465475 Sat Dec 01 14:28:17 -0800 2007 47 20 Tristate Region 0 3171108 As every Jersey boy and girl knows, that lovely word 'Fuhgedaboudit!' may have multiple meanings ranging from righteous respect to righteous rancor. "Angelina Jolie? What a babe! Fuhgedaboudit!" Or "The New York Jets? The Super Bowl? Fuhgedaboudit!" Unfortunately for Rutt's Hut, in our opinion, if you're looking for great hot dogs, as they say in the more refined areas of Jersey, "Do kindly, and by all means, fuhgedaboudit!" Prompted by a Food Channel special that rated Rutt's as one of the ten best doggeries in America, with great expectations, we drove 50 minutes to Clifton so we might enter the 'holy temple of hot dogs" as it's been called. 'So let me tell you somethin', pal. If this here place is a holy temple, then count me in as an atheist.' We ordered our first pair of dogs done 'medium' as was suggested by a food critic. Blech! The pinkish, unappetizing looking sausages we received appeared to us as if they might be more at home in a jar of formaldehyde than in the pedestrian hot dog buns that reluctantly wrapped them. Fortunately, being damned near tasteless save for the cooking oil used to fry them, they tasted less bad than they looked. The much touted Rutt's Hut mustard relish was, to our palates, a dreadful concoction easily bettered by many right-out-of-the-jar store bought items. But onward we forged. We ordered our next pair of dogs 'well done', and though a significant improvement, I'd never recommend them to anyone. The Rutt's onion rings were okay, and definitely a cut above the usual frozen rings you'd expect in a diner. But had this been the 50's. I could have poured the grease remaining on my plate into my hair, and fashioned one helluva of a permanent pompadour. Rutt's is not remotely in the same league as Pink's in LA or any of the better Chicago doggeries, or even Poochies in Skokie. So here's some advice: You want a great hot dog?' Go to Wegmans, get yourself some Niman Ranch 'Fearless' beef franks, grill them up and serve one centered lovingly in a Martin's Potato Hot Dog Roll toasted gently on only one side. Dress it with a stripe of plain old deli mustard, and prepare to purr when you take that first bite. And for onion rings? Wasn't that what Tony Soprano was eating when it all went black? Fuhgedaboudit! Sat Dec 01 14:28:17 -0800 2007 122377 mmgpsych 1 3171137 An excellent review. Thank you. Sat Dec 01 14:36:26 -0800 2007 3171108 31617 bgut1 1 3171486 A "medium" and a "well done" huh? If you said an in-and-outer or a ripper or a cremator you'd have a bit of cred. Sat Dec 01 17:31:27 -0800 2007 3171108 50674 rockhopper 2 3171510 Now, now rockhopper...Be kind :-} Not everyone knows the language of the Rutt Hut. The review was very amusing. up until the whole Wegman's thing..And as for the potato roll. I think that's where the cred factor comes into play. No serious hot dogger would consider eating one of those leaden rolls. Sat Dec 01 17:46:08 -0800 2007 3171486 20921 Tay 3 3171697 If you want a really good hot dog take a trip to Fort Lee and eat at Hiram's. Sat Dec 01 19:38:11 -0800 2007 3171510 50093 Babs16 2 3172578 Seems like I may have skewered someone's sacred cow here, something I wouldn't ever do without sampling the cowflop on a bun this place serves. Didn't want to lengthen an already long piece with the explanation of the names (which I knew) when the goal was to post a large "Beware of this dog!" sign. Sun Dec 02 09:32:11 -0800 2007 3171486 122377 mmgpsych 1 3172109 Katz's Deli in Manhattan. Snaps when you bite into them, and they don't have to be deep fried to achieve that. Sun Dec 02 04:33:45 -0800 2007 3171108 64459 jnk 1 3172489 Wegmans, eh....Niman ranch? What do they know about dogs? Hoffmans Snappy Grillers to the rescue! Or better yet, Zwielgels Hots--red or white, now that's a dog. A potato roll? Why not searve it on a seat cushion? Or a brick? If you care to drive, try Jimmy Johns Pipin Hot on 202 in PA just above the DE line. ----the best! Sun Dec 02 08:58:26 -0800 2007 3171108 34547 Peghead 2 3172589 Have you had a Niman Ranch Fearless? Nitrite free, no antibiotics, with real beef flavor. Came in first place in four different blind taste tests. Try 'em. Sun Dec 02 09:35:32 -0800 2007 3172489 122377 mmgpsych 3 3172780 This much I understand, you are not a fan of Rutt's Hutt. Everyone has their preferences and this is not tops on your list. However, anyone who has not been to Rutt's yet I am sure will not be dissuaded by your review and will