John

It was a great time. Jason, thanks so much for the pictures! Nice to meet some fellow E-Gulleteers; some for the second time since some of us got together a few years ago at Rutt's Hut. The Jersey Hot Dog Run was attended by Jason and Rachel Perlow, Rooftop1000, Carl, Mark, NJ2FLA, his father Dave, Curlz, Rlibkind, and myself. As seen in the pictures, we went to the Galloping Hill Inn (German style beef and pork dog, grilled), Syd's (charbroiled kosher style all beef dog), Tabatchnik's (certified Kosher dog cooked on a flat griddle), Charlies Famous Italian Hot Dogs (deep fried beef dog topped with potatoes, peppers, and onions stuffed in pizza bread), and Rutt's Hut (deep fried pork based dog). Each dog represented a different style, although Syd's and Tabatchnik's are similar; Syd's being a kosher style dog, while Tabatchnik's used an actual kosher dog. These two were somewhat close in flavor with the kosher dog being saltier while the Syd's dog may have been a little spicier. Also a big difference in size, as you can see from the pictures. The beef dogs had more seasoning, while the 2 dogs containing pork were milder (some say blander). As for preference, it seems that a lot of times people prefer what they grew up with. In the northern part of North Jersey, the beef/pork blend; especially deep fried is prominent. People raised on this style look at the beef dogs as being too spicy. Those of us brought up on the flavorful beef dogs often taste a Rutt's Hut dog and consider it too mild. I love all of these dogs and never tire of going to these places. What makes it extra special for me is to meet others; especially those who I feel I know from E-Gullet, and compare opinions about hot dogs. Today, I really enjoyed the spicier beef dogs. I think I liked Syd's best today. Sometimes I'm in the mood for one particular dog. Like a ripper with the special relish. Or an Italian Dog with all those potatoes. It's great for a hot dog lover like myself to live in an area where there is so much choice. Thanks to all who showed up. I had a great time today. And thanks again Jason for the excellent pictures. PS If anyone wants to know where to get any of the dogs sampled today to cook at home, let me know.

For those coming tomorrow, let me offer some advice. We will be sampling different hot dogs. I suggest that you don't fill up on other things such as french fries. On the last trip someone ordered 2 hot dogs and fries at the first stop. By the third stop, he was too full to continue. Pace yourself. For some people (myself included) it's not a big deal to eat 5 to 7 hot dogs in one outing. Those that can't are advised to share or just have half a dog at each place. Another thing that I would stress is to have at least some of the hot dog (half maybe) either plain or topped with mustard only in order to better evaluate the taste and quality of the dog itself. Of course, you have to have some relish at Rutt's Hut or some chili at a Texas Weiner place. Looking forward to meeting everyone tomorrow.

I've participated in 2 tours previously; one in Jersey and one in Connecticut. I am interested in and have been looking forward to doing this one. Especially hoping to meet some of you as I have been to these places many times. I was hoping that Fink would come up with a schedule since he began the thread and it seemed that he wanted to hit some places in particular. I've sent him a message and he has yet to reply. I think that he may be away or else doesn't want to join us. I think that we should meet at the Galloping Hill Inn between 11:30 and 12:00 Saturday. They have a big parking lot and it's easy to get to. Exit 138 off the Parkway, turn right, and the GHI is about a mile on your left. Great dogs and quick service. 30 people would be served in a matter of minutes at the walkup window. A few miles away is Syd's. I would call ahead and tell them how many are coming and to have some dogs ready. Tabatchnik's, and Sonny Amster's is also in the same strip mall. At this point, we could get an idea of what everyone wanted to do next. There are 2 good hot dog places literally next door to each other in Elizabeth (Jerry's and Tommy's Italian Hot Dogs) or we could go to Charlies Famous Italian Hot Dogs which is going back towards the Parkway and about 1/2 mile past where everyone got off (exit 138). This would be 3 or 4 places within a few miles. We would be about 2 miles from our cars so that those who would want to leave at this point can. The rest of us could hop on the Parkway and head north to Rutt's Hut, The Hot Grill, or anywhere in that area that anyone wants to go. When I did the Jersey tour with Roadfood I picked Syd's because it is in my opinion the best all beef frank around. The Galloping Hill Inn is my favorite German style beef and pork hot dog. Among the 30 people who attended, these 2 places were tied for favorite hot dog getting the big majority of the votes. I chose Charlies because many people never had an Italian Hot Dog. Rutt's Hut was chosen because it is perhaps the most well known hot dog joint in Jersey and represents a different style (deep fried). And their relish is famous. We included the Hot Grill because it is close to Rutt's and is an authentic North Jersey Texas Weiner joint. I like their chili better than the other North Jersey places. This trip was planned well in advance with a lot of feedback. We had 30 people. This one seems to have generated less interest, so maybe it would be a good idea to start in Union, hit the 2 places which I believe are the best examples of their type, and then play it by ear. I'm open to anything. When we meet, I'll give everyone my cell phone # and we can carpool and follow each other from place to place. Last time was a lot of fun, and I'm sure Saturday will be as well. Let's hear from others that are interested in going. Fat Guy, still in? Holly? Jason and Rachel?

