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Robyn Lane

Robyn Lane

Robyn Lane

A List Of Ultimate Hot Dog Joints In New Jersey Part 2

By Robyn Lane

A List Of Ultimate Hot Dog Joints In New Jersey Part 2.

Looking for the ultimate list of places to get a hot dog in New Jersey?

If you ask anyone where to get a good hot dog in New Jersey, you’ll get several different answers. Most of us are familiar with the famous old-school joints in North Jersey such as Rutt’s Hutt, Jimmy Buff’s, Hot Grill, and Tommy’s in Elizabeth.

These places are beyond iconic. They are some of the most visited hot dog businesses in the state.

Here’s a Fun Fact

Costco sells more hot dogs per year than Major League Baseball. That right! According to the Motley Fool, The company sells over 150 million hot-dog combos annually, which reportedly outpaces combined hot-dog sales across all of Major League Baseball.

Recently, I was bombarded with suggestions to redo my Jersey hot dog list. I’m no hot dog expert, but I do love a good hot dog.

I hit the food pages on social media specifically asking the expert hot dog fans to suggest places that may have been left off last year’s lists.
I was hit with hundreds of comments, emails, private messages and even phone calls.

Here Is Part One Of The Ultimate Hot Dog Joints List 

Most of the people who reached out to me were respectful and dare I say very nice. There were a handful of people who chose some strong language while taking me to task for either not including their favorites, or for including places they deemed inferior.
I took it on the chin and remained optimistic. In this quest of gathering information and suggestions, I realized that I love hot dogs more than I thought.

Wanted: Ultimate Hot Dog Joints Expert In New Jersey

I’d love to do my own hot dog run with a few of the hot dog enthusiasts on social media. If you’re interested in taking me on a guided tour, reach out via email at Rocker@wrat.com

My paternal grandparents lived in Brooklyn and took me to Nathan’s on Coney Island more times than I can count. I always looked forward to those trips to Nathan’s. Every first bite was sheer delight. The snap you get the minute you bite into Nathan’s hot dog is like no other hot dog I’ve ever had during my childhood.
While at home on Long Island, my mother always bought Hebrew National hot dogs because that’s all my maternal grandmother would allow when my mother was growing up.
I want to thank Jeff Ananson, John Fox, Jason Frushon (the hot dog map guy), and countless other hot dog enthusiasts in New Jersey for the education of everything hot dogs and for sharing their endless love of all the businesses that sell them. Long Live Jersey Hot Dog Joints on Facebook. You’ve been more than helpful.

I appreciate every one of you.

THIS IS PART TWO OF NEW JERSEY’S ULTIMATE HOT DOG LIST
PART ONE CAN BE FOUND HERE BY CLICKING THE LINK

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

    .So many hot dog lovers giving Boulevard Dogs major props. Serving Sabrett & Thumann’s dogs, and so much more. “The Dogfather” looks like a huge seller. It’s a classic Italian hot dog with peppers, onions, and potatoes on fresh Italian bread.

  • Windmill Hot Dogs - 5 Locations On The Jersey Shore

    In 2022 after nearly 60 years of serving the Jersey Shore, the Levine family sold the Windmill to Ralph Epstein. Recently, Ralph created a “Mini Me” version of their signature hot dog called the J.R.Dog. Grilled, fried, over a flame, or a serve them up like a classic dirty water dog, Windmill dogs are delicious. 

    WindMill Mini Me Hot Dog

  • Nikki's Dawgs - 2118 Old Bridge Matawan Rd, Old Bridge, NJ 08857

    If you love your dogs with a splash of spice, order “Hot Works.” Her dogs look delicious! According to her website: “Our truck is more than just a place to grab lunch. It is a truck that serves over 20 original 100% all beef hot dog choices, along with a large selection of Burgers.”

  • Der Wunder Wiener - 108 US-9, Beachwood, NJ 08722

    This iconic hot dog place is back in action serving hot dogs right down the road from it’s original location in the Beachwood Mall Plaza. Owner, Jerry LaCrosse was badly hurt back in 2018 when a car drove into his hot dog stand. The community came together and contributed to a Go Fund Me page to raise money for Jerry and his family after the accident. 
    Stop by this iconic stand and grab a few of these Jersey Shore treats.

