Our Elite Eight finalists are here: Vote for your favorite NJ hot dog
Well, just like that, North Jersey, it’s been a week — and the results from our Sweet 16 Hot Dog bracket are in.
Some of our pairs were neck and neck, like Jersey Johnny’s and Karl Ehmer (the former of which just managed to slide ahead), while other local spots completely shut out their opponents in 85 to 15 percent final tallies (Rutt’s Hut and The Hot Grill, is anyone surprised?).
Far from the end of our quest for the region’s best frankfurter, however, it’s time for the Elite Eight.
Amongst our finalists? Jersey Johnny’s, Hiram’s, Jimmy Buff’s and more.
Read below for the full list — and, of course, to vote for the spots you’d like to see in next week’s final four.
A refresher on the rules:
For four weeks, you will be voting to help us name the top hot dog in North Jersey. Beginning with 16 dog spots (nominated by readers), voting will be open each week from midnight on Tuesday to 11:59 p.m. on Thursday. The winning restaurant in each pairing will advance to the next round until — by the end of the month — we arrive at the North Jersey’s best.
Here are the official rules for round two:
Elite Eight voting guide:
• Voting for this bracket begins at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, March 19, and ends at 11:59 p.m. Thursday, March 21.
• You can vote once per matchup, per round.
• Final Four voting will begin on March 26, featuring winners from the previous round.
Now, let’s vote.
**NOTE: If the polls do not immediately load, refresh the page. The poll generally loads better on desktops and laptops rather than on mobile devices. If you have issues voting in the app, try using your browser. Also, avoid using Firefox browser.
Rutt’s Hut vs. Jersey Johnny’s
Rutt’s Hut might be the widely known dog spot in the Garden State. From the crests of Wildwood to the snow-capped peaks of Mountain Creek, it seems every Jersey resident is familiar with the nearly 100 year-old hole-inthe-wall and its deep-fried Ripper. Topped with house-made relish or flanked by a side of gravy fries, mountains of franks fly out of the restaurant each day. Go: 417 River Rd., Clifton; 973779-8615, ruttshut.com.
Jersey Johnny’s has two North Jersey locations, both of which are known for their hot dogs “all the way.” Featuring flash-fried links topped with bean-less chili, mustard and diced onion, the Texas Weiners (as they are popularly called) are as nostalgic as they are delicious, and are a must-try if you find yourself in Woodland Park or Pequannock. Go: Woodland Park and Pequannock, jerseyjohnnysnj.com.
Jimmy Buff’s vs. Johnny and Hanges
If Italian hot dogs are your favorite type of franks, chances are your March Madness vote is going out to 88 year-old Jimmy Buff ’s. Located in West Orange (with a second shop in Kenilworth), the no-frills spot is known for its all-beef sausages — on European-inspired bread — topped with crispy potatoes, peppers and onions. For only $8 a piece, they’re quite the hearty meal. Go: 60 Washington St., West Orange; 973-3259897, jimmybuffs.com.
A second spot known for its Texas Weiners, Johnny and Hanges is yet another North Jersey landmark. Originally opened over 80 years ago as a hot dog stand in Paterson, the restaurant is now located in Fair Lawn. Nearly eight decades later, however, the team still utilizes the same secret-recipe chili upon their dogs that the original owners invented in the 1900s. Go: 23-20 Maple Ave., Fair Lawn; 201-791-9060, facebook.com/johnnyhanges.
Hiram’s Roadstand vs. The Hot Grill
Located in Fort Lee, Hiram’s Roadstand is a Jersey institution. With a cult-following crazy for its chili dogs, kraut dogs and more, the spot is about as well known as exit 0, or Bruce Springsteen. If you have yet to visit, we urge you to do so ASAP — and make sure to order a side of cheese fries with whatever frank you choose. Go: 1345 Palisade Ave., Fort Lee; 201-592-9602, restaurantsnapshot.com/HiramsRoadstand.
A North Jersey icon, we certainly weren’t surprised when readers’ nominations earned The Hot Grill a comfortable place in our coveted bracket. Serving Clifton for over 60 years, the acclaimed spot is locally famous for its allthe-way dogs — which, in our opinion, are notably more juicy, textured and flavorful than those of its competitors. With a side of gravy-smothered onion rings (trust us), they’re a Garden State meal to die for. Go: 669 Lexington Ave, Clifton; 973-772-6000, thehotgrill.com.
JJ’s Hot Dogs vs. Boulevard Dogs
JJ’s Hot Dogs has been open in Newark since 1971 and, over the past 50 years, has gained a reputation for having the best dogs in the city. Operating out of a food truck for its five successful decades, the spot has been put on the map by its accessible prices (think multiple-topping franks for under $3), friendly service and, of course, delicious food. Recently, the team opened an official storefront in Fairfield, but we’re still partial to the mobile yellow truck. Go: 230 Bloomfield Ave., Newark; 732-6916714, jjshotdogs.com.
Boulevard Dogs has a lot going for it. The lively, energetic atmosphere simultaneously nods to generations past while entertaining youngsters, the passionate team never fails to please customers and the food is always cooked to perfection. Our favorite thing about the place, however, is its “gourmet dogs,” which come topped with mac and cheese, bacon and more. Go: 206 Boulevard, Hasbrouck Heights; 201-2721853, blvddogs.com.
Come back on Tuesday, March 26 to see who advanced to the Final Four.
North Jersey Eats’ Hot Dog Madness dates
• Sweet 16: March 12-14
• Elite 8: March 19-21
• Final Four: March 26-28
• THE FINALS: April 2-4
• Winner announced Tuesday, April 9
Kara VanDooijeweert is a food writer for NorthJersey.com and The Record. If you can’t find her in Jersey’s best restaurants, she’s probably off running a race course in the mountains. Catch her on Instagram: @karanicolev & @northjerseyeats , and sign up for her North Jersey Eats newsletter .