Hot Grill

I saw this place on the Food Network around 20 years ago or so. I was in NJ for a wedding and we stopped by. It lived up to the hype. Dog all the way is the way to go. The milk shake was really good. And the Root beer was crisp. The fries and gravy is great as well. This place is legendary for a reason.

Hot Grill 669 Lexington Ave. Clifton, NJ 07011 Homemade Minestrone Combo Special Hot Dog All The Way Appearance: 8.9/10 Taste: 9.1/10 Located at the intersection of Lexington Avenue and Thimble Avenue is a locally owned hot dog restaurant. Here are a few of the menu items I explored. Homemade Minestrone: Freshly made in house, this starter will definitely kick start the meal. Enjoy a vegetable medley ranging from beans to celery to potato along with small bits of pasta in a savory broth. For that added crunch, don’t be shy with the oyster crackers. It will definitely complement the flavor. Combo Special: A minute disadvantage is that this combo doesn’t include a side, but it has a variety of toppings including hickory ham and melted cheese on a hard roll. The burger patty is made from prime beef. Hot Dog All The Way: This deep fried dog is piled with chili, chopped onions, and a touch of mustard. As a bonus, all of those toppings were added for no additional charge. If you aren’t in the mood for lunch, arrive in the early morning hours to explore the breakfast options. There are plenty of seating options which also includes a few outdoor tables. Overall, the food was decent and the service was impeccable. #hotgrill #hotgrillclifton #cliftonnj #hotdogalltheway #allthewayhotdog #ComboSpecials #minestronesoup #LexingtonAvenue

They were better then rutts hut for sure. We tried both places and I think their chili and their dogs were more flavorful.

The guys were nice and efficient. They take cards and their systems are updated. I personally haven't sat down to eat here since I'm a kid but, it looks like it clean and nice lighting. Now what everyone is concerned with, how is the food?!? It's good and there is a good selection. The prices are decent especially the way everything is going up. Of course the chili is good that is what they are known for. Just go dont think about it.

The food was alright. Having an Indian palate, I was expecting more flavour and spicy heat. But it was still fresh and tasty. I loved their coleslaw and tuna salad with toppings. Great portions and great pricing.

Parked my car in their parking lot. Very nice. A lot of parking. Key feature. Walked in and menu was a bit confusing. The atmosphere was ok. Ordered a cheese burger and fries. It was ok but very bland. The burger was small and had no real flavor. The fries also didn’t taste like anything. The man at the counter was cool though. And the place was full. Overall 4/10. Food wasn’t bad, just very bland. Will admit it made me sad while eating it though.

I love Hot Grill but sadly the prices (like everywhere else) is totally out of control. Because of the price, I only go to Hot Grill on rare occasions. 2 all the way 1 fry w/gravy Large soda ——————— $17.45

Seems this week is hot dog week! This was our second time here, we visited in 2016. The place is still the same 🙂 The menu is displayed up behind the counter, but most people don’t seem to need it and their orders come fast and easy. It took us, however, a while to order, but our server was friendly and patient and was happy to go with the flow. The restaurant is large, with tables and booths. It’s accessible ♿️. Lots of returning customers, and families with kids enjoying themselves. The hotdogs were okay, we found the onions to be overpowering and dominating the taste. Large parking lot.

This place doesn't look like much, but it's clear why it's been a local landmark for decades once you dine here. I've never been much of fan of the type of hot dog that's smothered in chili and all kinds of other stuff. I've always just enjoyed them simple with some ketchup. But maybe I just haven't been to the right place until now. This is the right place. The hot dogs here are fried to perfection, with just the right saltiness and flavor. And the chili and onions that they put on these add just the right amount of kick, not overwhelming at all. To top it all off, the prices here are extremely reasonable, particularly in 2024. I'll be back here for sure, especially to try more of the menu items.

We were in the area and had been told that the Hot Grill was a must. We ordered a dog with cheese and onions, fries, onion rings and a few burgers. The burgers weren't like your diner burgers but they were super thing, perfectly cooked and very very tasty! The fries were perfect and the onion rings were even better!! Both perfectly cooked and crispy. The dog was great and well we do recommend trying this place if you're in the area. I wouldn't go out of my way to boost but if in the area it's. A must try.