give it a try when the time becomes available and anyone who goes there now disagrees with your assessment. BTW, You cannot denigrate a venerable landmark institution like Rutt's Hutt and not expect to take a few hits. Rutt's is a dingy joint to say the least, but I believe your expectations were high and your experience deflated somewhat, by the appearance of the location. I know mine was the first time I went there and the appearance hasn't changed one bit for decades. If you could put that aspect aside, your opinion might be different. Hot Dogs, you either love them or you don't. I for one am a fan and I'm surprised (hotdoglover) has not entered this discussion yet. He is the undisputed authority on the subject of Tube Steaks in my humble opinion. I have not been to Chicago, so I cannot comment on the dogs there, but I have been to Pink's at the original location in Los Angeles and I have been to Rutt's Hutt many times, as it is my favorite hot dog. You are comparing apples to oranges when you say which is better. First, Pink's is a all beef and Rutt's is a beef and pork combination. Pink's is boiled and steamed in water, where as Rutt's is deep fried. Rutt's is all about the hot dog plain and simple. It's not about the toppings as evident by the additional cost for sauerkraut or chili. I for one absolutely love their house relish of cabbage and carrot. If you could suggest a better store bought condiment, please do, I am sure others in this discussion would be interested as well. When I went to Pink's a few years back, there were roughly 40 people ahead of me in line. It took one hour and forty-five minutes to reach the front and place my order, which took an additional 10 minutes to complete. To this day, my brother does not let me forget the experience, but as a food lover and being in the food business, my curiosity got the better of me and I needed to see how long the line would take and I wanted to realize why anyone would wait so long for a hot dog. Pink's hot dog is very good, and their Jalapeno dog was very good and different, but Pink's in my opinion is about the toppings and the combinations available. Bacon, okay but Pastrami, Corned Beef, Lettuce, Tomato and Guacamole on my hot dog? No thank you. The ordering process is chaotic at Pink's. When you place your order, one attendant handles everything....the dogs, the fries and the sodas. The employees literally bob and weave down the line like a prize fighter to avoid being hit. Very inefficient. I personally believe this practice is not changed to create the lines and the appearance of sensation. Rutt's on the other hand, serves their customers quicker and more efficiently with their less labor intensive process with stations and much more limited menu. My observation from an overall business perspective, I believe Rutt's is a better and more profitable place to own. I would not wait on the line at Pink's again if I believed it to be more than ten minutes to reach the front of the line and place my order. As for all the other toppings available, I'll leave them for when i order nachos. Sun Dec 02 11:08:52 -0800 2007 3172589 123497 fourunder 4 3172804 fourunder That was an excellent, excellent posting. Thank you. Every July 4th the local Public station shows a special on Hot Dogs. Although it was filmed some years ago, they featured both Rutt's and, believe it or not, a hot dog truck that parks somewhere off one of the NJ highways. The 'chef'/ owner is a graduate of the CIA and has devoted himself to the art of the dog. If I can track down the location, I willl post it. Sun Dec 02 11:17:57 -0800 2007 3172780 20921 Tay 5 3173608 jfood had a disappointing, let's rephrase that, somewhat lousy pastrami sandwich in fairfield and when mrs jfood asked if the jfood could go to fairfield lighting on the way home, jfood said, "sure." Why. Super Duper is next door. Line was out the door yesterday and jfood was in heaven as he bit into the best dog in ffd county. there is only one dog that beats super duper (and in memory only) and that was Don;s in Livingston NJ. Sun Dec 02 17:22:07 -0800 2007 3172804 11290 jfood 4 3172941 Rutt's Hut. I've found that people either love em or hate em. There is no middle ground. I would like to get into this in greater detail, but I currently have no computer and am using one in the library and my session is up in 2 minutes! I'll get back in afew days. Sorry I'm coming across this topic now rather than earlier. Sun Dec 02 12:27:10 -0800 2007 3172780 11964 hotdoglover 5 3173005 