Texas Weiners

I am doing a study of the Texas Weiner phenomenon in New Jersey. Please post your thoughts on best/original/unusual/relatives of the Texas Weiner. Also anything on the unusual spelling would help.

[johnlockedema]

I took a ride today to the Middlesex Texas Wiener joint, and had two. Not up to Manny's in my opinion-onions chopped too coarse, and the chili was too dry.

[foobuc]

Passadumkeg as a fellow Volkswagen(59 VW mango bus plus several in the past 10+ years) and hot dog enthusiast, it is a must to meet up with you for a dog or 2 on your journey.!! I'm in central NJ but work in 4 counties here....

[Passadumkeg]

Green & white, my second '67. I subscribe to NEATO, thinking of going to the S. Jersey round up. There is an old Stewarts thread around. Where can I find a list of Stewart's still open. I have a pint out of HollyEats. Whats your fave hot dog place Tex or non, south of Union?
Email me, address at My Chow, so we don't take up thread space.

[arpad]

Here's a start on NJ Stewart's

http://www.agilitynut.com/eateries/st...

[johnlockedema]

There is a relatively new (last three, four years?) in Gillette, NJ.

[arpad]

And in addition

http://find.mapmuse.com/map/stewarts-...

[Passadumkeg]

I'm finishing rebuilding a "67 VW camper. I hope in June to take a hot dog/ taco truck tour from Maine to Philly; with photos. Have booked marked this thread. Thanks.

[arpad]

OT but you might find this interesting

http://polishplate.com/

[Passadumkeg]

Shenkya. I'm originally from Sayreville/South River, the epicenter of NJ kolbasi!

[arpad]

I don't know about that - how about Linden ?

[Passadumkeg]

Five polish butchers/deli w/in 2 mi. of me mum's old house? Same w/ Potugese.
It's been 40 yrs since I've been in Linden.

[arpad]

Sounds like Linden - five Polish Deli's and a Polish Supermarket - Polonia meats plus of course Big Stash' restaurant !

-----
Big Stash's Restaurant
1020 S Wood Ave, Linden, NJ 07036

Polish Deli
11 S Wood Ave, Linden, NJ 07036

[Passadumkeg]

Here are some old posts on South River; a nice old town, my folks and grandparents are buried there and my uncles still live there, almost drove down this week.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/478689?tag=search_results;results_list
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/4120...
Stashdumkeg

[RPMcMurphy]

I love South River....but I'm a little biased...

;)

[Passadumkeg]

But not the SMHS Bombers? What ever happened to the hot dog place at the hole in the wall? Is the cart near Ernston & Journee Mill still there?
A good dogie in SR?
Ask your family if they remember the chile dog place run by 2 Greek sisters on Ferry St (near where Jensen's used to be.), please.
Marco

[arpad]

My mistake - it's Pulaski Meats - right in the middle of Linden .

[johnlockedema]

I'd be glad to host you at Manny's or Galloping Hill or both!

[Passadumkeg]

A done deal.

[steve h.]

Let me know when you make the Connecticut line. I think I owe you a beer. Hell, maybe we can get jfood to underwrite the entire meal.

Edited to add: Be sure to carry a backup generator for your camper's sewing machine motor. Brakes? Bleed early, bleed often.

[Passadumkeg]

It's a deal, jar head.
Hey I knew John Muir and can twirl them wrenches. I drove the same model from New Mex to Guatamala and back and from New Mex to Nova Scotia and back.
It will be good to get away from Maine red snappers and dig into Rut's.
I was nursed on Hot Dog Johnny's and ate my way through 'Berg at Yacco's in Allentown.
Does anyone remember "The Greeks" on Ferry St. in South River. My first food love affair in the 60's.

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Hot Dog Johnny's
Highway 46, Oxford, NJ 07863

[steve h.]

Howdy 'keg,
Looking forward.
Let's be clear, I was an NCO in my uncle's army. PMJ/UNC/USFK/EUSA.
I'll still buy the beers.

[1bruni]

Eating Texas Weinberg in Plainfield and Dunellen since 1960.....Watchung Ave Texas Weiners in Plfd. and J.G in Dunellen. Recently bought a bag to take to my office down the
Jersey shore...even the chow hounds didn't know what to make of them."wow..they are spicy" was the comment...if you grow up on them...nothing else takes their place.

