Uncle Bucks Hot Dogs

320 Bellevue Road
Atwater, CA 95301

 

Saturday, December 7, was clear and cold in the Central Valley of California. Shirley and I drove to Turlock to make a delivery before heading out for a cruise. We found ourselves in Atwater and on a whim, I drove to 5 corners to see if Darla's Dogs was still in business. Famous for its natural casing hot dogs and great chili, Darla's Dogs was a frequent lunch destination during those years when I worked in Livingston; but that was 11 years ago. Darla's was gone, but we found another hot dog business using the same space that Darla had occupied; Uncle Bucks Hot Dogs. We stopped and entered the small eatery for lunch. Inside, we found two friendly ladies, Heather and Natalia, wearing big smiles and serving hot dogs to the customers there before us. What a wonderful surprise, many do not know the pleasure found in a great hot dog and it was a joy to find Uncle Bucks carrying on the tradition of Darla's Dogs, an Atwater landmark. In honor of Darla and Guy, I had a dog with chili and onions while Shirley had a Darla's Dog, still offered on the menu by the new owners in appreciation of those that had gone before. If you find yourself in Atwater, you owe it to yourself to stop in and experience a great hot dog.

 

 

Heather and Natalia greet us as we prepare to order

 

 

A counter with stools awaits indoor diners

 

 

Shirley ponders the menu

 

 

Natalia points to pictures of the old Darla's Dogs displayed on the wall. Guy and Darla are shown in the bottom photo.

 

 

A mural adorns the wall

 

 

A picnic table sits out front

 

 

Kyle, who sampled Shirley's hot dog, gives Uncle Bucks his highest rating, 'two paws up'!

 

 

Laudizen King
Modesto, CA
December 8, 2013

 

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