Easterbrook's is attracting a new generation of hot dog lovers

Blake Easterbrook is a young man, but he recently received a plaque from the City of Burlington for operating Burlington's Oldest Restaurant. Impossible, you say?

Not at all.

Blake is the fourth generation of Easterbrooks to claim stewardship of the iconic Easterbrook's Hotdog Stand at 694 Spring Gardens Rd., which has been serving hungry Burlington residents for the past 93 years.

It began as a Tea House by Mable Easterbrook in 1923, and didn't put hot dogs on the menu until 1930. Irene Easterbrook took over the venture and passed it on to Ray, Blake's father.

Following suit, Blake came to work with dad in 2014 and officially took over the reins last year.

Customers of the eatery are loyal fans of its 12-inch steamed treats, which are served up with dozens of creative topping combinations such as the Belly Buster (bacon, cheese, fried onions) and the Pizza Dog. Stephen Collins of Burlington has been a regular consumer the for 55 years. He would visit his son, who worked at a nearby cemetery, for lunch breaks and they'd order the Wonderdog with chocolate milk. Steve now brings his wife.

Online comments about the stand - which is actually ia permanent building with indoor dining - range from "Inexpensive but tasty" and "A great local institution" to "This is our spot."

The decor is vintage diner, with red and white checkerboard tile, counter stool seating and a few booths. Customers can peruse the menu on the chalkboards over the counter and check out news clippings and photos of the famous who have come through the doors. Generations of visitors can also be traced on the hundreds of business cards tacked to almost every available wall surface around the room - right up to the ceiling.

Since the early days, Easterbrook's has sold over 2,575 km of hot dogs and 453,592 kg of ice cream.

They only accept cash or debit; delivery is available, but that would mean missing out on the ambience and the flavour of the experience.