Hot Dog Joe, Bridgewater

     While speaking with Joe it became clear that he is a passionate cook.  He prepares all of his toppings and even grows some of the ingredients in the small garden he tends behind the trailer.  He insists on serving only all beef hot dogs.  His go-to brand is Thumann's but he has been known to serve Black Bear if he runs out.  Joe adds a bit if apple cider vinegar to the water when boiling his dogs soften the natural casing.

     The hot onions (w/ peppers) were outstanding!  These are homemade and the tangy flavor held a nice amount of heat.  His chili was very good but was a bit milder than I prefer.  It had neither the strong cinnamon/coriander/nutmeg flavor that most of the texas weiner joints serve but it also didn't have a tomato base.  It is best described as a mildly seasoned ground beef.  If you're near Bridgewater around lunch time, give this stop a try!  He's open 10:30a-2:30p 6 days a week (closed Sundays).

Apple's Deli, Springfield (permanently closed)

     Apple's Deli has a long, interesting history (although it only opened in 2016!)  The owner, Matthew Applebaum, bought the old Evergreen Deli in Springfield after serving as chef at several North Jersey restaurants.  One of these was Amazing Hot Dog in Verona, now long gone.  This was an opportunity for Matt to serve what he loves under his own banner.

     The big hit at Apple's Deli has got to be the Syd's dog.  Originally served as Syd's in Newark (also long gone) this is a Best natural casing 5:1 all beef dog that is only available at the Best Provisions store, also in Newark.  It is first boiled and then given some char on the grill.  Below is a shot of mine with brown mustard.  Absolutely fantastic!

     The pic at the bottom of this post was taken during the 15th Annual NJ Hot Dog Tour where Apple's hosted an outdoor cookout for the participants.  It was a great day for an outdoor venue and everyone enjoyed their wonderful hospitality!

*** Update - Permanently closed in 2019

Relish Hot Dog & Sausage Co.

     Relish Hot Dog & Sausage Co. opened its doors in 2017 and has already made a big impact in the hot dog world.  They were one of the 10 finalists in the 2018 Best Hot Dog in NJ competition.  Their unique rolls add to the magic.  They cut a loaf of Italian bread in half and the skewer the flat end onto one of the metal spikes that sit next to their grill (see below).  The process makes room for the dog and toppings as well as warming the roll.  What a great idea!

     The storefront boasts a large window that allows direct access to the street traffic, so buying a dog to satisfy tour hunger is pretty convenient.  One downside to the structure is that it does not provide any seating, either inside or out.  There isn't much room surrounding the building to loiter while you eat!

     The "hole in a roll" technique provides a stout container for your hot dog and toppings.  The dogs are all beef Thumann's and weigh in at a quarter pound.  Standard toppings are available and Relish provides several creative topping combinations as suggestions.  Below I sampled a K.C.Kraut which boasts beer kraut, house wiz & awesome sauce.  The flavor and texture was a real treat, but as I neared the end of my meal I recognized a possible flaw in this unique design.  The wiz, sauce and residual moisture from the kraut tended to accumulate at the bottom of the "roll" since it was being held vertically.  The result was that the last few bites were considerably more messy than my first bites.  I will plan for this on my next visit, so don't you be caught unprepared!!

Destination Dogs, New Brunswick

     This is one of the nicest looking hot dog joints on this blog.  It's really a gastropub that specializes in extraordinary hot dogs and serves craft beer.  Finding a nearby parking spot is a bit challenging as their own lot holds 5-6 cars maximum.  I visited during rush hour on a Tuesday so it wasn't exactly hoppin' but it looks like it would be a fun place to spend a Friday night!  Perhaps I will get the opportunity to test that theory in the future.


     The variety of sausages available at DD is quite impressive.  They offer options such as: chicken, lamb, duck and chorizo, all of which I have seen in other restaurants.  But I will bet that this is one of very few venues that serve sausage made from: wild boar, alligator, kangaroo or python!  Of course, the rarer alternatives do bump up the cost considerably ($14 being their highest price meals).

     Below you will see pictures of our selections.  The first meal is a Chivas Royale: an all beef dog with natural casing from Best Provisions (Newark, NJ), deep fried and topped with cheese sauce, bacon, salsa verde, sour cream and chives.  The second meal is Le Poutine: a duck sausage topped with french fries, brown gravy, cheese curds and chives.  Both of these selections were absolutely delicious!  The buns are baked on premises and are buttery, toasted delights with a flat bottom to keep the contents from tipping out.  I can't wait for the opportunity to return so I can sample some of their other choices!

   So the meals following the next 2 represent subsequent visits to this establishment!

Chivas Royale: an all beef dog with natural casing from Best Provisions (Newark, NJ), deep fried and topped with cheese sauce, bacon, salsa verde, sour cream and chives.

