Rutt's Hut

Hot dog restaurant · Clifton

Rutt's Hut

Hot dog restaurant · Clifton

2

417 River Rd, Clifton, NJ 07014

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Rutt's Hut by Robert Sietsema/Eater NY
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Rutt's Hut by null
Rutt's Hut by null
Rutt's Hut by null
Rutt's Hut by null
Rutt's Hut by null
Rutt's Hut by null
Rutt's Hut by null
Rutt's Hut by null
Rutt's Hut by null
Rutt's Hut by null
Rutt's Hut by null
Rutt's Hut by null
Rutt's Hut by null
Rutt's Hut by null
Rutt's Hut by null
Rutt's Hut by null
Rutt's Hut by null
Rutt's Hut by null
Rutt's Hut by null
Rutt's Hut by null
Rutt's Hut by null
Rutt's Hut by null
Rutt's Hut by null
Rutt's Hut by null
Rutt's Hut by null
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Highlights

Rutt’s Hut, a no-frills Jersey staple since 1928, serves up legendary deep-fried "Ripper" hot dogs with crave-worthy house-made relish.  

Featured in Eater
Featured in Grub Street

417 River Rd, Clifton, NJ 07014 Get directions

ruttshut.com
@rutts_hut

$10–20 · Menu

Information

Static Map

417 River Rd, Clifton, NJ 07014 Get directions

+1 973 779 8615
ruttshut.com
@rutts_hut
𝕏
@Ruttshut

$10–20 · Menu

Features

payment cash only
reservations

Last updated

Jul 31, 2025

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@eater

30 Snappy, Standout Hot Dogs Around NYC

"This rustic tavern overlooking the Passaic River deserves to be mentioned because it tenders some of the most spectacular wieners in New York City and environs. The mixed-meat sausage is a fried ripper. You can request other levels of doneness, and the unique mustardy relish (a secret ingredient is shredded cabbage) made on the premises is a further delight." - Robert Sietsema

https://ny.eater.com/maps/best-hot-dogs-new-york-classic
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New Jersey!
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Jenna Gervasio

Google
I just love the nostalgia of this place. Hot dogs are great, so are the prices. Tonight I tried something different, just to see hey maybe it’s good. I had the duck, wasn’t bad but I wouldn’t get it again. Dry in most of the parts and not a lot of meat, more bones than anything. Looked amazing though, the presentation was good. Came with a side of mashed potatoes that was delicious and definitely made in house. But next time I’m sticking to the hot dogs and onion rings.

Traci Abbott

Google
We sat in the bar area. No frills but our server was sweet and sat us at a bigger table so we could have some more space to spread out. I got a plain ripper and added the relish and mustard, amazing. I then went for a weller with their cooked onions, amazing but I preferred the plain with relish and mustard so I got another weller. I also got onion rings which were perfectly crispy and fries which were crispy and fluffy inside. The only thing I didn’t like was the pork sandwich with gravy. It tasted one note and kinda bland. I put the relish on it but it didn’t save it all too much. The rice pudding was homey and comforting Everything else was outstanding!! Will definitely be back next time I’m in the area

Steph S

Google
Very cool place with lots of history to it. There are two sections. One for a quick bite to eat and one for more of a sit down service. We chose to sit in as it was our first time there. Waitress was super kind and helped explain a lot to us. Hot dogs were good. I wouldn’t say this was the best hot dog in NJ or worth taking a long drive for. It was average. Pricing was good. Onion rings and fries were good too. Lots to pick from on their menu. I wasn’t overly impressed but appreciate how well known and historical it is

Andre Natale

Google
Stopped by for lunch and grabbed 2 rippers with chili and cheese. I was told to try the homemade relish and the spicy brown mustard. The hot dogs are on point and would have been perfect with a beer but I was on the clock . The staff seemed to be friendly and told me they had been here for 97 years. Seems like the place has a good tradition of patrons.

carlos borges

Google
We dined in and were thoroughly impressed. This restaurant is absolutely worth a visit. Its old-school charm creates an inviting atmosphere that's truly a delight. The service was amazing. The people that served us were kind, attentive, and delightful. The food and drinks are affordable, making it a fantastic spot to enjoy with friends. The hot dogs are ok. Don't miss the relish that's on the table. It's really delicious. There's plenty of cheap eats on the menu to enjoy. I’d gladly return for beers and hot dog. This is a great place to hang out with friends and family and enjoy good times.