I've had beer at Libby's. An excellent place; like an old diner. Hiram's is the place in Fort Lee that serves beer, not Callahans. Located right across the street from each other. Hiram's is actually a small neighborhood bar where hot dogs are deep fried in open view behind the bar. Another great hot dog joint. Rutt's Hut, of course, also serves beer. One of my favorite places to grab a beer and a dog was Eagan's in North Arlington. Now gone, replaced by the satanic Rite Aid/CVS cartel. Like we need more drug stores. They pop up all over replacing neighborhood icons like Eagans, the Parsonage Diner, and Jahn's Ice Cream Parlor.

I was thinking that we can do this one of 2 ways. Either start at the North Jersey locations and work our way south to Union, or start in Union and work our way north. This depends on where you want to end up. If you would rather start closer to home or end up closer. It doesn't matter to me, though if we start in Union, I know it would be convenient travel wise. Exit 138 off the Garden State Parkway, make a right (it doesn't matter if you are coming from the north or south) off the exit and the GHI is a mile or less on the left hand side. Syd's is a few miles away in the same town. We are also close to the Elizabeth places (Jerry's and Tommy's) and a mile away from Charlies. I was hoping we could get a consensus as to where we wanted to go. It seems GHI, Syd's and Rutt's so far. I was hoping we would hear back from Finker since he started the thread. What's everyone think?

I called Syd's today and spoke with the owner. They are open until 7 PM on Saturdays. He also told me that Sonny Amster's is open 7 days a week.

I know that Tabatchnik's will be open Saturday. That's the day that I went on the last tour and I had called beforehand to find out if they would be open. They are not Kosher, but do sell some Kosher products, including the franks. I'll call about Sonny Amster's as well. I'm not so sure that they won't be open. I have a Kosher deli on my mail route in Clark (Deli King) and they are open Saturdays. I'ts funny; they are Certified Kosher and will not mix meat and cheese for a reuben, but are open on Saturday. I asked the owner about this and he told me that the only Kosher Delis closed on Saturday are Glatt Kosher. In any event, I'll call Sonny's tomorrow to find out.

Jan 15th should be good for me also. I'll put in for the day off. I'll also call Syd's tomorrow and check on their hours. I thought they were open past 2. Right in the same strip mall as Syd's is Tabatchnik's. A very good Jewish deli. Many people from a previous trip ran over there to buy sandwiches to take home. They also serve what is in my opinion the best kosher hot dog I've sampled. A giant 1/3 pound Empire National dog with casing. Big, meaty, and delicious. One guy bought one and shared it with the rest of us. It was the favorite of Steve Keiner, the former Nathan's hot dog eating champ. There is also another kosher deli there and Sonny Amster's Bagels.

The North Arlington location has been closed for well over a year, probably closer to 2. Unfortunately, so has Eagan's which was right down the street.

