Hot Dog Johnny's, Butzville

     This stop on our Tour is one that I have a long personal history with (over 40 years!)  My parents purchased a vacation cottage in the Poconos when I was 6 or 7, and we would pass this stand as we traveled the 2 1/2 hour trip from Staten Island.  Being about 60% of the way to our destination, this was a great place to stop to "empty one tank & fill another!"

     I always wondered what "buttermilk" tasted like, but my parents were too "frugal" (cheap!) to let me find out firsthand.  When our son had that same curious question, I was more than happy to indulge the boy and ordered a frosty mug.  I now know that it is an acquired taste... one that I most certainly do not share!!

     One of my favorite characteristics of Johnny's is their open air pavilion overlooking the original stand from 1944, and a peaceful branch of the Delaware River.  This was a great place to end our 2011 Tour.

     As I do every time I visit, I ordered a mug of birch beer and (2) hot dogs with the "works".  This instructs the crew to add yellow mustard, raw onions and a pickle spear (a quarter of a dill pickle).  Incidentally, a "Route 78" will also add ketchup to that order.  The familiar taste triggered taste bud memories galore, but as a purely impartial judge, I cannot award first place (or even second) to my old favorite.  My wife agreed that they over-applied the onions and the mustard.  It was difficult to taste the dog underneath all the condiments.

     The birch beer and the ambiance are the two main attractions to this stop.  Don't get me wrong... the dogs are delicious and very satisfying, but we have had some pretty amazing dogs today!  I will still continue to visit Johnny's whenever I'm in the area & have some time.  It's a great family stop, with swings for the kids and plenty of space to relax & recharge.