    Wunder Wiener - Bayville

     

     

  • Famous 8 Roadside Eatery - 165 US-202, Ringoes, NJ 08551

    Charles was singing Famous 8’s praises along with Tim and a few other folks. According to Chris, “A Father and daughter team took over what was once a Stewart’s in Ringoes, NJ. Located at the end of Hampton Corner Road in between the Flemington Nissan and Stover’s Wells & Pumps / Marvic Supply. Not only are the chili cheese dogs a hit, the burgers and fries share the stage of good things to eat at Famous 8.

    Famous 8 Roadside Eatery

  • J&G Texas Weiners - 238 North Ave, Dunellen, NJ 08812

    They’ve been around since 1977 and serve a true Texas weiner with mustard, onions, and chili. You can build a hot dog that suits your own taste with a variety of toppings. Breakfast is served as well. 

  • Dickie Dee's - 380 Bloomfield Ave, Newark, NJ 07107

    Another old school establishment serving deep fried goodness known as the overstuffed Italian hot dog.  Dickie Dee handed the business down to his son, and now Dickie’s grandsons run this iconic Newark place. That pizza bread is da bomb!

    Found in NJ on Instagram: "Dickie Dees, on this beautiful day. Corner of Bloomfield Ave. and North 6th St. (aka Dickie Dees Square) in the Roseville section of #Newark. #njpizzaeveryfriday 🍕"

    61 likes, 3 comments - foundinnj on February 26, 2021: "Dickie Dees, on this beautiful day. Corner of Bloomfield Ave. and North 6th St. (aka Dickie Dees Square) in the Roseville section of #New...".

     

  • Doo Wop Dogs - 821 Atlantic City Blvd. Bayville, NJ & 75 Talmadge Rd - Edison, NJ

    The original place is still in Edison, and Doo Wop Dogs can also be enjoyed by the Shore folks in Bayville, across from The Shady Rest. The stand serves skinless Sabrett hot dogs with about 10 different toppings, kielbasa, barbecued pulled pork, chips and various drinks. DG posted: “Skip gets the old fashion: sauerkraut/mustard. John likes the No Cry Dog: cooked onions/mustard.”

     

  • White Dotte Dairy Bar & Grill - 2345 US-206, Southampton Township, NJ 08088

    Holly G & company chose this place that’s been around since 1952. Holly especially likes the heavenly deep fried dogs. Her fave; The Cowboy Dog – Wrapped in bacon and deep fried, topped with fried onions, BBQ sauce and shredded cheese.  She and others have called attention to the “Reuben Dog” & “Jersey Devil Dog”.

    White Dotte also serves up burgers, fries, cheesesteaks, wings, shakes, onion rings and more. A staple in the area for over 70 years.

  • Hot Dog House - 510 NJ-17, Carlstadt, NJ 07072

    Hot Dog House is known for their World Famous Sabrett hot dogs. Also known for their famous homemade chili recipe, fresh toppings and deep fried BIG Ones!  Get your onions, cooked, raw, or spicy. Buy 8, get one free.  Hit up this hidden gem.

  • Designer Dawgs - 3 Main St, Clinton, NJ 08809

    A diverse menu that includes customer inspired creations like, the Korean Kimchi dawg inspired by a customer named Anthony. I want to try the “Rocky Balboa.” It’s a dawg smothered in a cheesesteak topping.

     

  • Hackensack Hot Dogs - 7 State St, Hackensack, NJ 07601

    A newer hot dog joint that opened in June 2023, Hackensack Hot Dogs serves up Thumann’s deep fried dogs in a large clean space. I spotted a few posts that showed off these fine looking dogs and some of the sides. Kyle G. posted what looks like the crunchiest tots I’ve seen in a long time.

     

     

  • Olde Heidelberg - Keansburg Waterfront Boardwalk, Keansburg, NJ 07734

    A Monmouth County recommendation from Mike Betzler, aka “Big Mike” from Big Mike Roadshow. This place has quite the history. Opened from 1934 -1960, this place was called The Olde Heidelberg Inn, known for delicious hot dogs and cold beer. It has changed hands a few times and was destroyed in 2012 by Hurricane Sandy.

    According to Emily Mayes, In August 2015, The Heidelberg had a grand reopening and customers were amazed at how similar the hotdogs were compared to the original. The iconic Heidelberg lives on.

     

  • Jersey Johnnys Grill - 25 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Pequannock Township, NJ 07440

    According to Robert, this where you get killer jumbos done all the way. The chili sauce is on point and packaged should you want to purchase it. Michelle D enjoys the “Heart Stopper.” A dog covered in Bacon, cheese, chili, onions, mustard, jalapeños, & hot sauce. I’ll bring the Brioschi.

