Some of the best food discoveries happen when you aren't looking for them. That's exactly how I stumbled upon TNT Grille in Somerset, where one unexpected feature immediately grabbed my attention: a hot dog drive-thru where you can simply pull up, order at the window, and be on your way.

It's perfect if you are driving through town and suddenly get that unmistakable hot dog craving.

Of course, if you're like me and enjoy planning your attack, I'd recommend checking out the menu beforehand at TNTGrille.com or on the restaurant's Facebook page. Trust me, you'll want a game plan, because narrowing down your choices isn't easy – unless, of course, you're someone who likes the classics and knows what you want.

What surprised me most wasn't the drive-thru itself. It was discovering that TNT Grille is so much more than a hot dog stand. Between the loaded dogs, double smash burgers, hand-cut fries and creative chicken sandwiches, this place has quietly built a menu that feels like comfort food with a personality.

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A Little Nostalgia With Every Bite

What many people may not know about me is that before radio, I spent nearly eight years working HVAC with my father. Whenever we were doing a job out in Somerset or the Rhode Island area, we'd often stop for a couple of hot dogs together, and those are memories I'll always cherish.

Walking into TNT Grille instantly brought me back to those days, except this time the menu had evolved into something far beyond a couple of classic dogs.

Somerset's TNT Grille Serves Mouthwatering Hot Dogs, Juicy Smash Burgers, and Tasty Chicken Sandwiches
Kristen Pacheco/Townsquare Media
Somerset's TNT Grille Serves Mouthwatering Hot Dogs, Juicy Smash Burgers, and Tasty Chicken Sandwiches

Naturally, I ordered more than I probably should have, but it was all in the name of research. I worked my way through four different hot dogs, including the Firecracker, the Classic Coney, the Boomin' Chili Cheese and my own custom creation that I proudly dubbed "Here Comes The Boom." My version featured Boom Boom sauce, creamy cheese sauce, bacon and jalapeños, and every bite delivered exactly what I was hoping for.

As good as my custom dog was, my favorite ended up being the Boomin' Chili Cheese. It starts with TNT's signature Coney sauce, adds the Boom Boom sauce and then gets topped with shredded white cheddar that absolutely brings everything together. That sharp, creamy bite of white cheddar cuts through the richness perfectly and turns an already great coney dog into something I'd happily order again.

Don't Sleep on the Smash Burgers

The hot dogs may get you through the door, but the burgers make a strong case for you to come back. Both of the burgers I tried were double smash burgers, featuring two beautifully seared patties packed with flavor. The Steakhouse Burger stacked on the bacon, white cheddar, onion rings, lettuce, tomato, pickles, steak sauce and horseradish sauce for an over-the-top combination that somehow worked in every bite.

Somerset's TNT Grille Serves Mouthwatering Hot Dogs, Juicy Smash Burgers, and Tasty Chicken Sandwiches
Kristen Pacheco/Townsquare Media
Somerset's TNT Grille Serves Mouthwatering Hot Dogs, Juicy Smash Burgers, and Tasty Chicken Sandwiches

The Bourbon Barrel Burger was equally impressive with maple bourbon seasoning, bacon, white cheddar, lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles and a smoky bourbon barbecue sauce that lingered just enough without overpowering the beef.

Then Came The Dynamite Fries

Somerset's TNT Grille Serves Mouthwatering Hot Dogs, Juicy Smash Burgers, and Tasty Chicken Sandwiches
Kristen Pacheco/Townsquare Media
Somerset's TNT Grille Serves Mouthwatering Hot Dogs, Juicy Smash Burgers, and Tasty Chicken Sandwiches

Picture a mountain of fresh hand-cut fries prepared daily, topped with TNT's signature Coney sauce, nacho cheese sauce, ranch dressing, crispy bacon and fresh chives. I added jalapeños for an extra kick, and honestly, it felt like they threw everything but the kitchen sink on top, in the best possible way. Every forkful somehow managed to be crispy, creamy, smoky, spicy and ridiculously satisfying all at once.

Even the Kids Have Something Fun

One thing I really appreciated as a new Dad was that there truly is something for everyone. Kids can stick with chicken nuggets, while adults can dive into the loaded burgers and specialty hot dogs.

 

@fun1071 What?! Like you've never Lady & The Tramp’d a hot dog?! @TNTGrille #nationalhotdogday #somerset #tntgrille #ladyandthetramp #hotdogs ♬ original sound - Fun 107

TNT Grille has also introduced a fun new chicken slider sandwich as well as a new menu item called the Nugg Sammy, featuring three chicken nuggets served on a soft toasted burger bun. From there, you can customize it with your favorite toppings or even take things over the top by adding nuggs to their smash burgers as a topping.

READ MORE: SouthCoast Couple on a Mission to Review Every Local Hot Dog

To wash it all down: an ice-cold coffee milk, naturally. If you're in Rhode Island or Southeastern Massachusetts, you already know that's about as New England as it gets.

 

 

 

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TNT Grille may have first caught my attention because of its drive-thru hot dogs, but I left thinking about everything else on the menu. Whether you're craving a loaded specialty dog, a towering double smash burger, a basket of hand-cut fries or one of the creative chicken sandwiches, this family-owned Somerset spot proves that sometimes the best roadside discoveries are the ones you weren't even looking for.

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