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.