Libby's or Hot Grill?

I left N.J. 35 years ago and miss Falls Veiw Texas Weiners. I'm going to N.J. in a week and would like to know whose Texas Weiners is closest to Falls Veiw? Any thoughts? Thanks.

Assuming by 'closest' you mean in taste - and not geographically - I'd have to say that neither of those two are truly closest in taste to the original Falls View in Paterson (and from what I understand, the 'new' versions of Falls View are even further removed). The one that I believe comes closest is Pappy's, in Totowa (315 Union Blvd. (973) 595-1701). I had the pleasure of going there again after being away from NJ for quite a few years and their dogs and sauce tasted better than ever (I grew up mainly eating dogs from the original Falls View as well as from Pappy's, too). As an aside, John Fox just recently took his first trip there and pronounced it as possibly his favorite Texas Weiner.

But, the thing is, you can never go wrong with a dog from Libby's (98 McBride Ave., Paterson (973) 278-8718), Hot Grill (669 Lexington Ave., Clifton (973) 772-6000), or Pappy's, though. They each are absolutely delicious and you are guaranteed to hit a Texas Weiner culinary home-run no matter which one you pick! And, assuming you are driving to NJ - be sure to buy some sauce, freeze it and take it back home with you. My wife and I picked up a quart from Pappy's and are sure glad we did. (It also gives us an opportunity to try and figure out just how they make their sauce in our attempt to replicate it back here in Tennessee).


Now, of course the closet place geographically would still be Libby's - right next to the Falls, as always.


TnGuy

I second what TnGuy just said. I've been to over 75 hot dog joints this summer; many of them serving Texas Weiners. My 3 favorites are Pappy's, Libby's, and The Hot Grill. All three sell their sauce to go. Pappy's and Libby's use the Thumann's dog made for deep frying. Both cooked for a sufficient amount of time. This makes a big difference. Many places that use this dog undercook it. The Hot Grill uses a Sabrett beef and pork dog. Close to the Thumann's, but I prefer the Thumann's by a little bit. Doesn't make too much of a difference as the dog is more like a holder for the wonderful chili sauce.

All three places are better than the 2 Falls View restaurants that I've been to. One in Clifton on Rt 3 (used to be the Red Chimney) and the other in Pequannock. I've found out that Falls View orders dogs from Thumanns, but requests that their dogs do not go through the smoking process. They are not as tasty. And they don't spend as much time in the fryer. As for the chili, it wasn't nearly as good at both Falls View locations as the other three places named.

If I was pressed to pick my favorite, it would be Pappy's. In fact, next week after our last Munchmobile run, we will pick our favorite dogs in 5 categories. I don't know if each member's picks will be included or if we have to come to a consensus by a group vote. But I am leaning towards Pappy's as best Texas Weiner/chili dog. Now if I come across a new place in our last outing.......