Some restaurants chase trends, and some simply outlast them. On a busy highway in Glen Burnie, Maryland, a tiny stand has been handing footlong chili dogs across the same counter for 75 years.
Kids who once needed a boost to reach the stools now bring their own children, and some drive in from other states just to order the classic again. The building is small, the menu is simple, and the line can stretch out the door.
Keep reading to learn where it is, what to order, how the counter crew keeps up, and the best way to plan a stop.
A Tiny Landmark on Ritchie Highway
Blink on the highway and you might miss it, though locals never do. Ann’s Dari-Creme sits at 7918 Ritchie Hwy, Glen Burnie, MD 21061, in the United States.
Officially, it is listed as a sandwich shop. In practice, it is a roadside landmark known for hot dogs and milkshakes.
The stand is snug, with only a few stools inside. Most of the action happens at the counter, where orders are called out and handed over fast.
Glen Burnie sits just south of Baltimore, and many people consider the spot a true Baltimore-area staple. Its place along a major road makes it an easy stop for commuters, families, and anyone running errands nearby.
The stand has earned a 4.5-star average from more than 4,000 people, which is a big crowd for such a small room. That number hints at how many lunches, late snacks, and summer treats have passed through these doors.
So what keeps a highway stand this busy for three quarters of a century? The answer starts with its long story.
Seventy-Five Years and Counting
Few businesses get to throw a 75th birthday party. Ann’s recently did, and that milestone means a lot to the people who have been coming since childhood.
Some regulars count their own visits in decades. One longtime fan has been ordering here for 57 years, even after moving away to Pennsylvania.
That kind of loyalty is rare. It turns a quick hot dog into a small family tradition passed down from parents to kids.
Returning after many years away, people often find the food tastes just as they remember it. That steady consistency is a big part of the charm.
Not every return trip lands perfectly, of course. A few longtime fans feel things are not quite the same as they once were, yet even they praise the stand’s staying power.
History here is not displayed in a museum case. It lives in the familiar faces behind the counter and the stools that generations have occupied.
Next comes the star of the show, the item printed right in the stand’s reputation.
The Footlong That Built a Following
Ask around Glen Burnie what to order, and the answer comes quickly. Get the footlong with everything.
The hot dogs here are deep-fried, which sets them apart from the usual grilled kind. Many folks order theirs the classic way, loaded and topped with chili.
Chili shows up often in conversations about this place, with hundreds of mentions. It goes on dogs, and it goes on fries too.
A useful tip comes from experienced eaters. Some say the double dog gives a better hot dog to bun ratio than the single footlong.
That tip matters, because a few people find the roll a bit large for one dog. Choosing the double or the triple dog solves that neatly.
The double dog fully loaded earns big praise for its old-school style. The triple dog is there for anyone with a serious appetite.
Hungry crowds tend to go for the footlong, while lighter eaters find a regular dog more than enough. Either way, the menu has a dog sized for every hunger level, and a shake waiting on the side.
Milkshakes Worth the Wait
Hot dogs may get top billing, but milkshakes actually lead the conversation. They are the most talked-about item on the menu, by a wide margin.
These shakes are thick and classic. Many people call them some of the best around.
Flavor choices give regulars plenty to argue about. Banana is a popular pick, and the chocolate banana blend earns praise as well.
Cherry has its fans too, with one family calling it pure sunshine in a cup. That is about as cheerful as a dessert description gets.
Ice cream lovers can also try a cone with chocolate dipping. It is a simple add-on that keeps people coming back.
A dog and a shake together is the classic combo here. Many summer visits end with that exact pairing at a picnic table.
Even people who were not impressed by other items often admit the shakes were good. That says plenty about how well they hold up.
Beyond the Bun: Subs, Fries, and Cheesesteaks
Not everyone comes for a dog, and the menu is ready for them. The cheeseburger sub has its own devoted fan base.
Cheesesteaks also make regular appearances on trays. They round out a lineup of homemade-style sandwiches.
Fries are a quiet hero. Even folks who leave unhappy about something else often say the fries were spot on.
Chili cheese fries are a favorite add-on for those who want chili twice in one meal. They pair naturally with a chili cheese dog.
