Good chili dog in NYC?

Not a PK or Gray's fan and feel Crif is overdone. Is there anyplace in Manhattan with a really good chili (or slaw) dog?

I have lived in NYC since 1977 and have yet to find a chil dog that comes even close to the Coney Island hot dogs I grew up with in Detroit. Fortunately (even if you have never been to Detroit), the American Coney Island now offers complete Coney dog kits: https://www.virtualnewsnet.com/ACI/order_form.html

You can also order Detroit (Greek) style Coney sauce separately (and Vienna-style hot dogs, too, if you wish) from Koegel Meats: http://www.koegelmeats.com

From my experience, either of these alternatives will beat anything you'll find in NYC.

I forgot to mention: The American Coney Island also has a Coney-Island-of-the-Month Club, whereby you can arrange to have a Coney kit automatically sent to every month.

NYC really isn't chili dog country.
The industrial midwest has coneys, Chicago has it's own 'dog culture, North Jersey has it's deep fried 'Texas Weiners' and 'da City' is the home of mustard and 'kraut. And red onion sauce. I'll take one of each.
Top

The closest good chili dog if you're in NYC is probably Father and Son Luncheonette, Linden, NJ. It proved pretty popular among hot dog aficionados during this past summer's glorious NJ Hot Dog Tour.
The Bear

And don't forget the Hot Grill, Libby's, Texas Weiners l and ll, and the many other Texas Weiner joints in Jersey. Last week I had a pretty good chili dog in Elizabeth at Majestic Lunch on Elizabeth Ave. in Elizabeth. About a half mile away from Jerry's. Grilled Sabrett dog with a flavorful, slightly sweet chili. Good, and easy on the spices. Boulevard Drinks in Jersey City also makes a great chili dog, Grilled Sabrett (small, 12 to a lb) as spicy or spicier than Father & Son. And then you also have JJ's and Tony's in Newark.

Top,

North Jersey is known for more than their excellent deep fried Texas Weiners. We also have Italian Hot Dogs (no other state does), great German style grilled pork and beef dogs (Galloping Hill Inn, Max's, and the Windmill), dirty water dogs (Jerry's, Dees, JJ's, Hank's Franks), and grilled kosher stle all beef dogs (Syd's, Boulevard Drinks, Father & Son). Not to mention West Jersy style; deep fried or steamed beef and pork dog with yellow mustard, pickle, and relish (Toby's Cup, Hot Dog Johnny's, and Charlies Pool Room).

Originally posted by John Fox


Top,

North Jersey is known for more than their excellent deep fried Texas Weiners. We also have Italian Hot Dogs (no other state does), great German style grilled pork and beef dogs (Galloping Hill Inn, Max's, and the Windmill), dirty water dogs (Jerry's, Dees, JJ's, Hank's Franks), and grilled kosher stle all beef dogs (Syd's, Boulevard Drinks, Father & Son).

And well I know it.
Here's one for you. I'm getting ready for my annual run from Maine to Indaniantown Gap, PA. What's a good place to stop for a 'dog along I-287 and I-78 somewhere between the NY line and Philipsburg? I know there's a notable place in Allentown (Yaccos)but by the time I pass through it's a little late for lunch.
Top

I'm not too familiar with that area, but close to rt 78 in Philipsburg (actually Lopatcong) is Toby's Cup. Get off 78 at exit 3 (I think) for rt 22. A few miles away on rt 22 is Toby's Cup. A Berks beef and pork dog that is deep fried and served West Jersey/PA style with pickles relish and onions.

Went to Shake Shack in search and still nothing. So disheartening. Grew up on Nu Way and the Varsity and here I can't even get anything resembling it.

quote:

Originally posted by tgfny

Not a PK or Gray's fan and feel Crif is overdone. Is there anyplace in Manhattan with a really good chili (or slaw) dog?

Not in NYC...but if you are ever out on Long Island...

http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Overview.aspx?RefID=3201

They make their own chili.

quote:

Originally posted by Tony Bad

quote:

Originally posted by tgfny

Not a PK or Gray's fan and feel Crif is overdone. Is there anyplace in Manhattan with a really good chili (or slaw) dog?

Not in NYC...but if you are ever out on Long Island...

http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Overview.aspx?RefID=3201

They make their own chili.

