Unearth The Voyage
New York City might have pizza and bagels on lockdown, but when it comes to Italian hot dogs, New Jersey wins every time. This Garden State specialty features deep-fried hot dogs and crispy potatoes stuffed into fresh pizza bread, topped with peppers, onions, and mustard. Food lovers from Manhattan are now making the trip across the Hudson River to taste these legendary creations at their authentic source.
1. Jimmy Buff’s — West Orange
Since 1932, this legendary spot has been perfecting the art of frying hot dogs in bubbling oil until they’re crispy on the outside and juicy inside. Jimmy Buff’s literally invented the Italian hot dog, making it the ultimate pilgrimage site for anyone serious about this sandwich.
The secret lies in their “hot oils” method, which transforms ordinary franks and potato wedges into something magical. Fresh pizza bread from local bakeries arrives daily, providing the perfect soft vessel for all those fried goodies.
Order the double if you’re hungry—it packs two dogs and extra potatoes into that pillowy bread. The combination of textures and flavors explains why people have been lining up here for nearly a century.
2. Dickie Dee’s — Newark
Walking into this 1958 institution feels like stepping back in time to when Newark was the undisputed capital of Italian hot dog culture. Dickie Dee’s has outlasted countless competitors by sticking to what works: fat potato wedges, quality franks, and real pizza bread from neighborhood bakeries.
The “with everything” option is non-negotiable here. You’ll get a generous pile of sautéed peppers, sweet onions, and tangy mustard that somehow never makes the bread soggy.
Recent delivery listings prove this spot is still going strong after more than six decades. The double dog feeds two people comfortably, though regulars somehow manage to polish one off solo.
3. Tommy’s Italian Sausage & Hot Dogs — Elizabeth
This tiny counter operation doesn’t waste space on fancy decor—every inch is dedicated to cranking out textbook Italian dogs and sausages. Tommy’s represents old-school Elizabeth at its finest, where the focus stays strictly on food quality rather than Instagram-worthy interiors.
Event listings and directory pages from 2025 confirm the spot remains open and busy. The Italian sausage sandwich deserves equal attention if you’re torn between options, featuring the same crispy potatoes and toppings.
Locals know to arrive during off-peak hours because the cramped counter fills up fast during lunch rush. Cash is king here, so hit the ATM before you go.
4. Big Blue’s Italian Style Sub Shop — Linden
Big Blue’s offers something unique: the choice between traditional pizza bread or a sub roll for your Italian hot dog. This flexibility makes it perfect for first-timers who might feel intimidated by the authentic pizza-bread experience.
Location matters here—Linden sits close enough to NYC that you can make a quick trip without burning half your Saturday. The Italian cheeseburger has developed its own cult following, prepared with the same fried-potato treatment as the hot dogs.
Recent Grubhub and directory listings show this local favorite stays busy serving both classic sandwiches and creative variations. The staff actually remembers regular customers, adding a personal touch that chain restaurants can’t match.
5. Dicky’s Dogs — Toms River
Most people don’t associate the Jersey Shore with Italian hot dogs, but Dicky’s Dogs proves this specialty travels well beyond Newark’s city limits. Current menus and recent reviews confirm they’re serving the real deal down in Toms River, not some watered-down tourist version.
The extra miles make sense if you’re already heading down the Garden State Parkway for a beach day. Pair your Italian dog with their crispy onion rings for the ultimate Jersey shore lunch experience.
Shore-area restaurants sometimes cut corners for summer crowds, but Dicky’s maintains Newark-level standards year-round. Call ahead during peak summer weekends to avoid long waits from both locals and day-trippers.