-----
Texas Weiner
100 Watchung Ave, Plainfield, NJ 07060

[hotdoglover]

I've been to both places. Very similar as the Texas Weiner joints in the area use the same Grote & Weigel griddle frank and serve the same type of thick spicy chili. Manny's in Union is the closest Texas weiner joint to where I live. Texas weiner ll on rt 22 in Greenbrook has new owners. Same dog, but different chili. I didn't like it. I also don't like the chili at the Red Tower on 22. Better off going to Watchung Ave. in Plainfield or J&G if you're in the area. Middlesex Texas Weiner is also good.

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Middlesex Texas Weiner
Greenbrok Rd State Hwy N, Middlesex, NJ 08846

Watchung Restaurant
19 Watchung Plz, Montclair, NJ 07042

Red Tower
500 Park Ave, Plainfield, NJ 07060

Texas Weiner
100 Watchung Ave, Plainfield, NJ 07060

[chuck98]

You're more discerning than I am. I tried Red Tower 2, Texas Weiner 2, Middlesex TW and J&G and couldn't tell the difference, going with mustard/onions/chili. All pretty good, though. Good sized dog, nice snap.

[hotdoglover]

I've since been back to Texas Weiner ll and thought the chili was good this time. The owner swore it hasn't changed. Maybe just a bad day.

[spend1us]

Honestly never liked the ones on 22 and Washington Ave. They always seemed too greasy.

[jetermacaw]

I grew up on Watchung Ave death dogs but have since switched to J&G. I will make the ride from the shore at least once a month.

[gudeatz]

This might help...Born and raised in NY...'FRANKS' came 3 ways..Dirty water carts Nathan's, Grey's Papaya...Located to NJ, IT BECOMES A BRAND NEW WORLD....Italian hot dogs, Buff's, Dee's etc. fanatical fans..Then you have the Texas Weiner crowd...
Guess the point is tube steaks are territorial with a loyal following...

[dergottsmom]

All these posts and no one mentioned Pappy's in Totowa. My parents went there before I was born and I grew up on Falls View and Pappy's. And my son grew up on Pappy's. I still go there when I visit Jersey. Used to be able to buy their sauce to bring to Florida but they don't sell it anymore. I also enjoy Ruts Hut. Also no one has mentioned that the hot dog must be fried. It's not a Texas Weiner if it's grilled or boiled!

[hotdoglover]

Pappy's sells their sauce to go. I bought it as recently as 2 months ago. The Passaic/Clifton area Texas Weiners are deep fried. If you go near Plainfield, almost all of the places (Texas Weiner l, Texas Weiner ll, Red Tower, Manny's, J&G, etc.) use the Grote & Weigel griddle frank and prepare it on a griddle. Texas Weiner ll on rt 22 in Greenbrook has been preparing them this way since 1924 and Texas Weiner l in Plainfield started earlier. Back then Schickhaus was the frank of choice.

[zeed]

My all time favorite is Johnny & Hanges. When I get in town thats the first place I head. The Goffle Grill in Hawthorne isn`t bad either. I live in vegas and I was able to find the special thumans dogs for deep frying. Now I just need a sauce recipe. Can anyone help a starving north jersey boy? Thanks.

[hotdoglover]

My favorite Texas Weiner is from Pappy's Diner in Totowa. Great chili sauce; zesty with a combination of sweet and tangy flavors. The Hot Grill in Clifton and Libby's in Paterson are very good also.

[dergottsmom]

Oops! Missed this post. Never been to the Hot Grill but like Libbys.

[GuinnyfromJersey]

YEY!!! for Pappy's. John still makes the best "all the way" sauce I ever had!! The same recipe for over 35 years. AWESOME!!!!

[steve h.]

nash's in oakland, new jersey (ten seats or so at a counter) was my introduction to texas weiners. i would order two "all the way" and a root beer. probably took a half dozen napkins before i finished. then i would walk back home up longhill road. pain in the ass but worth it when you're 10.

[gudeatz]

It's probably hiding in plain sight....Unusual spelling?

[ChrisOC]

To me a Texas weiner is a hot dog with mustard, chili and raw onion, in that order. Here is a picture of one from the Hot Dog Hut in Ocean City NJ

[Passadumkeg]

I agree; like these? A buck a piece at George's Coney Island Dogs in Worcester, Ma.

[ChrisOC]

Just a heads up, unfortunately the Hot Dog Hut is no more :(

-----
Hot Dog Hut
3255 Asbury Ave, Ocean City, NJ 08226

The texas weiner is and has been my favorite food. I've tried many different texas weiner restaurants but the best by far has to be the J & G texas weiner in Dunellen NJ on north ave. The only thing hotter than the hot dogs is the PM waitress. Don't take my word for it, stop in and try them yourselves.