Had one on the way out to the Hamptons one time, but it wasn't memorable.

Agree that NYC is historically chili dogless. But I just uncovered a fairly good outpost, right in midtown. F&B Gudtfood on 52nd & Lexington. Oddly enough, it is a swedish-themed place (might actually be a local outpost of a swedish group) that has about 6 different varieties of dogs including a right good chili dog. Don't yet know the purveyor, but its a good skin-on dog.

NB: They also have some oddball menu items like swedish meatballs with ligonberry sauce.

RJB,
This may be an interesting and rare find for NYC...a good chili dog, let alone one that is in the skin. Would appreciate knowing the brand and size of dog they use, type of bun, etc., if possible. Thanks,
The Bear

quote:

Originally posted by rjb

Agree that NYC is historically chili dogless. But I just uncovered a fairly good outpost, right in midtown. F&B Gudtfood on 52nd & Lexington. Oddly enough, it is a swedish-themed place (might actually be a local outpost of a swedish group) that has about 6 different varieties of dogs including a right good chili dog. Don't yet know the purveyor, but its a good skin-on dog.

NB: They also have some oddball menu items like swedish meatballs with ligonberry sauce.

F&B Gudtfood has some good [very expensive] hot dogs but I don't think the chili dog is so good. The Danish dog is the best one in my opinion but I find the chili dog to be cloying plus it has cheese on it which doesn't help any. No really good chili dogs or really good fast food a la hamburgers and hot dogs in NYC....alas.

I'll likely be back there soon & will see what I can find out. Dogs & buns were both good & I believe they bake the buns on site. Also sell good lemonade & have bottled beer available.

According to their website, the dogs (& presumably other sausages as well) are proprietary. Doubtful, but possible. One thing I was less than wild about was the kraut (on my knockwurst), which had a vague sweet spice (cardamom, I believe, or maybe allspice) that I wasn't as wild about.

They're a two store outfit, both in NYC, but apparently have designs on franchising. So check them out before they become a chain.

http://www.gudtfood.com

I haven't been to F&B in quite some time (3 or 4 years) but I agree that the Danish dog (Polser) is the best. A good spicy beef dog. I don't know the brand. But all of their other dogs (with the exception of the veggie and poultry dogs) were Usinger brand beef and pork dogs (8 to a lb) that were flash fried. This dog is ok, but nothing special in my opinion. Usinger's Angus beef dog, on the other hand, is an exceptional hot dog. The dogs here are NOT proprietary. Most of the time when places claim that, they are lying. Papaya King's dogs are also not proprietary; they are the standard 10 to a lb all beef natural casing Sabrett.

I agree with some of the other posters: New York is a great hot dog town, but is definitely not a chili dog town. Most chili dogs are just slathered with some kind of greasy chili sauce.

However, I do enjoy Crif Dogs chili dogs from time to time.

I have never seen a slaw dog in NY.

Wow, looks good. Can't wait to try it out.

Ever try this place...anyone..??

http://www.schnackdog.com/menu.html

I have had their burgers and found them quite good. Also enjoyed several of their different dogs...but never with chili.

They do have "Fighter Pilot Chili" listed as a topping for their dogs.

quote:

Originally posted by John Fox

I'm not too familiar with that area, but close to rt 78 in Philipsburg (actually Lopatcong) is Toby's Cup. Get off 78 at exit 3 (I think) for rt 22. A few miles away on rt 22 is Toby's Cup. A Berks beef and pork dog that is deep fried and served West Jersey/PA style with pickles relish and onions.

John;
I sucked up and made it to Yoccos in Allentown. Nice Hatfield dog well grilled with dark mustard, onions, and a light slathering of chili. Worth the stop (and fight in traffic an the interchange!).
Top

quote:

Originally posted by John Fox

And don't forget the Hot Grill, Libby's, Texas Weiners l and ll, and the many other Texas Weiner joints in Jersey. Last week I had a pretty good chili dog in Elizabeth at Majestic Lunch on Elizabeth Ave. in Elizabeth. About a half mile away from Jerry's. Grilled Sabrett dog with a flavorful, slightly sweet chili. Good, and easy on the spices. Boulevard Drinks in Jersey City also makes a great chili dog, Grilled Sabrett (small, 12 to a lb) as spicy or spicier than Father & Son. And then you also have JJ's and Tony's in Newark.

