Great site! I am a third generation hot dog fanatic (and my 4 year old son is the 4th). I lived in Fort Lee NJ until I was 9, and Callahans and Hirams were an everyday lunch ritual with dad. My grandfather use to take me to Coney Island for Nathens, and Shea stadium to see the Mets and get Ball Parks. We moved from Fort Lee to Passiac, which is right next to Clifton when I was 10. Had my first Rutts Hutt dog and fell in love...My favorite to this very day. Also had Hot Grill in Clifton, not bad. There was a hot dog truck in Passaic, which was outrageous..."Cousin Joes" it was called. OUT OF THIS WORLD. I have no idea what happened to him, he went from a pushcart, to a van, to a three window truck in no time, and had to hire several people to work for him. He had an incredible amount of business, but then he was gone. If anyone has any information on "Joe", please let me know. He had anything you could ever imagine to put on a hot dog, and if you asked for something he didn't have, he would have it next time you came, and name that dog after you. This was about early - mid 80's I guess. Moved to Essex County, and would hit JJ's or Chris's Red Hots in newark/bloomfield. Also, Jimmy Buffs is a must visit. There also use to be an italian hot dog joint on Washington Ave. in belleville, called B&Ts. Good stuff. Gone now too. After I got married, moved to the Poconos we would take trips on the weekend to Hot Dog Johnnys on RT. 46 just over the jersey line. Well, I guess I've been lucky to have been fortunate enough to have eatin at so many of the "best" dog houses all my life, but now I live in georgia and have to drive an hour to get a good dog. It is worth the trip though. There is a place in Brunswick called "Willies", and his "Bulldog" is truly a great dog. A grilled porker on a seeded bun smothered in mustard, ketchup, tomatoe, cole slaw, raw onion, and pickles. He also serves hot peppers on the side with your order. hmmm... I think I feel a drive coming on. ~ The Weenie Meister ~