The Father & Son Lunchonette in Linden, New Jersey makes incredible Texas Weiners - I hope it's still there.... they were the best I ever had. Last time I visited 1990 or so, they were still going strong - and haden't changed anything since I was a child growing up there 50 years ago - and the weiners - were just as good as I remembered them.

JOHNNY & HANGES opened their doors origianlly on July 4th, 1939. They are famous for their "ALL THE WAY" Jersey Weiners. They are not considered Texas Weiners. The Restaurant was opened in Paterson closing the doors. The New owner contnued the same tradition with the EXACT ALL THE WAY chili sauce recipe. The food is by far the best around. You can order practicly everythin ALL THE WAY. Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, "Old School" Steak and Cheese, French Fries, Rounds. Everything is good with the sauce.

Johnny & Hanges is #1.

How do you get there?

Johnny and Hange's is off of rt 208 north in Fairlawn

Does anyone know the rescipe to Johnny and Hanges hot dog chile sauce? Please let me know. Wally Smith
[e-mail]

When Johnny and Hanges was In Paterson, NJ, the sauce was MUCH better than the sauce that is made at the new location in Fair Lawn, NJ.

What a treat to see Johnny & Hanges name here! They were part of my childhood in the 50's and 60's.

There was another joint in Paterson, of the same vintage, and THE PLACE for ice cream. It was located near the 10th Avenue Circle I think, on McLean Boulevard into the 1960's. The name was Toby's, and their specialty shake was called the Gizmo. Seems to me they served burgers and dogs too. Jeez, it's probably been 40 years since I tasted a Gizmo.

I am looking for a recipe or recipies for Texas Hot Weiner sauce. The best ones I've enjoyed had hamburgher, onions, some sort of tomato sauce and a spice I can't identify. Perhaps cummin? would appreciate any and all replys. Walter

[Ericpaulen]

My grandfather owned Toby's, and my family still owns the land there. I am 43 years old, and it's been closed for about 42 years. I sometimes talk to my brother about bringing it back!

[lilqq]

Do you have a photo of Toby's? I lived in the area and always went there--but can not find a photo anywhere.

[fred the fressor]

someone posted a photo on Facebook. Two girls in their dance outfits after a dance recital sitting at the counter.

[tommy]

I found a photo after digging a while:

http://bit.ly/jRd87O

[Passadumkeg]

I've eaten at Toby's for nearly sixty years!

[fred the fressor]

Wow, we are talking about 2 different places. If you mention "Toby's" to people from Paterson, you are talking about the restaurant on the 10th Ave. circle and McLean Blvd. It was owned by the Taub family and it was a real landmark.

Toby's Cup is outside of Philipsburg. I've never been there, but it sure looks like my kind of place.
http://www.hollyeats.com/TobysCup.htm

[Passadumkeg]

I didn't know there was any Toby's other than P-berg.
Back & forth to the homestead, near Hazleton and college in Allentown. A lot of stops over the years. don't you descend to the cook when entering?
I keep a print out of hollyeats in the glove box for my trips down to Nj. I was supposed to be there now, damn it.

[Sdenred]

Toby's rocks.

[Ericpaulen]

That was my grandfather's restaurant, Toby's. Our family still owns the land-everytime I hear a story about it, I get so sad that it's not still there.

[njmarshall55]

OT Post, so sorry...but any relation to Barry Milazzo...FLHS 73?

I've been gone from Jersey, since '76, but still have fond memories of the Texas Weiners in Plainfield, NJ.

In fact, I was just discussing them on Monday, with my uncle (83), and wondered if anyone knows where I can obtain some of the Schickhaus franks that they use (or at least used to use)? I've tried searching the web, but have come up empty.

Thanks,

Jack

Try search engine google. type in Schickhaus.I tried this and found that Delicous Orchards in Colts Neck sells them.

I just found this site that gives you the name of local dealers

Link: http://www.freshsale.com/brandshop/b/...

The one on Watchung Ave. is the best. I usually go there once a week. My mom still lives in Plainfield. When I go to visit I always have a couple of Death Dogs.

[johnnyb510]

I see that this review of Texas Wieners in Plainfield is many years old....but I grew up there and remember them at 25 cents for "the works"...Whenever back in town I get 8 w/the works....and eat 2 while driving back to LI and micro the rest when home....I have a recipe for a close chili sauce which is close...but the Schichouse dog cannot be duplicated...Johnny b

[spend1us]

I've had the one's at J&G's in Dunellen. To me they are equally as good.

