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About This Place

Welcome to Famous Lunch, a beloved hotspot located at 111 Congress St, Troy, NY. This charming hot dog restaurant has earned its reputation as a must-visit gem in the community, serving up delicious food with a side of nostalgia. With a focus on traditional eats, Famous Lunch has captivated locals and visitors alike, becoming a cherished part of Troy's dining landscape.

At Famous Lunch, the star of the show is undoubtedly their world-famous hot dogs, priced at an unbeatable $1.50. Each bite is a tribute to classic Americana, complemented perfectly by a zesty zippy sauce that many customers rave about. But the menu extends beyond hot dogs; you’ll also find a selection of burgers, sandwiches, and sides, all crafted with care. From the Zippy Hamburger at $2.50 to the generously portioned Double Cheeseburger for $3.50, each offering underscores the restaurant's commitment to quality and affordability. And let’s not forget the delicious French fries—hand-cut and bursting with flavor—are perfect companions to the main dishes and priced at just $2.91.

Customer experiences paint a vivid picture of what to expect at Famous Lunch. Kayleigh Smith echoes a sentiment shared by many, stating, "I feel like I went 30 years back in time," highlighting the restaurant’s nostalgic atmosphere and welcoming spirit. Mark reminisces about childhood visits, emphasizing the lengths he will go to for those iconic mini hot dogs and rice pudding. Dean Fraser appreciates the family-friendly environment and the charming staff, who provide seamless service that adds to the overall experience.

As you settle in to enjoy your meal, take a moment to appreciate the quaint decor and the shared camaraderie among patrons. Whether you’re grabbing a bite alone or sharing stories with loved ones, Famous Lunch creates an inviting space that feels like home. Victoria Johnson, a customer who hadn’t initially planned to enjoy hot dogs, found joy in a grilled cheese sandwich, underscoring the restaurant's versatility and appeal across different tastes.

Despite the occasional challenge of finding parking, as many die-hard fans will attest, the allure of Famous Lunch more than makes up for it. It’s a place steeped in tradition, where the food is not only delicious but also serves as a vessel for cherished memories. With all this in mind, plus incredibly reasonable prices, Famous Lunch stands out as a culinary treasure in Troy—a place where "everyone is welcome," and good food is always on the menu.

In essence, if you're in the area, a stop at Famous Lunch is not just a meal; it’s an experience that transports you back, reminding us all why we love food and community.

Service options

Accessibility

  • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
  • No wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • No wheelchair-accessible seating

Service options

  • On-site services available
  • Offers takeaway
  • Serves dine-in
  • No delivery

Highlights

  • Has fast service
  • Serves great coffee

Popular for

  • Popular for breakfast
  • Popular for lunch
  • Popular for dinner
  • Good for solo dining

Offerings

  • Serves coffee
  • Serves comfort food
  • Serves food
  • Quick bite
  • Serves small plates

Dining options

  • Serves breakfast
  • Serves brunch
  • Serves lunch
  • Serves dinner
  • Serves dessert
  • Has seating

Amenities

  • Has toilet

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cosy
  • Historic

Crowd

  • Good for groups
  • Popular with tourists
  • Popular with university students

Planning

  • Doesn't accept reservations

Payments

  • Accepts debit cards

Children

  • Good for kids
  • High chairs available

Parking

  • Free of charge street parking
  • Free parking lot
  • Plenty of parking

Locations

Guest Reviews (1279)

I love this place! I dont come often because I'm not local anymore, but when I come here, I feel like I went 30 years back in time, and it makes my heart happy. They have great food at reasonable prices. They are a cash only facility, and they are busy. I love seeing a small business like this that doesn't have all the newest of everything, but people still love it. It's a salt of the earth kind of place where everyone is welcome.

Love this place. My grandma used to take me there when I was a kid. I've moved farther away now but I still go back every chance I get. I drive no matter how long it takes to get them. Little hot dogs and rice pudding when I talk about parking it can be very challenging to find parking. I went down to Albany and stopped by Troy to get the hot dogs on a Friday and I wasn't able to find parking went back a week later. I finally found parking on Saturday. Got my hot dogs

Update – 7/24/25: Went back with my family today, and it’s not often I can say that expectations were exceeded the second time around. The guy taking orders memorizes everything and relays it to the kitchen flawlessly. Everyone there—staff and patrons alike—is genuinely friendly. We had three kids with us (not exactly the quietest crew), and no one batted an eye. It’s truly a family joint, and I’m grateful to experience a slice of the Troy my grandmother was born and raised in. The food is amazing—especially the dogs and fries. The hot dogs are just right, and the French fries are hand-cut, served piping hot, and perfectly crisp. To top it all off, everything is affordable, which makes it even easier to come back again and again. Original review: Really really enjoyed this place excellent food and service! Adding it as one of our staple stops when we’re in the area.

The best mini hot dogs in the area, The zippy sauce does it all. They do have other lunch items but the minis is what I go here for, me personally I think it’s better than the other Hot Dog place in the other side of the River. It can get a little crowded if you’re looking to dine in but the little shelf outside is the best spot

Famous Lunch is a gem--a charming old-school place with wonderful waitstaff and ambience. Reminded me of (the best things about) The Bear! It made me so happy that a place like this still exists. I'm not even a hot-dog person--I had a delicious grilled cheese. (The prices are amazing, too.) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

This is a historical gem. I dont remember the owners daughters name but it was something beautiful. Lol the service was personal and friendly

Very cool to experience an old school hot dog shop. Hotdogs are pretty small, but not bad for the price to sit down at the diner style eatery while learning about its history. overall, a great experience and good bang for your buck! I recommend stopping by at least once to check it out.

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