Tim Farrell I The Star-Ledger

by Peter Genovese I NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Forget New York or Chicago — if you like hot dogs, New Jersey is the center of the hot dog universe.

There are probably more hot dog trucks, carts and storefronts crammed into Passaic, Essex, Bergen and Union counties than any comparably-sized area in the country.

Birthplace of the Italian hot dog? Newark, Jimmy Buff's, 1932.

Birthplace of the chili dog or Texas weiner? Paterson or Plainfield, take your pick (both cities claim the honor).

My ranking is based on not just the taste and quality of the hot dogs, but history, tradition, atmosphere and overall dining experience. Props to hot dog expert extraordinaire John Fox for telling me about newer places I should visit. Check out Hot Dog Nation on FB.

Let the arguments begin!

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Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

25. Moon Dog Grill, Moorestown

South Jersey, sad to say, is a hot dog wasteland, or at least compared to North Jersey, where there seems to be a hot dog joint or cart on every corner. Ira Gutman, co-owner of the Moon Dog Grill, formerly owned the Cool Dog Cafe in Cherry Hill; Moon Dog offers a similarly eclectic menu, and yes, you can still get the Anthony Weiner Wiener. Feeling brave? Try the Atomic Terminator, with spicy red pepper relish, jalapenos,spicy mustard and Kaboom Sauce. Moorestown Mall, 400 Route 38; Moorestown; (856) 206-9773.

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Peter Genovese I The Star-Ledger

24. Galloping Hill Inn, Union

Galloping Hill Inn at Five Points in Union is a Jersey hot dog landmark; it opened in 1925. Old-timers and locals still call it Peterson's. You can get burgers and cheesesteaks, but Galloping Hill made its rep with dogs; get one with the sweet or hot relish. 325 Chestnut St., Union; (908) 686-2683.

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Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

23. Texas Weiner I, Plainfield

Plainfield may well be the birthplace of the Texas weiner or chili dog; both the Queen City and Paterson claim the honor. Texas Weiner I, which opened in 1924, is the granddaddy of New Jersey chili dog joints. Its glass storefront offers a great sidewalk view of dogs on the grill. A chili dog, of course, is a must; sit on one of the swivel stools at the counter. 100 Watchung Ave., Plainfield; (908) 756-5480.

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Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

22. Sonny's Hot Dogs, Neptune

Sonny's Hot Dogs is among the new wave of Jersey hot dog joints: dozens of hot dog options, enhanced with subdued lighting, neon, and a handsome, vintage-looking bar made by the owner. The menu offers the requisite Boss Dog and Bon Jovi dog; there are 30-plus kinds in all, from a Jersey dog (chili, kraut, sport peppers, dill pickle, mustard) and Texan (bacon, baked beans, BBQ sauce) to the Mac Piggy Dog (homemade mac and cheese) and the Volcano Dog (chili, crushed cherry peppers, jalapenos, cayenne peper sauce). 2200 Route 66, Neptune; (732) 455-3525

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Ed Murray I The Star-Ledger

21. Jerry's Famous Frankfurters, Elizabeth

The "dirty water dog'' — a boiled hot dog — is North Jersey tradition, and Jerry's Famous Frankfurters offers an interesting twist — a boiled water dog (in this case, from Best's in Newark) finished off in a pan. The original owner started selling dogs from a cart at the Peterstown market; the storefront opened in the 50s. The current owner is Miguel Patrikios, who is proud the stand never closes — for Christmas, New Year's, or anything else. 902 2nd Ave., Elizabeth; (908) 355-4242.

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Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

20. Maui's Dog House, North Wildwood

Maui's Dog House in North Wildwood offers a head-spinning variety of dogs (the Horsey dog, with the ground horseradish and spicy mustard, is shown here) and toppings (29 in all). The place gets so busy it advises reservations on summer weekends. It's a fun, open-air hangout. One must-try: the salty balls, small potatoes cooked in brine and spices. Bet you can't eat just one. 806 New Jersey Ave., North Wildwood; (609) 846-0444.

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Ed Murray I The Star-Ledger

19. Dickie Dee's, Newark

It's busy, it's noisy, it's cramped, it's a food legend. Dickie Dee's, open since 1958, would be in the charter class of the New Jersey Hog Dog Hall of Fame. The Italian hot dog, cooked in bubbling hot oil right in front of you, is justly famous. Yes, there was a guy named Dickie Dee; he and his wife Toni Dee were former owners. 380 Bloomfield Ave., Newark; (973) 483-9396.

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Peter Genovese I The Star-Ledger

18. The Hot Grill, Clifton

The Hot Grill offers the "World's Tastiest Texas Wieners'' (outside sign) or "World's Testiest Texas Wieners'' (inside sign). Call me crazy, but I prefer the former. You could call Clifton the hot dog capital of New Jersey, with New Corral and Rutt's Hut also on this list. I'm not a big fan of the Hot Grill's chili, but you can't argue with the place's popularity. 669 Lexington Ave, Clifton; (973) 772-6000.

