Wasses Hot Dogs

A trip through Maine is incomplete without tasting local culinary legends, and Wasses Hot Dogs is one of the brightest among them. This iconic eatery, located in the city of Rockland, has held the title of a must-visit spot in the USA for decades.

Unlike typical fast-food chains, this establishment is an authentic roadside stand with a good old American vibe. The secret to its popularity lies in the unique cooking method: the hot dogs are grilled in peanut oil along with aromatic onions, giving them a distinct flavor and a crispy texture.

The crown jewel of the menu is the famous "Wasses Special"—a hot dog with fried onions, mustard, and relish. High ratings and hundreds of glowing reviews confirm that this modest stand on North Main Street has become a true gastronomic symbol of the Midcoast region.

For more details before your visit or to place a takeout order, you can use the following contact information:

Please note that the establishment also has an additional location in the neighboring town of Thomaston.

The main reason people come here is to try the very hot dogs that made the town famous along the entire coast. Be sure to order the signature "Wasses Special": the combination of a juicy frankfurter, onions fried in oil, mustard, and tangy relish creates that perfect, classic flavor. For those looking for variety, the menu also features chili dogs and cheese options.

Watching the preparation process is an experience in itself. You'll see the buns being carefully steamed until they are incredibly soft, while the hot dogs reach a perfect golden brown on the hot grill. The entire process is steeped in the spirit of a traditional American snack bar, where quality has remained unchanged for years.

To complement your main meal, you can grab a side of French fries or chips, along with some cold drinks. This place is perfect for a quick and satisfying "old school" lunch, sitting outdoors and watching the slow pace of life in a coastal town.

The snack stand is located at 2 N Main St, which is the very heart of the city. Thanks to its convenient location on the main street, finding the place is easy even for first-time visitors.

For travelers by car, it is a perfect pit stop while driving along the scenic Maine coast. Parking is usually available near the establishment. If you are in the city center, the stand is an easy walk away, allowing you to enjoy the fresh sea air.

Public transportation in this part of the state is limited, so most visitors prefer to arrive by car or use a local taxi. Using a GPS with the exact coordinates will help you park as close as possible to the window where orders are served.

The history of this legendary spot dates back to the 1920s, when brothers Louis and Barney Benovich opened a small hot dog cart at the intersection of Main and Orient Streets. However, the modern chapter of Wasses Hot Dogs began in 1972, when student Keith Wass decided to buy the business as a summer job.

What was intended as a temporary gig became a lifelong passion. Keith became so engrossed in the process that he put his studies aside to focus on perfecting the recipe. He was the one who developed the signature method of frying hot dogs in peanut oil with onions added right on the grill, which is now considered the "gold standard" of Rockland.

Interestingly, the name itself came from a curious mistake. Keith planned to call the place "Wass' Wagon," but the supplier made a typo in the paperwork and on the sign, writing simply "Wasses." The name stuck and eventually grew into a real brand recognized far beyond the city limits. Today, Keith Wass has been running the main location for over 50 years, turning a modest stand into a chain with several branches.

Since Wasses Hot Dogs operates as a classic street stand, a visit here won't take much time. Usually, the whole experience—from the moment you order to the last bite of a delicious hot dog—takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

This is plenty of time to stand in a short line (which is often a sign of quality here), watch the cooks' skillful work on the grill, and leisurely enjoy your meal at one of the outdoor tables. It is an ideal option for a quick yet legendary snack in the middle of a busy sightseeing day.

The snack bar operates on a fairly compact schedule, which is typical for local legends. The doors are open to visitors almost daily, except for Wednesdays:

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
• Sunday: 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM
• Wednesday: Closed

Given the short operating hours (only 4-5 hours), it is recommended to plan your visit for lunchtime. Since official hours may vary depending on the season, it's worth checking the establishment's social media page before your trip.

After a satisfying snack at Wasses Hot Dogs, it's time to explore the city's cultural and culinary riches. Rockland is famous for its cozy atmosphere and many interesting spots located within walking distance of the famous stand.

Exploring the surroundings will help you better experience the spirit of New England, whether it's a stroll through the historic district or a visit to local art galleries and cozy bars.