Jerry’s Famous Frankfurters

It’s a brick and mortar hot dog cart. A walk-​up window that serves natural casing dirty water dogs, It’s exactly what a hot dog joint should be, inexpensive, fast and very tasty.

I’ve been going to Jerry’s since I was 8 or 9 years old, when my best friend Scott’s father was at Engine Company #3 on Newpoint Road and we go see him there and the firemen would send us there to get some dogs. I used to be able to eat 4 every time and sometimes 5. Nowadays it’s usually two, sometimes three. I always get at least one with chili onions sauerkraut and at least one one with sauerkraut only. Sometimes I’ll get one with mustard only or cooked onions and sauerkraut. Always washed down with a can of yoohoo. Sometimes a small cup of potatoes from Tommy’s next door.

The Hot Dog crew at work today decided to venture into Elizabeth to try both Jerry’s and Tommy’s today. In my quest to find that elusive ‘best hot dog’ place in the state these two needed to be tried-​especially since they both made the
list of best 25 hot dog places in NJ.
This was our second stop and I ordered the same two dogs I had at Tommy’s so I could compare — one chili-​cheese dog and one with kraut, mustard and hot red onions. When we first walked up the guy barely seemed interested in taking our orders, but he finally made his way over to the window. My partners in crime did the same thing today and we’ve gotten mixed reviews… however, since I’m writing mine are the only one’s that count!
Ok, so here goes — I liked the Jerry’s dog with mustard, kraut and hot red onions better than Tommy’s, but the guy put on a little too much kraut and it made the bun pretty soggy. The dog itself had a nice snap (they use Best’s dogs) and was what I was hoping for here. The chili cheese dog… wasn’t a fan (though my one buddy loved it). This is only the second place I’ve been where they add cinnamon to their chili (the other place being The Hot Grill in Clifton) and I didn’t care for it.
Overall a pretty good effort and I would try this place again, but I would get something other than chili… I know some people LOVE it, but I just was’t a fan. The local ambiance here was actually something we liked — not the best part of Elizabeth, but we weren’t worried about getting mugged either. Lot’s of locals hanging around… kind of like a hot dog «Cheer’s.» One of the funniest moments of today’s trip was when we were eating here at Jerry’s, an older guy who saw us move from one location to the other screamed up the street to us about how great these two places were and «God Bless the American Hot Dog» and finally «I’ve been here for 52 years» to which my co-​worker commented…“and that’s a damn shame.”

Well Jerry use to be more famous it seems. The hot dogs have less of a snap to the skin and seem like they have been soaking in steamy hot dog water too long.
This is one of the busier street corners in Elizabeth to find parking. It’s not uncommon to drop someone off while you dry to double park for a few minutes. Or drop someone off while you drive around and hope they don’t get harassed by homeless people.
Jerry’s is basically kind of nostalgic if you live or have lived in the area but is not a destination hot dog place. Overall a-​ok hot dog.
Unilocal Review # 339

Joint # 85: JERRY’S FRANKFURTERS, Elizabeth, NJ. Jerry’s Frankfurters Elizabeth has been cranking out the dogs for nearly 67 years! Originally a hot dog cart, the business now has a reputation for famous franks and makes it’s own home made chili. We had to give it a try! The dogs are Best’s brand, natural casing — first boiled, then grilled. RATING (S):… J. Diggity Dog: 6.5÷10. Dog Man Sac: ⁶⁄₁₀. J. Diggity said, «Jerry’s — dog was a Best’s dog. I believe it was in some water contraption, box thing… and then they flat griddle it. Flat griddle, roll. Had their chili, which we were told was really good. However, I’m not a fan of this nutmeg that is thrown in the chili. That belongs in eggnog, okay? Not on chili on a dog. Overall the dog was good, but the chili killed the dog for me. I can’t really give this thing a high rating. I’m going to have to go in the 6 and a half range on Jerry’s — it just was not my cup of tea.» Dog Man said, «J. Diggity is totally, spot-​on. That is an accurate assessment. The dog was very good. That being said, it was advertised as a home made chili (which it was) and said to be ‘very good.’ It was home made (while that being said), I think it had some crazy spice to it, which would have been nutmeg /​thyme and/​or both! And it was out of hand. It was out of hand! I’m a 6.0 for Jerry’s.»
— The Dawg Tour