I think it would be a great idea to include an Italian Hot Dog. This sandwich originated in New Jersey and is generally only available in Union and Essex Counties. I would strongly recommend going to Charlies Famous Italian Hot Dogs in Kenilworth. It is less than 2 miles away from the Galloping Hill Inn, right off the main road. Not only is it convenient, but they make a better sandwich in my opinion. Jimmy Buff's uses tiny dogs and their sandwich is much smaller than Charlies. Charlies also gives you much more and tastier vegetables. I was in the mood for an Italian Hot Dog last Sunday evening. I drove by Charlies, but they had just closed. I ran over to Buff's and found them still open. They told me that I couldn't get peppers on my sandwich. I asked if they had run out. No, the owner refuses to buy them now because they are more expensive due to the hurricanes in Florida. So I ordered a double without the peppers. Still the same price. And so small that I had to order a single also. At Charlies I can barely finish a double. And everything is cooked up fresh rather than laying in a steel pan all day until needed. Tommy's in Elizabeth also makes a good Italian Hot Dog, but Charlies is the best. I've been to all of them so it doesn't much matter to me, but I think Charlies is the best choice. It's also much more convenient travelwise.

The Best's hot dogs that you see in supermarkets are skinless. They come 8 or 10 to a lb. There is also a low sodium dog. At the plant in Newark there are a variety of shapes and sizes. You can also get the natural casing franks, which I prefer. All dogs are made from the same recipe, but the natural casing adds something. I usually get the 5 to a lb and prepare them like Syd's does. The dogs are also cheaper at the plant and you can get quality roast beef, corned beef, pastrami, hamburgers, and other beef products.

Boulevard Drinks is a great place. I think I've mentioned it in past posts. I know that Holly has been there recently. I'm awaiting his review and pictures. Very good observation about it being like Papaya King. They both use Sabrett natural casing beef franks and slow cook them on a griddle. Papaya King uses a 10 to a lb dog while the one at Boulevard Drinks is very small (12 to a lb). I'm not crazy about the location; it's a pain in the ass to park there. I usually end up parking in a garage, even on Sundays. Interesting point; I had always assumed that Sabrett was a New York dog. Although Marathon Enterprises (who bought out and owns Sabrett) is in Jersey, the dogs are produced in the Bronx. But the Sabrett company was born on Henderson St. in Jersey City and the factory was there for many years. Rlibkind, I go to the Best factory all the time to buy the same 5 to a lb dogs that are served at Syd's. They will sell as little as a 2 lb package to you. They are sold in 2, 3, 5, and 10 pound packages. Up until a few years ago you could even buy one pound (5 dogs) that they would throw in a brown paper bag. This was stopped when a few people died of Lysteria poisoning from eating tainted Sabrett hot dogs. Now they have to sell their dogs sealed in cryovac packages. You can also get their dogs in a variety of sizes.

Syd's takes a special long (5 to a lb) natural casing all beef dog and simmers in water, then charbroils on a gas grill. You have a choice of getting it this way (95% do) or boiled. The only beef dog that comes close to Syd's is one from Usinger's, which, unfortunately is not available around here.

A six pack of Grolsch followed by a double from Charlies Famous Italian Hot Dogs.