The German In America

Google
The classic! Guys working there are a vibe. You can go for a quick Ripper on the take out side or sit down in the restaurant area. The ripper is a must! Try their sweet relish, they’ll insist. Mandatory to stop if you drive by, or a great pitstop on the way home after any game. The dipped burger is something you either love or hate but worth a try.

Colton Lambert

Google
Amazing all around Exactly what you expect from a hotdog joint. They have a bunch of options but I obviously went with what they were ranked #1 in the US for multiple times- The Glizzy! I’m not a relish guy so I didn’t enjoy that, but their house mustard was great. Enjoyed a chillicheese dog as well. Easy recommendation. Location seems weird but it was packed in there. You have to go and enjoy it. I believe they have a bar area if you’re not just grabbing a quick bite.

David Hahn

Google
Cool spot. Not the best hot dogs in the country or NJ. Honestly, it’s not worth a long drive for. It’s a hot dog. Building is cool. Relish is cool and good but not mind blowing. The dog tastes pretty good. I got cheese fries and didnt like the tanginess of the cheese sauce but it was still pretty good. If you’re in the area, I would stop by for sure.
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Bill H.

Yelp
WHAT I ATE - New Jersey @ Rutt's Hut Clifton, NJ We were up in NJ over the holidays and took the opportunity to visit Rutt's Hut. The deep fried hotdogs had always been on our list to try, but what really got our curiosity was the ROAST DUCK on their menu. I'd gotten good reviews of the Duck with Orange Sauce from local folks on Reddit and Yelp, and we're always looking for a good Roast Duck, so we had to give it a try. Other things we added to our order were the Fried Clams (crispy, meaty and tender on the inside). The Potato Salad and Coleslaw had won the approval from my wife as she is picky about too much mayo or sugar in the dressing. Their's was just right! The Roasted Brussels Sprouts were also delicious and made you think you were eating healthy. But being tasty, buttery and crispy...I'm a little skeptical! We ordered so much food, we only had one hotdog, but wished we had the appetite to order more! It was that good! Crispy snap of the skin and the tasty house-made Relish are a unique combination that works! Then came the duck. It did not disappoint. Crispy skin, tender meat that pulled off the bone very easily. It came with a reasonable serving of stuffing and a complex Orange sauce that had some nice orange zest flavor in it. It's good to see a place that still has Roast duck on the menu (aside from a Chinese Restaurant!) So many NJ diners had stopped serving Roast Duckling after COVID. And the ones that did, would oftern go overboard with too much stuffing on the plate. And it's rare to find a half duckling dinner for under $20 these days! One thing we did note, the coffee was charged by the cup. No refills. That was fine, it's reasonably priced and decent coffee. We'll be back for the hotdogs and the duck! VIDEO LINK: https://youtu.be/ODXBGd3aw8s https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3WN1jolV1kV0qk3tbe05rQ
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Nicole A.

Yelp
Haven't been to Rutt's Hut in almost 20 Years. My daughter wanted to try it. She was a little overwhelmed when we entered as the counter was packed, but we got a spot at the middle stand up table. Daughter enjoyed the French fries and mozzarella sticks. She wasn't crazy about the hot dog. She had rice pudding and it was ok. My husband had gravy fries and two rippers with chili. He was satisfied. Went back for bread pudding and said it was really good. I had two rippers with ketchup and fries. Hot dogs were ok, fries were tasty. $50 for 6 hot dogs, a fountain drink, three fries, mozzarella sticks and two desserts. I'm not rushing back there anytime soon. Dear husband can't wait to return midweek for lunch.
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Kasia C.