Le Poutine: a duck sausage topped with french fries, brown gravy, cheese curds and chives.

 One Bite in Bangkok: Python sausage, cucumber salad, pepper jelly, crushed peanuts and cilantro.

 Andouille Armstrong: Alligator & Shrimp sausage, cabbage, tomatoes, jalapeno remoulade, scallions and a lemon wedge.

The Underdog: Kangaroo sausage, frizzled onions, vegemite aioli and scallions.

That Hot Dog Place, Red Bank

     This shop ia a bit difficult to locate on your first visit as it is nestled down a narrow alley between Monmouth Street and the municipal parking lot.  The shop is quite small (no room for even a single table) but is adequate for the preparation of delicious hot dogs and some outstanding soups!  Interestingly, they tout hot dogs in their business name but their website indicates their soup (www.soupmeister.com).

     Below you will see photos of our selections.  On the left is a pair of Sabrett natural casing all-beef dogs, one with spicy mustard and cooked onions, and the other with coleslaw.  On the right is a Junkyard dog: a 1/4 lb. Boar's Head frank topped with mustard, coleslaw, sweet relish, hot relish and chopped tomato.  Both diners agreed that the coleslaw was too runny to act as a hot dog topping.  Dogs require a drier, finely chopped slaw in my opinion.  That's really the only constructive comment I have since the remainder of the meal was very good!  The onions had a very nice level of spice and the prices were very economical.  If I am in the area I will definitely stop again (especially since I will be able to find it much more quickly now!)

Mel's Bagel & Deli, Flemington

    Mel's has been our go-to destination for bagels any morning that we're travelling through Flemington.  I almost didn't see this option since the Italian hot dog is the only hot dog on Mel's menu.  Upon ordering, I received a huge meal which actually had some heat, but I wasn't sure if it was the mustard or the dog.  I asked what kind of franks they use and the reply was "All beef,"  When I pressed for the brand, the cook admitted that he didn't know.

     They use diced (or cubed) potatoes, similar to home fries.  I typically prefer sliced potatoes on my IHD but the flavor was still prominent.  A sub roll was also used in place of the traditional pizza bread, but still did its job containing the contents.  That unusual heat made this meal particularly palatable in my opinion.  It was definitely a great value and I would recommend giving this dog a try if you.re not hung up on strict adherence to traditional Italian hot dog construction!

Fromage Grille, Cranford (permanently closed)

     The Fromage Grille, opening in Cranford during the summer of 2016, is primarily a gourmet grilled cheese restaurant.  They offer an amazing variety of their signature menu item.  But on their first anniversary they began to offer a variety hot dogs on their menu as well (see menu below).

     Showing respect for the primary fare of this trendy establishment, I ordered the Fromage Dog (you might say I was paying homage to the fromage!!)  The shredded cheeses were melted atop a grilled Sabrett skinless dog and nestled in a soft, yet sturdy roll.  My wife opted for one of their grilled cheese specialties.  The food was very good and the service was fast and friendly.  Given the rejuvination going on in Cranford, I predict this shop will have a long, healthy life in this community.

***  Update - Permanently closed Sept 2020... another victim of the COVID Pandemic

Jimmy's Hot Dogs, Flemington

     This cart is in a lot adjacent to a Gulf station on Route 12, just east of Croton Road.  I stop by whenever Jerry is open as this is my Go-To gas station near my home.  Jimmy is a very friendly fellow who sells Sabrett's skinless dogs on potato rolls for the economical price of only 2 dollars with any toppings.  You'll find all of the usual toppings available.

     Below you'll see that I sampled one with mustard and one with mustard & kraut on my first visit, then one with chili and another with cooked onions on my second trip.  The rolls were fresh, the dogs were hot & tasty and the toppings complimented the franks nicely.  The onions were nicely spiced with a thick sauce that didn't run all over my hand.  The chili was an interesting combination as it was tomato-based (like Patterson-style chili) but also had the cinnamon/coriander flavor that is common in Plainfield-style chili.  It was very tasty and complimented the dogs well.

J&G Texas Weiners, Dunellen

     J&G is one of the more popular locations for New Jersey's own Texas Weiners.  The staff was friendly but they were all business.  I watched a well-oiled machine serve up (2) "all the way" with considerable efficiency.  These piping hot dogs had a great snap and the proportions of all ingredients were just right!  Their Plainfield style chili had a nice amount of spice with just a little heat.  It's easy to see why J&G has developed such a strong, devoted clientele.

Max' Famous, Long Branch

     Pictured above is the establishment that agreed to host Hot Dog Nation during their 14th Annual Hot Dog Tour.  But this building was closed....  We were served from the truck pictured below.  This did not come as a surprise to many who had visited this venue in the past, sharing reports of rude staff that deliver sub-par service.

