Texas Weiners

Gooooooooooooooood! I grew up in Plainfield, NJ, where they were always available to me... I now live in SC and all that's being served are boiled, tasteless, soft and mushy things! I so miss those crunchy, tasty morsels with raw onions, sauerkraut and mustard! I don't even know what kind of weiner they use (maybe someone can tell me), but if someone felt like opening a franchise here in Spartanburg, SC, I certainly would appreciate it!

Gwennie, I'm not sure if you need a particular brand of hot dog to be considered a Texas. Here in Rochester, many of the burger/hot dog places call their "red" hot dogs Texas, compared to the white hot which is a local specialty. I think many use Zweigels for both the red and white hots. Order one of each and you'll hear the counter person call back to the grillman "one Texas one white".

These places all grill the hot dog (standard short-order style grill, not a charcoal type which could be considered broiled) and split the dog to cook the inside as well.

From what I know a Texas Weiner is a hot dog toped with mustard onions and a chili sauce. They were first served in Paterson New Jersey. Most Texas Weiners use deep fried hot dogs. The Plainfield verity uses a darker brown thicker chili sauce. I have never had this type but I am looking forward to the 2005 Hot Dog tour to try one.

The Plainfield area Texas Weiner uses a Grote & Weigel griddle frank. This is the same recipe as Schickhaus, but in a 6 to a lb size rather than 4 to a lb.

I'm sure this has been covered before, but I have never heard of a Texas Wiener other than on this forum,and I have lived in Texas for 10 Years. It appears to be a NJ thing, I just wonder how these names get started.

The only "Texas" hots I know of come from the North East. Tobin's First Prize had a decent version and still exists under the Morrel brand. They are not the same. Russer's also had a Texas hot also decent. None of them were great, however. I believe the Texas name came from their being larger than the usual dog, six or under to a pound.

Zweigel's is an outstanding dog and can be ordered online. Very few dogs come close to this large natural casing gem.

There may be Texas hots in Texas, but I am unfamiliar with them.

Are hot dogs even popular in Texas? If I were in Texas the last thing I would eat would be a dog because there are much better things to eat in Texas. With great chili. BBQ, steaks and Tex-Mex cuisine who would even bother with a dog?

quote:

Originally posted by Tommy2dogs

I'm sure this has been covered before, but I have never heard of a Texas Wiener other than on this forum,and I have lived in Texas for 10 Years. It appears to be a NJ thing, I just wonder how these names get started.

Dont feel bad... NJ also has a Michigan Coney... Nothing that compares to what ya find in Michigan from what I've read... (It may be PA, but I'm thinking it was NJ from what I've read)... Either way, if it tastes good, why mess with something thats not broken!

GreyGhost please allow me to count my self among those that would bother with a hot dog.
Although not a Texan, if I were presented with chili. BBQ. steak, texmex and a well grilled hotdog with chopped onion on the side, I would surly have a bowl of chili and the dog.
I am currently living in the Philippines where a decent hotdog still has not been found. There are several that will do in a pinch but they leave a great deal to be desired.
IMHO a great dog beats the rest hands down

The origin of the name seems to me to be pretty obvious; to our simple Northeastern minds, Texas= Chili and Chili=Texas. There seems to be a fairly narrow range where they are called Texas wieners or Texas hot weiners - north Jersey and southestern New York. Although last year at Black Mountain NC we had a Texas Hot wiener at a small stand - the proprietor turned out to be recently arrived in the area from north Jersey. BTW: the dog was very good and whetted our appetites for some good BBQ that evening.

