No matter where you grew up, you've certainly enjoyed a corn dog or two during your lifetime, but did you know that this state fair favorite was actually invented in Oregon? It's true, and you can still eat at the little hot dog stand where it all began.
The corn dog got its start when George Boyington had a catastrophe at work one rainy day in the late 1930s.
He owned a little hot dog stand on Rockaway Beach, and, as often happens on the coast, a storm blew in, soaking his hot dog buns. By the time the sun came out, he had figured out a solution to his soggy buns - dip the dogs in a special mixture and deep fry them. George's new corn dogs were an immediate hit, and he soon opened up his Pronto Pup shop in Rockaway Beach. Today you can still get a Pronto Pup right here where it all began.
This adorable little restaurant has enjoyed modern updates throughout its lifetime, and its cute dining room is a bright little space.
You can also dine at the picnic tables outside, or take your Pronto Pups to go and eat 'em on the beach.
The menu is simple. You can get several different kinds of Pronto Pups covered in special batter and deep-fried, a few side items, drinks, and soft-serve ice cream.
Get an Original Pup or Louisiana Spicy Pup. They also offer Veggie Pups if you're a non-carnivore. Everything is still made with George's original recipe batter.
The Cheesy Pup will melt in your mouth and is made with Tillamook mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack, so you know you're getting top-quality cheesiness.
For a unique snack, try the Pickle Pup - a tangy, tasty dill pickle fried up in Pronto Pup's special batter. You can also get a Zucchini Pup if you want to get a serving of veggies while you're partaking in this deep-fried goodness.
A Zucchini Pup must be healthy, right?
If you're really hungry, opt for the Super Pup - it's a foot long! You'll also want to get a side order of fries or tater tots.
Not only did Pronto Pup invent the corn dog, but it has another claim to fame: the World's First Riding Mechanical Corndog.
We think it's pretty safe to say that you've likely never ridden on a mechanical corndog before, but it seems like something that everyone should experience at least once.
It's pretty hard to miss Pronto Pup - just look for the gigantic corn dog on the roof!
Pronto Pup is located at 602 Highway 101 S., Rockaway Beach, OR. The restaurant's hours change seasonally, but the current summer hours are Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Learn more about Pronto Pup on its website, and keep in touch by following its Facebook page. Have you tried a corndog at Pronto Pup?
If you're a hot dog connoisseur, you'll also want to visit Oregon's oldest hot dog stand, where you'll enjoy delicious Coney Dogs!
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