Some sandwiches are lunch, and some are a piece of New Jersey history wrapped in bread. In West Orange, a small counter-serve spot keeps alive a recipe tied to Newark and to a family business that traces its roots back to 1932.
The star is the Italian hot dog, stuffed into round pizza bread with fried potatoes, peppers, and onions. Keep reading to learn where it is, what to order, and the one thing to bring before you go.
A Counter on Washington Street
The address is easy to remember, and the sandwich is hard to forget. Jimmy Buff’s Of West Orange Italian Hot Dogs sits at 60 Washington St, West Orange, NJ 07052, in the United States.
It is a hot dog restaurant with a counter-serve setup and a no-frills attitude. The menu specializes in Italian hot dogs with all the trimmings, plus sausage, sandwiches, and cheese steaks.
There is a parking lot, which matters in a busy North Jersey town. Many guests talk about feeling at home the moment they pull in and get greeted at the door.
Diners can grab food to go or sit down with friends. Both options work, though the sandwiches are famously messy, so a table may be the smarter choice.
The spot holds a 4.7-star average across more than 2,500 opinions, which says a lot about its staying power. For a small counter, that is quite a following.
Next up is the part that makes this place more than a quick bite: the story behind the bread.
Roots That Run Back to Newark
Long before food trends had hashtags, the Italian hot dog was already a Newark favorite. Jimmy Buff’s is widely known as one of the originators of the dish, and the family business has served the community since 1932.
The West Orange shop carries that tradition forward. A sister location in Kenilworth also proudly calls itself the home of the original Italian hot dog.
Plenty of longtime fans grew up with these sandwiches in Newark. Some remember family trips to an older location near the Newark reservoir.
Others say the food today is the same as it was over 40 years ago. That kind of consistency is rare, and it explains why people return once a year when they visit home.
The family connection is still visible. The original owner’s son has been spotted working the counter, and the owner himself still cooks.
History is nice, but the real question is what lands on the tray.
Anatomy of an Italian Hot Dog
Here is the blueprint. Deep-fried hot dogs go into a large round pizza bread, then get packed with fried potatoes, peppers, and onions.
Mustard and ketchup are the standard finish. Some regulars like mustard on the bottom and ketchup on top so it coats the double-fried potatoes.
The bread is massive yet soft, a bit like a giant pita. It needs two hands, and that is not a figure of speech.
One single dog comes so loaded with potato rounds that finishing it can be a challenge. Many people take the rest home.
The idea of combining a hot dog, potatoes, and pizza bread gets called pure genius by fans. It is a full meal in one package.
For some, there may be a little too much ketchup and mustard. Asking for a lighter hand is an easy fix.
And if one dog sounds modest, the next section has good news.
Doubles, Combos, and Sausage
Ordering here is a choose-your-own-adventure. You can get a single, a double, or a mix.
The double is the famous one. It comes with two hot dogs smothered in potatoes, onions, and peppers.
The combination pairs a hot dog with a sausage. It is a favorite for people who cannot decide, which is most people.
Sausage comes up often in conversations about this place. The Italian sausage sandwich follows the same build of fried potatoes, peppers, onions, ketchup, and mustard.
There are sweet and hot sausage options, though hot can sell out. One sweet sausage sandwich was priced at $13.50, which gives a sense of the menu.
Ordering “with everything” is a popular move. It delivers the full experience in one go.
Still, hot dogs are not the only reason people line up.
Beyond the Hot Dog Menu
Not everyone in the group wants a hot dog, and that is fine. The menu includes cheese steaks, burgers, and other sandwiches.
The cheese steak gets plenty of attention. Out-of-state guests have left planning their next trip back just to try more of the menu.
Burgers also have fans. Some first-timers pick one during the Tuesday deal and walk away impressed with the amount of food for the money.
Pizza bread shows up across the menu as well. It is part of what gives these sandwiches their size.
Portions run large. A meal here is often called filling, which is a polite way of saying a nap may follow.
The variety makes the place easy for families and mixed groups. Everyone finds something.
Speaking of Tuesday, that deal deserves its own spotlight.
The Tuesday Two-for-One
Smart diners circle Tuesday on the calendar. On that day, the shop has offered two for the price of one.
One customer expected to pay close to $15 for a double combo and paid about half. That surprise turned a regular lunch into a story worth sharing.
The deal also lets first-timers try two items at once. A burger and a hot dog is one popular pairing.
Prices generally fall in the $10 to $20 range per person. Given the size of each sandwich, many leave feeling they got a lot of food.
The menu board can look confusing on a first visit. Take a moment, ask questions, and the friendly crew will help.
Specials can change, so confirming before you go is wise. Calling ahead is a good habit here anyway.
Of course, the deal is only half the charm. The room itself has a personality too.
Old-School Vibes, Friendly Faces
Time moves a little slower inside. The look and feel takes many guests back to an earlier era.
The decor reflects the tradition and history of the family business. It is plain, honest, and proud of it.
The people behind the counter earn constant praise. They come across as welcoming and clearly proud of what they serve.
The owner personally thanks almost everyone who shares feedback online. That small habit says a lot about the culture here.
The crowd is wide. Everyone and anyone seems to stop in, from locals on lunch breaks to former residents on a nostalgia run.
It suits families, road-trippers, and anyone hunting a true New Jersey classic. It is also a great place to bring out-of-town guests.
The interior can feel a bit chilly in colder months. Dress accordingly and enjoy the scene.
Before heading over, a few practical details will save some trouble.
Cash, Hours, and a Fair Verdict
Here is the tip that matters most: bring cash. The shop is cash only.
There is an ATM outside, but it is an older model without tap. Arriving prepared avoids a detour to the bank.
Hours are generous. Monday through Thursday it runs from 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 10:30 AM to 9:30 PM.
Sunday hours are shorter, from 12 PM to 6 PM. Plan weekend trips with that in mind.
Online and phone ordering are options. Calling ahead can help on busy days.
So is it worth the trip? For anyone curious about the sandwich Newark made famous, this counter makes a strong case.
The food is big, the history is real, and the welcome feels genuine. Bring cash, an appetite, and maybe a friend to share the leftovers.
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