New Jersey has a sandwich that most of the country has never heard of, and it deserves way more attention. The Italian hot dog is a fried hot dog tucked into round pizza bread with peppers, onions, and crispy fried potatoes.
It started in the Newark area, and it is still easiest to find in North and Central Jersey. If you want a real taste of Garden State food history, these six counter-service spots are a great place to start.
1. Jimmy Buff’s Of West Orange Italian Hot Dogs, West Orange, NJ
Ask North Jersey natives where to get an Italian hot dog, and the name Jimmy Buff’s comes up fast. The West Orange shop on Washington Street keeps things simple: order at the counter, grab a seat, and dig in.
A single dog with everything arrives on a fresh wedge of Italian pizza bread, loaded with golden brown potato medallions, peppers, and onions. If one dog is not enough, the hot dog and sausage combo stacks both meats into the same roll with all the trimmings.
Not every menu item needs meat, either. The Potato Sandwich and Potato Boat are vegetarian picks, and a separate fryer is available for guests who avoid pork.
Hours run from 10:30 AM most days, with later closing on Friday and Saturday at 9:30 PM and a shorter Sunday from noon to 6 PM. Parking is usually easy, and there is a kids’ menu for younger eaters.
Expect a crowd on Saturday afternoons.
2. Dickie Dee’s, Newark, NJ
Newark is where the Italian hot dog grew up, so eating one here comes with a little extra bragging rights. Dickie Dee’s on Bloomfield Avenue has earned its reputation as a true neighborhood institution.
The signature order is a hot dog on pizza bread with ketchup, mustard, onions, peppers, and fried potatoes. The bread itself is a big part of the appeal, closer to a soft fry bread or pita than a standard bun.
The menu stretches further than dogs. Pizza, meatball subs, Italian sausage sandwiches, and an Italian Cheeseburger all have their fans, and the staff will work with gluten-free requests.
Prices stay friendly, and service is counter-only. Doors open at 10 AM on weekdays and close around 7:30 PM Tuesday through Saturday, with Sunday hours from noon to 5 PM.
Saturday gets busy, so a weekday lunch is the calmer play.
3. Jimmy Buff’s Italian Hot Dogs, Kenilworth, NJ
Here is a fun bit of Jersey food history: the Jimmy Buff’s name is tied to the original Newark-style Italian hot dog. The Kenilworth location on Boulevard carries that tradition into Union County.
One with everything means one or two all-beef, deep-fried hot dogs, sausage if you like, topped with crispy potatoes and freshly cooked onions and bell peppers. It all goes into pizza bread, with mustard underneath and ketchup on top as an option.
Portions are big, and service moves quickly. Cheesesteaks, curly fries, and an Italian Potato Sandwich round out the menu.
The shop is open daily from 11 AM, closing at 7:30 PM Monday through Saturday and 6:30 PM on Sunday. A free lot keeps parking easy, and dogs are welcome at the outdoor area.
4. DeVito’s Dogs & Grille, Middletown Township, NJ
Shore-bound drivers on Route 36 have a solid reason to pull over in Middletown. DeVito’s Dogs & Grille brings the North Jersey classic down toward Monmouth County.
The Italian hot dog comes in a large roll with cooked peppers, onions, and fried potato slices made when you order, so they stay crisp. The dog itself has a nice snap.
I like this stop for mixed groups, since the menu goes well beyond one sandwich. Chili cheese dogs, a Rodeo Burger, a flounder sandwich, chicken fingers, and a kids’ hot dog dinner are all on the board, plus a full vegetarian menu.
Hours are generous, from 11 AM to 9 PM every day. There is seating inside and out, and parking is free.
5. Dave’s Hot Dogs, South Amboy, NJ
Crinkle-cut fries tucked into pizza bread give the version at Dave’s its own personality. South Amboy’s counter-service spot on South Pine Avenue fries the hot dogs and piles on peppers and onions too.
Plenty of hot dog fans rank it among the best in the state. The chili slaw dog is the other big seller, and a deep-fried Iowa dog is on the menu for anyone feeling bold.
Dave’s also serves breakfast sandwiches, cheesesteaks, and waffle fries. Bottled drinks like Yoo-Hoo and Stewart’s fit the old-school mood.
The shop is open daily from 11 AM to 8 PM, with seating inside and out, quick service, and easy parking.
6. Tommy’s Hot Dogs, Carteret, NJ
Some places feel like they belong to the whole town, and Tommy’s Hot Dogs in Carteret is one of them. The veteran-owned, mom-and-pop shop on Grant Avenue has a long local history.
Food is made from scratch, from the Italian hot dogs to the chili cheese dogs that built much of its reputation. Cheesesteaks, cheese fries, and burgers fill out a short, classic menu.
This is also the budget pick of the list, with most meals landing under $10. Tommy’s opens early at 9 AM Tuesday through Saturday and closes at 5:30 PM, so plan a breakfast or lunch run.
It is closed Sunday and Monday, and there is no restroom. Street parking is usually easy to find.
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