Still a treat to eat at Hot Grill! Never disaappointsss. Great staff, too! Easy to park and perfect menu.

Hot Grill is an establishment in Clifton, NJ. It's the perfect comfort food and overall very affordable. If it's your first time, totally recommend trying a hot dog and ask for "all the way" next get the hot roast beef with gravy and def fries with cheese and gravy. Everything now and then you gotta break the rules and treat yourself

Had a lunch yesterday after I read many highly rewarded comments from fellow yelpers. I ordered a hotdog with cheese, a hamburger and fries. Also a small soda total of $17 and change including tax and tip. The sausage was salty and burger was plain and nothing special but good meaty taste. Fries were good and hot. But I feel the high scores do not match for these foods, services and interiors. High scores may come from nostalgia which I understand I also love some restaurants with nostalgic. Just do not expect such high scored foods from this place.

This was a must stop for my husband. A friend who grew up in the area highly recommended it. He love it! He loved everything about it! The food the atmosphere! Me?? Not so much. I felt it was too much hype. The guy behind the counter taking the order was in my opinion rude and rushed. It could be how they are supposed to be but after being on the road for 8 hrs I wanted to be able to place an order, sit and relax not feel as if I was a number. The food was just ok, looked like slop honestly and I didn't feel it was worth the pit stop. My husband on the other hand thought it was fantastic and delicious!!

Delicious as per usual, anything you get from here is outstanding and can't recommend it enough! Been here for a very long time which definitely means a lot!

Everything was great at The Hot Grill. Burgers all the way is Chill, Cheese, diced onions, and mustard. The fries with gravy and cheese are similar to a Canadian Poutine. They also call it Disco Fries. Counter service and you take it to your own table. No wait staff. Convenient location. Fast paced. I hope to return back if we're in that area again on travel.

Very decent dogs!! I'm really strict when it comes to hot dogs, I had 2 dogs all the way, tasty and service was quick

We just love this place! I always have the Hot Roast Beef platter on a hard roll, sometimes with gravy on the fries. Then we get Hot Dogs, all the way to take home! But you know what is weird, one of those hot dogs never makes it to the house! They reheat really well in the microwave for 1 minute. See if yours make it to your house.

My first time here and the food is delicious especially those pickles Def would come back

I've grown up going here all my life and it still doesn't disappoint. Food's great, always get the fries with cheese and gravy. You won't regret it. Ambiance is diner chic. Staff yelling orders back to the kitchen, decor hasn't changed in forever but that's what makes it a great spot for nostalgia.

We used to live in Clifton a few years ago, this was our favorite burgers joint in the area. Hadn't been here for about two years. Visited our old stomping grounds today, still so good. We usually order our hamburgers with fresh cut onions. Nothing wrong with their delicious slushie and a side of fries too. The burgers here, whether you order two or more- hits the right spot. It's comfort food, the place has a good neighborhood feeling, and staff is always alert and friendly. Cash is king, bring it or you can go to the ATM machine inside the establishment. Credit cards are not accepted. The Hot Grill brought back memories of late food cravings, and it was always made delicious and fresh. The cut onions added in is a great add on- I often can't stand onions, and coming here, it changed my mind and I love the extra poured on to our burgers. Plenty of parking. If you're going to check out a great local place with burgers and more choices, The Hot Grill is the place to be. Can't wait to come back soon.

Service was amazingly fast and I loved my fried dog with mustard & sauerkraut. My husband had a cheeseburger "all the way" (it had a gravy sauce on it) and says it tastes the same as many years ago which made him really happy. He did say that the gravy for the fries (which is not the same as the one used on the hamburger) did not taste the same as he remembered. I would definitely visit again.

@thehotgrillofficial in Edison Worlds tastiest Texas Styled Weiners!!! This was a new flavor sensation to my tastebuds. I never had the gravy/sauce before, and at first, my brain and taste buds had a hard time computing what was happening in my mouth. The more french fries I ate, the more that sauce grew on me, and at the end, I was scraping the plate, wanting more! I can't explain the flavor profile on it. It certainly is unique to me, and you just have to try it to understand. I got the burger "all the way," which means it has gravy and chili on it. I've seen so many pictures of it that I felt like I needed to try it. Got a couple of hot dogs in the same fashion, "all the way." They had a nice snap for a skinny weiner, heavily loaded on top, good soft and doughy roll. You'll be satisfied eating 2 or 3 of those! Overall, I can understand why this is a popular spot up in North Jersey. I left fully satisfied! Super friendly staff with quick service. I give Hot Grill

Saw this place on tik tok and tried it out with my friend. So super nostalgic in here. The staff were really nice, I was confused by the ordering style, but they got everything correct. The food was great, MESSY LOL if you order chilli. A bit more pricy than I expected, but for an every once in a while mean i don't mind. There also seemed to be a bunch of regulars there which was nice.

