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