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17. The New Corral, Clifton

The New Corral in Clifton looks like a typical Greek diner, with counter, swivel stools and abundant stainless steel, but their chili dog is top-notch. It's not the usual nutmeg-y Passaic County chili; the Corral's is spicier and more tomatoey. And better than the Hot Grill, in my mind. 499 Hazel St., Clifton; (973) 772-0941.

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Aristide Economopoulos I The Star-Ledger

16. Jimmy Buff's, West Orange

The Italian hot dog started at Jimmy Buff's, 9th Street and 14th Avenue in Newark, in 1932. That location is home to another hot dog stand, but Buff's still remains, with locations in Kenilworth and West Orange. The latter is a trip, a hot dog diner where you can see and hear the hot dogs and potatoes popping in the hot oil. 60 Washington St., West Orange; (973) 325-9897.

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Peter Genovese I The Star-Ledger

15. Charlie's Famous Italian Hot Dogs, Union

Jimmy Buff's is the legend, but for Italian hot dogs, I'd give the slight edge to Charlie's Famous Hot Dogs, formerly in Kenilworth, now in Union. I chose Charlie's over Buff's as a judge in a Travel Channel Food Wars episode, so I'll stay consistent. Both serve excellent Italian hot dogs. 2576 Route 22, Union; (908) 624-1212.

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14. Tower Dogs, Lawrenceville

What does the head chef at a Princeton University dining club (the Tower) want to do most of all? Start a hot dog truck, then a hot dog storefront. Jim Forkel's hot dogs remain a hit among Princeton students, and now you can get them at Tower Dogs in Lawrenceville. They range from a PLT Dog (pork roll, cheese, lettuce, tomato, buffalo mayo) and Irish Dog (bacon-wrapped dog with Guinness cheese sauce) to the Carolina Dog, with chili, yellow mustard, onions, paprika and cole slaw. My favorite: the Famous Chili Dog, with spicy brown mustard and cheese. 4110 Quaker Bridge Road, Lawrenceville; (609) 269-9056.

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Peter Genovese I The Star-Ledger

13. Destination Dogs, New Brunswick

Probably no other place in New Jersey has pushed the hot dog envelope quite like Destination Dogs in New Brunswick, which started as a small storefront on Spring Street and now commands prime space at the corner of Paterson and Joyce Kilmer. The attraction here: hot dogs inspired by global cuisines - Spain, Chile, France, Argentina, Greece and more. My favorite is probably the Vietnamese-influenced Bun Mi, a sausage with shaved foie gras, pickled vegetables, fresh jalapenos, cilantro and srirachi mayo. 101 Paterson St., New Brunswick; (732) 993-1016.

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Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

12. Apple's Deli and Catering, Springfield

The Syd's dog. Any Jersey hot dog fanatic will swoon upon hearing those words; the all-beef Best's dog, boiled then grilled, was the draw at legendary Newark hot stand Syd's. There was a Syd's location at the Millburn Mall, but it closed ten years ago. Matt Applebaum, former co-owner of since-closed Amazing Dogs in Verona, has just opened Apple's, in the old Evergreen Deli in Springfield. There's just one hot dog on the menu. Guess which one. Toss on some mustard and kraut, you're in hot dog heaven. 529 S. Springfield Ave., Springfield; (973) 921-0711.

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Peter Genovese I The Star-Ledger

11. Andys' Roadside Dive, Mount Arlington

Yes, it's Andys' Roadside Dive, after the two owners, both named Andy. The hot dog truck is perched at the edge of Lake Hopatcong. These are definitely not your grandmother's hot dogs; toppings/filings include nachos, Cajun cole slaw, and spicy beaked beans. My favorite: the Nacho Dogito (pictured), with chili, cheddar sauce, crumbled Doritos and sliced jalapenos. 443-445 Howard Blvd., Mount Arlington.

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Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

10. Karl Ehmer Meats, Hillsdale

I don't know about you, but I think every deli or meat store should have someone grilling hot dogs out on the sidewalk; that's the charm at Karl Ehmer Meats, celebrating its 85th anniversary this year (it started in NYC). The beef/pork hot dogs are made by Kocher, a German butcher in Fort Lee. The park across the street makes for a great lunch spot. 120 Broadway, Hillsdale; (201) 664-1477.

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9. Boulevard Drinks, Jersey City

Boulevard Drinks is a hot dog joint right out of Hollywood Hot Dog Central Casting, with its walk-up counter, bright orange/yellow interior and a flickering red and green neon sign. The booths and lighting are so bright they might hurt your eyes. Located across the street from Journal Square, Boulevard Drinks is essential Jersey food experience, the kind of place where the hot dog itself plays a supporting role, at best. 48 Journal Square Plaza, Jersey City; (201) 656-1855.

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Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

8. Vito's Hot Dogs, Harrison

If I had made a list of my 10 favorite Jersey hot dogs, the Dragon Dog at Vito's Hot Dogs would surely be on it. It's a feisty, fire-breathing combination of Asian mustard, long hot pepper, habanero sauce and hot seeds. Vito Casale is the eager-to-please owner. Guyon Drive, Harrison. (732) 773-9713.