Tay, The place you are referring to is Super Duper Weenie in Fairfield, Conn. They have since moved into a building. The owner/chef is Gary Zemola. Rutt's Hut may be an aquired taste. As I've said, it seems people either love or hate their dogs. My family refusues to eat them. I, myself love them. The dog is a quality Thumann's frank that is made specifically for deep frying. It has 2 extra ingredients that cause the dogs to puff up and withstand the high temperatures of deep fat frying. As fourunder stated, it's like comparing apples and oranges when you talk about well seasoned beef dogs and milder (but with a wide range of flavors) beef and pork dogs. Then there is the method of cooking. Some people just don't like a deep fried hot dog. I prefer the Rutt's dog well done, or in Rutt's speak, a "weller". Good crispy exterior with soft tender meat on the inside. Mild, subtle tasting dog, that to me is delicious. And the relish is unique. I don't really like relish, but I love Rutt's. Hirams uses the same dog as Rutt's, but at Rutt's the dogs are fried in beef tallow. It makes a difference. I would suggest that everyone passing by Rutt's should stop in but I can't guarantee that you would like it. I've taken people there who promised never to return. Others now come back more than I do. My wife and kids hate Rutt's. My father and brother say it's the best hot dog they've had by far. Taste is subjective. I also love a good grilled beef dog with nothing but mustard. Chicago dogs are overrated although I enjoy them more now than I first did. With a good quality dog you don't need a lot of things thrown on top. A few years ago I compared some Niman Ranch dogs, ($8.99 a lb) some Lobels dogs, ($14.99 a lb) and some Nathan's ($4.50 a lb). All good, but I preferred the Nathan's. Just a better blend of spices. Niman Ranch has a unique spice that you may or may not like. But it's worth trying everything. A lot of fun for me is finally trying a hot dog that I've heard and read about and finally getting to form my own opinion. Even when I've travelled a bit and didn't like the dog, my curiosity has been satisfied. The best dog is the one you like best. Sun Dec 02 12:56:05 -0800 2007 3172941 11964 hotdoglover 6 3173025 Well put hotdoglover. Thank you. Sun Dec 02 13:05:44 -0800 2007 3173005 31617 bgut1 6 3173034 hotdoglover So that's it. SuperDuper Weenies? I thought it was a truck parked somewhere in NJ not Conn. So much for what I know lol! Now I'll never find it! Thanks for the info. :-} Here's the site for anyone else that's interested. http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Overview.aspx?RefID=357 Sun Dec 02 13:11:42 -0800 2007 3173005 20921 Tay 4 3173198 To fourunder: That's exactly the point. That Rut's *is* a 'venerable institution' and, as such was a huge disappointment both to me and to my wife. BTW, I *loved* the appearance of the place. Bad assumption. I grew up in Brooklyn in the 50's and used to bike up Ocean Parkway from Ave J to Coney Island for the *real* Nathan's dogs, and the french fries fried in the same oil they hadn't changed since before WWII. So, er, I love grunge of all kinds. I especially loved the sign in Rutt's that said 'Don't sit on the counter' considering that the counter was so tall only an NBA center might have made it up. And agree with me or not. Take hits or not. I calls them like I taste them. We're off to try Nicholas this Thursday. More later Sun Dec 02 14:44:58 -0800 2007 3172780 122377 mmgpsych 5 3173562 Having finally made the trip to Rutt's earlier this year, I have to completely concur with mmgpsych. BUT...people who grew up going to Rutt's have explained to me that they love the place for the nostalgia factor (we went after every jr. high dance/funeral/trip to Corrado's, etc.) and not so much for the taste of the dogs. Hell, one friend who is a VEGETARIAN went there this summer b/c his father was in the area and it was a trip down memory lane for the whole family. And yes, he had a ripper and raved about how good it was. (HUH?) Imo, the place is dumpy, I thought the hot dogs were terrible, the relish was interesting, and now I can say I've been there. The guy who took me had been raving about this trip for months while he was on the west coast, and seeing him enjoy it was fun, but I have no need to go back, and have no problem saying so. I understand what it means to some people, but I'm just not one of them. Sun Dec 02 17:05:43 -0800 2007 3173198 104149 Curlz 5 3173688 mmgpsych, We disagree on these three issues for