Traveling in the Columbus area for a Georgia Public Broadcasting feature story, veering off the freeway, chasing a Chick-Fil-A late lunch.
A television viewer from Atlanta admonished me for not stopping at the celebrated Dinglewood Pharmacy: “I figured you would be eating a famous Scramble Dog.”
I responded, “Oh yeah, I’ve heard of that! Where is the Dinglewood from here?”
Pointing toward Wynnton Road, “It’s a quarter-mile up on the right side.”
Okay, on to the Dinglewood Pharmacy. Let’s sample the Scramble Dog.
I googled reviews of the culinary legend while finishing my chicken wrap and sweet tea.
“Rich in tradition. Worth the experience if you have never been before.” -Jacob-
“Pink hot dogs may be strange looking but taste delicious! Especially with the chili and in scrambled dog form.” -A. Kasbah-
“Columbus institution for 100 years. Last old fashioned drug store food counter in town.” -Jim Jordan-
Pulling into the Dinglewood parking lot, a historic sign relays the 106-year history of the pharmacy business with a heapin’ helping of Scramble Dog lore.
Lunch was first served here by Firm Roberts (1882-1956) who began in Columbus with a cigar store and shoeshine stand. Mr. Roberts concocted the Scramble Dog, serving it to Gen. Patton, Gen. Eisenhower, President Roosevelt, and Charlton Heston who were visiting nearby Ft. Benning (now Ft. Moore) looking to satisfy a man-sized appetite.
Lieutenant Stevens (1931-2019) assumed command of the Dinglewood counter, making the lunch dish in the 1940s, he served the Scramble Dog to President Carter and Gov. Busbee.
The popularity and legend of the quirky recipe grew in Southwest Georgia over the generations.
Today the Scramble Dog is curated, prepared by the man known as “T.”
“It’s a generational thing, grandparents, parents, children, all here, all enjoying the Scramble Dog,” said T. “I started eating these as a young boy, and now I’m making them; it’s just about the tradition.”
The pharmacy is of another time, the restaurant nestled next to where customers pick up their medication.
70 years ago, most American drug stores served lunch with ice cream. Hard to imagine in 2024, having a BLT and lemonade inside the nearby CVS.
“It’s not just Columbus; the Scramble Dog is worldwide. There is a reason for this,” said T, “It’s good, real good.”
How to make it?
According to T, steam the wiener, heat the bun, put the wiener in the bun, slice in bite-size pieces, cutting completely through both bun and wiener. Carefully, move the above to a celery dish or large bowl, cover with two ladles of chili, then oyster crackers, chopped onions, mustard, ketchup, dill pickles, and shredded cheese.
The Dinglewood Pharmacy walls are covered with framed photos of the famous and not-so-famous. Hats, T-shirts, all available for purchase celebrating the Scramble Dog legacy.
Glad to make the journey for a taste of local history.
Columbus without the Scramble Dog wouldn’t be the same.
There is also a variety of antacids located near the cash register to ensure relief in the event the Scramble Dog begins barking in your stomach.
“Yes, two packs of Tums for the ride home to Atlanta, please!”
