or onion rings are ordered. Seafood lovers will be delighted with the option of ordering clams, breaded and cooked to perfection. The restaurant is open until 8 p.m. every night.

Check out the photo gallery of all the scrumptious foods that are offered here.

Not in the mood for a hot dog? How about ice cream? Guida’s serves Giffords ice cream from the take-out window all day and evening, including during Cruise Nights.

Cruise Night, a long standing tradition at Guida’s that takes place from May through September, has been voted the number one Friday Night Cruise spot for the past two years.

Speaking of number one, patrons are asked to vote for their Number One choice of the famous Guida Hotdog!

Join the Thunder Rods at Guidas for the remaining 2011 Cruise Nights. Upcoming dates are, August 19, September 9 and September 30. Shows are held from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. with free admission and a family friendly atmosphere (no alcohol allowed).