sure: 1. I like Rutt's hot dog, You do not 2. I like the Rutt's House Relish, You do not 3. Fuhgedaboudit Rutt's? I don't think so. I do not know which program you reference you viewed on the Food Network, but I did see the Hot Dog Program (Tay) mentioned, and the entire operation and products Rutt's serves was clearly profiled. I can only surmise the program you viewed was just as informative, by the similar type profile segments they produce for other shows. If The FN did in fact show the kitchen, the oil fryer and the hot dog....maybe the onion rings and relish too..........how high of expectations could you have possibly had to be so disappointed? Do you feel you were deceived in some way the production of the program you saw and the final product you purchased and consumed? We are talking hot dogs here. I know all about disappointment when it comes to food and the bottom half of an order of Onion Rings from Rutt's is on my list, but to dismiss Rutt's for the sole reason you had a let down and tell people to Fuhgedaboudit is denying them an opportunity to experience Americana in it's purest and simplest form. The history and traditions of many families include Rutt's past experiences. As a food trekker, where can there be disappointment in finally experiencing one of the most famous Hot Dog places in the country. You have to at least appreciate the success and story of Rutt's and it's history. The one fact I see in all your comments is you prefer all beef hot dogs, well seasoned in natural casings similar to the one you enjoyed at Nathan's growing up. I enjoy them just as you, but I also enjoy a beef and pork Thumann's hot dog too. I like them both. There are obviously some very poor quality hot dogs available in stands and stores for purchase. Thumann's hot dogs do not fall in that category and you are the first person I can recall to describe them as tasteless. My tastes are no better than yours and I am not trying to convince you to change your opinion of Rutt's or their hot dog. My only true disagreement with your original comments were that Rutt's is not worthy of a visit to experience and form your own opinion......another bad assumption? I hope you find Nicholas without disappointment. Enjoy the Holidays with your family and friends. Sun Dec 02 17:54:14 -0800 2007 3173198 123497 fourunder 1 3173610 First, I agree with your assessment of Rutt's Hut. The hot dogs are just ok, the mustard-type condiment is tasteless, and there is nothing about the place that really makes you want to come back for more. I heard all of these great and legendary tales of Rutt's Hut, and when I went--I felt like saying, "So what?" With that being said, most people have very strong feelings about their hot dogs. I personally feel it's because hot dogs are very nostalgic for most of us. Let's face it, we don't eat hot dogs because they are a great form of nutrition--we eat them because they really bring you back to a simple time in your life. I grew up eating dirty water dogs from street vendors throughout the metropolitian area, and so that is the way I like my dogs. My favorite is Petridis in Bayonne. I'd take a dog with kraut and a cold Yoo-hoo from there anyday! It brings back great memories for me. Sun Dec 02 17:23:10 -0800 2007 3171108 29253 kimie 2 3180160 Petridis, Kimie will you marry me? Yes, I live 40 miles away but still travel there for the dirty water dogs & a YooHoo! I must agree that I traveled to Rutt's Hutt after all of the hoopla & was underimpressed. In fact, I headed down Rt 3 to the Pike, to Bayonne to go to Petridis afterwards. Another great, deep-fried dog is Amazing Hotdog in Verona, NJ. They use Best dogs on Martin's potato rolls (sorry guys, they're good). Well worth a visit. Tue Dec 04 18:31:00 -0800 2007 3173610 82574 jethro 3 3180935 Amazing is very good, although the bacon-wrapped dog wasn't as good as I had hoped for; go for the classic (good fries, too). Also nearby is Jimmy Buff's in East Hanover on Rt. 10, where the Italian dog is a hefty, delicious lunch and a half. Wed Dec 05 05:24:12 -0800 2007 3180160 12622 Striver 1 3174713 Well, I made a first time pilgrimage a few weeks ago before the Jets/Steelers game. The ambience is perfect for a hot dog joint. I ordered a pair of rippers and onion rings. Onion rings were very good in the "breaded" style, hot dogs were good -- nothing special. Speaking of Wegmans, I don't think the Rutt's dogs can compare to Ted's hot dogs -- which are made with Sahlens dogs (available at Wegmans) and charcoal