Yelp
Lived in Jersey all my life & haven't tried Rutt's Hut so we decided to bring the kids for a Saturday late lunch/early dinner. They are the home of the Ripper and have been open since 1928! The famous hot dogs here are deep-fried but they have so much more on the menu - there's something for everyone. They have their own parking lot which is situated right above the Route 3 exit coming off of 21. There are two entrances - one entrance is for pickup orders & the other has a bar/dining area. We were seated in the dining area right away. For drinks we ordered 2 pitchers - birch beer and pepsi. We didnt even bother with apps & ordered hot dogs platters that came with 2 hot dogs, sliced tomato & cucumber, a scoop of cole slaw and 1 scoop of potato salad. We also ordered sides of sauerkraut, chili, cheese and onion rings for the table. The kids wanted something different so we got them the Nagasaki which was essentially steak & shrimp with peppers and onions over rice. The hot dogs were solid but the potato salad was amazing honestly. We used the sides to top off the dogs & it was worth every calorie - so do the thing - get all the sides!
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Shelby A.

Yelp
Definitely a divey food option but Rutt's does not disappoint! They are cash only and have an ATM on site which is very helpful. We came as we were in the area and my boyfriend was still hungry so a cheap and quick solution was to stop at Rutt's. It was fairly calm and empty when we arrived which made ordering a breeze and our food was ready in less than 5 minutes. As always the fries were crisp and the gravy flavorful. The ripper was delicious and just the right amount of chili until my boyfriend globbed a bit too much mustard on it. As always Rutt's never disappoints and is delicious!
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Dave O.

Yelp
We all know this place is famous and we all just know this has the best hot dogs in New Jersey. I like to sit at the bar and have two or three beers with my food. I typically order three hot dogs and onion rings. I love the relish that they give with the hot dogs. I think sitting in the bar is better because it's not as crowded as up front and the beers aren't too expensive. This is a New Jersey staple and I hope it never closes down. I'll be coming here for years and bringing my children. Just a reminder. Cash only.
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Jeremy G.

Yelp
This restaurant is great. I think the name is misleading because it was much more than a hut, they should call it Rutt's Castle. The food lived up to the hype and more, they might be the best wieners I've ever had. The chili and the relish was spot on. I loved the onion rings and the fries, they were both spot on. The service was great as well. I was taken care of. I'm coming back, I will return.
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Nikki C.

Yelp
sat in the dining room and was seated immediately. service was friendly and very attentive. had 2 chili cheese dogs and 1 plain because i had to try the relish that everyone raves about,,, def delicious. also had cheese and gravy fries, mozzarella sticks and chicken tenders . all very tasty. washed it all down w a cold glass of yoohoo !! will def be back. ooo cant forget, had to finish it all off w a dish of rice pudding.. so good
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Stacey V.

Yelp
I wish I could give more than 5 stars to Rutt's Hut. Home of the Ripper the most delicious Hot Dog ever! The Ripper is a deep fried hot dog and they have a relish that is so delicious and the relish recipe is 97 years old. Rutt's Hut started in 1928 and has been featured on PBS special, USA Today, Food Network , Travel Channel. Prices are great and staff is friendly. Very busy at lunch time but the wait time is very quick. Cash only and the parking lot is huge with lots of space. I highly recommend eating a Ripper!! They have an all meat Chili that is just the best, I have never had a chili that is so good!
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Jim W.

Yelp
I had so high expectations - got two rippers and added their signature relish. Actually scrapped the relish off the second hot dog and tbh I didn't finish it.
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Holly W.