Cheers, John

Here's a link to a story about the origin of the Texas Weiner in Paterson NJ. What I've never been able to figure out is why only Paterson and the area around Plainfield are noted for thier Texas weiners, but not many other places in NJ. Why these 2 cities? They are about 30 miles apart, and there's no connection I'm aware of between the two. --Ken

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wiphtml/essay6/essay6a.html

There used to be a Texas Weiner in Flemington, NJ back in the 60's-70's and I remember they sued for name infringement (or whatever you call it) when a joint at the Jersey shore opened under the same name. I don't remember how it turned out, but the Flemington place was a very successful enterprise and, back then, I don't recall any other places with that name.

quote:

Originally posted by seafarer john

The origin of the name seems to me to be pretty obvious; to our simple Northeastern minds, Texas= Chili and Chili=Texas. There seems to be a fairly narrow range where they are called Texas wieners or Texas hot weiners - north Jersey and southestern New York. Although last year at Black Mountain NC we had a Texas Hot wiener at a small stand - the proprietor turned out to be recently arrived in the area from north Jersey. BTW: the dog was very good and whetted our appetites for some good BBQ that evening.

Cheers, John

Interesting, in Texas at least DFW area, these are just called Chili Dogs. However the Chili found on Chili dogs should not be confused with Texas Chili (Bowl of Red) as I have found it to be totally different.

I grew up in NJ and Texas Weiners and Texas Weiners 2 in Plainfield and on Route 22 in Watchung had the best chili dogs in the word. I left NJ 35 years ago and juast came back and those Chili dogs are not as good as they used to be. But ones that are just as good if not better are at Manny's Texas Weiners in Milburn, NJ. Check it out. They are the best.

I grew up in New Jersey and Hot Texas wieners were always a part of the cuisine. Now living in California I enjoy my vacations to New Jersey, first for family and friends. When they ask is there something special you want to do, I ask to go to one of the hot Texas wiener places for one all the way!

Thirty-five years ago the family took a vacation to Myrtle Beach South Carolina. The locals there told us we must go for a hot dog with "chili slaw" and a moon pie. The place was at the end of a fishing pier on the ocean and the dog was very good. Is this dog still served in Myrtle Beach?

Texas Weiner in Paterson NJ est. 1924
Texas Weiner in Altoona, PA est. 1918

Could this Altoona shop be the true origin for the Texas Weiner?

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05185/532738.stm

BTW, there are 3 different "Texas" Hot Dog shops in the Altoona area ...quite a hot spot for the style.

Interesting. From what I've heard and read, the Texas Weiner originated in 1920 in Paterson, N.J. A Greek immigrant named John Patrellis had a hot dog stand outside of a hotel. One of his customers used to bring chili to put on his dogs. Patrellis began making chili and called his dogs Texas Weiners. No one really knows the origins. I read an article in the Star Ledger about 6 years ago where there was a huge disagreement as to where the Texas Weiner originated. People in the Paterson/Clifton area claimed it started there. Relatives of the founder of Texas Weiner l in Plainfield (I forget his name) claimed it originated in Plainfield. Most people would agree that it was invented in New Jersey. I've heard that it spread to neighboring states like New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. But this article claims 1918 as on origin. And in Pennsylvania, not Jersey.

The typical Texas Weiner sauce served in Newburgh, Poughkeepsie, and Kingston, NY has only a slight hint of nutmeg, and has much more tomato than most of the sauces we tasted last Saturday. The great chili sauce at Father and Son is almost identical to the sauce served up at Macho's in Kingston (Macho's in New Paltz has recently closed) and is quite a bit hotter than any others I know of in this area. Manny's very nutmeggy sauce was something not entirely new to this hot dogger - it was quite similar to one I had at KJs ? in Danbury CT a couple of years ago - I think one could get to really like that sauce- Manny's restaurant is a really fine establishment.

Cheers, John

quote:

Originally posted by seafarer john

The typical Texas Weiner sauce served in Newburgh, Poughkeepsie, and Kingston, NY has only a slight hint of nutmeg, and has much more tomato than most of the sauces we tasted last Saturday. The great chili sauce at Father and Son is almost identical to the sauce served up at Macho's in Kingston (Macho's in New Paltz has recently closed) and is quite a bit hotter than any others I know of in this area. Manny's very nutmeggy sauce was something not entirely new to this hot dogger - it was quite similar to one I had at KJs ? in Danbury CT a couple of years ago - I think one could get to really like that sauce- Manny's restaurant is a really fine establishment.