grilled till blackened and ripped. IMO, Ted's are superior -- more flavor to the dog, and the charcoal grilling is better than deep frying (though similar in causing the dog to split open). Also, Ted's onion rings (in the "floured" style) are phenomenal. I understand how people can be devoted to a Rutt's -- it is tasty and different. But having had Chicago dogs in Chicago, dirty water Sabretts and Hebrew National in NYC, Rutt's, and a few places out West, I'll stick with Ted's. I don't "get" the California thing -- it's all about what you put on a generic hot dog, not the hot dog or preparation itself. Mon Dec 03 07:18:25 -0800 2007 3171108 10814 sbp 1 3180066 Having eaten hot dogs at virtually every place that serves them in northern NJ, I can say that Rutt's are overrated. Nostalgia does not make the dogs taste better. There are several places nearby that are better - much better. Try Libby's Lunch in Paterson, Pappy's Diner in Totowa, or Falls View in Elmwood Park. These all serve Texas Weiners, and, imho, all blow the doors off or Rutt's. If you feel like driving 50 miles, Hot Dog Johnnie's in Buttzville is also terrific. Tue Dec 04 17:51:28 -0800 2007 3171108 16397 Hugh DeMann 2 3181159 i have a hard time comparing texas weiners with what Rutt's Hut does. Libby's, Pappy's and Falls View all special in Texas weiners, and Rutt's does not. I have a hard time ordering a dog at any of those places unless it's covered in chili sauce and onions. At Rutt's I'm more than happy to suck 3 or 4 down with just mustard. It's all really just a matter of taste. Suggesting that Rutt's is overrated or no good really isn't saying much. Rutt's has plenty of fans and so do the other places. Wed Dec 05 07:12:38 -0800 2007 3180066 11892 tommy 3 3181818 Skip over Hot Dog Johnny's and go further south to Toby's Cup in Phillipsburg. Tiny green shack on the side of Rt. 22 that's been there since the 30's. Great deep-fried dogs that rival those of Rutt's Hut. Definitely worth the trip if you're a dog lover. Wed Dec 05 10:18:10 -0800 2007 3181159 147989 taylor04 4 3185753 Where exactly is Toby's Cup? I once spent an hour looking for a hot dog stand in P'Burg by the river; turned out it's either closed or only open in the summer. Is Toby's open all year? Thu Dec 06 13:50:50 -0800 2007 3181818 16397 Hugh DeMann 5 3185910 Hugh, Toby's is in the westbound lane of Route 22 as you drive towards P'Burg. Suggest you do a search to get the address and perhaps a map location. If you don't know where it is, it's easy to fly by! Thu Dec 06 14:36:24 -0800 2007 3185753 57768 ambrose 3 3181831 It seems that here in the Northeast we like our dogs with not much on them, a little mustard, kraut, or onions. Out Chicago and west they put so much stuff on the dogs you can't even find them. Just a cultural thing, I suppose. Personally, I'm a grilled-dog person. Papaya King, Katz, etc are my hot dog heavens. Hard to find a good grilled dog in NJ. I think PK opened somewhere in Clifton, but I don't know where. Deep fried, not for moi. Wed Dec 05 10:19:57 -0800 2007 3181159 21702 menton1 4 3181870 Papaya king opened at The Corrado's Wholesale Plaza. It's located at the intersection of Getty and Crooks Avenue easily reached from Interstate Route 80, Madison Avenue exit, or State Highway 46, Crooks Avenue exit. It is more expensive than NYC Wed Dec 05 10:31:25 -0800 2007 3181831 123497 fourunder 5 3185037 Is that inside the original Corrado's or on the next block? Funny that in NJ it's MORE expensive than in NYC; how do they justify that?? Thu Dec 06 10:30:07 -0800 2007 3181870 21702 menton1 6 3185346 volume. or lack thereof. Thu Dec 06 11:49:44 -0800 2007 3185037 11892 tommy 6 3187658 Corrado's Wholesale is on the north eastern corner of Crook's Avenue and Getty Avenue, Papaya King is located in a separate retail store with it's own entrance next to the Corrado's Wine Making store, not inside any Corrado's store. Corrado's Family Market is across the street on the south western side of Getty Avenue. Fri Dec 07 08:02:45 -0800 2007 3185037 123497 fourunder 3 3185742 If we conclude that it's "all really just a matter of taste", then those who like McDonald's can make the same claim. However, I haven't been to Rutt's in a long time, so I'll zip over and try a few. Back at ya. Thu Dec 06 13:49:00 -0800 2007 3181159 16397 Hugh DeMann 4 3192085 Interesting comments about nostalgia, atmosphere and other factors that may enhance the overall experience. For me, these things may make the experience better, but they don't make