Chili dogs in a toasted bun, served across the counter on South Jackson Street since the 1940s.

The counter, under the sign that says it all.

Albany's oldest restaurant, still behind the same counter

Jimmie's has been part of Albany since the 1940s. Three families have run it, and the chili dog has stayed the star the whole time. Folks who grew up on Jimmie's and moved away still make a point of stopping in when they come home.

1. The 1940s

   Jimmie Baltas

   Born in Greece in 1889, Jimmie came to America at 16, by way of Lowell, Massachusetts, and found his way to Albany. He opened the stand in the heart of the Harlem neighborhood with a sign calling it the King of the Hot Dog, a short menu and no tables.

2. Next

   The Poulos family

   Jimmie sold the business to Phillip Poulos, who later passed it on to his relative, Sam Poulos.

3. 1992 to today

   Tommy Mathes

   Tommy bought Jimmie's in 1992. He added cheese, slaw and relish to the toppings and kept nearly everything else just the way Albany remembers it.