On the Hunt: Huntsville, Alabama

September 27, 2020

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“Strike first. Strike Hard. No Mercy.” – Cobra Kai

I swear that every time we hit our stride something trips us up and we stumble a bit.

It’s not a big deal as we are professional improvisors at this point in the game.

In a world of kale salads, grass smoothies and Impossible Burgers I’m just a hot dog lover looking to fill my bun and my belly. It’s simple, El Jefe wanted a hot dog story on his desk by Sunday morning- no excuses – and for 13 weeks I’ve delivered a story, some silly videos and a great (or not so great) recommendation.

Last week we found “Short Leash Hot Dogs and Rollover Donuts” in Phoenix, AZ.

It was almost too easy. Fast forward a week later I’m in Huntsville, AL – Home of the Rocket City Trash Pandas, a NASA rocket school and farms. Evidently, Jefe told me he had a few too many in Vegas and wasted a bunch of money betting on the Jets, so instead of Hawaii, here I am. This shouldn’t be too hard right?

Tweets by Michael Torres

Couldn’t be harder than wandering through the desert…

Wow. That’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me. Let’s build on that.

So, we’re in Rocket City and we’re searching the google for leads and it doesn’t take long to realize the pickin’s are slim.

The brand-new ballpark never opened, and we missed out on cheap dogs in steamed buns. I could down 5-6 of these MiLB meat sticks in a nine-inning game. We found a hot/dog sushi truck combo and tried to track it down while I was in town, but every event schedule was “cancelled”, and we couldn’t make it happen.

There were a couple other little places, but nothing special or non-responsive owners who didn’t wow #thefoodguy. So, I did what any meat stick loving man would do and went the nostalgic route. I remember driving past it on my way into town and was instantly reminded of the smell.

When in doubt? Cook Out.

The buildings are small, and you could get high off the grease seeping from the hood vents as you sat in the drive thru. The milk shake list was endless. The burgers were one of the best I’ve ever eaten, and they were cheap! I’ve eaten here way more than I should have, but I was young, poor and probably high on the pot (Editor’s note: yes, we find this more than acceptable).

Fast forward almost 20 years and the sign still brings back memories of good friends, good food and 2am stoned runs for snacks.

Are you going to tell us where?

Of course not. You’re going to have to watch.

Stay tuned, Stay hungry. #thefoodguy

I mean this is what we have. Don't judge.

Cook Out: 2220 Sparkman Dr. NW Huntsville, AL 35810 (You wouldn’t call)

Rating: Drunk David Hasselhoff (You may be on the floor and incoherent after this one)

Major League Teams: None.

Minor League Teams: The Rocket City Trash Pandas (LAA- AA Affiliate)

Other Baseball: Toyota Field Madison, AL. Built to open 2020 – Thanks a lot, Covid.

Shout Out: College. If it wasn’t for being broke from 1999-2004, I may never have experienced all the great memories surrounding Cook Out. Definitely worth the decades of student debt.

How we rate our meat sticks

Oscar Wiener (The Best, award winning)
Best Supporting Meat (The Joe Pesci of hot dogs- never a star, but you need him)
Nominated Dog (Hey- just getting your name called is a big deal)
Honorable Mention (Average, Edible- No shame in the game- or bun)
Drunk David Hasselhoff (You may be on the floor and incoherent after this one)