the hot dog TASTE any better. If a dog is mediocre, I don't care how nice the place is, how many memories it brings back from childhood, etc; I just won't go back. Hot Dog Johnny's, in my opinion, serves a mediocre hot dog. But it is very popular. Part of the reason is that people do like their hot dogs and would disagree with me. Those from West Jersey/PA prefer milder dogs. But a big reason for its popularity is the bucolic setting near the Pequest River and the nostalgia factor. Toby's is much, much better. The brand used, Berk's, tastes better, the dog is fried in peanut oil, and just tastes darn good. Small, inexpensive, and your car smells like it for days. I call Toby's the White Castle of hot dogs. Interesting that some who dislike Rutt's Hut like Libby's, Hiram's, Goffle Grill, etc. These places all use the same Thumann's dog for deep frying. I actually prefer the Rutt's dog to these other places because you can get one well done and Rutt's fries their dogs in beef tallow. I don't care about trans fats. Hot dogs are not health food anyway. This recipe is different than the Thumanns griller, which is sold in supermarkets and delis in the blue and white package. I love the Thumann's griller. In my opinion, there is no better beef/pork dog. Although I love deep fried dogs and eat what I'm in the mood for, most of the time I'll take a griddled Thumann's over the deep fried version. The Sahlen's dog served at Ted's is very good. Sahlen's, which is hard to find around here (North Jersey) is one of my 5 favorite mixed meat (beef/pork) dogs. I would rate a Ted's dog over a Rutt's Hut dog, but would rate a Thumann's griller from Rosco's over a Ted's dog. The Griller has more flavor than the dog made for frying, and most of the time I prefer grilling. Before Sahlen's was available here, someone invited me over to sample some that were brought down from Buffalo. I took some Thumann's to compare. Both dogs were great, but he preferred Sahlen's and I liked the Thumann's. Sun Dec 09 03:56:22 -0800 2007 3185742 11964 hotdoglover 1 3240667 A lot of it is nostalgia. I was ordering my usual (a cup of chicken soup, an order of fries well done, and two rippers with a lemonade) WELL into my 20's. It finally dawned on me at the age of 28 "Gee, you can have BEER now!" Such as it's ingrained in memory. Yes it's love 'em or hate ;em...but I love 'em. :) Thu Dec 27 13:32:36 -0800 2007 3171108 152782 Ant928 1 3762410 I've been wanting to hit this place for years, and finally made it last night. Verdict? Well, it's a decent dog, but not the revelation I had hoped for. The ripper is certainly tasty, but I didn't get the expected contrast in texture from skin to inside I was looking for. I tried the Cremator (why not?) and, while I've never eaten a charcoal briquet, I imagine that is exactly what it tastes like. Wow, I can't imagine anyone actually wanting to eat one of those. The onion rings were indeed top notch, and the chili was very nice, not too many beans, good consistency, nice amount of heat. Gotta love the place for its old school vibe, but I don't think it's worthy of destination status unless you're in the immediate area. Mon Jun 09 04:47:21 -0700 2008 3171108 12431 biskuit 2 4867317 A year late but apples and orange dicussion here. Dirty water dogs and Rutts Hutt are as similar as Chicken Parm and Cattiatore. And stops at roadside hotdog buffets are as much laced with nostalgia for those people as the signs forbidding Rutts Hutts denizens to hurl anything over the chin link fence onto Rt 21. RH is unquestionably a Top 10 hot dog haunt in this United States of America. Hot Dog Johnnys: location, location, location. Fri Jul 17 09:14:05 -0700 2009 3762410 1089066 pktaske 3 4867385 I go to Rutts occasionally, but I can only eat 'outside'. The bar and dining area are gross, I don't think they even wipe the tables between clients. Sticky tabletops I can't deal with. Fri Jul 17 09:38:01 -0700 2009 4867317 1090450 johnlockedema 1 4979101 Rutts Hut may serve the absolute worst hot dog on the face of the earth. I agree totally with your review. I am tired of hearing from folks that say Rutts is a good dog. These folks are simply amused by the novelty of the place and its old fashioned character and the novelty of the clever name Rutts Hut. The place could use a good cleaning too. The ugliness of the dog is a conversation piece, however, the only thing worse than the disgusting look of a Rutt's Hut hot dog, is the disgusting taste of a Rutt's Hut hot dog. You have heard of dogs