How O’Betty’s Red Hot Merges Hot Dogs and Burlesque

You might not think hot dogs and burlesque go together, but at O’Betty’s Red Hot in Athens, the two concepts collide in a way that makes total sense once you walk through the door. Owner Bob Satmary opened this hot-dog joint on the college town’s West State Street in June 2003, and it’s been a go-to for an easy lunch, dinner or late-night bite ever since. 

“The hot dog itself has been around since the turn of the 20th century, and it’s part of Americana,” Satmary says. “Burlesque is pretty much an American phenomenon too. So, I was like, ‘Oh, they blend together.’ ”

The decor at O’Betty’s isn’t that of your typical hot dog stand. Rather, it feels like stepping into a moody speakeasy, with soft red lighting, beaded drapes and photographs of burlesque stars evoking old Hollywood glamour. Head father into the restaurant and the atmosphere changes as you enter the Hot Dog Museum.

Along the walls surrounding the dining tables, Satmary displays a collection of hot-dog artifacts and memorabilia that he either collected himself or that have been donated to the restaurant. Items include vintage hot-dog cookers from various decades, as well as tchotchkes like hot-dog phones, clothing, toys, radios and soap. 

The menu is equally as eccentric with roughly a dozen hot dogs named for burlesque dancers. The toppings for each are inspired by regional hot-dog styles from across the United States. The Dixie offers a classic dog topped with chili sauce, cheddar cheese, onion and mustard. Other favorites include the Blaze (topped with bacon bits and creamy coleslaw) and the Varla (bacon bits, coleslaw, horseradish and 1000 Island dressing). Customers can substitute a veggie dog if they so choose.

“Everybody can relate to a hot dog, no matter how much or little money you make, and no matter where you’re from.” Satmary says. “Hot dogs have been part of your life.” 15 W. State St., Athens 45701, 740/589-6111, obettys.com

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