    Hot dog - Jersey Jihnny's Heartstopper

  • G&G Hot Dogs - Shrewsbury Ave, Red Bank, NJ 07701 Food Truck

    The G&G Hot Dog truck near the tracks by the Red Bank train station has many fans on the food boards. Lots of people mentioned they knew Gus, the owner from back in the 70’s who was sidelined by health issues after 41 years of serving happy customers.
    The truck is now run by Gus’s daughter Dimi and her husband George and business is still going strong for more than 50 years.
    The Sabrett hot dogs are the main attraction, but you can also grab sausage, meatball, and other sandwiches, along with a nice cold beverage and some snacks.

    G&G Hot Dog Truck

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

    I have heard about this place a lot since it opened in 2012. I saw it on the Travel Channel, plus I work with Jimmy Cronk’s mom Linda. I think it’s one of the most interesting concepts in the world of hot dogs and sausage. The brainchild of Jimmy Cronk and Sean Hosty, mixes the love of food with the love of travel. Jimmy is the brains behind the concept and Sean focuses on the business end.

    You choose your dogs from a menu of categories: Domestic, International, & Pilot Your Own Dog.

    If your selecting something from the sides menu, Avery S. said “The Duck Fat Fries are incredible.”

    Destination Dogs also offers appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and sides. Head to New Brunswick to chow down on some of these interesting menu items.

  • Weber's Drive In - 6019 Lexington Ave, Pennsauken Township, NJ 08109

    The South Jersey Food Scene folks take me to a place that is steeped in nostalgia. I love hearing stories from people who have cherished memories of places from their childhood. Almost every review or suggestion I read, mentioned comments that included; “I remember coming here as a kid.” Hot dogs, shakes, fries, root beer floats, and window trays.  Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to see “Elvis” dancing in the parking lot while eating your hot dogs.

     

  • Karl Ehmer Quality Meats - 120 Broadway, Hillsdale, NJ 07642

    You can’t just drive by Ehmer’s without grabbing one their famous hot dogs from the cart just outside the store. Karl Ehmer has been known for their top quality products since 1932. I love a good German butcher, and I love a good Ehmer bratwurst. If you’re ever on Long Island, they have a Karl Ehmer store in Patchogue.
    All Ehmer products are free of gluten and MSG except for the pinkelwurst. I had to look up pinkelwurst, and now I want some. It’s a sausage made with pork, bacon, oats, and onions.

  • Hudock's Custard Stand - : 544 Salem Quinton Rd, Salem, NJ 08079

    Open March through October. Footlong hot dogs, amazing corn fritters, and frozen custard are just some of the reasons to head to Hudock’s.

  • Hot Diggidy Dog - 3970 Main St, Chatsworth, NJ 08019

    Established 1989 In the Heart of Downtown Chatsworth, NJ. Hot Diggidy Dog serves Dietz & Watson Hot Dogs. I’ve heard people describe this place a watering hole in the Pinelands of South Jersey. It’s not just good old hot dogs for sale. They have kielbasa, jalapeno cheddar dogs, Buffalo chicken sausage, Jerk sausage and many other selections.

    Alison from the South Jersey Food page recommends I get my hot dog with the spicy cranberry relish. 

    The service is terrific, and it’s a nice spot to rest your weary bones during a hike or a bike ride through the protected forests and fields of the more than one million-acre Pinelands National Reserve

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

    Randy is a character. 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.

  • Sonny's Grille - 821 Belmar Plaza, Belmar, NJ 07719

    I’ve written about Sonny’s before. Folks hipped me to their delicious burgers. Now it’s all about the hot dogs. They have a lot of hot dog toppings and cool combos to choose from. I hear their version of the Italian hot dog is amazing.

    They offer Sabretts beef hot dogs, Schickhaus Jumbos, and Sabrett beef hots, grilled, dirty water, or fried.

    On Tuesdays, First responders, military folks, and teachers get 25% off their bill, I love a business who gives back to the community.

  • Tommy's Italian Sausage & Hot Dogs - 900 2nd Ave, Elizabeth, NJ 07201

    There have been showdowns between Jimmy Buff’s fans and Tommy’s fans regarding who has the best Italian hot dog in Jersey. There’s also a rivalry between Tommy’s and Jerry’s Famous , 2 of Elizabeth’s best for what they offer. I’m not getting in the middle of this brawl. 