Your right, the one on Watchung Avenue is the best.

Since I moved to West Palm Beach in 74, I've tryed to find the Shickhause Natural Casing Franks. They are not sold in Florida. If anyone knows of a meat supply house in Jersey that will ship to Florida please let me know. at [e-mail].

I would also like to find out how to make the Texas Weiner sause they use at the Watchung Avenue or Rt.22 Texas Weiner locations.

Thanks in advance
Al Sluzenski

Hello;

I too am searching frantically for those awesome Schickhaus Griddle Franks... THERE IS NO OTHER!!!

I've been in NC since 95,and have been feeining for that one of kind taste...

I went to Philly about the second week in October '05, had my mouth all twisted up for a Texas Weiner, walked into THE TW store, and they were using some ol' Pathmark or Shoprite crap hot dogs... I was furious!!!

Does ANY BODY know where I can get my hands on SCHICKHAUS GRIDDLE FRANKS???

Regards,
MIKE

[spend1us]

Mike, did you ever find them?!?!? I think most places are using Grote & Weigel dogs now.

[njmarshall55]

As of the date of this post, Grote & Weigel (of CT) is going out of business.

[jracpa]

Thumann's also makes an excellent griddle frank.

Is this not just a chili dog? That's what they're called in Texas and Oklahoma. I'd never heard of a "Texas Wiener".

I don't think it's close enough to call it a relative, but I'm wondering if the delicacy known as Frito Chili Pie is eaten outside of the TX/OK region.

[Passadumkeg]

Chimayo Joe, you can get a Frito Pie just south of Chimayo in Sante Fe. Very popular in New Mexico, but not in NJ or Maine either forthat matter.
Anyone old enough to remember the Greek's chile dogs on Ferry Street in South River? The start of a long addiction...

[kathclare]

My husband's family owned a "Texas Weinies" in New Jersey in the late 1940's early 1950's. Think this was the original, not sure

Libby's in Paterson, Hot Grill in Clifton, Johnny and Hanges in Fair Lawn (formerly of Paterson). My all-time favorite was Falls View in Paterson, which closed after someone was murdered in the parking lot. Someone bought the name, but when I tried the one in Pequannock a couple years ago, it wasn't very good. Haven't tried the one on 46 yet and probably won't.

What nostalgia! Is Johnny & Hanges still there?

Johnny and Hanges has moved to Fair Lawn under new owners. Tastes the same, but the restaurant looks cleaner.

[njmarshall55]

They also opened one up in AC.

You are absolutely right - Falls View in Paterson WAS the best. I spent a good amount of my teen-years there. They used to peel fresh potatoes for their fries and had the best Texas weiner sauce I've ever tasted. One of the former owners of the View opened a Falls View West in Vegas for a time. The one on Rt. 46 doesn't even come close to the original. And they don't yell out "two away two, frenchie one". They have computerized registers that print out the orders in the kitchen. Soooo disappointing. With the demise of the Rascal House on Rt. 46, which also served a respectible weiner, I now have to travel to Clifton to the Hot Grill (same owners as Rascal) for the next best thing. If you're into nostalgia, you've gotta read "Murder at the Falls" for a glimpse of the old place. To the best of my knowledge, though, it's all fiction. Long live the Jersey Texas weiner!!! (Which has no roots at all in Texas.)

I am an old fan of Falls View, Hot Grill and Rascals so I really appreciated this post when I came across it. I've been searching for a recipe for Texas Weiners ala Falls View style for a while now but to no avail.

Have you ever tried to make your own?

Thank you,

Steve

[Sdenred]

There is a Rascal's in Wanaque. I don't know if it is related to Rascal House or not.

[risasmom]

Well Craig, you've mentioned all of my favorites in NJ. I've been in Florida over 30 years and you guys have my mouth watering for some good ole' (real) Texas Weiners! Many years ago I went to Jersey for a family wedding and carried home (on the plane) 2 containers of Falls View Texas Weiner Sauce. No such thing here in Florida, they only have what they call chili dogs-no comparison though.

