New Jersey Hot Dogs

Re:New Jersey Hot Dogs (John Fox)

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:38:24 GMT

Didn't post about Jimmy Buff's last week. I went to Kenilworth and had a double. Also got a single for the next day as they have coupons every Friday in the Ticket section of the Star Ledger. The single was free.

They made a change in their dogs. Now using a skinless 8/1 Best's, which in my opinion is the perfect dog for this sandwich. There were a ton of peppers which were prepared perfectly and also a lot of potatoes. The potatoes were a little thinner this time and had more oils. Excellent. Don't know if this is a conscious change or just a variation. But with the change to a bigger dog, peppers that are as good as any I've had (including Charlies which was their strong point), and potatoes that are as good or better than anyone's, I'd have to say that this place makes perhaps the best Italian Hot Dog currently. Every ingredient is excellent, the sandwich is now as big as any I've had, it's close to me, and they always have coupons so the value is excellent. I think I'll be returning today to see if my sandwich was the same as last week.

Re:New Jersey Hot Dogs (John Fox)

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:57:48 GMT

A new place in Philipsburg serving an authentic Italian Hot Dog.

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/food/index.ssf/2012/02/restaurant_profile_marios_ital.html

Re:New Jersey Hot Dogs (JerseyJoe)

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:29:24 GMT

John Fox

They are still in business. I know of someone going there this past Friday.

Thank you!

Re:New Jersey Hot Dogs (John Fox)

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:34:51 GMT

They are still in business. I know of someone going there this past Friday.

Re:New Jersey Hot Dogs (JerseyJoe)

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:52:14 GMT

I've been getting some conflicting information about Dickie Dee's on Bloomfield Ave in Newark, NJ.
Some have been telling me it's out of business others say it's not. Who should I believe?

Re:New Jersey Hot Dogs (ken8038)

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 19:13:12 GMT

Thanks for the feedback on The Two Fat Guys place, John. Saves me a trip.

Re:New Jersey Hot Dogs (pnwchef)

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 16:37:05 GMT

John, thanks for all the great info in your posts. If anyone reads your posts they will never say " It's only a hot dog, no big deal" I think you could change their mind in a heart beat. I grew up on the East Coast around Hot Dog stands, not Hamburger joints, like we have in the Pacific Northwest. I have fond memories of the great Hot dog stands I have visited in the past. Evey time I read your post, these memories come back. I think the first place I had a Steamed dog was in Shea Stadium, the hot dogs I grew up with were always grilled, or deep fried....................Thanks for bringing back those memories...............pnwc

Re:New Jersey Hot Dogs (John Fox)

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 15:58:57 GMT

Yeah, I was there a few times. Twice for a regular hot dog. They had an 8/1 skinless Nathan's that was prepared on a griddle. Ok. Another time I had a cold sub that wasn't that good. Other pizzerias in Colonia do better. The pizza wasn't that good either. I think the place is about size and quantity. A few guys at work went and didn't care for the food.

Re:New Jersey Hot Dogs (ken8038)

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:54:56 GMT

Nice writeup John, thanks. Although I lived in Elizabeth for 10 years in the 80's and early 90's, I think I only went to Jerry's twice, and both times my experience was not that good. Must have been off days for them.

I saw an ad on local cable last night for this place, which looks interesting:

http://www.2fatguysrestaurant.com/boardwalk.html

They've got quite a menu (pizza and subs too, on another page), which makes me wonder how well they can do any one thing.

Anyone been?

Re:New Jersey Hot Dogs (John Fox)

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 08:19:29 GMT

I recently was to three hot dog joints that I haven't been to in awhile. Jerry's Famous Frankfurters in Elizabeth which is one of my very favorite places; Dees in Roselle Park, and Uncle Petey's Weenies in Colonia. I'm familiar with the first 2; I've only been to Uncle Petey's once 5 years ago and I wasn't impressed. Small 12 to a lb natural casing Sabrett's. These dogs were bland and had little snap from being in the water too long.

I decided to stop in again since it's close to my new route and also because I was told that they have a pretty good Italian Hot Dog, which I ordered. From speaking with the owner I found out that they now use 11/1 rather than 12/1. Although I didn't have a regular dog, they looked nice and hot when others ordered them. A definite improvement from 5 years ago. As for the Italian Hot Dog, it was much better than I anticipated. They use real pizza bread and fry the dogs (and other ingredients too) rather than boil them like they do the regular dogs. The bread comes from DiPaola's in Newark, who supplies Dickie Dees. It was excellent and very fresh. The peppers were good; both red and green, and were tangy/vinegary. The potatoes were outstanding. Thick slices that were golden brown and similar to Big Blues in Linden. Right up there with them, Jimmy Buff's, and Tommy's as far as quality potatoes on an Italian Hot Dog. Only thing I didn't care for were the dogs. 11/1 is too small for an Italian Hot Dog. I prefer 8/1 or even 10. And Best's franks are much better on an Italian Hot Dog than Sabrett. Overall a good sandwich. I had a double and it was a little smaller than most places but also less expensive. It was $5.50. Most others charge close to $8.00. I'll definitely stop there again.

