visit to Jersey Joe's (Italian Hot Dogs) pics

Re:visit to Jersey Joe's (Italian Hot Dogs) pics (CCinNJ)

Mon, 06 May 2013 16:49:54 GMT

Best wishes Frank!

Jersey Joe's is a favorite destination for my parents!

Re:visit to Jersey Joe's (Italian Hot Dogs) pics (JerseyJoe)

Mon, 06 May 2013 07:14:37 GMT

I figured that I'd keep everyone informed as to Jersey Joe's status. We are NOT out of business. True, we did not open on April 1st as scheduled due to unexpected personal issues. We hope to open our doors again as soon as possible. Thank you for understanding. Again, we are NOT out of business.
Thanx, Frank (Jersey Joe)

Re:visit to Jersey Joe's (Italian Hot Dogs) pics (JerseyJoe)

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 07:10:39 GMT

For those who would like to know, Jersey Joes wiill be CLOSING for the winter season. The closing date is November 1st. We will REOPEN on April 1st. The close is due to personal reasons. Our last day will be Halloween and our reopen date is April Fools Day.
Thanx, Frank (Jersey Joe)

Re:visit to Jersey Joe's (Italian Hot Dogs) pics (John Fox)

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 09:00:50 GMT

Leethebard, no I haven't, but I was with a few people who had them once. I wouldn't like it because they use a Schickhaus frank which is pork and beef. A fine dog but all wrong for an Italian Hot Dog. A spicy all beef dog goes better with the oils and other ingredients. I do know some people who prefer a pork/beef hot dog on their Italian Hot Dog. We were at Jimmy Buffs on the New Jersey Hot Dog Tour and someone specifically requested the Schickhaus hot dog rather than the usual beef dog to be put on their sandwich.

Re:visit to Jersey Joe's (Italian Hot Dogs) pics (leethebard)

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 08:43:36 GMT

John, Jersey Joe's is great...ever try the Italian hot dog at Boardwalk Hot Dog in nearby Brick?

Re:visit to Jersey Joe's (Italian Hot Dogs) pics (John Fox)

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 08:15:46 GMT

I took a ride to Jersey Joe's this past Wednesday. It's been a few years since I last had one of their Italian Hot Dogs and a few weeks since I had an Italian Hot Dog of any kind. I was in the mood for one, so off I went.

Frank the owner is the only one who prepares the dogs so it's a good bet that they will be consistently good every time. I've liked them in the past and mine was excellent on this day. There was one small change. The pizza bread came from Paramount Bakery in Newark. Now it's from a bakery in the Bronx or Brooklyn. I was shown the box, but I forget the bakery. It's of the same high quality as in the past; the supplier was changed because Frank wasn't happy with the service, not the bread.

The pizza bread was fresh and of good quality. The hot dogs (Best's) are fried in the tilted steel pan. They are a nice size, 8/1. Most use smaller dogs. Tommy's is the only other place specializing in Italian Hot Dogs I know of that uses 8/1, but theirs are longer and thinner. I prefer the standard Best's 8 that Frank uses. The peppers were nice and soft and plentiful. The potatoes are cooked to be a little crispy with just enough oil without being too greasy. They are cut thin and small compared to others that cut their potatoes thin.

As I mentioned in previous posts, every ingredient is good in this sandwich. Other places may have one or 2 ingredients that are standouts but may have another that is subpar. At Jersey Joes there isn't a weak link. I guess you could describe it as a balanced sandwich. The actual franks are my favorite in terms of size and shape. It's what I use on the rare occasions that I make an Italian Hot Dog myself.

Jersey Joe's in my opinion makes the best Italian Hot Dog south of the Driscoll Bridge and one of the four or five best anywhere. They had their origins in Newark, birthplace of the Italian Hot Dog, and continue to put out an authentic version of this sandwich that ranks with the best.

I consider Jersey Joe's, Jimmy Buff's, Tommy's, and Big Blues to be the best. Charlies Famous was as good as any and at one time on top of my list. Like Jersey Joes, all of their ingredients were great; especially the peppers. But now they no longer use Best, which to me makes a big difference.

I paid $8 for a double, which is expensive, but it seems like it is the going rate. The sandwich is quite substantial and very good. Definitely THE place to go in Central Jersey for an Italian Hot Dog.

Re:visit to Jersey Joe's (Italian Hot Dogs) pics (JerseyJoe)

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 07:53:05 GMT

HDtravlr1

Please let us know when it will air.
Thanks
Johnny McClanahan

I'm still up in the air-on-this question. The video company did not show up on the day expected. This must have been due to the fact that our area was given a mandatory evacuation notice on that day because of "Hurricane Irene". I will keep you posted.