Cheers, John

John,wouldn't you agree that Manny's sauce is also a close cousin to
the sauce from Coney Island here in Middletown?? Both Benzee and I mentioned this immediately upon tasting Manny's. There are differences though..the CI sauce is as meaty as any chili sauce I have ever seen, and the CI sauce is definitely a touch hotter,and maybe a bit more cinnamon too. Maybe after John Fox tastes the CI sauce he can comment on this!

Lou: Coney Island in Middletown makes a great sauce, but I think it is closer to most other Hudson Valley chili sauces - it has tomato and it has a whole lot less nutmeg and whatever other spices than Manny's does.

Someday when you have a day off we'll have to get a few guys together and go to Kingston and let you try Dallas Hot Weiners and Macho's.

Cheers, John

Little Dog and I both thought that Manny's chili was exactly the same as Capitol Lunch in New Britain.

I have to agree with Seafarer.
Out of the 4 chilis that I sampled on Saturday, Father and Son was no doubt my favorite. Glad I bought a pint as well as a pint of relish from Rutt's.

Sampled some of both tonight with some Hummel's.
(Saving the Thumann's, John)

The name of the place in Danbury is JK's.
I've never been there, so I can't voice an opinion.

check the link for a photo of Mr. & Mrs. Seafarer with the Stern's.
http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Overview.aspx?RefID=150

quote:

Originally posted by sop that

I grew up in New Jersey and Hot Texas wieners were always a part of the cuisine. Now living in California I enjoy my vacations to New Jersey, first for family and friends. When they ask is there something special you want to do, I ask to go to one of the hot Texas wiener places for one all the way!

Thirty-five years ago the family took a vacation to Myrtle Beach South Carolina. The locals there told us we must go for a hot dog with "chili slaw" and a moon pie. The place was at the end of a fishing pier on the ocean and the dog was very good. Is this dog still served in Myrtle Beach?

Sure, at Sam's corner in Garden City, just across from the pier or just down 17 to their location in Pawleys Island. They deep fry their dogs and will top with chili, slaw, mustard etc. They have a huge menu "no website". I had a chicken fried steak sandwich there recently that was dripping with grease and mayo......

quote:

Originally posted by ConeyIslandLou

quote:

Originally posted by seafarer john

The typical Texas Weiner sauce served in Newburgh, Poughkeepsie, and Kingston, NY has only a slight hint of nutmeg, and has much more tomato than most of the sauces we tasted last Saturday. The great chili sauce at Father and Son is almost identical to the sauce served up at Macho's in Kingston (Macho's in New Paltz has recently closed) and is quite a bit hotter than any others I know of in this area. Manny's very nutmeggy sauce was something not entirely new to this hot dogger - it was quite similar to one I had at KJs ? in Danbury CT a couple of years ago - I think one could get to really like that sauce- Manny's restaurant is a really fine establishment.

Cheers, John

John,wouldn't you agree that Manny's sauce is also a close cousin to
the sauce from Coney Island here in Middletown?? Both Benzee and I mentioned this immediately upon tasting Manny's. There are differences though..the CI sauce is as meaty as any chili sauce I have ever seen, and the CI sauce is definitely a touch hotter,and maybe a bit more cinnamon too. Maybe after John Fox tastes the CI sauce he can comment on this!

I've had Manny's sauce many times, but couldn't make a comparison until I tried the Coney Island sauce last night. They are similar. Both meaty, as opposed to the thinner sauce at the Hot Grill, Libby's, Falls View, Goffle Grill, Johnny & Hanges, and other North Jersey places. I agree with Seafarer John that the CI sauce is a little less spicy than Manny's. But I like it more. Just my taste. It was thick, smooth, and mild. I would prefer this sauce to the many others I've tried most of the time. The only exception being when I get an occasional craving for the hotter sauce at Father & Son. This is as hot as I can stand. There is hotter in Jersey. JJ's in Newark and Boulevard Drinks in Jersey City. And these two are mild compared to Danny's and Mac's in Connecticut.

