A Hot Dog Stand in Lewiston, Maine, Has Been Around For 118 Years

In every corner of the state of Maine, you'll find a restaurant that holds some significant history. Many of those places have changed names, styles and design over the years.

But there's a handful of restaurants in Maine that haven't really changed much over the years. In some cases, many years. Like more than a century.

One of those places is Simones' Hot Dog Stand in Lewiston, Maine.

Simones' Hot Dog Stand in Lewiston, Maine, Celebrates 118 Years in Business

Founded in 1908, Simones' Hot Dog Stand started as a tiny spot meant to feed mill workers a quick lunch.

The hot dog stand kept evolving over the years and eventually became a staple of the city. In 1966, Simones' moved from its original location to 99 Chestnut Street, where it still resides today.

Over the years, accolades have been the name of the game for Simones'. In 2015, Thrillist named Simones' one of the best of hot dog stands in the world.

In 2018, People Magazine featured Simones' as the best hot dog stand in all of Maine. In 2023, LoveFood has identified Simones' as one of the best places to grab a hot dog in the entire country.

Simones' Hot Dog Stand in Lewiston, Maine, is a Generational Spot For Natives

Just as the restaurant has been passed down through multiple generations of the Simones family, the hot dogs in this mom-and-pop shop are generational for customers too.

For me personally, Simones' served as a treat when I was a kid growing up in Lewiston. My grandfather would often take me to Simones' on a weekend so we could both enjoy a red snapper slathered in relish, onions, ketchup and mustard.

There are not many restaurants that make it to 20 years, 50 years or even 100. Simones' is still going strong 118 years and running.