Two Dives Worth The Drive

Two Dives Worth The Drive originally published on Food and Fond Memories on October 11, 2016 by sandyaxelrod Leave a Comment (Edit)

Did you ever want to try a dive for dinner? Here are Two Dives Worth the Drive. If you’re in Charleston, that is!

A table with braised greens in a little white dish, fried zucchini slices and a fried chicken sandwich on butcher paper on a sheet pan

Boxcar Betty’s Fried Chicken Sandwich with Pimento Cheese and Slaw

Hot Dog With Coleslaw and Onion Straws in a bun sitting on black and white checked deli paper

Perfectly Franks Hot Dog With Coleslaw and Onion Straws

On our last visit to Charleston over Memorial Day Steve and I decided to try to eat on the cheap for at least a couple of meals. This area of South Carolina has so many wonderful restaurants that even with our many visits we have not even made a dent in the list. I think that you could have a meal in almost any of the dining establishments and be wowed by the flavor.

9 red framed chalkboards on a wall with menu items

The Chalkboard Menus at Boxcar Betty’s

The Rustic Dining Room at Boxcar Betty’s

Boxcar Betty’s Fried Chicken Sandwich with Coleslaw and Mac and Cheese

I had a particular craving for fried chicken one evening and our daughter-in-law said she had wanted to try a place called Boxcar Betty’s on the Savannah Highway. So we all piled in the car and headed for the restaurant. Boxcar Betty’s is a tiny little place but there is nothing small about the flavor of their chicken. We ordered at the counter and then they brought our food to us. Everything came out hot, crisp and delicious. The coating on the chicken was well seasoned and so crunchy! And on the inside the chicken was juicy and tender. All of us were impressed with the portion sizes and the quality of each item on the menu. The menu is limited but all we really wanted was yummy fried chicken and that is what we got.

Boxcar Betty’s Fried Chicken Sandwich with Pimento Cheese and Slaw

Boxcar Betty’s Fried Green Tomatoes with Sauce

Boxcar Betty’s started with a picture of a fried chicken sandwich and developed into a desire to bring high-end fried chicken sandwiches to Charleston. The process evolved into an experience for their customers from the incredible award winning chicken, to attentive customer service and a unique space. They craft their sandwiches with great care using the best chicken and and locally sourced ingredients. They work hard to care for our world. In addition to locally-sourced ingredients, they’re committed to helping the environment by ensuring that everything on your tray is completely compostable. Feel good knowing that, at least for this meal, you’re doing your part. Can’t wait to go back there on our visit later this month.

Waiting area of a restaurant with a mural of people

Waiting area at Perfectly Franks

A Burger and fries on red and white checked deli paper

Bison Burger at Perfectly Franks

As for the other dive, it was in the complete opposite direction. Brian and Eve had been to Perfectly Franks in Summerville when they first moved to Charleston a couple of years ago and loved the food and the town. We really had to check out what they liked so much. We took the lovely drive to Summerville stopping at a plantation store or two along our route. Summerville is charming with little boutiques and antique stores. It even has a Main Street which is where Perfectly Franks is located.

A huge pile of fries on red and white checked deli paper

Perfectly Franks’ Perfect French Fries

A hotdog bun filled with fried shrimp and tomatoes sitting on red and white checked deli paper

Fried Shrimp Sandwich at Perfectly Franks

The Cuda family tradition began in 1910, when Perry’s grandfather, Frank Cuda, Sr., at the age of 15, stowed away on a boat from Italy to America. Later he moved to Pittsburgh, PA. From there, he brought all of his family, eight brothers and sisters and his father, to live with him in America. As the oldest brother, Frank was determined to make his way in his new home by opening a food store and selling hot dogs. With just three stools and a counter, “Cuda’s Hot Dogs” was born. Frank Cuda, Sr. continued to grow his business and soon had four hot dog stores managed exclusively by his family, which included Perry’s father, also named Frank.
Today, Perry Cuda is carrying on the tradition and continues to pay tribute to the “Franks”.

Guy Fieri and Perry Cuda on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives

It is cool to note that Perfectly Franks was on Food Network’s Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. And I could see why. I never saw such a huge variety of toppings for hot dogs which made it so hard to choose. Steve and I each had a different one so we could share and they were both great. Everything you would want in a dog – an all beef hot dog that’s full of flavor, a soft toasted bun and fresh, delicious add ons. And the fries weren’t too shabby either.

Pictured is half of a hotdog in a bun with coleslaw and onion straws

My Texas Dog at Perfectly Franks

I highly recommend both Boxcar Betty’s and Perfectly Franks when you are in the mood for wholesome, flavorful comfort food at a very affordable price. All you have to do is take a little drive from downtown Charleston which I think you will find so worth the trip.

Boxcar Betty’s
1922 Savannah Highway
Charleston, SC 29407
West Ashley
(843) 225-7470

Perfectly Franks
118 North Main Street
Summerville, South Carolina
843-871-9730