By Robin T. Reid
Perhaps Chili Man reverses the “i” and “e” in wiener because his slathered and savory hot dogs are a whole new species? He’s testing the limits of tubesteaks in, of all places, downtown Towson.
During this recession or depression, cheap thrills are the only ones available for most folks. For me, a hot dog smothered with something is just such a thrill.
This has made Chili Man Weiners at 18 Allegheny Ave. the go-to spot for a pick-me-up instead of Ruth Shaw. Ask about C-man’s Apple Pie Milkshake (new since my visit) but mainly, go for all the savory stuff he heaps on those hot dogs.

For about $6, you get an all-beef dog topped with chili, cheese or whatever you like, a soda and delicious homemade potato chips the size of silver dollars.
The chili is also homemade. It’s on the thin side – with finely ground beef – nor is it particularly spicy. This is topping chili, not bowl chili; so it’s more spreadable and marginally less messy.
The Coney Island dog uses the same beef wiener, and then loads it up with mustard, relish, onions and sauerkraut. Sheer, cheap bliss. Get two.
The Chili Man also has hamburgers, fries and chicken wings. He’s very popular with the late-night crowd. So if you’d prefer to experience your cheap thrill without the company of drunken students, go during the day or early evening. Decked out to resemble a diner, this shiny, clean little restaurant is several cuts above what one expects of a hot-dog place.