My husband and I stopped by so we could compare Jerry’s and Tommy’s and ultimately found that we preferred Tommy’s hotdogs. However, Jerry’s is an amazing dog, and the two are really very different.
We ordered a chili dog, a dog with red onions, and a dog with mustard and kraut. The hotdog has an excellent snap and a milder flavor, which lets the various toppings serve as the star of the show. The chili is unlike any I’ve tasted before. It’s flavorful and full of spices that sort of reminds me of Indian food (not curry!). It’s full of meat but it’s not too thick or heavy. It’s a truly unique chili that I think most people would like.
The kraut is more traditional than the kraut over at Tommy’s. It has a more pronounced pickled flavor, and with mustard, it «tastes like a hot dog should» according to my husband.
There are no seats at Jerry’s and everything is for takeout only. There are a few benches across the street where you can dig into these dogs. Otherwise, I noticed most people double parked and took them to go or just ate them in their car.
Overall, these hotdogs are really tasty, and they serve as the perfect vehicle for their variety of toppings. My favorite is the red onion sauce ($ 0.25 extra)!

This place has improved. The hotdogs were closer to the original Jerry’s and the chili also. The worker was smoking openly. He put the cigarette down to handle the food without gloves. I asked to see the chili. It looked almost like the original but I know it wasn’t the original and, sure enough, it wasn’t. The worker told me he was fourth generation owner. He lied. I know the place was sold by the original owner’s son some years ago and has changed hands several times. It was too nasty to have someone that was smoking handle food with gloves!!!

These are very average dogs, really nothing special. With Tommy’s (yum!) next door, I won’t be back, but in all fairness, they’re not the same… can’t really compare an amazing Italian dog to an average, pushcart– style dog, which is what you’ll get at Jerry’s.

I’ve eaten Jerry’s hot dogs since I was in the womb (my mom craved them during pregnancy, despite the heart burn) and 37 years later, I can attest that there is no better hot dog around — we are huge fans of chili, mustard and onions. We have since moved from Elizabeth, but the craving never ends. Once a year my parents fly back East and we head to 2^nd Ave to enjoy these tasty treats.

Jerry’s Famous Frankfurters,
Not a fan, just a hot dog place. Nothing to really say that would make you go and have one of the dogs. I would rather walk 30 feet South to Tommies.
Remember to always drink responsibly
Crazy Cubano Out.

I tried Tommy’s and Jerry’s on the same day (to see if there was a difference) and I didn’t see much difference in the dogs, more in the potatoes. The hot dog here was good – I bit in and it snapped so hard it squirted juice on me! – but not something I would flip my lid for.
I got the steak fries at Jerry’s and they weren’t very good – frozen, fried, unseasoned, and with relatively tasteless nacho cheese on top. Try the potatoes at Tommy’s – definitely much better.

Just not the biggest hot dog fan… But, I guess as an E-​town native it would be considered the «Grays Papaya» around here. When the weather is nice it is almost impossible not to walk by and grab one. They are inexpensive — you probably have enough change in the bottom of your purse/​murse to cover lunch.
They don’t taste like salt sticks and I find the flavor to be pretty close to a Sabbrett. If you are passing through and want to grab something fast and tasty while enjoying nice weather Jerry’s would definitely cut it.

Detoured myself to try these dogs.
Ordered 2 chili dogs with mustard and onions. $ 2.00 each.
They had a natural snap, mild flavor and so-​so chili.
All in all, just okay. Now off to try Tommy’s… (see review)

I guess the low prices is what people are hyping about when they talk about this place. I really can’t taste the difference between Jerry’s Franks and Nathan’s Fast Food Hot Dogs.
Other things I can note was that it was quick and pretty economical.

If your from Elizabeth or ever been to Elizabeth then you know how good Jerry’s Hotdogs are. Some of my fondest memories of NJ stem from devouring one of Jerry’s hotdogs. No. the place is not glamorous. There are no seats. no TV to watch. Just a guy making hotdogs and handing you sodas and ushering you on your way. I have been to most major cities if not all of them and each city boasts their brand of hotdog. Nathans, Top Dog, Pinks… you don’t measure up. If your ever in North Jersey and you want a real hotdog. go to Jerry’s. You won’t regret it.
Signed…A real Hot Dog Lover!!!

