Hot Dogs At West Orange Eatery Are Best In NJ, Contest Finds

WEST ORANGE, NJ — When it comes to hot dogs in New Jersey, you can’t beat Jimmy Buff’s, a new report says.

In a state well known for its hot dog aficionados, Jimmy Buff’s – which has locations in West Orange and Kenilworth – leaps to the front of the pack, according to the organizers of the North Jersey Eats Hot Dog Madness bracket.

The contest was close, with Jimmy Buff’s narrowly edging out runner-up JJ's Hot Dogs of Newark, and beating out other beloved Garden State hot dog destinations such as Rutt’s Hut in Clifton, as reported by NorthJersey.com.

Jimmy Buff’s was founded in 1932 by James Racioppi in Newark. Although the original location is now closed, its offspring in West Orange and Kenilworth are still serving customers.

Those who doubt the power of Jimmy Buff’s may want to check out this social media video of Essex County native Queen Latifah waxing poetic about their iconic Italian sausages.

Here’s a little glimpse into the restaurant’s history, according to its website:

“Jimmy Buff's of 14th Ave. & 9th St. in Newark, NJ is where the hotdog with an Italian twist was first concocted by the founder James ‘Bluff’ Racioppi in 1932. Grandpa got his nickname from his style at the card table. Translation from Italian to English came up with the nickname ‘BUFF.’ In the 20s and 30s everyone had a nickname and hence James Racioppi became known as ‘Jimmy Buff.’ The sandwich was first served as a treat by the Racioppi's for close friends and relatives. It went over so big with them it became the center of their menu and ultimately a customer favorite. The fresh onions, peppers, and potatoes combines with a hot dog is what allows the specialty its claim to originality. Today, over 80 years later, the Italian Hot Dog and its nearest relative, the Italian Sausage, are the staple fare at Jimmy's Buff's and take turns outselling each other. Today we cook our Italian Hot Dogs and Sausages in cholesterol free soybean oil just like Grandpa Buff did in 1932. The tradition lives on.”

Jimmy Buff's has captured other awards and landed on other “best of” lists in the past, including “12 Delicious Hot Dogs From Around the World,” “The 9 Best Hot Dog Joints New Jersey,” and “The 50 best reasons to live in New Jersey.”

The eatery received a proclamation in its honor from the West Orange Township Council in 2022.

• See Related: NJ's Creator Of The Italian Hot Dog Celebrates 91 Year Anniversary
• See Related: 'Best Cities For Hotdog Lovers': Newark Ranks High On 2023 List

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