Yelp
Rutt's Hut- It's just not for me. My husband knew we were heeaded to this area. He asked if we could make the stop. I did a little research and I was immediately weirded out by the stuff on top of the dogs that looked like squash. But I am open... We walked in an immediately my 13 year old wigged out over the small. I agree it was not what I like to smell but not super off putting to me but I could see her point. The atmosphere was so New Jersey! I don't know if I have ever felt that New Jersey in my life! (We were in the dine in side.) Just very old school and looking around, everyone reeked of NJ. And I am not referring to the Housewives but regular people. Simple order: 4 Ripers, mozzarella sticks and cheese fries The hot dogs: lacked flavor (I usually eat Hebrew nation which I think is packed with flavor- this dog was flavorless to me) The cheese fries: small portion, it was alright Mozarella sticks: fine I don't understand the 'greatness' of Rutt's.
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Linda M.

Yelp
Amazing! Felt like I was transported back like 30-40 years, like walking into a Time Machine. The classic hot dog and chili cheese dog were great. Onion rings were legitimate, more onion than breading. I just loved the old fashioned ambiance and feeling of walking into a humble hot dog place. Prices were super reasonable. Be warned that it is CASH ONLY so be prepared with cash! Super cute place!
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Lisa M.

Yelp
#1 HOTDOG PLACE EVER!!!! This has been a staple in my family for as long as I can remember. Whether it be sitting in the rustic, old looking dining room that has such charm or just popping in to grab a couple rippers from The front, this place will forever be my go-to for hotdogs. The wieners are deep friend to perfection and are so juicy and flavorful. It is hard to order just one (and let's be real you could NEVER order just one, I get a minimum of 2 every. Single. Time.) Don't forget to add some friends with cheese and gravy to your order to complete the meal! BTE they make their relish in house and it's hands down the best ever. Sorry but I'm not actually sorry, Heinz If you haven't tried Rutts yet then WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING!!! Get your butt there right now!
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Venessa M.

Yelp
I've heard all about this place and finally got a chance to check it out while in the area. There are two sections - on the left was more of the dining-in area and to the right we more of the to-go area with spots where you can stand to eat your food. We where at the latter -- the place was busy, the staff was efficient and friendly when they took your order, and the area was clean and bright. I really did enjoy the "Ripper" especially with some sauerkraut as well as their french fries and fried clam strips. It's a pretty great deal and I'd definitely come back whenever I'm around again.
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Glenn F.

Yelp
Had this on my list of places to hit up for a while now, I finally got a chance to go here and I can honestly say I was not disappointed. The hot dogs here are just great, they are deep fried and you can get them in varying degrees of how cooked you want them. The main one is the ripper where it's fried just enough to split it open down the middle, hence the ripper name. They had a nice pop to them and were a nice size, not tiny or skinny at all. The onion rings were pretty great as well, nice and big and filled with onion, I should've ordered them a little crisper, but they still tasted good. The staff are pleasant and the service when we went were really quick. Definitely a spot to hit up if you're in the area, I'll definitely be back.
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Dave P.

Yelp
Old school hot dog-a-teria, with a variety of time tested options. Ripper with chili and cheese is always a good choice. Love that they have birch beer on tap....you don't normally see that anymore!!!
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Gerardine R.

Yelp
We saw a video about this place online and we had to try it out. Its near American Dream Mall and they have ample parking. The staff was so friendly and told us about their best sellers and that's what we went with. They only take cash but prices we're so cheap and affordable. The hot dogs were delicious. We loved it so much we got a second order. Onion rings we're top notch too. Will def be back!
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Joanne G.

Yelp
First time here. I've been trying to go for the longest because I saw it on TV a while back. Never had the courage to go since it's in the cut and behind rt 21. So it's off the beaten path. Anyways, the hot dog was good but I think 1 is enough without feeling like crap. Low stars cause the lady there was mean as hell. touched my money and then the hot dog. I asked for a new one cause that's disgusting. That just even made her more upset and slammed my change on the counter. We left. Nothing to go out your way for. $5 for a chili dog. I'll pass.
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Michael M.

