Our own Madness bracket is here! Vote for your favorite hot dog in North Jersey
Happy March, New Jersey! The temperatures are rising, the birds are singing and it's time to pit the best of the best against each other in an elite bracket of betting and voting.
If you think we're talking basketball, however, think again — this is all about hot dogs.
For the next four weeks, you will be voting to help us name the top frankfurter in Jersey. Beginning with 16 dog spots (nominated by readers), voting will be open each week from midnight on Tuesday to 11:59 p.m. on Thursday. The winning restaurant in each pairing will advance to the next round until — by the end of the month — we arrive at the state's best link.
Here are the official rules for round one:
Sweet 16 voting guide:
Voting for this bracket begins at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, March 5, and ends at 11:59 p.m. Thursday, March 7.
You can vote once per matchup, per round.
Elite 8 voting will begin on March 12, featuring winners from the previous round.
Let's vote!
Without further ado, then, let's begin round one.
Vote below for the hot dog spots you think should move on to next week's top 8.
**NOTE: If the polls do not immediately load, refresh the page. The poll generally loads better on desktops and laptops rather than on mobile devices. If you have issues voting in the app, try using your browser. Also, avoid using Firefox browser.
Rutt's Hut vs. Jolly Nick's
Rutt's Hut might be the widely known dog spot in the Garden State. From the crests of Wildwood to the snow-capped peaks of Mountain Creek, it seems every Jersey resident is familiar with the nearly 100 year-old hole-in-the-wall and its deep-fried Ripper. Topped with house-made relish or flanked by a side of gravy fries, mountains of franks fly out of the restaurant each day. Go: 417 River Rd., Clifton; 973-779-8615, ruttshut.com.
Boasting near-perfect reviews on Google, Jolly Nick's is a hidden-gem spot in Dumont. Locally loved for the crispy skin of its links, the restaurant has gained quite an impressive reputation for a business that doesn't even have a website. Try its "Red" (mustard, onions and hot sauce) or "Blue" (relish and mustard) dogs, though, and that acclaim will make sense. Go: 31 E Madison Ave., Dumont; 201-501-0889.
Karl Ehmer vs. Jersey Johnny's
The Karl Ehmer cart is a Bergen County staple. Parked outside of the "high quality meat" purveyor's flagship store, it offers premium hot dogs at the standard you'd expect from trained butchers. Served in varieties from all beef to cheddar bratwurst, each frank is notably fresh and juicy. Go: 120 Broadway, Hillsdale; 201-664-1477, karlehmer.com.
Jersey Johnny's has two North Jersey locations, both of which are known for their hot dogs "all the way." Featuring flash-fried links topped with bean-less chili, mustard and diced onion, the Texas Weiners (as they are popularly called) are as nostalgic as they are delicious, and are a must-try if you find yourself in Woodland Park or Pequannock. Go: Woodland Park and Pequannock, jerseyjohnnysnj.com.
1950 Originals vs. Jimmy Buff's
Fans who mourned the loss of Callahan's iconic hot dogs dried their eyes this past October when former owner Artie Castranni's grandson Daniel DeMiglio opened 1950 Originals. Stocked with its own custom blend Thumann's dogs, the new spot serves classic franks inspired by its 20th-century predecessor alongside fun, contemporary creations. Our favorite dog on the menu? The sweet and spicy Honey Pepper Pimento. Go: 325 Broadway, Westwood; 201-275-0622, 1950originals.com.
If Italian hot dogs are your favorite type of franks, chances are your March Madness vote is going out to 88 year-old Jimmy Buff's. Located in West Orange (with a second shop in Kenilworth), the no-frills spot is known for its all-beef sausages — on European-inspired bread — topped with crispy potatoes, peppers and onions. For only $8 a piece, they're quite the hearty meal. Go: 60 Washington St., West Orange; 973-325-9897, jimmybuffs.com.
Johnny and Hanges vs. The Hot Dog House
A second spot known for its Texas Weiners, Johnny and Hanges is yet another North Jersey landmark. Originally opened over 80 years ago as a hot dog stand in Paterson, the restaurant is now located in Fair Lawn. Nearly eight decades later, however, the team still utilizes the same secret-recipe chili upon their dogs that the original owners invented in the 1900s. Go: 23-20 Maple Ave., Fair Lawn; 201-791-9060, facebook.com/johnnyhanges.
