OT, but relevant. The Original Hot Dog shop in Oakland (Pittsburgh) has closed.Update

[Beansballcardblog]

That Virgil note made me literally LOL

Originally Posted by Cozumeleno

It is incredibly sad news. I went to Pitt in the late 1990s and spent many late nights at the O when it was maybe the only place open at 3 a.m. Right in the heart of campus near the dorms. People would funnel in there after parties and whatnot. I once saw Virgil the pro wrestler, who lives nearby, step out of a car in an nWo shirt going inside at like 2 a.m. That will have context for very few people but, well, it was that kind of joint. Even famous locals went there and you never knew who you might see there.

The pizza was cheap and edible when it was fresh. Forget about trying to eat it the next day, though. It was called the Original Hot Dog Shop but I never actually ate a hot dog there. Cheap. Not the cleanest joint. But when you're a starving college kid on a budget, it was tough to beat.

Amazing and ridiculously large quantities of fries that were incredible. They have made some Best Fries lists, such as this one.

The news was really out of the blue, which is why so many are shocked by it. Despite living only about 25 minutes away, I can't tell you the last time I went there. Trying to find parking in Oakland is a hassle. Now, I am wishing I had gotten there at least once more.

[botport]

Put me in the camp of those that will miss / hope the "O" can be saved.

For what and where it was the place was tough to beat.
Pretty much dead nuts center of campus, quick and affordable grub, open late. By no means gourmet stuff but consistent quality, I personally would rather eat at a place that sells 10k hot dogs a week than a place doing sparse business with a twenty plus item menu.

To the poster that mentioned Fat Heads being from Cleveland. Well played, we love that stuff here. I will try not to let it ruin my appetite for my favorite item there .. the aloha chicken sandwich (i don't think its a headwich).

To all the Pittsburgh natives, transplants and visitors ... thanks for sharing your stories.

[Marslife]

this just in! oopps saw already posted... sorry for the dupe.

https://www.post-gazette.com/life/fo...s/202005210155

Mark Cuban is trying to save a Pittsburgh institution. No, it’s not the Pirates.

Instead, the Mt. Lebanon native, Dallas Mavericks owner and “Shark Tank” star is working to revive the Original Hot Dog Shop in Oakland, a staple of the Pitt campus he once walked as an undergrad.

The restaurant shuttered last month after 60 years in business. Its iconic neon signs are now gone, to the dismay of many who spent their college days savoring its celebrated French fries inside its location at the intersection of South Bouquet Street and Forbes Avenue.

Cuban offered those folks some hope Thursday during an interview with Pat McAfee, himself a Pittsburgh-area native and West Virginia football alum who’s now an analyst for ESPN.