The United States is full of popular hot dog styles, from the Coneys of Detroit to the classic loaded Chicago dog - and of course, we can't forget the classic New York dog loaded with sauerkraut and onions. But few of these regional styles differ from the original as much as the Italian Hot Dog created right here in New Jersey - because in the Garden State, we do it our own way! Stuffed in puffy pizza bread and topped with a hot mixture of fried potatoes, onions, and peppers. It's a heartier meal than a regular hot dog, and it was created in 1932 by Jimmy "Buff" Racioppi. More than ninety years later, his family still runs Jimmy Buff's in Kenilworth, NJ, a cult favorite and one of the best restaurants in New Jersey - and while this hot dog style can be found around New Jersey, most people say the best hot dogs in New Jersey are still right where they began.
Jimmy Buff's has changed locations a few times over the years - but what's never changed is the great flavors inside.
It's still got that classic New Jersey hot dog stand vibe, but the hot dogs served here are unlike any other.
The menu hasn't changed all that much since the stand was opened by the original inventor of the Italian hot dog all those years ago - and if you ask the locals, that's a good thing.
This is a casual place with only a few seats, and most of the regulars will be two-fisting their hot dogs - because the massive dogs served here demand your full attention.
Jimmy Buff's serves a classic assortment of fast food standbys, but most people are here for the Italian hot dogs - still the best example available of this unique Jersey style.
A hot, oily mix of peppers, onions, and potatoes tops a classic hot dog with that one-of-a-kind snap.
A massive pile of hot dog toppings like that demands a sturdy bread, and that's where the pizza bread comes in. This chewy pocket is made fresh in-house, so you can be guaranteed you're getting the best of the best.
You can add ketchup - but your dining partners may have some strong opinions on ketchup and hot dogs! The only thing everyone in Jimmy Buff's can agree on is just how good these hot dogs are.
Have you visited Jimmy Buff's in Kenilworth? Let us know what you think, and tell us your pick for the best Italian hot dog in New Jersey in the comments section. Before visiting for yourself, you can check out Jimmy Buff's Facebook page for the most current updates. For another iconic New Jersey food, check out these legendary Newark burgers:
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-jersey/best-burgers-in-nj/
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