Used to come here at least once a week when I worked at Sonny Chevrolet in Paterson. Very tasty food and fast service.

It has improved last few years. Back to its old charm. But also modernized with credit card machines. You just have to try their all the way.

Best place in the world. Their hot dog all the way is their flagship item. It's perfect. Fried hot dog with chili, onions and mustard. It's a fast paced experience. Has a diner feel inside. Service is fine. Two all the way two!!

Hot Grill is one of the well-recognized hot dog spots in northern NJ. I have an active interest in hot dogs so I decided to swing by. It seems like a friendly enough place and prices were affordable but overall it was a disappointing visit. I had a chili cheese dog and found it to be very unremarkable. The hot dog itself was fine. A deep fried porky beef dog. The chili was meh. Tasted like they loaded it up allspice. Not flavorless but zero heat. I really didn't enjoy it. Not spicy at all. The bun the was a standard factory white bun. The only thing that was memorable were the onion rings. Not homemade but they were good: uniformly seasoned and fried to a very appropriate crunch. I can't really justify making the trip just for the rings but it's something to note when you stop at Hot Grill during your hot dog tour. For the record, Rutt's Hut has better chili, though still not spicy. But they won't actually make you a chili dog. In terms of pure hot dog performance, Hot Dog Caboose is still my favorite in terms of all around performance. The best chili dog around IMHO is still the chili cheese dog from Merritt Canteen in Bridgeport CT. If you are driving north on 95 or 15, check it out. The chili will absolutely curl your hair.

what can I say grew up in this town grew up coming here since I was a little girl. There is nothing like they're Texas wiener sauce. You have to have one all the way, and their fries with gravy are definitely a must. The inside is very rustic hasn't changed much since the 70s definitely a Clifton stop in if you're in the mood for a Texas wiener and fries with gravy my dad used to love the roast beef sandwiches and my mom always like the hamburger with Texas wiener sauce. Definitely give it a try. If you're in the area there's nothing like it. I have tried other Texas wiener places, but nothing compares to the Texas wiener sauce. Definitely go there.

Roast Beef Platter on a hard roll with gravy on the fries is my go-to order. I have been going here since I was a kid and I love it. You're either a Rutt's Hut fan or Team Hot Grill! I'm Team HG all day! For first timers, it may be hard to know whose next in line when it's busy because there aren't really lines. Service is usually super fast though and food is delicious.

A well run establishment with excellent all American Food . The Gravy was superb one of the best .

Been eating here since I was a kid. Love it here! The vibes / decor inside haven't changed much over the years , but it's well kept and clean!

First off, are deep fried hot dogs a Jersey thing? Ive never heard of this anywhere else. Although I thought the sausage at Rutt Hut was slightly better, I prefer the Hot Grill more. I liked that they dress up the entire dog for you so theres no guessing what and how much condiment to put on. We had the hot dogs "all the way" as the counter person suggested. Service was fast and easy, much friendlier people at this establishment than their competitor, easy parking and lastly they accept card. Hot dogs were slightly more expensive than Rutts. We also enjoyed the seating and vibe at the establishment. Highly recommended

Hotdog doesn't use grill. It used only deep fried. Why is name of restaurant called "Hot Grill"? Sigh

Something about this place has various sides either you love this place or you really don't like the food . My friend loves the chili dogs and the hamburgers and it's a staple in her family. However just not for me, the hotdogs shrunk with massive amounts of chilli made the bread super soggy , the fries were not crispy either with gravy and oddly enough a piece of ham on the burger ? Never had that before which was odd. But I'm giving this place 3 stars for the service ,cleanliness of the place with an old feel to it and enough parking spaces .