Burgers get mixed feedback, so set expectations accordingly. The patties are thin and served on a soft kaiser roll rather than a standard bun.
Fans of a crispy griddled burger may want to stick with the dogs or the sub instead. Those are the items this stand is truly known for.
Ordering smart here means leaning into the classics. The hot dogs, shakes, fries, and cheeseburger sub carry the reputation for good reason.
The Crew That Remembers Every Order
Watch the counter for a few minutes, and something impressive happens. A small team of two or three people handles a packed room without breaking stride.
Staff members have long been known to remember who ordered what without writing it down. Cash registers now help track orders, but the crew still keeps everything on point.
Big, rapid-fire orders do not seem to rattle them. Many regulars say the orders come out right every time.
The ladies running the counter are often described as jovial, efficient, and kind. Some have been there for decades, which adds to the hometown feel.
The owners clearly value that team. They have publicly thanked guests for treating the staff kindly.
Like any busy kitchen, there are off days. A few people have felt the greeting was not warm or found the mood tense during a rush.
Most of the time, though, speed and friendliness define the experience. In a small room, the people behind the counter make all the difference.
Counter Stools and Picnic Tables
Space is the one thing this stand cannot supply in bulk. Inside, there are only a few fixed diner stools along the counter.
The ordering area is snug enough that groups often send one person in. Everyone else can wait outside.
Out back, picnic tables handle the overflow. Shady spots behind the building are a favorite summer hangout.
Good weather is key. On rainy or cold days, many people simply eat in the car, which has become a tradition of its own.
Most meals are take-and-go. The food is best eaten soon after it is handed over.
The classic decor and burger counter setup give the place a fun, old-school look. It is also a popular photo spot, and many people snap pictures of the iconic stand while they wait.
Families, couples, solo lunch breakers, and lifelong regulars all share those few stools and tables. Grab one if it opens up, and enjoy a seat that has hosted 75 years of appetites.
Small Prices, Full Plates
Here is a number that gets attention. A full meal at Ann’s can come in under 10 dollars.
Depending on appetite, some people eat for under 5 dollars. That kind of value is hard to find these days.
Many call it one of the best affordable burger or hot dog options in the area. Pair a dog with fries and a shake, and the total still stays friendly.
Opinions do vary a bit. A few people feel the cost is not worth a long wait, especially on a crowded day.
For most, though, the combination of low cost and quick service is the main draw. It is a practical stop for a lunch break or a family on a budget.
Value here is not just about the bill. It also comes from the speed, the consistency, and the chance to eat somewhere with real local history.
Bring an appetite and a little patience. The wallet usually walks out happy.
Hours, Lines, and Smart Timing
Good news for flexible schedules. Ann’s is open every day of the week from 10 am to 9 pm.
That consistent schedule makes planning easy. Lunch, an early dinner, or an evening shake run all fit inside those hours.
Lines can get long, especially in nice weather. The crew moves fast, but the room is tiny, so waits do build up.
Arriving outside peak lunch and dinner hours can help. Weekdays may be calmer than sunny weekend afternoons.
Summer is a favorite season for many regulars because the picnic tables become usable. Cooler months tend to mean more car meals.
Groups should plan to send one or two people inside to order. That keeps the small space from getting crowded.
The stand also shares updates through its official Facebook page. Checking there before a trip is a simple way to confirm details.
A little timing strategy goes a long way. Show up ready, order with confidence, and the food will not keep you waiting long.
Why the Stools Stay Full
After 75 years, Ann’s Dari-Creme has nothing left to prove, yet it keeps showing up anyway. That steady presence is the real secret.
It is not a fancy restaurant, and it does not try to be. Some people find the food too old-school for modern tastes, and that is fair.
For many others, old-school is exactly the point. A footlong with chili, a thick shake, and a counter stool offer comfort that newer spots struggle to match.
Regulars who grew up here keep returning, sometimes from other states. They bring kids who will likely tell the same stories someday.
The crew, the low prices, and the familiar menu work together. Each visit feels like a small piece of local history served on a paper tray.
Go in with simple expectations and an appetite for classics. Order the dog, add the shake, and grab a stool or a picnic table if one is open.
Some places feed a town. This one has helped raise it, one footlong at a time.
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