Skip to Search Skip to Live Player Skip to Content Skip to Footer

Local Vibes

Local Vibes

Local Vibes

11 Of New Jersey’s Favorite Hot Dog Joints

By Robyn Lane

It’s hard to choose just 11 hot dog places in the state of New Jersey. There are so many great ones that I’ve been introduced to by my food loving friends and experts.

If you’re a massive hot dog aficionado here in NJ, you’ve probably heard the name, John Fox.

Meet The King of Hot Dog Knowledge

John is the go-to guy for me and many others when it comes to anything to do with hot dogs, especially here in the Garden State.

John can tell you just about anything by looking at a hot dog. He can tell you the brand, the type of meat it’s made with, and where they are sold. This guy is THE undisputed King of Jersey hot dogs.

Read all about John HERE.

July 17th is National Hot Dog Day, and I wanted to pay tribute to this American classic.

We know a hot dog to be cooked sausage served in a sliced bun, typically topped with our favorite condiments.  Some folks love the simple preparation of mustard and sauerkraut. Some like mustard and relish.

People like me love those saucy pushcart onions, and others choose to top their hot dogs with chili.  There are hundreds of ways to top your dog. I’ve seen some crazy combinations in my time.

Sausages, also known as frankfurters, were brought to the United States by German immigrants in the 19th century. Over the years, hot dogs have become one of the most popular street foods in the USA.

How Many Hot Dogs Do Americans Consume Each Year?

In 2023 Americans spent more than $8 Billion on hot dogs and sausages in US Supermarkets.

According to Hotdog.org, Los Angeles residents consume more hot dogs than any other city (about 30 million pounds), beating out New York and Dallas.

Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport consumes SIX times more hot dogs, 725,000 more than Los Angeles International Airport and LaGuardia Airport combined.

During peak hot dog season, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Americans typically consume 7 billion hot dogs. That’s 818 hot dogs consumed every second during that period.

Those stats are insane. But it is proof that Americans love their hot dogs.

  • Boulevard Dogs-n-More - 206 Boulevard, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604

    Dirty water, grilled, or deep fried, you can get them all here at Boulevard Dogs-n-More. All the toppings are made in house including the saucy onions, spicy relish, and the chili. Make sure to say hi to Angelo.

  • Jimmy Buff's Italian Hot Dogs - West Orange & Kenilworth

    A place that really needs no introduction unless you’re from Mars. I’ll assume you’re from another planet and tell you that the Italian hot dog, aka “The Newark Hot Dog” was invented by Jimmy’s wife. They create these masterpieces using Best’s beef frankfurters from Best Provisions of Newark. You have to visit at least once before you kick the bucket.

  • Destination Dogs - 101 Paterson St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

    This place had to make the list for the variety of choices they offer. If it can be made into a hot dog, they have it at Destination Dogs. American and International favorites include: Lord Fletcher – All beef hot dog, roast beef, grilled onions, brown gravy, horseradish sauce, melted Swiss, cornichon.

    Brat Favre- Bratwurst, sauerkraut, grilled onions, fried cheese curds, cheese sauce, pickle, yellow mustard, scallions.

    Achilles Meal – Lamb sausage, tzatziki, red onions, tomatoes, scallions.

  • Pattie's Franks Hot Dog Truck- 1436 NJ-88, Brick Township, NJ 08724

    I had to pick a Jersey Shore hometown girl for her Sabrett dirty water dogs and her homemade toppings. Patti D. makes her own hot onions, hot chunky mashed potatoes, and chili.

  • Hank's Franks - 210 US-46, Lodi, NJ 07644

    Hank’s makes nearly every hot dog list I’ve ever made.  Classic Sabrett pushcart style dogs at this old-school stand serving great food. All the seating is outside, and the service is fast and friendly. Grab a Birch Beer to wash down all that hot dog goodness.

  • Dicky's Dogs - 332 Atlantic City Blvd, Toms River, NJ 08757

    Local Jersey Shore joint selling hot dogs several different ways including a Columbian hot dog topped cheddar cheese, pink sauce, pineapple sauce, crushed chips, salted onion, mustard.

    A real Jersey Shore favorite called Dicky’s Master Law Dog – Pork roll, egg, and cheese with a hot dog wrapped in bacon finished with home fries and ketchup. The Social Leaf weed place is next door should you want to get a buzz before heading over to Dicky’s.

  • Hot Grill - 669 Lexington Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011

    If you’re looking for a great Texas Style Weiner, Hot Grill is the place. They call themselves “The Home of The Tastiest Texas Wiener.” Enjoy a deep-fried dog made from a custom blend of beef and pork.

  • Randy The Hot Dog Guy - 303 Long Ave, Hillside, NJ 07205

    Years ago, you may have seen this loveable kooky guy and his hot dog cart outside the Wonder Bar on Ocean Ave in Asbury, or outside The Saint on Main St in Asbury Park. Nowadays, you can find New Jersey’s most interesting man behind the counter at his brick mortar location at the corners of Liberty and Long Avenue in Hillside, NJ . Randy Pollack serves up all types, sizes, and shapes of tubular meat.

  • Tommy's Italian Sausage & Hot Dogs - 900 2nd Ave, Elizabeth, NJ 07201 AND Jerry's Famous Frankfurters - 906 2nd Ave, Elizabeth, NJ 07201

    I included Tommy’s & Jerry’s together because 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the tradition of selling $2.00 hot dogs on “National Hot Dog Day.”

    Hot dog lovers can get $2 hot dogs from noon to 5 p.m., on Second Avenue between Elizabeth Avenue and South Street, outside Tommy’s Italian Hot Dogs and Sausages and Jerry’s Famous Frankfurters.

  • Maui's Dog House - 806 New Jersey Ave, Wildwood, NJ 08260

    According to John Fox; “Maui’s has the snap that comes from a natural casing.” All I know is that so MANY people had Maui’s on their list. The menu is insane!  Check out “The Cardiac” – Covered in globs and globs of cheese and real bacon.

    “The Soprano” – Baby spinach sauteed with garlic and white wine, and gently topped with Xtra sharp provolone cheese. That sounds somewhat refined for a hot dog, and I’m all in. By the way, cash is King at Maui’s.

  • Lover Dogs - 822 Main Ave, Passaic, NJ 07055

    These hot dogs are air fried and delicious! Fast food, less guilt is their motto. Serving a variety of toppings on their specialty dogs like, Mexican Lover, topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon chips, mayo, ketchup & jalapeno. Make sure to high five Wayne after you’ve downed a couple of Lover Dogs.

Sign me up for the WRAT email newsletter!

Join ClubRAT for access to all the perks delivered right to your inbox from Jersey's Concert Connection! Get exclusive presale codes for upcoming shows, the latest updates with your favorite rockers, contest info, and more.

*
*
By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.
Tags
,,