Dees was great as usual. She serves a 10/1 natural casing Sabrett. Consistently good every time, her dogs are always piping hot and fresh. I also like that her dogs are bigger than the more common 11/1 and 12/1. In my opinion Dees is the best place for a dirty water Sabrett.

Jerry's may be the place I've gone to more than any other. Even Galloping Hill Inn which is down the street from where I live. Easily one of my favorites. So good I can eat 5 or 6. They serve an 8/1 Best's that is boiled first, then finished off in a steel compartment that is like a grill. It adds flavor and snap. Delicious dogs and a great value at $1.75 for an 8/1. A lot of places charge $2 and up for a tiny 12/1 Sabrett. Galloping Hill Inn serves a dog twice as big (6/1) for $2.50. Another good value My only criticism of Jerry's is that occasionally you will get a bun that is less than fresh.

Re:New Jersey Hot Dogs (yuppicide)

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:07:55 GMT

Wegman's by me carries Skyline chili! You know the famous chili from Cincinnati. Freakin $3.99 a can, though. I picked up two anyway and had it like they suggest.. spaghetti, onions, cheese, chili.. I skipped the beans.

It's nearly identical to TEXAS WEINER sauce I'd get in New Jersey. So, if I'm ever in a fix and don't want to drive an hour to a Texas Weiner, I know where to go. 10 minutes to Wegman's.

Loved it!

Re:New Jersey Hot Dogs (johnlockedema)

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:08:28 GMT

I walked out of the Rte 22 Jimmy Buff's when the chef was smoking a cigar inside . . .

Re:New Jersey Hot Dogs (ScreenBear)

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:53:31 GMT

Ken,
I was surprised myself to see that sign...but then John Fox informed it's been there for quite a while. As I've come to understand it, the owner, who is a relative of the young man doing such a fine job at the Kenilworth location, has been wanting to sell for quite a while.

I think this Route #22 store is a great location, but needs an awful lot of work. Of late, the hours seem to be erratic, and they close quite early. As there is very little light in the place, it's often difficult to see whether or not it's open.
The Bear

Re:New Jersey Hot Dogs (ken8038)

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 15:12:22 GMT

I just happened to be passing the Scotch Plains location of Jimmy Buff's on Rt 22. There's a big For Sale sign out front. I don't know if that means they are closing and the building is for sale or if just the business is for sale. As of now it still appears to be open.

Doesn't matter, I'm not a fan of that location, way too greasy for me. And with the new Kenilworth location only aboout 8 minutes away (and which has much better food), maybe they are throwing in the towel.

Re:New Jersey Hot Dogs (Ethan21)

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 04:01:52 GMT

I gotta say, this was a fantastic, extremely well planned, timed and organized tour, with not a weak dog in the bunch, from Dee's Truck (my personal favorite of the day), to Galloping Hill (who COMPED EVERY PERSON ON THE TOUR A HOT DOG AND DRINK to start off the Tour--that is amazing generosity, and evidence of the high regard in which our tour organizers, John Fox and Benzee were held), to The Windmill, to Jimmy Buff's to Manny's to Bubba's, each and every place was unique in its own way, and each place was distinctively great in their own way, a tremendous achievement by the thoughtful planners of this tour.
The Galloping Hill dog, a custom dog on a custom bun, I enjoyed with mustard and hot relish, and it was dazzling. But nothing, to me, topped the fresh snap of the natural casing Sabrett dog at Dee's, served on a equally fresh bun, simply perfection. The Windmill was also quite good, nicely grilled footlong dog with very good chili, mustard and onions. Manny's is my current favorite chili dog, with a chili sauce that has hints of nutmeg and cinnamon--I thought I was in a Cincinnati chili parlor!---and a nicely grilled dog. Great service staff also, I must say. JImmy Buff's in East Hanover was the best version of the Italian hot dog that I've had in along while, just well sauteed onions, peppers and potatoes, great pizza bread and a very good tasty dog. But Bubba's was also great in its way; I had parts of a plain dog with mustard and relish, as well as a chili dog, and they were both superb. KIller fresh cut fries at Bubba's, too.