Yelp
Let's not overthink this! They've been around for generations. Stick to the rippers, you won't go wrong. The burger is OK, but overall it's about the hotdogs and, for me, the onion rings.
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Rebekah M.

Yelp
I'm a hotdog person and these are exactly what I want when a hankering for tubular meat hits. The real question is how many to get?
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Juan S.

Yelp
Finally was able to visit them after driving past on the highway many times. Classic Jersey hot dog spot. I can see why people like to reminisce. Simple, straightforward food, service and eating area. Ordered a plain and chili cheese. The relish was ok but the chili cheese was great. Not fan of the bread. Bit on the dry side. Overall a nice spot for a quick meal. Stay alive Rutt's Hut. Recommended!
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Victoria L.

Yelp
Order up front, simple. Place is Bar table style without seats, there's even a child size table. Hot dog is decent, the relish is really good. Fried clams platter had pieces that were very clammy. Good value. I was tempted by the couple next to us that got Grapefruit juice, so I had to get some. Wow, it is super authentic and fresh...Real grapefruit juice.
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Steph S.

Yelp
Tried out Rutt's Hut yesterday. As a foodie this place has been on my list forever. There are no frills about this place. The parking lot is a wreck and needs to be paved. It's got two sections, one for more of a quick take out or brief sit down and the indoor restaurant section where you are served is the other side. We choose to sit in. Our waitress was super knowledgeable and lead us in the right direction. Gave us good insight. Pricing is excellent. The ripper the seller and the most well done are your types of hot dogs. Ripper was what we got. It wasn't as well done as I thought but it still had a pop to it. Bread was a little harder than I like. But it was fun to try it out! Good sauerkraut, good fries and onion rings. Overall good experience.
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Lily T.

Yelp
Probably will get a lot of hate by this review. But really think this place is overrated. It's hard to mess up hot dogs. Even harder to mess up fried hot dogs. The hot dogs were good but not mesmerizing. The bun was underwhelming. I had the hot dog plate with a side of potato salad and Cole slaw and thought both were just ok. The chicken tenders were sad looking. Some people in our family don't eat pork, and the waitress did not know if the hot dogs had pork in it? She actually was very annoyed when I asked her to find out. The restaurant itself also needs a little update. Overall, yeah a classic for sure but definitely not all thats hyped up to be.
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Ashley B.

Yelp
This is always a solid choice when you're craving a GOOD dog! No frills or fuss, but some long lines at times. Old school feel with some of the best hot dogs you'll ever have. Rutts is always consistent and always worth going back!
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Lina F.

Yelp
So yummy and so full! They have beers but I went traditional with a root beer. I ate at the standing only counter side where there aren't chairs. The chili was yummy on its own and they allow you to order hotdogs with the chili on it. The gentleman at the counter was very lovely but I was with a local Jersey person so my order was done by my friend. The onions were the best onion rings! EVER! Ohh last but not least - hot dog - so crunchy and chewy and juicy! I liked it a lot with the hot relish and the mustard. I did wish that I had a three chambered stomach to more :/ If you want to sit, there is the dining room entrance on your left side when you park.
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Joe T.

Yelp
This was an incredible experience. The best hotdogs I've ever had in my life which I don't say lightly. The oil they fry these hotdogs in almost gives them a taste as sweet as candy yet they're still salty and delicious . The relish is life changing. I also got a chili cheese dog that was excellent. The staff is super friendly and the dining is very casual. I cannot wait to eat here again.
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Ashit T.

Yelp
Weller dog and burger with a ice cold beer on a summer day perfect. Quick service and family friendly ambiance.
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Cecilia L.

Yelp
Great hot dog spot for what it is! First time trying a ripper too! Chili here was mediocre by itself but taste better with the hotdog! Great place to get something quick but it is cash only
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Nancy S.

Yelp
ABSOLUTELY Loved it! Turkey club was everything? Very Low prices, great service and cold Chardonnay!
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Cindy M.