In addition to the places mentioned in Union County by rlibkind, there is Frank & Fries in Rahway, the Windmill in Westfield, Jimmy Buff's in Scotch Plains, and others. New Jersey is a great state for hot dogs and Union County is probably the County with the best, or the greatest concentration of hot dog joints. Pete Genovese of the Star Ledger told me that when he asks readers for hot dog recommendations, 75% of them are for places in Union County. But the better places are close to each other and only about 15 miles away (a short ride up the Parkway) from Rutt's and the Hot Grill, which are minutes from each other. There's a couple of ways of looking at the selection of places. I, myself have been to most of the ones named many times and never tire of them. It would be nice to visit a new place. But for most people, it would be better to go to some of the tried and true places that give Jersey it's reputation for a great place to have a variety of different styles of hot dogs. I would agree with Holly that Rutt's is a place that must be experienced. They serve a unique dog cooked a different way (deep fried) than most people are used to. I would say Syd's also shouldn't be missed. A different type of dog (kosher style all beef) than Rutt's, it is, in my opinion, the best all beef dog in this section of the country. And this includes Nathan's, Papaya King, and Katz's in New York. Galloping Hill Inn serves a great German style beef and pork dog that they griddle and put in a harder, better quality bun. This place drew raves from people on the last tour. I would suggest though, that if you come here, that you try the dog with just mustard. I don't like the chili or other toppings. Other styles worth sampling are the Italian Hot Dog and the Texas Weiner. Charlies Famous, Tommy's, and Jimmy Buff's make excellent Italian Hot Dogs. The Hot Grill, Libby's, Johnny and Hanges, Texas Weiner ll, and others make great Texas Weiners. I'm up for anything. These trips are a lot of fun, and for me, a lot of the enjoyment comes from hearing people's opinions about the different dogs sampled. I would just ask for us to agree on a date soon because I work Saturdays, and would need time to arrange for a day off.

This is a great idea. I've done it in New Jersey in Sept. (even got tee shirts made up) and Connecticut in October. Anywhere from 4 to 6 places would be about right, although we did 7 for Connecticut. It helps to have a variety of styles and to plan the travelling wisely. The Jersey places I picked for our hot dog tour were Galloping Hill Inn, Union (German style beef and pork dog, grilled) Charlies Famous Italian Hot Dogs, Kenilworth, Syd's, Union (charbroiled all beef frank), Rutt's Hut, Clifton (deep fried dog with special relish), and The Hot Grill (North Jersey style Texas Weiner. It was convenient in that the first place we met was right off the Parkway. The first 3 places were within 4 miles of each other, and the final 2 stops in Clifton were about 15 miles away. Each hot dog joint represented a different style, and , in my opinion, is the best in each style. About 30 people went, coming from N.J., N.Y., Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and one guy from Baltimore. Also attending was Steve Keiner, the last American Champion (1999) in the Nathan's hot dog eating contest. This outing was mentioned a few months back on this site with an invitation to anyone wishing to attend. Unfortunately, no one from E-Gullet came, although one or 2 people intended to but had to cancel. I'd love for an E-Gullet hot dog outing to happen. A bunch of us did get together a couple of years ago at Rutt's Hut for dogs and beer and had a great time. We had a vote for best hot dog, and it was a tie between Syd's and the Galloping Hill Inn. Jersey has so many great hot dog restaurants; it would be great for everyone to sample some of the finest. And you don't have to have a full hot dog at each stop, although some of us can ( and did) easily down 7 hot dogs.

Weiners is the way the Greek owned Texas Weiner joints in North Jersey spell it. Holly, do you know what brand of dog they served? In Central Jersey, the Texas Weiners are grilled (not split) with a thicker sauce. The North Jersey places serve what is called a "Hot Texas Weiner" which is deep fried and topped with a thinner chili sauce. Most of the North Jersey places use the Thumann's dog for deep frying, while most of the Central Jersey places that grill their dogs use a Grote and Weigel. Also, the chili sauce served in most Jersey places that have Texas Weiner in the name have spices like nutmeg, cloves or cinnamon and have varying degrees of spicyness. Other Jersey hot dog joints, most notably the dirty water hot dog trucks, serve a chili that is real hot and spicy, with spices such as cayenne pepper. JJ's, Boulevard Drinks, and Father & Son Luncheonette are places that serve very spicy chili. And they use spicier all beef dogs. Does the chili at A.P.J. have the sweetish spices in them like, say, the Hot Grill? Or is it more spicy hot like Father & Son?

Mr. Cutlets, Have you tried the pizza from New Haven, Connecticut? If so, how does it compare to DiFara's in your opinion?

Hardly. Unless you like a salad to coverup the rather bland Vienna dog.