But in the end, its the people on a tour that you enjoy the most, and I've gotta say that this tour had some of the NICEST people you'd ever hope to meet; enthusiastic, eccentric, colorful and best of all, funny.

Truly a great day of fun in the hot dog subculture of New Jersey. I hope I can make it every year from now on.

Re:New Jersey Hot Dogs (Applecheeks)

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 20:41:29 GMT

Big G - I have stopped at Donny's Dogs a few times. His dogs are pretty good. I always marvel at how much stuff he has on that truck. And he is a really nice person.
I notice you are in Kearny. Have you ever tried Hot Dog Hut in Harrison. The dogs are Sabrett natural casing/12 to a pound. His chili, the onions and sloppy joes are all homemade and pretty darn good. That is my new "go to' place when I'm in the mood for a hot dog. They are located on harrison Ave, across from the Burger King.

Re:New Jersey Hot Dogs (big g in joisey)

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 20:10:01 GMT

Stopped by Donny's Dogs in Newark the other day. This truck was voted as best in class with the original Munch Mobile a few years ago. He has a special of 3 Sabrett hotdogs with any or all toppings for $4.75, also added to his menu is an Italian Sausage sandwich with peppers and onions for $4.00. He has a list of specialty dogs as well,some are Nj pizza dog,(tomatoe sauce and 2 types of cheese),Idaho dog(homemade sauteed slice potatoes),Carolina dog (chili & Coleslaw),Louisiana dog(homemade hot relish), and the Diablo Dog(homemade hot onions and hot relish). There are 9 specialty dogs, something for just about everyones taste.

Re:New Jersey Hot Dogs (John Fox)

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 06:09:28 GMT

More than likely due to cost. Best and Sabrett are about the same, but some places or distributors may charge less for one or the other. No other reason for them to switch. I like Sabretts grilled (Papaya King, Jack's, Boulevard Drinks) or dirty water style, but fried in an Italian Hot Dog, Best's just tastes better.

Re:New Jersey Hot Dogs (Benzee)

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 20:45:14 GMT

John ,
Would you go back again with them using Sabrett ? Do you think it is a cost factor involved ?
Benzee

Re:New Jersey Hot Dogs (John Fox)

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 19:49:59 GMT

Last night I stopped at Charlies in Kenilworth for a double Italian Hot Dog. It was the first time in over a year (see post 1414 page 48) and I was curious to see how they are currently.

Charlies was at one time my favorite Italian Hot Dog. When they are on, they still make a great sandwich. The bread was fresh, the potatoes excellent like they used to be, as were the peppers. Charlies always included a ton of peppers and cooked them just right. A substantial sandwich, but I noticed something different. The hot dogs didn't taste the same! When I got a bite of one at the bottom of the sandwich, it tasted different. I took another bite and was pretty sure the dogs I was biting into were Sabrett and not Best. Sabrett is a fine dog; one of my favorite beef franks, but Best is just better in my opinion on an Italian Hot Dog. It's what I prefer and what I'm used to.

It was too late to call Charlies and ask, so I waited until today. My suspicion was confirmed. They are using Sabrett. The sandwich was very good, but the hot dog flavor I was looking for was lacking. Some may like it better, but for years Charlies used Best. The old owner switched to Sabrett once, but switched back immediately. Wonder why they switched again. Should have asked, but I don't know whether the young person I spoke with would know.

Re:New Jersey Hot Dogs (Benzee)

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:31:24 GMT

Yuppicide ,

I often thought about making up shirts for one of our meets at Charlies .
Sounds like a great idea if you put it together
Benzee

Re:New Jersey Hot Dogs (yuppicide)

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 01:34:09 GMT

I know they John & Joe read these forums sometimes, but what the heck.. I was thinking about printing my own t-shirt and wearing it in. I think they'd get a kick out of it.

Being that I was driving in the middle of nowhere, I kept thinking of The Dukes of Hazzard. I was going to make a shirt that said "The Fenczs of Alpha" on front and on the back have their name and address.

.. my other idea was a pool table and instead of balls on the table there'd be hotdogs.

Re:New Jersey Hot Dogs (Foodbme)

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 02:04:35 GMT

Gilberts Sausages

A little tidbit someone might find interesting (or that everyone might find stupid):
If you search "new jersey hot dogs" on Yahoo, this thread is #1 on the results. If you search through Google, however, this thread comes up 2nd to something on Holly Eats. How much could they possibly be saying about New Jersey hot dogs that would top RoadFood??
Anyway, thought that was pretty cool...