Top,

North Jersey is known for more than their excellent deep fried Texas Weiners. We also have Italian Hot Dogs (no other state does), great German style grilled pork and beef dogs (Galloping Hill Inn, Max's, and the Windmill), dirty water dogs (Jerry's, Dees, JJ's, Hank's Franks), and grilled kosher stle all beef dogs (Syd's, Boulevard Drinks, Father & Son). Not to mention West Jersy style; deep fried or steamed beef and pork dog with yellow mustard, pickle, and relish (Toby's Cup, Hot Dog Johnny's, and Charlies Pool Room).

quote:

Originally posted by Top

Originally posted by John Fox


Top,

North Jersey is known for more than their excellent deep fried Texas Weiners. We also have Italian Hot Dogs (no other state does), great German style grilled pork and beef dogs (Galloping Hill Inn, Max's, and the Windmill), dirty water dogs (Jerry's, Dees, JJ's, Hank's Franks), and grilled kosher stle all beef dogs (Syd's, Boulevard Drinks, Father & Son).

And well I know it.
Here's one for you. I'm getting ready for my annual run from Maine to Indaniantown Gap, PA. What's a good place to stop for a 'dog along I-287 and I-78 somewhere between the NY line and Philipsburg? I know there's a notable place in Allentown (Yaccos)but by the time I pass through it's a little late for lunch.
Top

Don't know what happened. Supposed to say that Pagano's Italian Restaurant on Ridgewood Avenue in Daytona Beach, FL, has been serving Italian Hot Dogs for several Years now.

quote:

Originally posted by John A

quote:

Originally posted by Top

Originally posted by John Fox


Top,

North Jersey is known for more than their excellent deep fried Texas Weiners. We also have Italian Hot Dogs (no other state does), great German style grilled pork and beef dogs (Galloping Hill Inn, Max's, and the Windmill), dirty water dogs (Jerry's, Dees, JJ's, Hank's Franks), and grilled kosher stle all beef dogs (Syd's, Boulevard Drinks, Father & Son).

And well I know it.
Here's one for you. I'm getting ready for my annual run from Maine to Indaniantown Gap, PA. What's a good place to stop for a 'dog along I-287 and I-78 somewhere between the NY line and Philipsburg? I know there's a notable place in Allentown (Yaccos)but by the time I pass through it's a little late for lunch.
Top

i agree regarding the lack of chili dogs in nyc but if a slaw dog is a hot dog with cole slaw and mustard then i would say ben's and artie's (two jewish style deli's) have decent slaw dogs. if this is the wrong definition of a slaw dog will someone please correct me and tell me what it is.

How are those Dearborn dogs sold with the American Coney Island kits? Looks good! woops, I have so many questions I better start a new thread!
Joe

In upstate NY they have a sauce they call a michigan sauce and I get it from Borderview Michigan sauce in Champlain NY. They sell it in the local stores but I buy it in the gallons. The story is that the michigan hot dog is really a coney island dog sauce. I now serve it on my hot dogs in Florida and my customers demand it.

Runyan,

I would love to try the Michigan sauce you described. I wonder if Borderview Grocery would ship to NYC. Do you have a phone number and an address for them? Thanks!

Borderview Grocery (really just a gas station/convenience store at the corner of US 11 and Ridge Rd in Champlain) deserves a WHOLE lot of credit for producing and marketing for resale what has long been a staple in our little corner of far Northeastern NY State: Michigan Sauce. While the packaged sauce itsn't quite as good as that at many of the local stands, it's still darn good stuff.

I'm glad to hear that it has made it to Florida on a regular basis.

Wally

Et tu, Wllhd? Like Runyan, you mention Borderview Grocery and their Michigan sauce, but give no contact info. Though I'm from Detroit and was brought up on Detroit-style Coney Island sauce (which you can order online -- see my earlier post about American Coney Island), I would love to try the Michigan Sauce to see if it's the same thing. Could you provide an address and/or phone number? Thanks.

Oh, and sorry if I sound harsh or over-anxious, but you two are making me hungry!

Okay, I used my brain (hey, it happens) and called information. Borderview Grocery's phone number is (518) 298-3050.