Hot Dog Crawl

[John]

I will be running a hot dog crawl Saturday, Sept. 4th for anyone who will be interested. The idea actually originated on another food site when an ex-Jerseyan now living in Florida expressed a desire to have a few dogs with me upon returning to Jersey to visit. More people wanted in, and before you knew it, the idea for a hot dog tour or hot dog crawl was born. So far about 15-20 people are interested in going.

We will be meeting at the Galloping Hill Inn in Union at 11:30. Very easy to get to. Exit 138 off the Garden State Parkway, make a right off the exit (doesn't matter if you will be coming from the north or south) and the Galloping Hill Inn is between 1/2 mile to a mile on the left hand side. Go past it and make a left onto Salem Rd. and a quick left into the parking lot. They share a pretty big parking lot with a banquet hall, so there will be ample room to accomodate us. It turns out that 3 of the 5 planned places just happen to be within a few miles of each other so the travelling will be easy. We can carpool also. The other 2 places are about 15 miles up the Parkway and within a few miles of each other. Then it's back to The Galloping Hill and whoever wants to hit a few more places can, since there are a few within a couple of miles. Those who want to leave early can opt out after the first 3.

First will be the Galloping Hill Inn which serves my favorite grilled German style dog. Just an excellent blend of beef and pork served on a good sturdy bun. One of the more popular places in the state and named by New Jersey Monthly a few years ago as the best dog inJersey. Certainly one of my top 2 or 3 favorites in its style.

Next will be Syd's a few miles away. They serve a delicious charbroiled all beef kosher style (Best's) dog that is my favorite of it's type. I like it more than Papaya King and Katz's in New York. Named best hot dog in Jersey in the original Munchmobile series where they reviewed 12 of the most popular hot dog eateries in Jersey.

Third stop will be Charlies Famous Italian Hot Dogs. Located about 2 miles away from the Galloping Hill Inn and conveniently near the Parkway for stops 4 and 5. Charlies serves in my opinion, the best Italian style hot dog. There is Charlies, Tommy's in Elizabeth, then everyone else.

Fourth stop, The Hot Grill in Clifton. Less than 20 minutes away, they serve what I consider the best, or at least one of the best Texas Weiners in N.J. It's my favorite chili or "all the way" sauce out of the ones I've sampled.

Fifth stop, Rutt's Hut. Probably the most well know hot dog place in Jersey. Great tasting deep fried dogs with their unique and tasty relish.

Afterwards, it's back to Union and the Galloping Hill Inn. Anyone that's up for a short 3 mile trek into Elizabeth can sample Tommy's Italian Hot Dogs and Jerry's Famous Frankfurters (my wife's favorite) right next to each other. Also closeby is Father & Son. There's also a Windmill in nearby Westfield. If interested post here or e-mail me so I can get an idea of how many people are coming. It is Labor Day Weekend if that makes a difference. Also, the Galloping Hill Inn, Rutt's, and the Hot Grill serve up dogs immediately, and would have no problem serving a large number of people at one time. We could get an idea of how many we wanted and call ahead at Syd's and Charlies. It should make for a fun day. I'm also looking at doing a followup trip to Connecticut.

[NJ2FLA]

OMG John, what bad luck. I am heading down to Florida that Saturday and would LOVE to have joined you. Shooooot.

[Rosie]

John--This sounds like fun but I won't be able to make it. Be aware that the bridge near Syd's is under construction.

[Curlz]

Be aware that the bridge near Syd's is under construction.

Correct! But I think you can now approach the shopping center where Syd's is located from both Millburn Ave and Vaux Hall anyway; you should probabaly call Syd's and ask, though. Millburn Ave side was definitely open when I drove past there last week.

[rockhopper]

Way to go John!

I'm in.

[John]

I called Syd's and there will be no problem with the bridge construction. We will be coming from Vauxhall Rd. and will be turning into the parking lot before the bridge. Glad you can make it Rockhopper.

[chefdavidrusso]

Sorry I'm not going to be able to make it...I'm going to Tennessee for BBQ