Holly Eats is a fairly regular poster on Roadfood. Currently living in San Antonio area I think.
http://www.hollyeats.com/JerseyDogs.htm

Re:New Jersey Hot Dogs (Gilberts Sausages)

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 21:44:42 GMT

A little tidbit someone might find interesting (or that everyone might find stupid):

If you search "new jersey hot dogs" on Yahoo, this thread is #1 on the results. If you search through Google, however, this thread comes up 2nd to something on Holly Eats. How much could they possibly be saying about New Jersey hot dogs that would top RoadFood??

Anyway, thought that was pretty cool...

Re:New Jersey Hot Dogs (Benzee)

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 19:43:38 GMT

Yuppicide ,
I have been raving about CPR for yrs now , setting up these meets and visiting them on my own when I get a chance , even though its a hell of a drive for me from Upstate NY.
Glad you had a memorable experience with John and Joe !!
They do live upstairs , and are very happy doing what they are doing .
I just hope they dont take the recipe for the sauce with them , that would be a crime
Benzee

Re:New Jersey Hot Dogs (yuppicide)

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 22:54:47 GMT

Well, I just got back from my first trip to Charlie's Pool Room. The drive is about 1.2 hours from my house. It's been long on my list of places I want to go. It was very memorable.

I called to make sure they were open and when I got there they knew it was me who called before. I was greeted at the door by John, but had to run back to my car for money. I was then greeted inside by Joe. He took our names and asked where we heard about him.

Hollyeats I said, but I'm also a member over at Road Food. I ordered 4 mealies and my girlfriend had 2. We played a few games and sat down at the round table.

Really nice bunch of guys. A friend of theirs was hanging out also, but I forget his name, sorry. We talked hot dogs, Road Food, he mentioned John Fox and Screenbear. Told us some stories and I shared my Texas Weiner story with him. He said he gets a lot of customers from Clinton and wanted to see if anyone had tried Antnee's Portguese BBQ and Texas Weiner I spoke of. We also discussed the best pizza he's ever had, which was some pizza in Pennsylvania someone on here mentioned with a potato crust. Talked about Grandma passing away in 72. I was born in 73. Talked a bit about his Dad's barber shop and the new Open sign.

I loved the sauce on my hot dog. It wasn't overly sweet like that Sabrett Pushcart sauce. The peppers had a nice bite. We signed their guest book.

We briefly talked about his sauce and he gave me the recipe. Just kidding. I did ask about him selling it. I know there's laws nowadays, but you can rent a commercial kitchen fairly cheap. He was mentioning he donated some for a charity thing and they went for about $20 a pint or something. I'd have probably been one of the people bidding if I'd have known. I don't know how long their sauce takes to make, but I think renting a commercial kitchen to make and sell sauce would be profitable.

They said it's pretty busy on weekends. Where does everyone go with only one table?

Interesting where the place is. Kind of in the middle of houses.. I'm guessing they live upstairs or something? One wonders why they don't have a bigger place to cook or more tables.

PS - If someone here lives near that place with the potato dough pizza we should send them one for Christmas. I'm down to chip in a few bucks.

Re:New Jersey Hot Dogs (ken8038)

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 09:01:25 GMT

On the recent Hot Dog tour I said that the Texas Wiener at Manny's Texas Wiener was my favorite of the day. I had been there a few times before, but I felt that they had really stepped it up a notch in terms of the sauce and whole package. In fact I had been craving thier Texas Weiners ever since.

Well, yesterday I went to lunch there with my daughter and sorry to say, things are back to "normal" at Manny's. The dogs were fine and cooked properly, but the sauce was dry and crumbly (maybe some people like it that way, but I like it much more moist), and the roll quickly fell apart after a couple of bites.

So, once again I've put Manny's in the "OK if you're in the area" but not Top of the Shelf category.

Service is still prompt and efficient though, even during a very busy lunch hour. They do know how to handle crowds, as we saw on the tour.

Re:New Jersey Hot Dogs (Benzee)

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 20:39:09 GMT

John ,
I love your reports buddy , I'm with you , there are so many carts up here in the Hudson Valley and dog stands that the quality and costs will garner my return business .
And as far as Jersey , having you and a few others checking these places out has been a big plus to those of us not from that area
Thanks again
Benzee

Re:New Jersey Hot Dogs (John Fox)

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 08:08:27 GMT

Last night I compared franks from Pulaski, Union Pork Store, and Kocher's. These are my 3 favorite pork store/butcher shops that make their franks on premise. They are extremely close in flavor. Pulaski's come in a package that has the date they were made. The others were sold loose.

