Many people know the city of Troy, New York, as “The Birthplace of Uncle Sam,” but those who are really in the know also know that it’s home to the world famous hot dogs offered by the hole-in-the-wall, greasy spoon called Famous Lunch. This tiny restaurant has been open since 1932 at 111 Congress Street and it is still going strong to this day.

These hot dogs are truly world famous. In 1958, 28-year-old Marine Corporal Gordon Gundrum of Troy was stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. He missed Famous Lunch’s hot dogs so much that he wrote them a letter and the restaurant sent several dozen to him on the other side of the world. “Operation Hot Dog” made local and national news.

Read on to learn more about this establishment and its famous hot dogs.

Famous Lunch is a Troy institution. It is located in the same building it always has been, and it still looks almost exactly like it did when it opened more than 90 years ago.
Management/Facebook
People come from all over for Famous Lunch's world-famous mini-hot dogs. True fans get them with the restaurant's signature Zippy Sauce on top.
Timzorr/TripAdvisor
The hot dogs at Famous Lunch are only four inches in length. That may seem odd at first, but it means you can order a bunch and really pack them in.
LakeRecluse/TripAdvisor
The current record for Most Famous Lunch Hot Dogs Consumed in 30 Minutes was achieved by Amos Hall back in 2014. He ate 40 of them.
You can watch the hot dogs cooking on the grill through the front window. You can also watch the chefs adding the toppings. You're really a part of the action at Famous Lunch.
Timzorr/TripAdvisor
Lots of people get Famous Lunch to go, but you can also sit and eat inside. This no-frills dining room is perfect for this type of place.
Stan Tecza/Trip Advisor

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Consider sitting at the counter when you visit for the full experience. It's like you stepped back in time.
LakeRecluse/TripAdvisor
Famous Lunch does offer other menu items as well. You can also get some of these mini cheeseburgers.
LakeRecluse/TripAdvisor
The prices are excellent so you can try a little of everything. Lots of people like Famous Lunch's sausage and peppers, grilled cheese, and hot ham and cheese sandwiches.
Also, their fries with Zippy Sauce are quite popular as well.
LakeRecluse/TripAdvisor
Famous Lunch also serves breakfast daily including breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, french toast, and omelettes. They're open for dinner, too!
Although going to Famous Lunch in Troy is an adventure that you should not miss, you might also encounter the restaurant's hot dog cart trailer at special events in the Capital Region during the summertime. Keep an eye out for it!
Management/Facebook
Famous Lunch is a piece of history. This place is really special and your visit will be something that you won't soon forget.
Stan Tecza/TripAdvisor
You certainly won't forget these unique and delectable hot dogs.
Stan Tecza/TripAdvisor

Famous Lunch is famous for many very good reasons and it’s a restaurant experience that you’ll never forget. These are hot dogs that you’ll not only remember forever, but that you’ll crave for the rest of your life once you’ve had them once. Head on down to Congress Street in Troy to give it a try if you haven’t already.  You’ll be glad that you did!

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Featured Addresses
Famous Lunch, 111 Congress St, Troy, NY 12180, USA