In 1984, Glenn and Vivian Robins opened their first Barkers Red Hots vending cart in Woodruff Park. Soon after, the couple’s distinctive, charcoal-grilled hot dogs were being widely celebrated as one of Atlanta’s best bargain bites, and the operation expanded to locations in Midtown, Underground and the Georgia Dome. 

The Robinses got out of the vending business in 1995, and later those Barkers carts vanished from the downtown scene, leaving devotees longing for one more taste. But after spending some 12 years in the printing business, the Robinses returned in 2007 with a new Barkers Red Hots concept in the guise of a fast casual restaurant in Marietta. 

[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Enlarge this image

Becky Stein/AJC special

They’re not vending them on the street any more, but Barkers Red Hots are still as juicy and delicious as ever – and you can sit down while you eat.

[an error occurred while processing this directive] [an error occurred while processing this directive]

BOARDWALK STYLE: Located in a strip center at the intersection of Powers Ferry and Windy Hill roads, Barkers’ storefront location is bright and tidy, with cheery décor meant to evoke all-American images of a day at the beach. In fact, when queuing up at the order counter, you’ll be greeted by the recorded sounds of breaking waves and squawking seagulls. And while you wait, you can watch as Glenn Robins works the charcoal grill for dogs worthy of a backyard cookout.

ORIGINAL RED HOT: Barkers’ menu has been greatly expanded to include sandwiches, sides and desserts. But the “original” Red Hot is still the signature item. Robins’ Buffalo roots (and familiarity with that town’s famous Ted’s Hot Dogs) show in the popping-good, classic Sahlen brand pork and beef dog he cooks and covers in sweet-and-spicy red relish sauce, with chopped onions and a dill pickle sliver. Free condiments include ketchup, yellow mustard, Weber’s horseradish mustard or jalepeños. Extra toppings range from cheese, chili and cole slaw to kraut and sautéed peppers and onions. There’s also a jumbo all-beef dog, a steamed “city” dog and Polish or Italian sausage served on a crusty roll. Kids can get a meal deal that includes a steamed hot dog or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, with carrots or fries, a juice box and a cookie, for under $3.

SANDWICHES AND SIDES: In deference to lighter tastes, there’s a creole-seasoned grilled grouper sandwich and a grilled chicken sausage sandwich. Meat lovers go for grilled flank steak or the hearty meatball hoagie. On the side, the crinkle cut fries may be washed in vinegar, but the potato flavor is what comes through.