I bought the Kocher's frank at John's Meat Market in Scotch Plains. I was told to eat these within a day or 2 of purchasing them. This is good advice because if you keep them longer it does affect the taste. Last time I had to throw out one of the dogs.

The franks from Union Pork and Kocher's were purchased a day before I ate them. The Pulaski frank was in the package since Monday when I bought it. All were great. My taste is fickle and when comparing franks that are so close in flavor, one day I will prefer one, the next day another.

This time the Kocher's and Union Pork Store franks were a little better than the Pulaski. Maybe leaving it in the fridge for 4 days wasn't a good idea. The dog from Union Pork tasted a little better to me last night. I had them all plain. If you buy any that are sitting loose, check them first by sight. If they look dried out (which is rare), do not buy them. And consume within a day or 2. These franks have no preservatives. I don't know if they even have nitrates. When you get them fresh and at the peak of their flavor, there is nothing better.

Re:New Jersey Hot Dogs (John Fox)

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 09:13:12 GMT

I went to the Dog House on Route 22 in North Plainfield yesterday to sample one of their dogs. I had called previously for information and had trouble understanding the person on the phone who didn't seem to know the brand of dog, only saying it was beef.

The 2 guys working there who I presume were owners look like they are Middle Eastern or perhaps from Israel. I didn't ask. As mentioned they offer deli sandwiches such as corned beef and pastrami and also breakfast sandwiches. I was there for a hot dog, so I ordered one with mustard. The dog is a natural casing all beef Sabrett, either 5/1 or 4/1. My guess is 4/1. They also serve spicy Sabrett sausages and smaller hot dogs. Don't know the size as I saw the package from afar and the guys were hard to understand.

You have a choice of boiled or grilled (griddled). They will deep fry if you request. If you don't specify, you will get a grilled dog. Basic toppings like chili, cheese, relish, etc. are offered. There is an Italian Hot Dog and Chicago dog on the menu. The IHD is the same dog on a regular roll topped with peppers, potatoes, and onions. The Chicago dog also uses the same big Sabrett, but tops it with mustard, relish, and peppers. No pickle, tomato, onions, or celery salt. And no Vienna frank. Not really authentic; but like most places that throw some stuff on a dog and call it a Chicago dog. Ditto for the Italian Hot Dog. Their Texas Weiner has mustard, onions, and chili. What they call a Coney has mustard and your choice of relish or sauerkraut. Never heard a Coney described this way before.

As for my dog, it was prepared well. Definitely hot enough and fresh. Good sturdy Pechters/Rockland Bakery bun. The mustard was yellow but very spicy. Too spicy for my taste and too much was applied. The dog tasted good, but a little mild for a Sabrett. Probably because the mustard was so spicy.

Very reasonaby priced at $2.75 for what is probably a quarter pound frank. Compare this to many places serving 12/1 dirty water Sabrett's for over $2.00. Tiny dogs and places that in my opinion overcharge for them are a pet peeve of mine. I'll always check out a place I haven't gone to, but only return to the places I feel give you value as well as quality. Jerry's in Elizabeth serves an 8/1 natural casing Best's (which I prefer to Sabrett) and charges $1.75. Also finished off on a grill. Not just the best dirty water dog, but one of the best in the entire state. Definitely in my top 5. Dees in Roselle Park and Marci's in Clark serve 10/1 natural casing Sabrett's for less than $2.00. I don't usually return to a place selling anything smaller than a 10/1; especially when they charge more than places serving a bigger dog. They think the customer won't know. A notable exception is Boulevard Drinks in Jersey City. Their dogs are tiny, but they are grilled and delicious. The last time I was there they cost $1.35.

Sorry to get off track, but the Dog House serves a good if unremarkable dog at a great price. Although you can get it dirty water style, I prefer grilled most of the time. Not a destination spot that I would drive far for but a place I would return to, especially when I'm in the area. For less than a dollar more, it's like getting 3 dogs instead of one tiny 12/1 cocktail frank. I'm not unwilling to spend more money for a quality hot dog. I pay $6.99 a pound for top quality franks from European butcher shops and $8.99 a lb for Kocher's wonderful franks. But when you have many places serving the same dog, the ones that are more consumer friendly should be rewarded. Provided of course their product is good. Competition is a wonderful thing. For consumers at least. I'm looking for quality and value. I don't care that a place like the Garage in Millburn charges $6 for the same size dog I got yesterday because their rent is high or because you can see the ocean or the mountains from where they're located. Or that the owner of a hot dog cart dresses up as a chef to pretend he's serving gourmet food when what you just plunked down a couple of dollars for is a skinless 12/1 Sabrett served lukewarm that has been sitting in the water too long.