Who’s the Voss?

Tuesday Steven and I finally patronized an establishment that has fascinated me for a long time: Voss Bar-B-Q on Oriskany Boulevard in Yorkville.

I have driven by this small walk up eatery many times. It sports a neon sign with a hot dog and a large milk bottle on the roof. There is almost always a line of people at the window, no matter what the weather. I understand it is considered something of an institution in the greater Utica area (doesn’t that sound metropolitan? The Greater Utica Area). People wait with anticipation for opening day, and people who have left the area make sure to go there if they ever return.

We had tried to go there once before but were unable to find a parking space. The obvious popularity of the spot made me all the more intrigued. I was very happy on Tuesday when we managed to find a space. The line was not even too intimidating. We both ordered hot dogs and coffee. I always figure if they have a hot dog on the sign, they must be pretty proud of their dogs, right? We were given a magnetic letter B and stood aside to wait.

I got mustard, onions and sauerkraut on my dog. Steven had mustard, mayonnaise and relish. They were pretty good. In general I like my hot dogs more burnt, but with the business they were doing, I don’t believe they had time to achieve the level I like. The buns were buttered and grilled. They were YUMMY! Yes, I have to put it in capital letters with an exclamation point. We asked if we could share a picnic table with another couple, to which they graciously agreed. It is all outdoor seating, and I could have used a little more shade. No matter, it was a fun lunch, and a real Mohawk Valley experience.

Voss is open April through November. You can find The Voss’ Appreciation Society on Facebook.