What would make me drive to the middle of nowhere along an industrial stretch of highway in New Jersey? Well, Clifton, NJ is where you will find the real deal hot dog. Rutt’s Hut is known for their style of deep-fried hot dogs called “Rippers”. The hot dog is fried causing the casing to crack and split, hence the name “Ripper”. They are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The next best thing to the hot dog itself is the mustard-based relish that’s made with cabbage, onions, and carrots. Order a few rippers topped with mustard and relish and you will be in heaven.

This deep fried hot dog may clog your arteries...but it is totally worth it.

The menu goes way beyond hot dogs, so make sure you build an appetite before you go. Especially for the delicious onion rings, which are perfectly golden brown and made to order right in front of you.

I had a fried love affair with their homemade onion rings.

Don’t expect any frills when you make the trip to Rutt’s Hut. It’s rough around the edges but the hot dogs are memorable and you can finish the whole meal off with a refreshing cup of Birch Beer.

(973) 779-8615

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