I don’t think you people know the routine. If you want a regular (not Italian) hot dog, you go to Jerry’s. Then, you walk next store to Tommy’s for the potatoes. You don’t compare the two on dogs.

I got VERY lost going to the Prudential Center to see a Nets game and ran into this place.
It was a cute little place, i had to stop and try it out since i was lost and frustrated in alot of traffic.
I had one dog with some onion and cheese topping and it was very good.

So — I enjoy hotdogs and I am lucky enough to be living in a town that has some of the best. Keep in mind — this is written in a hotdog state of mind, so anyone looking for the flavor of a filet mignon should seek help.
On With The Review!!!
Decoration:
Ok — it’s a hotdog hut. I mean, really, it’s a hotdog hut. Canopy, ordering window, small metal shelf to hold your order, wood paneling inside. If you are harping on this — please question your priorities.
Location:
It is smack dab in the middle of Elizabeth Ave. Usually has parking in front or a block away. If you don’t know how to use the various cross roads to get to this Avenue you may have a little annoyance during rush hour.
Food:
The best damn Hotdogs I’ve ever eaten. When you take a bite, you feel the snap of the dog’s casing and then get greeted with the mix of spices that make up this fine hotdog. You get to choose from the standard east coast toppings: chili, cheese, kraut, cooked onions, raw onions or relish plus condiments. Bun is simple too.
Price:
Expect to pay roughly $ 1.50 for a hotdog with topping. Not over priced at all!
Staff:
Courteous, fun locals, Jerry used to run it = now it is a much younger guy.
Ambience and Crowd:
While waiting on the sidewalk for your turn to order, you will be amongst locals, students, officers, firefighters, politicians, doctors and their visiting friends.
Drinks:
Standard soft drinks and Stewart’s glass bottle root beer at your disposal. Again — if you are looking for alcohol at a hotdog hut, seek help.
Overall:
This is an Elizabeth staple that has been noted on several «foodie» magazines hitting up the USA for the best standard dog. It’s a fun quick bite you can take anyone that likes a good hotdog, like me!
Pros:
Great Hotdogs
Simple order process
Fast
Standard toppings
Cons:
Slightly hard to find if you don’t know the Avenue
Not open late, late night
H-​Cane Final Spin:
I have been coming here for years and for years it has been the most consistent spot I’ve ever visited. I literally, came, saw, ate AND bought the t-​shirt (for $ 20). This is as close to heaven as you can get when it comes to your East Coast style, tasty Hotdog that will compete with any ballpark frank and win.

Alrighty. Elizabeth’s finest hotdog joints, side-​by-​side. You have Jerry’s on the right, Tommy’s on the left. I occasionally hit up Elizabeth and Linden for their food finds and on this trip, I just finished my Lenten fast and treated my self to some Jersey dogs. This isn’t my first time going here, but since I had a fresh palate, I decided to make a judgment call on these hot dogs. To make it fair, I ordered chili dogs from both places to make a fair comparison.
Jerry’s chili dog tasted sweeter than Tommy’s. I believe he puts cinnamon in the mix. The cheese was watered down and didn’t add anything special.
I’ll reserve my review for Tommy’s on his Unilocal.
Over all I wasn’t impressed. The dog wasn’t a Best’s (which is the Best dog ever), or a Sabrett or a Nathan’s, so it lacked the garlicy goodness. They use the same buns, dry and stale-​ish. The price was $ 1.50 for the chili dog and $.25 for cheese. Tommy’s was $ 2.00 for the chili cheese dog.
Although they are both regarded as Jersey dog institutions, I cannot recommend anything but a plain dog, if that.

If you go to Elizabeth and want to get hot dogs, this is the place to do it. There is a place two stores down called Tommy’s that pretty much sells the same stuff, but I think you gotta pick one and be a loyal fan lol. In this case, I was introduced by a friend to this place, and now I am a fan of Jerry’s too.
We got three hot dogs and two Snapples for us and it filled us up good for about $ 7. Not bad. They taste good… not amazing… but good… but I mean, keep in mind that these are just hot dogs after all lol. But a darn good meal.