Re:visit to Jersey Joe's (Italian Hot Dogs) pics (HDtravlr1)

Sun, 21 Aug 2011 09:45:01 GMT

Please let us know when it will air.
Thanks
Johnny McClanahan

Re:visit to Jersey Joe's (Italian Hot Dogs) pics (JerseyJoe)

Sun, 21 Aug 2011 08:32:52 GMT

Some might be interested to know that on Friday August 26th at approx. 1:00 pm Jersey Joe's and it's patrons will be included in a video made by RM Productions. This video will be sold to major TV Networks for airing. Sorry about the short notice!

Re:visit to Jersey Joe's (Italian Hot Dogs) pics (Benzee)

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 20:38:08 GMT

Another fantastic report John
Thanks for sharing
Benzee

Re:visit to Jersey Joe's (Italian Hot Dogs) pics (John Fox)

Mon, 30 May 2011 09:05:36 GMT

http://www.nj.com/entertainment/dining/index.ssf/2011/05/windmill_mama_marcis_win_munch.html

First off let me say that anyone could have entered this competition but few chose to. Some didn't want to pay the entry fee, some did not (or claimed to) not have employees to spare. Some wanted to enjoy the weekend and not work. And there were other reasons. Last year I actually contacted owners of hot dog restaurants to let them know about this event but no one I spoke with was interested.

Out of the 5 places serving hot dogs only 2 are actually hot dog establishments. The Windmill and Jersey Johnny's. Two others are BBQ joints that overpowered their dogs with spicy sauces, brown sugar, and other ingredients that masked the flavor of the frank, and in my opinion do not belong.

As far as the people's choice, the Windmill has won the last couple of years. But only in part because of the quality of their dog. Most people walking around are not aware that barbecue joints serve hot dogs. Or if they stop by the barbecue stands it is to sample barbecue. Six judges got to sample everything that was entered.

The hamburgers were not really good. I liked the meatball hamburger with cheese and sauce, but that is not what I really consider a burger. More like a Meatball sandwich shaped like a burger on a burger bun. The Windmill was the only offering resembling a true burger. It was dried out and no better than the prepackaged burgers that people get from the supermarket, throw on the grill, and invariably overcook.

It was fun, but there are much better burgers throughout New Jersey. The judges choice (and mine) for best dog was a standout and up there among the best that Jersey has in terms of a beef/pork frank. Precious few use the Thumann's griller and prepare it right. Mamma Marci's did and was the winner with the Windmill coming in 2nd among the judges. Jersey Johnny's made a mistake frying the griller and topping it with slaw, pickles, and pulled pork stuffed inside a monster sized roll. No one could find the dog much less taste it under everything. After the competition I had a classic Texas Weiner from Jersey Johnny's using the dog made for frying and topped with a good chili. Had they served this dog, it would have done well in the competition.

The one Italian dog offered had good pizza bread, but steak fries instead of potatoes sliced thin or in chunks. The dog was grilled instead of fried. Not authentic and not good either. The place serving it usually uses the Thumann's beef/pork griller. An Italian Hot Dog should use a beef frank, preferably Best's. For this competition a spicy sausage was used instead of a hot dog. Totally overwhelming and much too spicy. Places that don't know how to make an Italian Hot Dog with the right ingredients shouldn't bother to make them at all.

Below are my comments taken from my score sheet:

Hot Dogs

1) Chop Shop BBQ. skinless Sabrett all beef approx 10/lb prepared in a smoker. My 3rd favorite although I really only liked 2 of the dogs. Decent tasting frank, good slaw and bacon, but too much going on. The dog was dr...y and obscured by the toppings. BBQ sauce shouldn't be on a dog. Neither should brown sugar. But the flavor of the dog was less masked than 2 of the others I rated below it.

2) Jersey Johnny's. Thumann's griller (4/lb beef/pork) prepared in a deep fryer. Johnny's actually has an 8/lb dog made for frying that they didn't serve. I had one later (after the showdown) and it would have been in my top 2. The dog we had was a 4/lb natural casing Thumann's griller deep fried. Again a decent dog, but this one should have been grilled. I didn't like the big roll. Was there a dog in there? Balance out of whack; too much bread, too much other things. Pulled pork should have been on the side with the pickles and slaw. Would have been better off serving the deep fryer with their chili sauce.

3) Southern Smoke. skinless Sabrett approx 10/lb prepared on a grill (not griddle). My least favorite of the day. The dog was bland and flavorless. And I took a bite where I got only meat. The creole BBQ sauce was overwhelming and totally masked the flavor of the dog which should get star billing while the toppings should complement rather than compete with the frank.