    Cody Kuxman

  • Jerry's Famous Frankfurters - 906 2nd Ave, Elizabeth, NJ 07201

    Jerry’s has been around for over 70 years, and I think we can all agree that Jerry’s offers great chili dogs. Long live Jerry’s!

  • Russ Ayres Hot Dogs - 680 US-206, Bordentown, NJ 08505

    A lot of warmth coming from the folks who mentioned this hidden gem. Russ started out with a pushcart in the 1940’s and his legend lives on.

    Kevin Federman’s review: Very good pork beef blend locally sourced… no mechanically separated chicken dogs here.. iykyk… definitely going to be a repeat customer.. (ketchup , relish and sauerkraut)

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

    Could they be in a better location? I think not.  The Social Leaf, a weed dispensary, recently opened next door.  I’ll bet both places are raking in the dough.  Hot dog lover, John Neividomoski  posted:  I just took a ride to Dickey’s hot dogs Route 9 in South Toms River I got the chili dog with spicy brown mustard it’s a footlong the brand hot dog they use is called Wennings, they come from a distributor in Long Branch New Jersey.  Absolutely delicious very nice texture and juicy.

    Open for breakfast at 8 am and closes shop at 6pm.

    They have some ethnic choices like the Columbian Dog, Tropical Dog, empanadas, and the Italian hot dog. Charlie feels Dicky’s serves the best chili dog in Ocean County.

  • Hot Dog Johnny's - 333 US-46, Belvidere, NJ 07823

    I always wanted to travel through Buttzville, New Jersey, and this place is the reason.

    Longtime roadside hot dog stand with frosted glasses of buttermilk & birch beer, plus a swing set. My friend, chef Ray Sheehan was one of many who encouraged me to take a ride through Buttzville to experience the goodness that is Hot Dog Johnny’s.  It’s a pretty famous place. People have these dogs shipped to places outside of New Jersey. 

    Family owned and operated since 1944. Just look for the big hot dog on the roof.

  • Hot Dog Tommy's - 319 Beach Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204

    Seasonal hot dog joint serving Berks Brand dogs – official hot dog of Hershey Park.    I noticed a lot of cool combinations on Tommy’s menu, and I gravitated toward “The Meshugana” (Oh Goy) – A hot dog with coleslaw, Russian dressing, and potato chips.  Get off the beach and head to Hot Dog Tommy’s for one of their creative offerings .  Keep an eye out for Bruce, he’s the one wearing a hot dog on his head.

  • Sophie’s Hot Dog Stand - 3 W Park Pl, Morristown, NJ 07960

    Sophie started her hot dog journey in 1984 and this year marks her 40th anniversary.  Alana and a few others from the area brought Sophie’s to my attention. Andrew said, “A staple of the Morristown green! It is always nice to grab a delicious hot dog and bag of chips from this stand. I really enjoy the food here and it is definitely a little break from the expensive tastes of the surrounding area.”

    Happy anniversary, lovely hot dog lady who makes people smile.

     

    Morristown Media®️ on Instagram: "Sophie Hsieh has been selling hot dogs on the green 🌳 from March to December from 11am to 6pm since 1984! Hot dogs 🌭 started at $1.25 and have since gone up 50 cents. The soda 🥤 has been the same price at $1. 💵 . In the 90's, she also ran an ice cream shop 🍦 for several years, until a bank took over the building. The hot dogs lasted. 😊 . Sophie is doing well and is good spirits! If you see her on the green... make your way over to her stand and have a hot dog or two! They're great and so is she! 😇 . #MorristownMedia #MorristownNews #MorristownNJ #NewJersey #NorthNJ #NJ #MorrisCounty"

    3,665 likes, 82 comments - morristown.nj on July 23, 2023: "Sophie Hsieh has been selling hot dogs on the green 🌳 from March to December from 11am to 6pm since 1984! Hot dogs 🌭 started at $1....".

  • Andy's Roadside Dive - 324 Howard Blvd, Mt Arlington, NJ 07856

    A listener from Manahawkin mentioned this cash only roadside gem. A place that offers odd and interesting combinations of toppings. There are some pop culture inspired dogs like, the “Dirk Doggler” – a hot dog with fries, mozzarella, gravy, and bacon. The oddest combo on the menu in my opinion, is the “Stay Puft Ghost Pepper Dog”, it’s a hot dog dressed with chili. cheese, sour cream, marshmallow Fluff, & ghost pepper mustard. I love the idea of the “Rosco’s Modern Life” dog. It’s a play on chicken and waffles.

