This Legendary New Jersey Spot Serves Hot Dogs Locals Say Define The State
New Jersey might be known for its boardwalk pizza and Taylor ham debates, but for many locals, the true taste of the Garden State comes wrapped in a simple hot dog bun.
At Hiram’s Roadstand in Fort Lee, sizzling franks meet crispy perfection, drawing crowds who swear nothing else compares.
It’s the kind of place where nostalgia meets pure flavor, proving that sometimes, a humble hot dog can define an entire state’s appetite.
Open Since the Early 1930s
Nearly a hundred years of slinging hot dogs means Hiram’s has seen everything. Generations of families have made pilgrimages here, from grandparents who stopped by as kids to their grandkids today.
The place has survived economic crashes, changing food trends, and countless competitors trying to copy their magic.
Yet Hiram’s keeps doing what it does best: serving up simple, delicious dogs that never go out of style.
Walking through those doors feels like time travel to an era when food was straightforward and utterly satisfying.
Famous for Deep-Fried Ripper Hot Dogs
Forget boiling or grilling because Hiram’s throws their franks straight into bubbling oil until the casings split open with a satisfying crack. That’s where the nickname “ripper” comes from, and it’s pure hot dog genius.
The deep-frying process creates crispy edges while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful.
Each bite delivers that perfect crunch followed by a burst of savory goodness that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. Once you try a ripper, regular hot dogs just feel boring and sad.
Official Stop on Anthony Bourdain Food Trail
When New Jersey created a food trail honoring the late, great Anthony Bourdain, Hiram’s earned a coveted spot on the list. Bourdain knew authentic eats when he tasted them, and this place checked every box.
Being included on this trail puts Hiram’s alongside the state’s most culturally significant food destinations.
It’s not just about tasty dogs anymore but about preserving culinary heritage and celebrating what makes Jersey food special. Foodies now make the pilgrimage here as part of their Bourdain bucket list adventures.
2019 Food Trail Launch Ceremony Held Here
Picture state officials, food lovers, and media crews packed into this tiny roadstand for a big celebration.
That’s exactly what happened when New Jersey officially kicked off the Anthony Bourdain Food Trail right at Hiram’s front door.
Choosing this spot for the launch ceremony sent a clear message about what matters in Jersey food culture.
It wasn’t fancy restaurants or trendy gastropubs but honest, working-class joints serving amazing comfort food. The event turned Hiram’s into even more of a must-visit landmark than before.
Hours Run Roughly 11:00 to 8:30 Daily
Planning your ripper run? Hiram’s typically opens around 11 in the morning and serves hungry customers until about 8:30 at night, seven days a week.
But here’s the catch: always double-check before you make the drive. Small family-run spots like this sometimes adjust hours for holidays, weather, or unexpected closures.
Nobody wants to show up salivating for a hot dog only to find locked doors and crushed dreams. A quick call or social media check saves disappointment and ensures your ripper craving gets properly satisfied.
Located at 1345 Palisade Ave, Fort Lee
Finding Hiram’s is easy once you know where to look along Palisade Avenue in Fort Lee.
The address is 1345, tucked into a neighborhood that’s seen decades of change while this little stand stayed wonderfully the same.
Fort Lee sits right across the Hudson River from Manhattan, making Hiram’s accessible for city folks craving authentic Jersey eats.
The location has become part of the restaurant’s identity, deeply rooted in this working-class community. Plug that address into your GPS and prepare for hot dog heaven.
Classic Order: Chili-Cheese Dog with Onion Rings
Regulars know the winning combo by heart: one glorious ripper smothered in chili and melted cheese, paired with a mountain of crispy onion rings. This meal defines North Jersey comfort food at its finest.
The chili adds meaty richness while the cheese creates gooey perfection that mingles with the crunchy hot dog casing.
Those onion rings provide the perfect crunchy, sweet contrast that makes every bite feel like a celebration. Order this combo once, and it becomes your forever go-to at Hiram’s without question.