in "natural casings". Well Rutt's serves dogs in "shoe leather casings". This is the only hot dog stand that I know of that serves a bad tasting dog encased in a hard crust that tastes like burnt cardboard. Rutts is a good place to get an oil change for your car. You can drain the oil from your car while waiting for your order. Then you can refill the crankcase with the grease drippings sqeezed from the bun. In fact if not for the grease saturated in to the bun, the bun would be hard enough to chip your teeth. I have been stopping and eating at roadside hot dog stands for 36 years. I have probably eaten at about 1000 places around the country. Rutts ranks somewhere around 999. There has to be at least one hot dog stand somewhere in the world that is worse, but I haven't yet found it If you like bad food, and want to immediately clog your arteries, then Rutts is your place. Not Rutts Hut Hot Dogs....It should be called Rutts' Hut Hot Dog Food. Wed Aug 26 08:21:44 -0700 2009 3171108 1104605 Sally Potatoes 2 4979132 I think I may have said it earlier, but I can't eat inside because it's, well, disgusting. That said I stopped by yesterday and had two 'wellers' and a cup of Foster's. The dogs were great, no oil whatsoever in the buns, ate them standing up at the counter. We'll have to agree to disagree. Wed Aug 26 08:29:07 -0700 2009 4979101 1090450 johnlockedema 2 4979219 Welcome to chowhound. looking forward to reading more of your reviews. Wed Aug 26 08:51:20 -0700 2009 4979101 11892 tommy 1 4983112 We'll have to agree to disagree. Not sure what you were expecting from a hot dog fried in the fryer. Hiram's is pretty much the same, though I always get chili there and just the "relish" at Rutt's. A Danish friend told me the relish what they call remoulade- cabbage, caulflower, ett boiled in apple juice with mustard seed in it. Sounds about right. My current fave is Crif's in NYC- they wrap their fried dogs in bacon, and have many toppings- but the dogs taste the same. Certainly not tasteless, but not a spicy dog like a Usinger's, which I had at Big Daddy's in NYC. That was a good dog. What I like about Rutt's- besides the obvious nostalgia, I've been going since I had to use the kid's counter- is the crunch of the dog (ripper) vs. the sweet mush of the relish. Admittedly there are no real strong flavors here. It's a grease pit. The rings have gotten a lot better. They used to be a bag of mess. Now actual rings that stay together! Thu Aug 27 11:25:48 -0700 2009 3171108 1100876 Tommy Salami 2 4988420 Rutt's is a roadside sh*thole and the dogs aren't top-notch as mmgspych noted . It's just a tradition like fruitcake and eggnog for the holidays. Not really that tasty, but you do it anyway. Goffle Grill, the dearly departed Clixes and Hot Grill all superior IMO to Rutt's. Hot Grill's chili is the best. http://www.thehotgrill.org/video.html Sat Aug 29 10:10:52 -0700 2009 4983112 1105500 onealltheway 3 5022668 As Libby's Lunch in Paterson still good? Used to be the best. Regarding Hot Dog Johnnie's: yes, the location is great, and it has the nostalgia thing going for it. But it just so happens the hot dogs are really delicious also. And the buttermilk - in a chilled real glass mug - along with a dog with everything (mustard, onion, and pickle)...what can I say? We drive 30 minutes out of our way to eat there every time we are nearby. Fri Sep 11 12:11:06 -0700 2009 4988420 16397 Hugh DeMann 1 5103481 Great review! Sounds like this place really sucks, and there's no need for me to try them out. Keep up the good work! Wed Oct 14 15:26:22 -0700 2009 3171108 1116375 andrew9132 2 5103700 Andrew, Go and try Rutt's Hut. Then form your own opinion. This place elicits the widest range of opinions when it comes to hot dogs. My wife and kids hate the place while my father and brother loved it when they went. I can't guarantee that you will like it, but I have taken people there who love it so much that they are regulars and go more than I do. Even if you don't like it, it will be worth the experience. Wed Oct 14 16:55:47 -0700 2009 5103481 11964 hotdoglover 3 5104038 My parents grew up in Clifton and Passiac, right around the corner from rutts, and I have been going for years and years, It is hard to find a better hot dog! Hotdoglover is correct that it is a love or hate place, I reccomend a creamated dog and well done 'onions' (rings) and 'frenchies' (fries)....and don't forget the yahoo! I am craving rutts right now....hmmmmmm Wed Oct 14 19:24:57 -0700 2009 5103700 1099692 mcllmlathd