    I’d be in for a run to this quirky joint. Who wants to join me?

  • Jimmy’s Doggie Stand - 7 Union Square, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865

    You’ll find Jimmy’s at the foot of the Free Bridge on the New Jersey side. Open Tuesday through Sunday 10:30 to 7pm. Serving up Berks Brand beef & pork hot dogs.

    a small dining area of 15 inside seats and plenty of picnic tables outside for you to enjoy the view of the Delaware River.

    Jimmy’s also offers a wide variety of sandwiches, sides, fountain beverages, as well as milkshakes and floats.

  • La Madre Maria - 2480 Hooper Ave, Brick Township, NJ 08723

    La Madre Maria has Hot Dogs with all homemade toppings and Italian Hot Dogs made the (Newark Way) Sausage peppers onions. Pretty close to where I live, and worth stopping by. Paul mentioned the chili and hot red onions are some of the best in Ocean County. It’s like having a little piece of Newark on the Jersey Shore.

  • Bubba Dogs - 5999-5901 Pleasure Ave, Sea Isle City, NJ 08243

    Open Memorial Day – Labor Day. Bubba Dogs Weinery is a must stop for beach folks enjoying the day on any beach near 59th street. Voted Best Hot Dog of South Jersey! Great menu of combo dogs including the Jason Kelce, a dog with chili, cheese, and potato stix.

  • Captain Paul's Firehouse Dogs - 2230 Princeton Pike, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648

    A big salute to former Trenton Fire Department Captain, Paul Tweedly who retired after 26 years of service to the community and opened up this place up with his family.

    His website reads: “Dedicated to the men and women associated with emergency services, the military and their families and for all those who volunteer to help others”.  The Maltese cross in the center of the awning is a reminder of those firemen (343) who lost their lives on 9/11.

    Fried dogs in a large variety of combinations. I love that some of these dogs and sandwiches are named to reflect the military. This business also does a lot to give back to the community by way of fundraisers and toy drives such as Toys For Tots. Thank you for your service Captain Paul, and God Bless America!

     

  • Woodies Drive-In - 509 Long Beach Blvd, Ship Bottom, NJ 08008

    Another place that takes you back in time. Real old school retro joint that only takes cash. It’s a great place to grab a dog and more whenever you visit the Island. You’ll have to wait until they open for the season. Opens back up on April 5, 2024.

     

     

  • Totowa Hot Dogs - 294 Union Blvd Unit C, Totowa, NJ 07512

    Serving Sabrett dogs, open 11am to 7pm Monday through Saturday Open Sundays for Catering Orders Only Must Call Ahead.  One guy said he powered down 5 chili cheese dogs with no problem. Friendly service too!

     

  • The Dover Grill - 240 US-46, Dover, NJ 07801

    Open daily from March through October-ish. Serving 100% all beef hot dogs. This place is also known for their chili cheese fries. corn dogs, and fabulous cheese steak sandwiches.

  • Humpty Junior's - 72 US-46, Columbia, NJ 07832

    This was a listener recommendation from Louis P. who loves the Humpty dog with one of their 50 varieties of milkshakes. By the way, what is the Humpty Sauce?” I’ve seen other Jersey folks mention this place for a several reasons, like their excellent  onion rings and their juicy burgers. I love old school joints like this.

    Try the thinly sliced Brisket, Gooey Cooper cheese, Caramelized onions, and Pierogies all Sandwiched between thick cut grilled Texas toast with a 1/2 pint of slaw!! 

  • 1950 Originals - 325 Broadway, Westwood, NJ 07675

    James H. was one of the first to call my attention to this place that opened in October 2023. The grandson of Callahan’s founder Leonard “Artie” Castranni opened this place. His name is Dan DeMiglio and I’m cheering him on.

  • Manny's Texas Wieners - 2580 Springfield Ave, Vauxhall, NJ 07088

    Serving up great American food since 1979. Your first bite of these natural casing dogs will be one of the best bites ever.

  • Pop's Place - 449 US-46, Rockaway Township, NJ 07866

    Thanks to Jeff Ananson for pointing me in the direction of Pop’s Place. A delicious Sabrett natural casing dog is waiting for you at Pop’s. Word on the street is that Pop’s is honoring Jeff Ananson by naming a hot dog after him. Congratulations Jeff, you deserve it.

     

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