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!