New Jersey’s best places for hot dogs, Big Joe shares his favorites

I celebrate the hot dog and treat the delicacy like a good steak. Even when I think I’m not in the mood for a hot dog after I consume the American classic I’m very happy with my decision.

Go to a true place that serves and showcases the hot dog and you’ll know that there is so much more to a hot dog than the boiled Oscar Meyer weiner that was overcooked on your stove. The standard toppings for hot dogs bring out the true flavor of the hot dog and you can add the occasional interesting pepper or relish but don’t add too much or that will mask your hot dog flavor.

With national hotdog day coming up on July 20, I thought you'd appreciate learning about some of my favorite places. New Jersey has some outstanding places where the hotdog is treated with much respect.

I appreciate that effort  and that's why I have taken the time to echnoledge the places of hotdog royalty. These are some of my favorites that I have tried and thoroughly enjoyed. They are listed in no particular order.

Windmill Hotdogs

Jersey Shore Locations

I'm a big fan of the Windmill . There have been many nights, after I have worked and been on stage, that I'd stop by the windmill and treat myself to the goodness of a Windmill hotdog. They use sabrett hotdogs that crackle and split on their grill . They have my favorite kinds of toppings. They're big and filling. A couple of dogs from the Windmill and I'm set.

Max's Hotdogs

Ocean Avenue
Long Branch, NJ

Max's has been around since 1928. They serve a great Hotdog with all the fixings. It's been a family run restaurant for three generations and they recently added a full bar. Now you can wash down that dog with an ice cold beer

Rutt’s Hut

Clifton, NJ

Rutt’s Hut was opened in 1928 as a roadside stand. A friend of mine basically kidnapped me and took me up there one afternoon to try their famous hot dogs. I was thrilled that he did. Rutt’s deep fried their dogs, which made the casing chrispy cracked and split . They call these dogs "rippers". They have signature relish, which is very good, made of mustard and a special blend of spices.

Destination Dogs

Locations in New Brunswick, NJ

I was hosting a show at the State Theater in New Brunswick and it was a Saturday night. I didn't have time after my radio show to enjoy a full sit down dinner so somebody suggested Destination Dogs. It was very good. They have some extoic hotdogs selections on their menu and a wide array of sausages that are made in house. I got a couple of great dogs and chips with the horseradish sauce. Outstanding! I need to go back.

Hotdog Johnny's

Belvidere, NJ

The classic roadside spot has been around since 1944.I was introduced to Hotdog Johnny's by my good friend, and outstanding musician Pat Guadagno.

Pat and I, along with some friends, had just wrapped up an RV trip to the midwest and we were coming home back to New Jersey. Pat said we had to stop at Hotdog Johnny's. We ended up going 20 miles off track and pulled the RV into the great outside stand. I wanted to treat everybody ,but they were cash only. The hotdogs are classic and they serve up old school milkshakes and birch beer. It was absolutely worth the detour.

There are few places that are famous for their hotdogs that I didn't get to and trust me they're on my list. However, I can't tell you about a place I haven't been to yet. Let me know your favorite hotdog place.

The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 weekend host Big Joe Henry. Any opinions expressed are Big Joe’s own.