Amazing Hot Dog: Verona, NJ [CLOSED]

UPDATE:  2008/06 The Verona location has closed.  The Bound Brook location remains open.

What makes Amazing Hot Dog amazing isn't merely the great hot dogs.  What makes Amazing Hot Dog amazing is that it's got the b*lls to exist in north jersey, which some might claim is the hot dog capital of the world.  That's amazing to me. Perhaps i'm easily amazed, but most certainly Eric and Matt (the owners and masterminds behind the operation) have b*lls.

I'm no hot dog historian, but I'm pretty sure that north Jersey invented the concept of putting chili "sauce" on a hot dog.  I'm pretty sure north jersey invented the idea of deep frying a hot dog.  and there aren't many places in the US where a hot dog and fries are perfectly acceptable as a meal on a saturday night (if none of this is not true, please don't correct me, because I don't care). Amazing Hot Dog does all of these things, and it's arguable that it does them better than the big boys who have been around since my parents were kids.  I mean, how can you compete with Rutt's Hut in Clifton, the undisputed king of the deep fried hot dog?  And within probably 15 miles, you've got Clifton's Hot Grill, Johnny and Hanges in Fairlawn, The River View in Elmwood Park, Clixes and Goffle Grill in Hawthorne, and countless imitators of one or another version of the classic north Jersey dog/"Texas Wiener".  And I won't even get into all of the places in Union county, but only because I've never been to any of them.

The facts:  AHD is using Best's natural casing quarter pound dog, made right here in Newark. That's a big dog.  They're serving it on Martin's potato rolls, and that's ok in my book.  They're double cooking their freshly cut fries, which produces some of the best fries in the area.  They have some of the tastiest hot dog chili stuff that I've ever had (YES, it actually has meat!).  It's head and shoulders above the usual soupy-saucy stuff you find in northern jersey.  Their namesake hot dog ("The Amazing") is wrapped in bacon (and that's a good start).

It will take you several visits to eat through the menu at AHD (factually speaking, with 25 toppings, it would be almost impossible to eat through every combination. That's a fascinating point, I know).  Their website (cleverly, at www.amazinghotdog.com) will help you plan your attack.  They offer an array of those toppings, and several pre-determined combinations with names like "Smokey Joe" (with baked beans and BBQ sauce), "My Schmiero" (scallions and cream cheese - which is excellent), "Jersey Breakfast" (fried egg and american cheese), and "Nacho Dog" (sour cream, guac, and salsa).  be sure to not miss the chili.  When I commented on how good it was, Eric said that it was his recipe.  Like a proud father, and for good reason:  it's damned good.

Aside from the food, another aspect of AHD that stands out in my mind is the crew.  The people behind the counter who are throwing the dogs in the oil and ringing up your order and shmeering cream cheese on your dogs are having a great time.  There's non-stop banter being slung, and it's sure to bring a smile to your face...if you're fast enough to catch it all.

The place is clean, upbeat, family-friendly, and kids and adults seem to love it.  I smell franchise.  give me a call.

(Here's a little tip for those driving:  the front parking lot fills up quickly.  but, if you drive around back, and then around front again, there will still be no spots.  BUT, if you continue once again to drive around back and park, and then walk to the front, you'll see that 3 spots have opened up.  I'm not sure how helpful that tip is, but I figured I'd share it.)

Amazing Hot Dog : 148A Bloomfield Ave : Verona, NJ  07044 : 973.433.3073

Comments

[Rosie]

You forgot to mention the “HotBurger Hamdog” a circular hotdog filled with your choice of homemade chili, baked beans, sauerkraut, Cheez Whiz, or guacamole served on a hamburger bun. And there is a veggie burger for non-meat eaters! And hamburgers for non-hotdog eaters! Hours: Monday through Friday 10 AM to 8 PM; Saturday 11 AM to 8 PM; closed Sunday.

[Rail Paul]

AHD has a new (at least, for me) deal where you can specify your own dog combo.

So, I ended up with jalapeno, cheese whiz, relish, and a scoop of the hot onions + chili used in the caped crusader.

Fortunately, I was returning from the doctor's so I don't have to worry about my cholesterol for another few months.

[Rail Paul]

There's a report on Barista that AHD has had a fire.

The report says the store may be closed six to eight weeks. Nobody was hurt.

<http://www.baristanet.com/barista/2006/02/hot_dogs_on_hol.html#comments>

[Karen]

Heard about the fire that happened over the weekend. Hope they open real soon!

[Rail Paul]

I drove by AHD today, and it looks like the rebuilding may be underway.

That's a good sign.

[Rail Paul]

I stopped by AHD the other night.

The building permit is in the window, and electrical work / sheet rock ripping has begun.

That's an excellent sign, I hope the dogs will be in the oil by sometime in May...

[Beth]

Amazing Hot Dog is currently undergoing construction. Hopefully the grand reopening is only a couple of weeks away.

[tommyeats]

we're all looking forward to it!

[Rail Paul]

Today's NJ section of the NY Times has an article on The Amazing Hot Dog.

Nice writeup on how it came into being, and it's expectation to reopen soon.

Not yet online.

[Rail Paul]

It's OPEN.

Nice, clean, very polished look to it. Eric and Matt posted several huge photos of lavishly groomed hot dogs on the walls. They slightly rearranged the cooking area for better flow.

Good dogs, will post on them tonight.

[tommyeats]

those photos are a nice touch, Rail Paul.

i recommend that people go to AHD on thursday, and then head across the street to the Verona Inn for 1 dollar domestic bottles from 8 til 10. a better deal cannot be found.

and, they've got 2 pool tables, several "Megatouch 2000" video game units, and one of the best jukeboxes (internet-enabled) that i think i've seen in a very very long time. not to mention the bevy of college-aged women who come streaming in at 10 pm...

[Beth]

I've never ventured across the street to the bar, but then again college age women don't interest me.

On my most recent visit to AHD I tried the Egg Roll Dogs. It was the first time I had them -- usually I go for the Jersey Breakfast or the My Schmiero -- and they were yummy. I got some of the Chipotle Mayo to dip them into. Yum Yum.

[Gail]

I may be a ball-busting sister-in-law but I knew you wrote this blog before I logged on. You mentioned it at Christmas. And remember, you have to have balls to have them busted! Still too many hamburger reviews. Otherwise, website looks good. Your loving sister-in-law.