Here's the schedule of visits for the 50 semifinalists in our N.J.'s best hot dog joint showdown.
The 50 semifinalists have been named in our N.J.’s best hot dog joint showdown.
Now comes the fun and undoubtedly fattening part, as I visit every single one over the next couple weeks.
When the visits end later this month, I will pick the 10 finalists, and re-visit those with the help of assistant judges. In early August, I’ll pick a winner, which will be revealed live on nj.com.
Here’s the day-by-day itinerary; the schedule may be tweaked depending on weather, traffic and whether I’ll require medical attention due to abnormally high blood pressure readings. Hot dog places will be visited in order of how they appear on the schedule; visits will start mid- to late morning.
The best way to follow my progress is on Twitter (@petegenovese).Check out photos of the entire journey on Instagram (@themunchmobile).
We’ll publish trip reports, with rundowns of every hot dog joint visited starting next week.
Wednesday, July 11
Karl Ehmer, Hillsdale
Callahan’s, Norwood
Hiram’s Roadstand, Fort Lee
Johnny & Hanges, Fair Lawn
Galloping Hill Inn, Union
Thursday, July 12
Jersey Dog, Newton
Hot Dog Johnny’s, Buttzville
Joe’s Alpha Dogs, Washington
Toby’s Cup, Lopatcong
Designer Dawgs, Clinton
Friday, July 13
Russ Ayres, Bordentown
Moon Dog Grill, Moorestown
Mr. Bill’s, Winslow
Hot Diggidy Dog, Chatsworth
Monday, July 16
Hank’s Franks, Lodi
Libby’s Lunch, Paterson
New Corral, Clifton
Hot Grill, Clifton
Rutt’s Hut, Clifton
Tuesday, July 17
Andy’s Roadside Dive, Mt. Arlington
Weenies, Denville
Curbside Cafe, Parsippany
Texas Weiner I, Plainfield
J&G Texas Weiner, Dunellen
Wednesday, July 18
Tommy’s Hot Dogs, Carteret
WindMill, Red Bank
Max’s Famous Hot Dogs, Long Branch
WindMill, Long Branch
Relish, Belmar
Thursday, July 19
Dickie Dee’s, Newark
Tony’s Specialized Hot Dogs, Newark
JJ’s, Newark
Tommy’s Italian Sausage & Hot Dogs, Elizabeth
Jerry’s Famous Frankfurters, Elizabeth
Friday, July 20
Nikki’s Dawgs, Old Bridge
Bear’s, Sayreville
Destination Dogs, New Brunswick
Tower Dogs, Lawrenceville
Captain Paul’s Firehouse Dogs, Lawrenceville
Monday, July 23
Jimmy Buff’s, West Orange
Apple’s Deli, Springfield
Charlie’s Italian Hot Dogs, Union
Jimmy Buff’s, Kenilworth
Johnny Prince’s Bayway Diner, Linden
Tuesday, July 24
Boulevard Drinks, Jersey City
Joey Mac’s, Harrison
Randy the Hot Dog Guy, Hillside
Stewart’s, Rahway
Wednesday, July 25
Hot Dog Tommy’s, Cape May
Maui’s Dog House, North Wildwood
Peter Genovese may be reached at pgenovese@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @PeteGenovese or via The Munchmobile @NJ_Munchmobile. Find the Munchmobile on Facebook and Instagram.