     Max's serves a Schickhaus 4:1 NC pork/beef dog that was very well received by those that decided to wait on line at the truck.  They serve a substantial size frank on an ample fresh roll, tailored to your liking.  As for me, I was reluctant to participate upon seeing the sign hanging from the building, pictured below, right.  We visited Max's the day before the entire contents of the building was to be auctioned off.  They will be undergoing renovations and will re-open Summer 2018.

                                                

Broadway Hot Dogs, Fair Lawn

     What a treat this visit was!!  The owner has a real passion for hot dogs and has designed a menu which underlines that passion.  Your first clue is that they offer every one of their hot dog styles with your choice of a steamed Sabrett's dog or a grilled Thumann's dog.  The standard varieties all ring in between $2-$3.  The specialty dogs (including the 2 pictured below) were only $4.50, which I thought was a pretty good deal.

     I selected the grilled Thumann's for my Pretzel Dog (right).  After adding a line of Sabrett's brown mustard this meal was a real treat!  The delicious dog was no surprise but the soft, salty pretzel bun was an outstanding compliment.  Only a tiny bit more difficult to handle than a normal bun, this selection was both filling and delicious.

     On the left you'll see their Italian hot dog.  They use a quarter pound Sabrett dog and serve it on a hollowed sub roll rather than the more traditional pizza dough.  The onions and tri-color peppers were sauteed nicely and were mixed with cubed, fried potatoes(I typically prefer the sliced potatoes).  Notwithstanding the deviation from Newark tradition, I must admit that this was one very tasty IHD!!  I applaud their willingness to make their menu their own and was very pleased with my selections.  This will definitely be a repeat stop!

***  UPDATE:  Sadly, as of May 2018, Broadway Hot Dogs has closed its doors...

Dave's Hot Dogs, South Amboy

      Dave's is a quaint, luncheonette style hot dog joint that has served South Amboy for just under a decade (as of this writing).  The staff is super friendly and the service is quick.  Most hot dog varieties are between $2 - $3 with a few double dog options priced at $6.  Among these is an Italian hot dog which will definitely be on my order the next time I stop by!

     They use Sabrett #11 hot dogs that are steamed (dirty water style).  I saw they offered a Carolina Slaw dog which was calling my name.  Surprisingly I had never tried a slaw dog before so I wasn't sure what to expect.  Now, I'm the type of guy who prefers a large, rough cut cole slaw when served as a side dish.  When I saw the finely chopped slaw (pictured below) I was a little skeptical.  Boy was I wrong!!  The finely chopped texture, similar to a good chili, clung to the hot dog & bun so I could enjoy the flavor mixture with every bite.  As full as I was, I ordered a second dog to enjoy all over again!!

     In addition to their delicious dogs, Dave's offers a variety of burger choices as well as a cheese steak, chicken fingers, tacos, pork roll, chili, nachos, onion rings and of course, a variety of fries.  This stop has something for everyone so bring along the family!  They close early on weekends so check their schedule before making the trip.  You won't be disappointed!

Sonny's Hot Dogs, Neptune

     Sonny's was the only stop on the 14th Annual NJ Hot Dog Tour that served Italian hot dogs.  Pricey at $8.25 but comes with 2 dogs, peppers, onions and potato slices.  The roll is not quite traditional, being more like a small loaf of bread than typical pizza dough.  The taste was a substantial redeeming quality however, providing a variety of flavors and textures as you work your way through your meal.

     They offer a Sabrett all beef 8:1 natural casing dog that is served "dirty water" style, but they offer the option of throwing it on the grill before serving.  Their menu offers 30+ signature dogs see below), some of which border on excessive creativity.  I ordered a grilled dog with BBQ onions.  It was tasty but not extraordinary for the $3.50 price tag.  It seems like they rely on the toppings to "Wow" their customers rather than highlighting the dawg, though I will report that many folks were hooked!

     ***  Item to note:  As of March 2018, Sonny's has closed this location as they felt the establishment was lost in the large shopping center.  They are looking for a new venue to re-open with a fresh start.  More to come as I learn details...

Goffle Grill, Hawthorne

     As you can see by the sign above the building, Goffle Grill highlights the hot dog as a key focus of their menu.  I was surprised when I entered this establishment, looked at the large menu and only saw (3) hot dog options: a Texas Weiner, a Chicken dog (zero interest!) and an Italian dog.  They will make hot dogs according to your order if the above 3 options do not tickle your fancy.

     I sampled the Texas Weiner on my visit to Hawthorne.  They serve grilled Thumann's dogs (2oz. natural casing) on a fresh, adequately stout roll, making for an excellent foundation. The chili is the cumin-based style which I thought was a bit thin for my taste, though it was quite delicious.  The raw onion was finely chopped and a bit moist, suggesting they were not prepared fresh this morning.  They tended to overpower the chili and stayed with me for about 1/2 hour!  I would suggest asking them to go easy on the onions and enjoy their fare!