Yelp
Nostalgic - I decided to visit this eatery after many years away. I was shocked to see it empty at 4pm on a Saturday as I recall this place being packed. The staff was friendly and the food was tasty. I have mixed feelings as the food was tasty but I can see how new customers would stay away... The decor .. eh.. Could use some update. You can see the place was very worn and no one updated in years if ever. The parking lot was pot hole city and I was afraid to get a flat. I won't be back.
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Jayne S.

Yelp
Lived in this area most of my life and loved going here for their hot dogs! I moved away and am back for a visit. First stop was Ruts Hut. They are still as good as they were back in the day!! These are the best hot dogs I have had. Staff is still very friendly. This will be a stop whenever I come to the area for a visit.
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Nicholaus G.

Yelp
If it's good enough for Babe Ruth, it's good enough for me. Got the rippers w chili and relish and a plain with mustard and onion. Both great. Cool vibe.
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Elayne W.

Yelp
No frills and quick service. This was my first time trying a deep fried hot dog and it was delicious. They're known for their "ripper" hot dogs but I actually liked the "weller" better, which is cooked just a little more than the rippers causing it to have more snap to them. People love the relish here which is a little sweeter than usual but I loved their all meat, no beans chili. I topped off my weller and ripper with the chili and it was a delicious DIY chili dog. The onion rings here are also crispy and lightly battered.
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Steve R.

Yelp
Home of the Ripper, a delicious, deep fried hot dog that's crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside, when it cracks open, you know it's cooked perfectly. This iconic spot has been named as having the best hot dog in America among many circles. I do beg to differ on this as there is one better in my opinion, that in fairness, I will leave unnamed. What I do agree on is this is a great hot dog. Have come here many times and just recently again and wanted to give it a review. When you come here, you feel like you've traveled back in time. Old school atmosphere, it's divided in two, one side has a bar and tables to sit and eat, the other side is for to go or to stand up at a counter and eat. Both have their own classic charm. On my most recent visit I brought a friend and co-worker, in from Detroit, to see what all the fuss was that he had heard about. We kept it simple, 2 rippers and French fries with mozzarella and gravy, all very delicious. I'm not a fan of the relish so just went with mustard. My friend went with the relish and definitely enjoyed it. I was very surprised to see that they have a pretty extensive menu, with lots of other different offerings. I'll have to come back again and give some a try, with a ripper of course.
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Sherri G.

Yelp
I'd heard about the deep-fried hot dogs and homemade onion rings at Rutt's Hut for years, so while in North Jersey, we made sure to stop by and give them a try. My dad grew up in Bayonne, and when I mentioned Rutt's Hut, he recalled driving to Clifton as a teenager just to get their hot dogs. As we pulled up, he remarked that the place looked exactly the same as it did 70 years ago--a true piece of classic Americana. Rutt's Hut is an iconic hot dog joint, with a sit-down restaurant on one side and a separate takeout area with standing counters. A local advised us to skip the restaurant, as it's supposedly old and rundown (just hearsay, though), so we opted for takeout. I was surprised to see they offer a full menu with various items, but the very nice gentleman serving us agreed that we should definitely have what we came for: a ripper with cheese and the famous onion rings. The deep-fried hot dog, or "ripper," was unlike any other hot dog I've had. I'm not usually a big hot dog fan, but this one won me over. It's crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and I finally understand why people say it "explodes" in your mouth. The onion rings, served in a double-lined paper bag to soak up the excess oil, were equally impressive. They had a light batter that allowed both the breading and the onions to get perfectly crispy--definitely worth the calories and a must-try! We also shared a homemade root beer, which was really good and caffeine-free. All in all, it was an experience I'm glad we didn't miss!
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Ginger L.

Yelp
This Hot dog restaurant need some tables and some chairs so the costumers won't eat standing up because theses costumers need some to time to eat there hot dog or a hamburger and a soda and they should allow credit card to like Visa card or master card and also the Google pay machine and we need more employees workers on the front to take theses costumers orders on the front so it could be more faster and the hot dogs should be more BBQ not boil and they should also have a ice cream parlor and just remove that bar next to it that will be nice for the kids and the family as well.
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Mark H.

