Mini hot dogs from Pete's Pups

petes pups rotterdam mini hotdogs

By Deanna Fox

It takes a lot of chutzpah to start a hotdog joint in the Capital Region.

We know our hotdogs, especially mini dogs. While other parts of the state have their own spins on hotdogs -- Plattsburgh: Michigans, Syracuse: white hots, New York City: dirty water dogs -- mini dogs are the exclusive claim of the Capital Region. Others try to replicate, but few meet the standards we find here.

And as it is, we already have enough mini dog eateries to keep us well-stocked. From Famous Lunch to Ted's Fish Fry, one doesn't have to look far to find a decent mini dog.

But now there is one more: Pete's Pups, in Rotterdam. And while it may be easy to overlook a new kid in preference for an experienced veteran, this underdog doesn't just bark, it bites with full force, too.

Schenectady proper is flush with hotdog stands (Mike's, Newest Lunch), but go outward in Schenectady County and the same quality of hotdog can be tough to find. But now in western Rotterdam, there is Pete's Pups, which relies on Helmbolds mini dogs and White Eagle sausages. Many of the toppings are made in-house, and that goes for the meat sauce, which is the icon accoutrement for Capital Region mini dogs.

pete's pups rotterdam exterior 2015 June

The location of Pete's Pups is right next to a popular truck stop, at the junction between I-88 and I-90, and abuts a State Trooper outpost. Its presence is a smart marketing move, as hotdogs are quick and portable, and grabbing lunch or an easy dinner here is a good option when the only other prospect is a gas station Dunkin' Donuts next door, or something from the hot case of death so prevalent in convenience stores.

But none of that matters if the food doesn't measure up.

Pete's is smart in sourcing from a trusted local brand. Throwing one's hat into the hotdog ring is a surefire run though the gauntlet around these parts, but Pete's limits risk and potential criticism by relying on the same brands most other hotdog vendors here use. So if you've ever had a mini dog locally, Pete's tastes about the same (including that "snap" of the skin on each tube of meat).

The flourishes that each place employs are what set them apart from the competition. Pete's does this by way of meat sauce. Crumbled meat in a spiced tomato sauce is what you'll find here, but do not confuse "spiced" for "spicy." Pete's meat sauce is earthy and round with cumin, cinnamon, and paprika (almost a garam masala-meets-goulash taste), but lacks any discernible heat.

The flourishes that each place employs are what set them apart from the competition. Pete's does this by way of meat sauce. Crumbled meat in a spiced tomato sauce is what you'll find here, but do not confuse "spiced" for "spicy." Pete's meat sauce is earthy and round with cumin, cinnamon, and paprika (almost a garam masala-meets-goulash taste), but lacks any discernible heat. Opt for pickled hot peppers atop your meat sauce if you need more kick.

I prefer my litter of pups with mustard, relish, and chopped white onion: A hard order to fudge.

By the name alone, Pete's Pups is most definitely a hotdog specialist. Do not overlook what else is on the menu. The sides are all excellent (especially the macaroni and cheese), and save room for a Creamsicle float.

Pete's is all about the deal, too, so you can get a filling meal (with drink and dessert) for less than $10.

Deanna Fox writes about many things, mostly about food. More can be found on her website, Twitter, or Instagram.

More Eat This:
+ Ethiopian platter at Umana
+ Naan pizza at A Better Bite
+ Frozen yogurt at Ayelada
+ Falafel and shawarma at Saati Deli and Catering

Find It

Pete's Pups
1222 Duanesburg Road
Rotterdam, NY 12306

Comments

Wish we had a Pete's Pups here in the Pine Hills!
Reading All over Albany makes me want to eat all of this delicious sounding FOOD, and contribute to my weight gain!

That "curry" flavor you describe is the hallmark of a (in my humble opinion) horrible hot dog meat sauce. In fact, I just had a similar experience with the sauce on Stout's "garbage plate." It tasted like it had pie spice dumped in it...

Also, "crumbled meat?" The meat should be almost liquified. I just received an email from a 65 year old women who shared a scene from her childhood of watching a man at Charlie's in Troy periodically "mashing" the meat in a cauldron of sauce with an unknown implement. There should be no "crumbles."

The tomato is another issue. I don't necessarily hate the idea of tomato in our local hot dog sauce, but if it is anywhere near a prominent flavor profile I reject it.

I might actually have to try these. But by your description I am pretty sure that I will hate them. If you are going to ape the local style, it has to be done well. Anton's in Albany is a good example of a place that hasn't (I think) been around forever but does a damn good sauce.

Anyhow, how was that for a vitriolic hot dog nerd rant... Sometimes I wonder about myself.

"The Daily Meal" website released its list of the 75 best hot dogs in America and there was not a single Cap District place on the list. Your review shows what a travesty that is.

I do sometimes route myself through Sch'dy to get on the Thruway and will plot Pete's into my itinerary next time. Thanks!

Yay, I live a few miles away and am really looking for a few places to get a quick bite for dinner. I will add this place to my list, thank you for letting us know!

Hi there. Comments have been closed for this item. Still have something to say? Contact us.

The Scoop

For a decade All Over Albany was a place for interested and interesting people in New York's Capital Region. It was kind of like having a smart, savvy friend who could help you find out what's up. AOA stopped publishing at the end of 2018.

Recently on All Over Albany

Thank you!

When we started AOA a decade ago we had no idea what was going to happen. And it turned out better than we could have... (more)

Let's stay in touch

This all feels like the last day of camp or something. And we're going to miss you all so much. But we'd like to stay... (more)

A few things I think about this place

Working on AOA over the past decade has been a life-changing experience for me and it's shaped the way I think about so many things.... (more)

Albany tightened its rules for shoveling snowy sidewalks last winter -- so how'd that work out?

If winter ever gets its act together and drops more snow on us, there will be sidewalks to shovel. And shortly after that, Albany will... (more)

Tea with Jack McEneny

Last week we were fortunate enough to spend a few minutes with Jack McEneny -- former state Assemblyman, unofficial Albany historian, and genuinely nice guy.... (more)

Recent Comments

My three year old son absolutely loving riding the train around Huck Finn's (Hoffman's) Playland this summer.

Thank you!

...has 27 comments, most recently from Ashley

Let's stay in touch

...has 4 comments, most recently from mg

A look inside 2 Judson Street

...has 3 comments, most recently from Diane (Agans) Boyle

Everything changes: Alicia Lea

...has 2 comments, most recently from Chaz Boyark

A few things I think about this place

...has 13 comments, most recently from Katherine