Hot Grill, Clifton

     While in the neighborhood (reasonably) I had a hankering for a dawg and had heard good things about Hot Grill.  I flipped on the GPS and quickly arrived.  I was surprised that the only hot dog they offer is the Texas Weiner but was happy to give it a try.  They deep fry a Sabrett pork/beef dog, add spicy brown mustard, finely chopped onions and a nice, thick Paterson-style chili.

     I found the weiner too have a pretty high concentration of onions which seemed to be very sweet, almost like a Vidalia.  Perhaps my tastebuds were extra sensitive that night but the taste of the onions dominated all else.  I did make sure to isolate a mouthful of chili and it was very tasty.  I grew up on the more bland, tomato-based chili (native New Yorker!) but I am growing fond of the cinnamon and cumin found in these spicy chilis.  All in all, a good dog that satisfied my hankering!

Burnet Burger Plus, Green Brook

     The first thing that struck me when I walked into Burnet's was their exceptional cleanliness.  The staff was very friendly and cheerful.  I get the sense that this is a great place to work!  I wanted to stick with the theme of my evening so ordered the Texas Weiner.  They opt for the yellow mustard to compliment their chili & raw onions.

     They split a Thumann's dog down the center before grilling,  They also offer a deep-fried option (not split!)  The dog looks a bit messy but I assure you it was delicious!  The chili is one of the best I've tried.  It seems to be an interesting mix of the 2 chili cultures in New Jersey, one being tomato based and the other being more of a browned meat sauce with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander and other spices.  I will definitely be back to have this again, sampling until I can pinpoint those ingredients!!

Windmill, Long Branch

     Windmill is a chain that has many locations throughout New Jersey, along the eastern shore.  The building shown above is the location in northern Long Branch where our Tour visited (which will be closing in 2018).  The manager was an exceedingly generous host and was thrilled to be one of our stops.  The original building further south in Long Branch sports the famous windmill architecture.

     All Windmill locations serve the Sabrett 4:1 NC pork/beef Griller.  This is a substantial dog that will satisfy a healthy appetite.  They offer a choice of chili or cheese (or both!) and have a wide variety of additional toppings at their ample condiment station.  These Sabretts are sold at many grocery stores throughout the state under the Windmill name (2 lb. package).

     I ordered a cheese dog (grilled) and complimented it with relish.  Great smokey flavor, but not spicy.  The cheese sauce complimented the dog nicely.  I heard very good reviews regarding the chili and am looking forward to the opportunity to visit one of the many locations to sample it.  You can find additional Windmill locations in: Asbury Park, Belmar, Brick, Freehold and Red Bank.

Jimmy's Doggie Stand, Philipsburg

     Jimmy's is nestled alongside the Union Square train station at the entrance to the "free bridge" in Phillipsburg, NJ.  This stand is a very clean establishment with ample seating for folks who wish to eat in.  All of your menu choices are posted next to the walk-up order window and the husband & wife team who own Jimmy's are very pleasant and helpful.

     I ordered my stand-by: brown mustard, raw onions & chili ("all the way"!)  This combo was presented with a bit more onions than I normally expect but the result was very good.  The bun held up to this mixture nicely while remaining soft and tasty.  The chili had a good texture and a nice kick to it.  This was my first time visiting Jimmy's but will certainly not be my last!

Deliworks, Flemington

     I stopped at this quaint little shop on a whim, never having heard any reviews and not having any idea if they even served hot dogs.  To my satisfaction I noticed that the 3rd item advertised above the counter was a Double Italian Hot Dog.  The description offered: 2 hot dogs served with potatoes, peppers and onions on pizza bread.  The description was sound and, since I was unable to find a more complete printed menu or any other signs for other varieties of hot dogs, I ordered the IHD.

     The cook's first question was: "Mustard or ketchup?"  Some places serve their IHDs with both but I played it safe and ordered mustard.  The potatoes, peppers and onions were tossed on the griddle and a half loaf of italian bread was sliced in half...  I never had pizza served on a loaf of italian bread so I had some questions about their description!  Being an easy-going guy I figured I would let it ride.  After smearing brown mustard on the bread the cook went into the back room and came back with two 1/4 lb. natural casing franks on top.  As you can see (below) the sandwich was enormous, which justified the $9 price.

     I have a preference for sliced potatoes on my Italians so these potato chunks, which reminded me of home fries, were a little disappointing, as were the thinly sliced red onion rings.  I did not recognize the hot dogs (and forgot to inquire what brand they were) but they were the highlight of the meal.  They were juicy and had a good amount of spiciness.  If I could get them to use actual pizza bread, I would probably go back.  The service and the value were definitely a plus.