I've mentioned before that Papaya King and Gray's Papaya use the exact same 10 to a lb natural casing beef hot dog. I've been told this by Sabrett distributors, the son of a long time Sabrett truck driver who supplied these places, and by the person in charge of private label at Marathon. Katz's uses a slightly larger dog, but it is the same recipe. At least twice in the past, I've compared Papaya King to Gray's, and like Holly, I preferred Papaya King. Even thought they are the EXACT same dog, they taste better at Papaya King. I believe they may be fresher, and grilled better. The article states that the meat is not frozen before being delivered to Papaya King, while it is frozen at 90% of their (Marathon's) other accounts, presumably including Gray's. Maybe this too makes a difference. I'm glad that Holly reviewed Crif Dogs (see his post on the Shake Shack) in New York. Crif's uses the exact same dog as Rutt's Hut, but I'm sure Holly would agree that Rutt's is superior. I believe that if, and this is a big if, Papaya King uses the same quality dogs and prepares them the same way under the same conditions, that there's no reason why they can't be successful. I hope that they are. If so, then the rest of the nation that doesn't have access to a quality all beef dog will finally get one. I believe that Nathan's has tried and failed at this. Their locations or franchises are very inconsistent. Many of the locations don't grill their dogs enough, many use the skinless version, and some use the skinless version and cook it on one of those roller grills rather than a griddle. The article also mentioned that hot dogs are perhaps the easiest fast food to reproduce at home. I agree. My favorite beef dog from a hot dog joint is Syd's in Union, N.J. Better than even Papaya King. I get the same dogs from the factory and prepare them the same way they do at Syd's. The dogs taste the same and for close to 1/5th the price that I pay for a dog at Syd's. I just top this dog with deli mustard. At a lot of hot dog joints they serve special homemade condiments like chili or relish that you can't duplicate at home. But it will be interesting to see if Papaya King can be successful. I think they will if they can maintain the same quality as at their Manhattan location. And keep every other factor the same. Maybe easier said than done.

Hiram's is still there, right across the street from Callahan's. I second all of the recommendations made here. Let me add one. The Galloping Hill Inn in Union is right off exit 138 of the Parkway (as is Charlies), just make a right off the exit for the Galloping Hill Inn or a left for Charlies. Recently, I led a group of people from Jersey, Conn., New York, and one guy from Baltimore on a hot dog run. We wanted to sample the best Jersey hot dogs in a few different styles. We hit Syd's (grilled kosher style all beef), the Galloping Hill Inn (grilled German style beef and pork) Charlies (Italian Hot Dog), The Hot Grill (Texas Weiner), and Rutt's Hut (north Jersey deep fried dog). The first thre are within a few miles of each other, while the last 2 are about 15-17 miles away in Clifton. If you have some time, it's a great sample of the best of Jersey dogs. The vote for best dog sampled that day was split between Syd's and the Galloping Hill Inn.

Warming up the griddle right now and defrosting a few fine hot dogs; a Thumann's, a Best's (from the plant with natural casing), and a Liehs & Steigerwald German frank shipped in from Syracuse. To be enjoyed with a couple of Pilsner Urquells. Only thing better would be if it was the Mets in the Playoffs.

Have you ever tried the franks from Liehs and Steigerwald? They've been in Syracuse since 1936. As I mentioned earlier in the thread, I ordered some recently and loved them. What I didn't say was that I tasted them next to other franks in the German butcher style. Gaiser's, Union Pork Store, Schaller & Weber, Thumann's, and Hofmann's. Thumann's and Liehs and Steigerwald were head and shoulders above the rest. Then the dog from the Union Pork Store was next followed by Hofmann's, Gaisers, and Schaller & Weber. Hofmann's is good by itself (I like the bigger 6 to a lb sold at the Bridgewater Wegmans) by mild tasting compared to the others. I've had the coneys, but don't like the particular spicing. If you go back to Syracuse, definitely stop at Liehs and Steigerwald.

Empire franks from Empire National in Brooklyn.

I like Gaffer's in West Orange and White Rose in Roselle. White Rose is very similar to White Manna, but with slightly thicker burgers. Try their bacon cheeseburger on a hard roll.