[ryunkin]

I probably go back further than you, and my father went back ever further yet. There was a railroad car diner on Ellison Street in Paterson that was owned by Jimmy the Greek, who it was said, invented the Texas Weiner. That was the first one I ever went to, because I lived on Lower Main Street, which was only 3 blocks away. I guess I was about 3 when my old man first took me there. My favorite grease pit, however, was Harry's on West Broadway in the Port Arthur building. Unfortunately, for this message board, Harry only did hamburgers, which he molded himself with the hairiest hands I've ever seen. As far as Texas weiner joints, there was Johnny and Hanges, Johnny and Norms in Hawthorne, Clixie's in Wyckoff, The 3 Vets on rte. 23 in Wayne, and some joint of Crooks Ave. on the border of Clifton and Paterson. And lest I forget, Fat Mike's in Hasbrouck Heights. As far as the dog itself, my father was partial to Hague's white dogs that didn't have any rat meat mixed in, like Sabrett's, or according to the delivery guy for Sabrett who claimed to have heard the rats squealing when the meat was being cut into dogs at the factory. Sabrett also put too much bread in their dogs. Incidentally, we were in the business briefly, just before my Dad passed away in 1967, so I do know a little bit about the business end of the texas weiner industry. The Hot Grill wasn't on our radar until much later when I was dating my wife, who grew up in Clifton. but I was very familiar with Libby's back in the late 40s when the line stretched past Pennington Park to buy dogs. Falls View couldn't get arrested back then.

[GuinnyfromJersey]

Ryunkin, very interesting thoughts. As someone who was born in Paterson and grew up in Totowa, I love to hear stories about that area from the past.

[njmarshall55]

Ever hear of a bar in that area called, The Widows? Just curious.

[fourunder]

Fat Mike's......hot dogs cooked in beer if not mistaken. I remember getting the BBQ Beef on a Bun there.

[ryunkin]

I'm not quite sure of the beer, because I had given up eating hot dogs when i bought a business in Hasbrouck Heights and noticed his stand next to the high school football field. My mother-in-law, however, was from Jersey City and had apparently known him when he lived there. Incidentally, I almost went into a partnership with Fat Mike Jr. after his father died and the stand was torn down. Jr. had built a commercial building on rte 17 down the block from the stand and wanted me to move in with a card shop. I declined the offer since I considered that highways were better for food joints than greeting card shops.

[njmarshall55]

I really miss THAT place!

[genebernascone]

To ryunkin,

It was refreshing to read your post about all the places in Paterson. All the places you mentioned, I can proudly say, I hit every one of them. I don't know about anywhere else in the country, but in my opinion, New Jersey has the best hot dogs. There's a few other places I remember. Right off Market Street was a tiny place called, "The Fat Man." He served some good food. Port Arthur Chinese Restaurant, Grady's Ribs, and so many more too numerous to mention. Here's another of my favorite places, Taylor's Mutton Pies on Union Avenue.

There was just such a study about maybe 3 years ago in the Star Ledger. I didn't save the article, but as I recall the Tx. weiner originated in Paterson, but exactly where is in dispute. Paterson still probably has more Tx Weiner places than anywhere else.
My own personal favorite is the Texas Weiner II on Rt 22 in North Plainfield. --Ken

Is that the one that used to be the Tower of Pizza? complete with leaning tower

[spend1us]

No it's on the corner of 22 and Washington Ave...

[spend1us]

Tower of Pizza has been a Hibachi restaurant.

[picc818]

Agreed - Texas Weiner II on Rt 22 in North Plainfield is great. Family owned and operated. They serve a great frank.

-----
Texas Weiner
100 Watchung Ave, Plainfield, NJ 07060

[spend1us]

Here is a recent picture of the one in Watchung Avenue in Plainfield.

[jetermacaw]

Nice!, had my first one with everything in the late 50s. I think they were 20 cents.

[spend1us]

In my own opinion the ones on Rt22 do not compare with the ones in Plainfield or J&G's in Dunellen.

[gravy1126]

i prefer the one in Dunellen... but also go to the one 22 here and there when i come up to NJ

[njmarshall55]

Just a quick late note...a Google search revealed 3 Tx Weiner spots in Plainfield now, all within blocks of each other.

Sounds interesting--an unknown phenomenon to this midwesterner. Can you give a little detail on what a Texas wiener is or the story behind it?

The Texas weiners in the Perth Amboy area were franks on a bun with mustard/onions and a dry meat sauce that looked like coffee grounds. I don't know what was in the sauce but it tasted great.

Kind of like a coney island -only dry?

Same animal different name - but greasy tasty and terrific

Used to get great Texas weiners at the Crystal Restaurant on Smith st. in Perth Amboy . Later one of the people from the Crystal had the Park Sweet shop in Woodbridge with the same great weiners. Interestingly there is still a place on Smith st. called the Texas weiner luncheonette. Its been there since the stone age but I don't know if its any good anymore.