4) Windmill. Natural casing 4/1 Sabrett beef/pork prepared on a flat top griddle. Good solid German style dog. It took 2nd in my voting and is one of 2 that I would actually buy. Good snap and prepared well.

5) Mamma Marci's regular hot dog. 6/1 Thumann's griller (beef/pork) prepared on a flat top griddle. Excellent hot dog. Hands down the best in the competition and my favorite. Although I didn't like the sauerkraut, it did not overshadow the excellent quality of the frank. My favorite brand of German style beef/pork dog surpassing even most butcher shop/pork store franks.

6) Mamma Marci's Italian Hot Dog. approx 6/1 Sabrett spicy sausage. Although not an authentic Italian Hot Dog, I can overlook the fact that the dog is grilled rather than fried or sauteed if it tastes good. And the fact that fries instead of potato slices or chunks are used. They did use pizza bread. But there should be beef hot dogs in there; not a sausage which was much too spicy. This would be an average Italian Hot Dog that you would get in a place like a pizzeria that doesn't specialize in authentic Italian Hot Dogs if they had used a regular beef dog. Didn't like it.

Hamburgers.

1) Southern Smoke. Just horrible. Flavorless burger that was gussied up with too much spice. Dry, and pineapple doesn't belong on my burger. I don't like avocado either.

2) Windmill. My favorite out of those sampled. A simple basic cheeseburger that tastes like your typical backyard burger. I can do better at home. Too well done, but passable and better than the others.

3) Mamma Marci's. I liked their meatball burger. Good bun, good meatball that was the only meat served that wasn't dried out. Good mozzarella and marinara sauce. Not what I expect or look for when I order a burger, but it was good for what it was. And prepared better than the rest.

4) Jersey Johnny's. Bland dry burger served with their Texas Weiner chili sauce. The sauce goes good with a hot dog, not a burger.

Re:visit to Jersey Joe's (Italian Hot Dogs) pics (Benzee)

Sun, 29 May 2011 22:56:07 GMT

Hey Jersey Joe ,
Will be awaiting Johns report on Monmouth and Jersey Joes .
Many places have said that statement , good luck
Benzee

Re:visit to Jersey Joe's (Italian Hot Dogs) pics (John Fox)

Sun, 29 May 2011 19:06:40 GMT

Sorry. I should have mentioned it. The event was advertised in the Star Ledger every day. But not everyone reads the Ledger. There were only 5 places that entered; one had 2 entries. I'll give a report tomorrow after the results are posted on the Ledger's site.

Re:visit to Jersey Joe's (Italian Hot Dogs) pics (WarmBeer)

Sun, 29 May 2011 14:02:54 GMT

Hey John, next time give us a heads up on a Hot Dog event like this(maybe i missed it if you did). I was looking for something to do today and only came across the Monmouth track event after it was too late to head down there. Sounds like a good day. Do we get a report?

Re:visit to Jersey Joe's (Italian Hot Dogs) pics (John Fox)

Sun, 29 May 2011 08:22:04 GMT

I've tried them all.

Re:visit to Jersey Joe's (Italian Hot Dogs) pics (JerseyJoe)

Sun, 29 May 2011 08:19:53 GMT

Jersey Joe's is now Open 7am-6pm Tuesday -Sunday, Open Memorial Day Monday ONLY

I think it's appropriate to say "you've tried the rest now try the best"

Thank you, Jersey Joe (Frank)

Re:visit to Jersey Joe's (Italian Hot Dogs) pics (John Fox)

Sun, 29 May 2011 08:07:58 GMT

What are your Sunday hours? I will be in Oceanport today judging the Munchmobile Hot Dog Showdown. If I have any room in my stomach I might stop by.

Re:visit to Jersey Joe's (Italian Hot Dogs) pics (JerseyJoe)

Sun, 29 May 2011 08:04:09 GMT

Jersey Joe's is now OPEN on SUNDAYs and CLOSED on MONDAYs for the summer season. see us at-www.JJOES.com

Thank you, Jersey Joe (Frank)

RE: visit to Jersey Joe's (Italian Hot Dogs) pics (Gilberts Sausages)

Tue, 24 May 2011 18:02:56 GMT

JerseyJoe

leethebard
Maybe....but we sure have superb food!!!!

I'm beginning to agree with this statement more and more lately. I've always thought it but said to myself "NAAH". I've been getting customers in that say they can't get a good hot dog, pizza, pork roll sandwich etc. etc. in any other state but Jersey.