Yelp
I formerly lived in NJ, now in Portland Oregon , whenever I came east Rutts is a must, a Weller with chili, mustard and relish, a beef barb, fries with gravy, all a must, with a birch beer to wash em down, Had my first dog there 75 years ago, food exactly the same, some changes to menu and was chased from eating at the counter, but still a wonderful thing. Glad some things stay the same in our crazy world
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Lynnsey O.

Yelp
I really enjoyed the ambience here! Very old school design so it was very charming. This place was rated best hotdog but I have to be honest I didn't like the hot dog at all. I feel like it is a very desired taste- but my partner loved the hot dogs. He had a chili dog & a chili cheese dog. I had a cheeseburger which wasn't good but I didn't expect much since it was only $4. I did enjoy my cup of chicken orzo soup though. The service was absolutely phenomenal and for that reason I would definitely return and try a different meal.
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Cathy G.

Yelp
This is a no frills location. There is the quick pick up area and there is a small town local bar vibe sit down area. Either one is chill. I haven't gotten the chance to sit down but did do the on the go - they buy a locally made hot dog blend and their relish is home made. Even though these dogs are fried there isn't anything really overly greasey about them. The hot dog blend is actually really fresh and mild and potatoes really well with the relish. The relish is by far probably the best relish I ever had. Their sides are also deep fried concoctions that are tasty. Having this with a pint of beer on a warm day just gives me peak Americana lol.
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Sara D.

Yelp
I enjoyed my time at rutts hutts! We got a few chili cheese dogs which were pretty good. You have to try their relish. We also got an original ripper, onion rings, a burger with gravy and fries. The fries were extremely average but everything else was pretty good. We also got a few beers. The ambiance is very old school and the joint is cash only. Everything is very cheap. I understand why they have been open for so long, if I am in the area again I would definitely return.
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Michael K.

Yelp
Are you craving hot dogs?! Look no further! This is the spot for delicious hot dogs! When you walk in, you'll notice a casual setup with tables to eat at but no chairs, and the service here is entirely self-service. Be sure to bring cash as its cash-only here but there is an ATM inside. We ordered the famous ripper hot dog which is deep fried and a cheese burger with fried onions. The hot dog was definitely super tasty and I would order it again. Overall, I highly recommend stopping by if you're in the area and craving a great hot dog!
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Jane K.

Yelp
Rutt's Hut was all the rage for their (crispy) hot dogs in particular, and so we went there after apple picking. It was okay~ Their homemade relish (on the house) actually stood out to me the most! So very yummy~ Bumped into a woman in the restroom who said that she actually doesn't like hotdogs in general, but goes there just for their relish! Famous "Ripper" Hot dogs $2.80 Hot Dog Platter w/ Potato Salad, Cole Slaw and Garnish $9.95 Chili $3.70 French Fries $2.20 (w/ gravy $2.30 | w/ cheese $2.65 | w/ mozzarella cheese $2.90) It's a small, quaint restaurant that was able to accommodate a good 15 or so of us.
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Irene L.

Yelp
Was it a wild decision to grab chili cheese dogs right before a 4 hour drive? Maybe. Was it worth it? Yes. It was hard to know what to expect pulling into what looks like a ditch off the side of the road by the highway, but you are immediately greeted by the Rutts Hut sign and a massive parking lot, a tribute to the popularity of the joint. We came on a rainy Tuesday afternoon so business was slower, but there were still regulars and newbies alike enjoying their meals at the counter service bar. We didn't realize there was a sit down space around the corner, but we were trying to get takeout anyway so we were in the right spot. The woman at the register could not have been any nicer. She gave us the whole rundown about the rippers and what to consider for our first time. Her excellent guidance led us to trying a plain ripper and two chili cheese dogs with the platter, and cheesy fries on the side. Everything was great and came out super fast. The relish really is to die for!! I think that's what makes the potato salad so good too. The fries are on the softer side and not salty, but they're covered in the pump cheese so WHO CARES. Can't wait for our next road trip to swing by again.
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Gregory F.

