Way back when I started this war of the weenies, MBIP reader and commenter, Hap Mansfield suggested Cranwill’s Drive-In in Pekin. It’s a drive-in that has been in the same location in Pekin since 1969, so they must be doing something right. Can they possibly beat the long-standing champion, The Hofbrau House? Well as long as I keep writing this paragraph, we’ll never know, so it’s time for me to walk away from my computer and march off deep into the heart of our weenie war. Ringo, it’s time to beat those war drums! Oh...one more thing...KHAAAAN!
There's nothing worse than starting out a drive with three red lights facing you, but what are you going to do?
Finally we got the green light and here we are passing a former battle ground that houses Coneys hot dog stand on Willow Knolls Drive.
Okay, we're interstate bound, we'll be there momentarily.
See, we're here already. That's just how this shit works!
This place is an old-school drive up place...
Where you can get curbside service to your car like these people are doing.
But I thought we'd go inside and check out what's happening in the restaurant.
Ha!
There's the door, let's go in and see what's happening in there.
There's a nice diner-like feel in here, let's grab a stool and place the order.
Here's Jessica serving up some of their home-brewed root beer with a pretty smile. She just started working here four days ago!
I was told I could sit outside here at one of these benches and my food would be delivered to me. That was kind of a magical offer, so I took them up on it.
And just like clockwork, here's Rhae with this week's hot dog order. This magic moment!
I love the fact that it's served up on a curb service tray complete with a condiment carrier.
Time to unwrap the dogs and let the battle begin.
The first dog up is their chili cheese dog. The bun is steamed and it smells great. Let's see how it tastes.
This is a good chili cheese dog and it's got a good ratio of cheese to the tangy chili.
Today's palette cleanser between dogs is chili tamales topped with onions.
Wow, these are really tasty and tangy, plus, as I've said in the past, it's always fun to eat a treat out of a styrofoam container and knowing that you're wrecking the environment while enjoying a tasty snack.
I opened up what should be the mustard dog and it's naked, no mustard on it at all!
Then I looked over and remembered the handy-dandy condiment holder to the side of the tray.
It's kind of nice to be able to squirt on your own mustard on the hot dog.
I applied a liberal dose, now let's try this mustard dog out.
Even though it came housed in a generic yellow mustard container, I like this mustard. It's got a little zing to it and brings out a good flavor in the hot dog.
And I washed the whole thing down with another mug of their homemade root beer. Cranwill's is like a little blast from the past, you should check it out when you get a chance. See you all tomorrow.
Hot Dog War Status
They serve up a very good chili cheese dog, the chili has a nice zip and is tangy and there’s a decent chili to cheese ratio. The yellow mustard had a nice flavor to it and didn’t taste like most generic mustards do, so they also get a point for that, but it certainly can’t beat the mustard at The Hofbrau House, who once again emerge from battle as this week’s weenie winners.
Hot Dog Rating
Three Oscar Mayer Wienermobiles. Very good hot dogs, they just couldn’t outdo the reigning champion, The Hofbrau House. The root beer is made on the premises and is delicious too, check this place out before summer is over!
Cranwill’s Drive-In
1713 S. 2nd Street
Pekin
309-346-4666
Further reading: Urbanspoon, The Big Fork and Menu.