You've gotta make a trip to Chicago. Plenty of good pizza, hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, etc. out here. We consistently make the top 20 for fattest cities in the country, so I think that's a pretty strong testament. Check out the Portillo's restaurant chain. They're big enough now that it's almost too commercial, but still make the best of hot dogs, beef sandwiches and the like. Pizza is another issue itself.

Re:visit to Jersey Joe's (Italian Hot Dogs) pics (JerseyJoe)

Tue, 24 May 2011 08:21:31 GMT

Starting on Memorial Day weekend Jersey Joe's will OPEN ON SUNDAYS and CLOSE ON MONDAYS (for the summer season).

RE: visit to Jersey Joe's (Italian Hot Dogs) pics (JerseyJoe)

Sun, 17 Apr 2011 14:13:48 GMT

leethebard
Maybe....but we sure have superb food!!!!

I'm beginning to agree with this statement more and more lately. I've always thought it but said to myself "NAAH". I've been getting customers in that say they can't get a good hot dog, pizza, pork roll sandwich etc. etc. in any other state but Jersey.

RE: visit to Jersey Joe's (Italian Hot Dogs) pics (loucrew)

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 17:35:36 GMT

Got a rental property in Leonardo. I will have to stop in and give your place a try soon.

RE: visit to Jersey Joe's (Italian Hot Dogs) pics (leethebard)

Sat, 09 Apr 2011 14:26:53 GMT

bill voss

you east coasters are so wacky. :)

Maybe....but we sure have superb food!!!!

RE: visit to Jersey Joe's (Italian Hot Dogs) pics (1bbqboy)

Sat, 09 Apr 2011 09:59:38 GMT

you east coasters are so wacky. :)

RE: visit to Jersey Joe's (Italian Hot Dogs) pics (MiamiDon)

Sat, 09 Apr 2011 09:19:35 GMT

bill voss

what are pot-pep onions?

My guess would be potatoes, peppers and onions.

RE: visit to Jersey Joe's (Italian Hot Dogs) pics (joerogo)

Sat, 09 Apr 2011 08:32:20 GMT

bill voss

what are pot-pep onions?

The secret ingredients!

RE: visit to Jersey Joe's (Italian Hot Dogs) pics (1bbqboy)

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 23:16:52 GMT

what are pot-pep onions?

RE: visit to Jersey Joe's (Italian Hot Dogs) pics (JerseyJoe)

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 23:12:28 GMT

ellen4641

Hi Frank , aka JERSEY JOE !, , it's me, ELLEN , the O.P, original poster on here... ; I attempted a 2nd visit to your Jersey Joe's Hot Dog Joint , arrived at 3:20 pm, and there was a CLOSED sign up , SHUCKS !! (even though the hours on door & on website said "open till 4 pm " ... This was on Monday, March 21st ; guess biz was a little slow that day, (?) and u did'nt expect a ROADFOOD gal like me to be dropping by, lol !! I drove up from Atlantic City , and I was really looking forward to having one of your double Italian dogs again ! Oh well, better luck for me next time !! (but, I better call first , lol ...).......

Ellen what can I say accept, I apologize? You are correct, it was probably VERY slow that day (as are some Mondays). I don't do that very often but when I do it is usually for a good reason. We do look forward to seeing you again. I'm not quite sure how but Jersey Joe will make that up to you somehow next time you visit. If your still unsure just give us a call before you visit . Thanx for your candid statement.
Frank

RE: visit to Jersey Joe's (Italian Hot Dogs) pics (ellen4641)

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 23:49:21 GMT

Hi Frank , aka JERSEY JOE !, , it's me, ELLEN , the O.P, original poster on here... ; I attempted a 2nd visit to your Jersey Joe's Hot Dog Joint , arrived at 3:20 pm, and there was a CLOSED sign up , SHUCKS !! (even though the hours on door & on website said "open till 4 pm " ... This was on Monday, March 21st ; guess biz was a little slow that day, (?) and u did'nt expect a ROADFOOD gal like me to be dropping by, lol !! I drove up from Atlantic City , and I was really looking forward to having one of your double Italian dogs again ! Oh well, better luck for me next time !! (but, I better call first , lol ...).......

Re:visit to Jersey Joe's (Italian Hot Dogs) pics (JerseyJoe)

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 08:18:41 GMT

We now have a NEW Italian hot dog at Jersey Joe's that I think would be worth your while to try. It's called a Mex-Italian Hot Dog. It's an Italian hot dog with the difference being that the hot dog that I use is stuffed with jalapeno peppers and cheese. I then put my homemade chili on the dog and pot-pep-onions on top of that.
I've been selling them for several months now and the masses love them (including myself).

P.S. I posted this in another thread but somehow the pictures were either moved/deleted by Photobucket