This is not the spot. I ordered a Chili hot dog and the Chili was not good at all. My first time ever having a hot dog and not the greatest experience. The hot dog meat itself was awful. And I ordered a side of French fries with cheese and they literally put a slice of cheese on top of the fries. Wouldn't recommend to come here.

It's been some time since I last visited this Clifton staple. I don't usually have time to stop by for lunch and I live too far to go there on my days off. Also, my wife gets mad if I get Hot Grill without her. 2 dogs all-the-way and fries with cheese and gravy are my go-to items. It will not disappoint. They make a great milk shake too! They held out as a cash only business for a long time along with their "old timey" menu board. Now they've modernized which is convenient but takes away from the ambiance. Either way, I'll try to come back soon Hot Grill. Don't tell my wife.

The best!! Just discovered breakfast here. Delicious and much better price than local diners. And of course their amazing burgers, dogs and fries!

Found myself in Clifton for some business earlier this week and one of our followers recommended that we stop in and try out Hot Grill. It was lunch time, so why not?! Nice little vibe to the place with a good crowd and the people up front calling out orders to the cooks. I was told to try the fries with gravy, Signature Dog, and Burger all the way...and that's exactly what I did. The fries were just fries but the gravy was unique. Tasted almost like a beef gravy was mixed with Italian dressing. A definitely basil sweetness there. Good hot dog. Mix of beef and pork and it was deep fried so it had a nice snap. The chilli on this was incredible. Tons of flavor and very smooth, no beans or filler. Addition of onions and brown mustard and it's a winner. Solid burger as well. Thin patties with American and the same toppings as the dog. All in all very happy with the meal. I have been told since to try the Roast beef platter and milkshakes so that will be another time for another empty stomach. The Hot Grill...Didn't Suck!

The food was solid! Came on a Saturday afternoon and it was obvious that this is a popular spot. There were multiple check out lines, which were all packed. I can see this place booming. Service was quick and everyone (the patrons) seemed very friendly. The staff behind the counter not so much but don't hold it against them. They're pumping food out all day. The Texas Wiener and cheeseburger were good. Both had some gravy on them but the hot dog was better in my opinion. We also had some gravy fries which were good too. Everything on the menu is very affordable

Stopped for with the family for lunch on a Saturday afternoon.The place was very busy but the service was courteous and helpful.Restaurant is known for a deep-fried hotdogs The Facebook live a great atmosphere of the place was clean with off the street parking I would come back ,the hotdogs were very good.I recommend you give it a try.

it was a hot summer day on my first visit to Hot Grill. soon as I walked in, power went out, but the staff kept working. they kept on taking orders and kept the service going. that alone is five stars. food is very good. as good as hot dogs can possibly be. make sure you get all the way on everything

I remember this placing being amazing 20yrs ago. Now the only reason I found my way back here was for the nostalgia of a simpler life long ago. I thought this place used to be 'amazing'. The chilli dogs 'all the way' with a side of fries and topped with chilli or gravy are by far the best fare here. They are still how I remember them, but they don't wow me like they used to. Everything just tastes bland. The hamburgers are dry and tasteless. The grilled cheese are like cardboard. Fries were good and crispy. The chocolate milkshake is terrible! It is just soft vanilla ice-cream with Hershey's syrup out of a machine; and it isn't even mixed through properly. It is more vanilla than chocolate. Something's are just better off left to memory... when a kid thought this place had the best hot dog in the world. I won't be coming back.

Four all the way, well done fries, gravy on the side, two unsweetened ice teas. It's pretty much our standard order here over the years. I've been tempted to try a burger all the way but don't want to miss a hot dog! And this is the only place I get gravy with fries-peppery, thin, just magic. One thing-their website claims a 'custom blend' hot dog. It's not; in any case it's still terrific!

As authentic as it gets, the chili dog was invented nearby (Paterson, in 1920) and there are a number of places like this in the area, but this might be my favorite. None of these places starts with what you'd call a great hot dog, but the one they use here is pretty good, and the chili version is very tasty. Fries are usually good, though they may rush them out of the fryer when the place is very busy. Service is quick and efficient, don't expect more than that at these sort of places. Ambiance is "hot dog joint minimalist," just the way fans like it. I recommend the place.