Yelp
Meh.... I went to Rutt's today for the first time ever. I've lived in NJ almost all my life and before that NYC. I know a good hot dog when I eat one, that's for sure. So today we finished work early and a couple of my guys suggested hot dogs and Rutt's. So off we went. The service at Rutt's is prompt and efficient. CASH ONLY. The hot dogs definitely look good, and they have a nice crunch and are priced well. They are pretty bland, lacking in flavor and aroma. The fries I got were overdone and soggy and oily. The soda small but bubbly and tasty. I tried a cheeseburger and that too was very underwhelming. There are 2 sides to the establishment. One side, a sit-down eatery with bar. The other side, hot dog take out with standing tables. I ate on the takeout side. So, in my opinion a definite waste of a trip and I will most certainly not be going back. If you want a really good dog, the Hot Grill (also in Clifton) is a much better option. No shade on Rutt's, just not a winner in my book. How they were voted the #1 Dog in America is beyond me. No way are they the best, not sure who was voting.
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Sarah R.

Yelp
Rutt's Hut is an institution! Classic, old school food and vibes. We met the owner who was wonderful. The toughest choice is deciding between rice pudding and bread pudding (we got both)! Really recommend this place if you're in the area.
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Pat M.

Yelp
This place has and remains amazing. Not a big fan of hot dogs and relish? Doesn't matter because you'll still love them here. It's a throwback place in every regard (including mg cash only but they have an atm). The food is amazing, the vibe is classic.
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Steve W.

Yelp
Rutt's Hut is an Americana institution for deep fried hot dogs. If you want a well-done version of the Ripper, I would definitely get the Weller instead of the Ripper. Once you get the Weller, you gotta put on the homemade relish and mustard. Rutt's Hut's interior decor is from the 1920s. It should stay that way. There are not many left like it around. You're dining in a museum especially in the bar room area. Do indoor dining and order a Weller, chili and beans, plain fries, and a Miller in a frosted beer mug. Then, you are money, kid!
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Ian M.

Yelp
Rutt's Hut is a dive bar for dive food, specifically a deep-friend hotdog that makes you want to salute an American flag. Inside the hut are quite a few tables, though at lunch time they filled up very quickly. There's also a large bar that didn't have many folks at it, surprisingly. The dogs themselves are unique - I found myself wishing mine were cooked longer. That said, they still hit the spot, with a tasty skin that is accentuated by the frying. The sides we got, including cheese fries and onion rings, were pretty bland and underwhelming. It's also worth noting for those of us who drink a lot of liquid that the soda/water glasses are rather tiny. Fortunately the waiter while we were there was on top of the glasses and kept them filled.
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Kaitlyn F.

Yelp
I've heard about this classic eatery in New Jersey for years, but I'm never in the area so I haven't been. We went to a brewery that was across the street and didn't realize that Rutt's Hutt was right there. We said we had to go over to give it a try. It was a Saturday afternoon and the place was slammed. We went to the fast food side where you order and then you can eat on the counters that they have there standing. There was a long line, but it moved extremely quickly and didn't feel like a long period of time. I do not like hotdog so I did not have one. My husband had the chili cheese hotdog, which looked really good. He said that it was delicious and had a good snap. I had a cheeseburger with chopped onions, but it was not chopped onions. They just put a few pieces of onions raw on it. We did get onion rings and they were outstanding. I highly recommend them. I put one on my cheeseburger and it was amazing. The cheeseburger didn't look like much, but it had a lot of flavor. We also got fries. They were extremely hot. We just added a little bit of salt and they were delicious. You can't beat the price here and the food. It's great for just a quick bite. We will go back if we are in the area again.