Wow this is wild. Lived in Texas all my life and never heard of a Texas Hot Dog. It bound to be some kind of yankee thing. Nathan's is my favorite.

bigwheel

quote:

Originally posted by bigwheel

Wow this is wild. Lived in Texas all my life and never heard of a Texas Hot Dog. It bound to be some kind of yankee thing. Nathan's is my favorite.

bigwheel

I live in New York [Long Island] and love Nathans hot dogs, had them for lunch yesterday, but nothing is as good as a "Texas [chili and onion] hot dog" in Altoona,

Well I don't get to visit many furrin countries so doubt I make it too Altoona:)..but...Best chili dawg I ever had come from an old greasy spoon type Mom n Pop hamurger joint located on the Square in Graham, TX back in the 50's and early 60's. It was called "Heighton's Hamburgers". They split a weenie and fried it on the grill..then slapped it on a grill toasted "hamburger bun"..then they layered it up with spicy chili..onions and mustard. Whew..them was killers and cost 15 cents. I still make em like that at home only I add sour kraut and cheese. You can make a reasonable facsimle of the chili by combining one regular can of Wolf Brand with about half a regular sized jar of Pace Medium hot Picante sauce. I'm making myself hongry here.

bigwheel

When I lived in Altoona, the George family was operating 4 Texas hot shops. Went to all of them, but liked the one on 58th Street in Eldorado the best. George George invited me in one time at the Texas in Bellwood/Tipton. Couldn't get enough of those dogs.

I went to Texas Hot Dogs in Altoona today. This has been run by the same family since 1918. This was well worth the trip. The dogs are BERK's 10 to the pound and are a beef and pork mixture.

The location is at Goode Lane and 58th street. It is less than 5 minutes from the Plank Rd exit off I-99.

The french fries were tasty also.

Walt Powers

quote:

Originally posted by seafarer john

The typical Texas Weiner sauce served in Newburgh, Poughkeepsie, and Kingston, NY has only a slight hint of nutmeg, and has much more tomato than most of the sauces we tasted last Saturday. The great chili sauce at Father and Son is almost identical to the sauce served up at Macho's in Kingston (Macho's in New Paltz has recently closed) and is quite a bit hotter than any others I know of in this area. Manny's very nutmeggy sauce was something not entirely new to this hot dogger - it was quite similar to one I had at KJs ? in Danbury CT a couple of years ago - I think one could get to really like that sauce- Manny's restaurant is a really fine establishment.

Cheers, John

John,
I remember going to a little place on Broadway called "Texas Weiners." It was right near the music store. My dad loved that place. . . chili, mustard and onions. Newburgh was THE place to shop back in the 50s and 60s and lower Broadway and the river front was the prime shopping area.
Surely the old Texas Weiner place isn't still there. Last time I was in Newburgh, to go to the Mexican market there, Broadway was a wasteland.

quote:

Originally posted by ken8038

What I've never been able to figure out is why only Paterson and the area around Plainfield are noted for thier Texas weiners, but not many other places in NJ. Why these 2 cities? They are about 30 miles apart, and there's no connection I'm aware of between the two.

If I had to wager my money would be on a fellow who used to work for an earlier THW joint opening his own up far enough away so as not to leech off the other's business. Maybe a brother-in-law or father/son thing or something like that.

And yeah, that joint in Altoona kicks butt -- especially the whole birch-beer-out-of-the-barrel thing.

i believe the name of the texas weiner place in paterson new jersey is "mid town grill"

they are the best-- at least they used to be when i lived in clifton.. :)