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7. Hiram's Roadstand, Fort Lee

There apparently never was a guy named Hiram at Hiram's, which started as a shack that started selling hot dogs in the 1930s. This was once Jersey's hot dog crossroads, with legendary Callahan's (now in Norwood) right across the street. Hiram's chili dog is one of my two or three favorite in the state. 1345 Palisade Ave., Fort Lee; (201) 592-9602.

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Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

6. Toby's Cup, Lopatcong

Toby's Cup, on Route 22 in Lopatcong, looks more like a carnival fun house than hot dog stand, with its sputnik-like globe (what the heck is that?) atop the roof, and cramped, low-ceilinged interior more reminiscent of a drive-in movie snack bar. They use a Berks beef/pork dog, a rarity in NJ. Oh, and it's better than the much more heralded Hot Dog Johnnys in nearby Buttzville. 857 Memorial Parkway, Lopatcong; (908) 859-1925.

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And now for our top five ...

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Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

5. Randy the Hot Dog Guy, Hillside

There is no more colorful hot dog vendor in New Jersey than Randy the Hot Dog Guy in Hillside. Lovably nutty Randy Pollack is a self-described "oddball with a hot dog truck'' and "God's gift to capitalism.''

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Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Pollack sells a variety of hot dog brands, which separates him from most others, but the schtick is priceless. Here's my profile of him, aptly titled "An Underdog with Relish.'' 303 Long Ave., Hillside; (908) 687-7780.

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Scott Lituchy I The Star-Ledger

4. Tony's Specialized Hot Dogs, Newark

There will always be a soft spot in my heart, and stomach, for Tony's Specialized Hot Dogs, which was the first Eat with Pete column I wrote for The Star-Ledger back in 1998. Tony Cavallo started with a three-wheel scooter, roaming the streets of Newark until late at night.

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The truck has been in a fixed spot in Branch Brook Park since 1968, which might be a record in the hot dog business. Tony has since sold the truck, but the hot dogs remain. Try the Super Dog, with mustard, ketchup, chili, hot onions and cheese; you'll thank me later. Park Avenue and Lake Street, Newark.

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Ed Murray I The Star-Ledger

3. Curbside Cafe, Parsippany

My favorite chili can be found at Curbside Cafe, run by two ex-cops and located next to an adult book store, of all things, in Parsippany. The first truck Gene DiGiacomo and Frank Cocchi acquired was a lemon; the second one, a former DHL truck, turned out better.

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Ed Murray I The Star-Ledger

DiGiacomo's daughter makes the chili; even he doesn't know what goes into it. 100 Route 46 west, Parsippany; (973) 510-6775.

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2. Tommy's Italian Sausage & Hot Dogs, Elizabeth

The state's most perfect potatoes -- deep-fried, crunchy perfection -- can be found at Tommy's Italian Hot Sausage & Hot Dogs. Instead of being cooked in a sizzling pool of oil, the thin-sliced potatoes are cooked in a deep fryer, then stuffed, with hot dog, peppers and onions, in a wedge of pizza bread.

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Ed Murray I The Star-Ledger

The potatoes are so good they're sold by the cup. Tommy's opened in 1969; steps away is Jerry's (see above). The two make for a great hot dog daily double. 900 2nd Ave., Elizabeth; (908) 351-9831.

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Ed Murray I The Star-Ledger

1. Rutt's Hut, Clifton

Rutt's Hut in Clifton is the total hot dog package - a brick-walled roadhouse oozing history and atmosphere. Abe Rutt started the restaurant in 1928; the current owners bought it in 1975, Nothing has changed over the years - tile floor, fluorescent lighting, guys behind the counter talking hot dog code - "traveling'' means it's a takeout order.

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Get the fabled Ripper, a deep-fried hot dog, so-called because it splits apart while cooking. Brave? Order a Weller, a well-done Ripper, or a Cremator, which is well beyond well-done. 417 River Road, Clifton; (973) 779-8615.

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Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The ones that just missed the list...

Worthy spots that just missed the list: Libby's, Paterson; JJ's Hot Dogs, Newark; Big Daddy's, Little Falls; Dave's Hot Dogs, Sayreville; Hot Dog Stop, Windsor; Callahan's, Norwood; Dover Grill, Dover; Hot Dog House, Carlstadt; Jersey Dog, Newton.

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Who did we leave out?

You can't pick the best hot dogs in a state like New Jersey without expecting to start an argument. Let us know what you think we got right and what we got wrong — and tell us about your favorites — in the comments section.

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Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

More stories about hot dogs

N.J.'s best chili dogs

4 hot dog joints named among top 75 in U.S.

Hot Dog Heaven: The Insider's Guide

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Peter Genovese may be reached at pgenovese@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @PeteGenovese or via The Munchmobile@NJ_Munchmobile. Find the Munchmobile on Facebook andInstagram.