I've been coming here since I was a little girl, and now I bring my little girl here !! Nothing has changed which I love about it. All the way dogs are my go too. We also LOVE the onion rings, do yourself a favor and get a double cheese burger all the way it's simple the best!!! If you're ever questioning if you should come here- you DEF should stop thinking and go!! This place is always SUPER clean, staff friendly and everything always made to order and super fresh!! FRENCHIE ONE TWO ALL THE WAY TWO- if you know- you know!

Best hot dogs all the way in NJ. Now they even take CC. Gravy is the best. Try it on the fries you will not regret it!

The OG spot! Best hot dogs & fries, hands down. Service is great & the food will never let you down.

This is a nice place but the food is bland. Hot dog toppings were bland. Hamburger was smaller than McD's. Prices are cheap, but next time I'm going to Rutt's.

This is a North Jersey must try. I am a huge fan of Texas weiner restaurants and I love chili sauce on my burgers, hot dogs and fries. Everything was delicious but I may be a bit more of a Thumanns fan tha Sabrets. All in all very delicious and truly a don't miss.

In the debate between Rutts Hut and The Hot Grill, The Hot Grill takes the cake. While the dog alone is better at Rutts Hut, the sauce and cheese is superior at The Hot Grill. Personally, I only enjoy chili cheese dogs, and The Hot Grill have the best. The chili cheese fries were good, but the cheeseburgers were not that good. However, if you're coming to the hot grill for anything other than their texas weiners, you're wrong. This is a place worth driving an hour to just for their texas weiners. While I did not have them in the signature "all the way" fashion, the chili cheese texas weiner is the best I've ever had. YOU MUST HAVE THEM.

I come here at least 7-8 times a year, get the same thing, and am never disappointed. The roast beef on a hard roll with brown gravy and onion rings are my signature items that I order. The person I was with ordered the Weiners with sauerkraut and mustard. The gravy here has a slight sweet taste that has a seasoning in it that I have a hard time identifying. I want to say it's maybe allspice, but, I am unsure. It also has a very slight red color to it, possibly from tomatoes or from paprika. It's very unique. Unlike any brown gravy I have eaten anywhere. The onions rings are hands down the best onions rings I have ever gotten. I don't know if they are home made or not but I am leaning towards yes. You can order online, Togo, or eat inside in old school booths. They do accept credit cards now and also have an atm inside. This is a great place to have lunch or to have a quick dinner. The menu has a variety of items on it. Anything from soups, salads, breakfast before 11;00am, and a wide variety of burgers and sandwiches. Definitely worth a trip. Also located very close to the entrance for route 46 and 21 so it is easy to get to! Prices are somewhat reasonable. Breakfast ia definitely super affordable. The entire meat in the picture with a coke was $27.00

Great place! Try 2 all the way. The chili sauce on the hot dogs is amazing. You can buy it for your hotdogs at home. Enjoy!

I've been obsessed with The Hot Grill since before I was born! My mom's only craving was fries well done with chili when she was pregnant with me... so you can say I've been coming here since before I was born. My dad was a Paterson Fire Man and lived in Paterson for many years so Hot Grill was always a go-to spot. I grew up in Morris county (about 30 minutes away) and looked for ANY REASON to come here. I now live more locally and we come here at least twice a month. I'm obsessed with every single thing on the menu. I can't make one complaint!

Meh. Not great, definitely not horrible. Had a burger all the way. Fine. Had a hot dog with chili and cheese and onions. Chili was bland. Final verdict: I like Rutt's Hut better. Their chili may put you in a casket, but it's definitely not bland.

This is not the same when I was growing up. Doesn't have the nostalgia it once had. The hot grill cup are replaced with generic cups. Food was decent. The hamburger I got was not good. Just stick with the hot dogs all the way. Maybe I'm just a Rutt's fan. But, this place hit the stop. Cash only. Atm inside.

Don't waste your time coming here....Its not the same establishment from years ago....Prices are up and portions are smaller.. Go to McDonalds or make your own Burgers....

Can't believe I haven't done a review for this place before, because these are hands down, my favorite hot dogs on the planet. I have been eating them for years. Order these Texas Weiners "All the Way" and you won't be disappointed. These hot dogs are so good, they literally call me if I don't have them for a while. Not sure what's in their chili sauce, but it's surely some kind of aphrodisiac. There are a lot of good hot dog joints in NJ, but these are definitely the best. If you haven't tried them, you are missing out.