We Found A Volkswagen Van In Tennessee Serving $5.50 Hot Dogs That Are Out-Of-This-World
Tucked in East Nashville, a quirky vintage VW bus marks a hot dog wonderland you might miss at first glance. Look again and you will spot I Dream of Weenie, a tiny spot with giant flavor and $5.50 classics that punch way above their price. The buns are soft, the snap is real, and the toppings get wildly creative without losing comfort food joy.
If you like happy surprises and neighborhood charm, this place will have you plotting your next visit before you finish the first bite.
1. The Iconic VW Bus And Brick And Mortar Duo
You will spot it first by the sunny vintage VW bus out front, a cheerful beacon for hot dog dreamers. The brick and mortar across the street keeps the charm while adding comfy seating, air conditioning, and a bright, retro vibe. It feels like discovering a secret clubhouse that just happens to serve your favorite childhood food.
Walk up, order, and hang out at picnic tables while the grill sizzles. The playful decor leans fully into hot dog joy, with stickers, merch, and nostalgic touches. It is cute without trying too hard, the perfect mix of low key and special.
Families, couples, and curious travelers blend here easily. It is pure East Nashville character and community.
2. $5.50 Hot Dogs That Overdeliver
Cheap eats rarely taste this dialed in. The $5.50 dogs at I Dream of Weenie do not feel like a compromise. The buns are warm and soft, the dogs have that satisfying snap, and the toppings are balanced so each bite lands just right.
You can keep it classic with mustard and onions or take a spin with chili, slaw, or pimento cheese. Either way, you watch value meet quality in real time. It is the kind of price that invites a second dog without guilt.
Grab chips or fries and still stay under a modest budget. Great for quick lunches, pregame bites, or a casual date. Your wallet and taste buds both win.
3. Mac And Cheese Weenie Magic
This is comfort on comfort, and it absolutely works. The Mac and Cheese Weenie swaddles a snappy dog in gooey, cheesy macaroni that fills every nook of the bun. Each bite is a little messy and very worth it, like leaning into a hug.
The richness is dialed up, so consider sharing or pairing with a bright soda. Reviews rave about the balance and how the cheese plays with the dog’s texture. It turns a casual snack into a cult favorite.
If you want maximum cozy energy, this is your lane. Pro tip: napkins are your friend. It is playful, indulgent, and honestly, the kind of treat that keeps you thinking about a return trip.
4. Picnic In A Bun Crowd Favorite
The Picnic in a Bun piles on sweet baked beans, creamy slaw, and caramelized bacon, turning a handheld into a backyard cookout. It is messy, sweet-savory, and incredibly fun to eat. The bun stays tender and holds everything with surprising grace.
Fans say it is the perfect flavor mashup when you cannot choose between sides. You get a little smoke, a little crunch, and that satisfying sauce that drips just enough. Bring extra napkins and lean in.
It pairs beautifully with fries or a cold soda to cut the sweetness. For a first timer, this is a hero choice. It is the Weenie spirit in one glorious bite.
5. Corn Dog Hand-Dipped To Order
Hand-dipped and made to order, the corn dog is a sleeper hit that might steal your heart. The batter runs soft and golden, with a gentle sweetness and a tender crunch. It is big, nostalgic, and wildly satisfying, especially with jalapeno ranch.
People call it the best they have ever had, and it is easy to see why. The fry is clean, not greasy, so the dog’s snap shines. The dipping sauce adds a kick that keeps you chasing another bite.
This is game day energy in a stick. Grab one before heading to nearby bars or parks. It travels well and tastes like childhood upgraded with grown up technique.
6. Chili Slaw Weenie And The Classics
If you live for classics, start here. The Chili Slaw Weenie stacks mustard, chili, onions, and slaw for a tangy, savory crunch that feels like home. The chili has body without overpowering the dog, and the slaw cools everything down.
Buns are a big deal at this shop, and these are pillowy and slightly sweet. That contrast makes the toppings pop. Reviews gush about the texture harmony and how tidy it eats despite loaded layers.
Prefer simple? The straight chili or mustard onion dog is spot on. Grab two and taste your way through the old school lineup.
It is proof that the basics, done right, never get old.
7. Sides, Shakes, And Gluten Free Wins
Fries come hot and crispy, onion rings hit that sweet crunch, and the fried mac and cheese balls are downright addictive. If you lean sweet, grab a milkshake or Mike’s Ice Cream to cool the spice. Portions feel generous without going overboard.
Gluten free eaters get love here too. The gluten free bun draws praise for being soft, moist, and not crumbly. That means everyone at the table eats happily together.
Round out your dog with chips, dips, or those mac balls and you have a full-on feast. Prices stay friendly across the board. It is easy to build a satisfying combo without breaking the budget or the mood.
8. Hours, Location, And How To Visit
You will find I Dream of Weenie at 120 S 11th St #105, Nashville, right in the lively Five Points area. Hours run Monday through Friday 11 AM to 4 PM, and weekends 10:30 AM to 4 PM. The vibe is casual, with indoor seating, outdoor picnic tables, and that famous VW bus out front.
Expect quick, friendly service and a line that moves fast. Parking can be tricky, so consider walking from nearby streets. The spot makes an easy lunch, pre show bite, or weekend stroll reward.
Check Facebook for specials like the Pizza Dog or Reuben riffs. Call +1 615-226-2622 if you need details. With a 4.8 star rating, this East Nashville staple is a must.
