Jimmy Buff’s in West Orange and Kenilworth

STYLE

A casual eat-in/take-out joint located a few blocks away from Thomas Edison National Historical Park. It’s best known for its Italian hot dogs.

THE SCOOP

Jimmy Buff’s is the original birthplace of the Italian hot dog, a recipe created by James “Buff” Racioppi for his Newark restaurant in 1932. Two outposts remain today: West Orange and Kenilworth.

THE MENU

Standard Italian hot dogs are fried dogs placed not in an ordinary hot-dog bun, but a large, sliced-open piece of pizza bread. The bread’s interior is smeared with mustard, filled with a single or double fried dog plus sautéed onions and peppers, topped with several thick, fried potato wheels, and finished with a generous ketchup drizzle, offering up a mix of sweet and savory flavors. Jimmy Buff’s Italian-sausage sandwiches are served the same way. Can’t decide? Then the hot dog and sausage combo is for you. Or consider other Italian sandwich options, a burger or a cheese steak. Enjoy with your soft drink of choice, or an iced tea or lemonade from local Jersey brand Joe Tea.

HEADS UP

The Throwback Thursday deal lets customers buy a second hot dog for a reduced price, based on the year they were born.

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