The Hot Dog House in Carlstadt is well-loved for its "world famous" Sabrett hot dogs, mouthwatering fresh toppings and vibrant yellow and blue exterior. As adorable as it is reputable, the restaurant calls itself the "best little hot dog house in Jersey," and looks like something out of a miniature Christmas village. Visit the cozy outpost and indulge in dogs served in varieties from Lily Kraut to Chicago. Go: 510 Route 17, Carlstadt; 201-935-5803, hotdoghousenj.com.
Hiram's Roadstand vs. Hot Dog Johnny's
Located in Fort Lee, Hiram's Roadstand is a Jersey institution. With a cult-following crazy for its chili dogs, kraut dogs and more, the spot is about as well known as exit 0, or Bruce Springsteen. If you have yet to visit, we urge you to do so ASAP — and make sure to order a side of cheese fries with whatever frank you choose. Go: 1345 Palisade Ave., Fort Lee; 201-592-9602, restaurantsnapshot.com/HiramsRoadstand.
Is Hot Dog Johnny's more famous for its hot dogs? Or being located in Buttzville? Because, if you visit another state, chances are they haven't had one of Johnny's dogs, but they have heard of the unfortunately-named town. Either way, the spot is another Garden State staple and — whether for the nostalgic vibes, killer frankfurters or photo-op next to the highway sign — travelers have flocked to it for 80 years. Go: 333 Route 46, Buttzville; 908-453-2882, hotdogjohnny.com.
J&G Texas Weiners vs. The Hot Grill
With Texas Weiners in its name, it's no secret what J&G in Dunellen is known for. Look beyond the restaurant's sign, however, and you'll find a full menu of meaty creations, each as loaded (and affordable) as the last. Imagine chili franks with hot, melted cheese or Italian hot dogs slathered in peppers and onions, and you have a basic idea of what the retro spot can do. Go: 238 North Ave., Dunellen; 732-968-4343, jgtexasweiners.com.
A North Jersey icon, we certainly weren't surprised when readers' nominations earned The Hot Grill a comfortable place in our coveted bracket. Serving Clifton for over 60 years, the acclaimed spot is locally famous for its all-the-way dogs — which, in our opinion, are notably more juicy, textured and flavorful than those of its competitors. With a side of gravy-smothered onion rings (trust us), they're a Garden State meal to die for. Go: 669 Lexington Ave, Clifton; 973-772-6000, thehotgrill.com.
JJ's Hot Dogs vs. Hank's Franks
JJ's Hot Dogs has been open in Newark since 1971 and, over the past 50 years, has gained a reputation for having the best dogs in the city. Operating out of a food truck for its five successful decades, the spot has been put on the map by its accessible prices (think multiple-topping franks for under $3), friendly service and, of course, delicious food. Recently, the team opened an official storefront in Fairfield, but we're still partial to the mobile yellow truck. Go: 230 Bloomfield Ave., Newark; 732-691-6714, jjshotdogs.com.
Drive through the heart of Lodi and chances are you'll notice that tiny, blue and white striped hot dog hut off the side of Route 46. Called Hank's Franks, the charming little joint has been serving Bergen County nothing but frankfurters since the mid-20th century — and it isn't slowing down anytime soon. Loved by TV personalities, food critics and local residents alike, the restaurant also offers chips and drinks, but that's about it. Go: 210 Route 46, Lodi; 973-473-8589.
Boulevard Dogs vs. Paul's Place
Boulevard Dogs has a lot going for it. The lively, energetic atmosphere simultaneously nods to generations past while entertaining youngsters, the passionate team never fails to please customers and the food is always cooked to perfection. Our favorite thing about the place, however, is its "gourmet dogs," which come topped with mac and cheese, bacon and more. Go: 206 Boulevard, Hasbrouck Heights; 201-272-1853, blvddogs.com.
If old-school digs are what you're looking for in your local hot dog joint, look no further than Paul's Place in West Milford. With bright blue stools fused to a 1950s-reminiscent counter, the spot will transport you right back to the golden age of poodle skirts and Buddy Holly. When accompanied by a dose of nostalgia, we swear the franks taste even better. Go: 1849 County Rd. 511, Hewitt; 973-728-2532.
Come back on Tuesday, March 12 to see who advanced to the Elite Eight.
North Jersey Eats' Favorite Hot Dog dates
Sweet 16: March 5-7
Elite 8: March 12-14
Final Four: March 19-21
THE FINALS: March 26-28
Winner announced Tuesday, April 2
Kara VanDooijeweert is a food writer for NorthJersey.com and The Record. If you can't find her in Jersey's best restaurants, she's probably off running a race course in the mountains. Catch her on Instagram: @karanicolev & @northjerseyeats, and sign up for her North Jersey Eats newsletter.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Best hot dog in NJ: Vote for the top North Jersey restaurant
