Hot Grill

- 669 Lexington Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011

A true landmark of North Jersey fast-food history, The Hot Grill in Clifton is much more than just a quick-service restaurant—it's a celebrated culinary institution that has been serving up its signature dishes since 1961. For decades, it has been the go-to spot for locals, travelers, and food enthusiasts seeking an authentic taste of the region's unique hot dog tradition: the legendary Texas Wiener.

From the moment you approach, the iconic signage of The Hot Grill promises a step back in time to the golden age of American fast food. It's a place where the atmosphere is casual, the crowd is friendly, and the focus remains squarely on delivering quality, time-honored recipes. The Hot Grill prides itself on its commitment to tradition, making it an essential experience for anyone living in or visiting the New Jersey area who appreciates a classic, no-frills meal prepared to perfection.

The core of The Hot Grill’s fame rests on its deep-fried Texas Wiener, a custom-blended beef and pork hot dog that achieves a satisfying ‘snap’ with every bite. The real magic, however, lies in how it’s prepared—the iconic "All The Way" style. This beloved preparation includes a deep-fried hot dog nestled in a soft bun, topped with a slathering of mustard, chopped raw onions, and, most crucially, their 'World Famous' secret-recipe chili sauce. This unique, Greek-style meat sauce sets The Hot Grill apart from competitors and is the reason many loyal New Jersey customers consider this spot to be the reigning champion of the North Jersey hot dog scene, with some even declaring it superior to other local legends.

Beyond the famous Texas Wieners, The Hot Grill maintains an expansive menu that covers all the classic fast-food staples, ensuring that there’s something for every craving, from breakfast through late-night bites. It's an establishment where you can get a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, a classic dinner, or a quick snack all day long, seven days a week. The consistent quality and the simple, affordable menu items are what keep the local community—including police and firefighters—coming back again and again.

Location and Accessibility

The Hot Grill is conveniently located at 669 Lexington Ave in Clifton, NJ 07011, USA. Its position makes it an easily accessible destination for residents across Passaic and Essex counties and is a quick detour for those traveling along nearby major routes, being well-known to those who travel Route 46 East. The establishment ensures comfort and convenience for all its guests by providing a free parking lot on-site, in addition to available free street parking.

Accessibility is a key priority for the restaurant, which features:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot
• Wheelchair accessible restroom
• Wheelchair accessible seating

Services Offered

The Hot Grill caters to a variety of dining preferences and busy schedules with a comprehensive array of service options:

• Dine-in: Enjoy a casual atmosphere with comfortable seating and a dedicated restroom.
• Takeout: Orders are prepared quickly for those on the go.
• Delivery: Available for convenient meal delivery right to your door, including no-contact delivery options.
• Menu Variety: Full menu service for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepts modern payment methods, including debit cards and NFC mobile payments.
• Family-Friendly: Good for kids, offering high chairs, and a selection of items perfect for a kids' menu.
• Pet-Friendly: Dogs are allowed in the outside areas of the establishment.
• Catering Options: The ability to order larger quantities of their popular items, like the Texas Wieners and French Fries, in full or half trays, perfect for local gatherings or parties.

Features / Highlights

The Hot Grill's reputation is built on a few outstanding features that have cemented its place in North Jersey’s fast-food pantheon:

• The Texas Wiener "All The Way": The star attraction. This deep-fried hot dog, topped with mustard, chopped onion, and the highly praised secret chili sauce, is the classic order and what they are most famous for.
• Legendary Chili Sauce: The 'World Famous' chili sauce is a secret recipe that many customers rave about, with its unique Greek-style savory flavor being the defining factor of the 'All The Way' experience.
• Fries with Gravy: A popular side order where French Fries are smothered in a rich gravy, often considered an essential pairing for the Texas Wiener.
• Late-Night Food: The restaurant offers an extended operating schedule, making it a reliable destination for late-night food cravings, especially on weekend nights.
• All-Day Breakfast: In addition to lunch and dinner items, The Hot Grill offers a comprehensive breakfast menu throughout the day, featuring classic New Jersey favorites like the Taylor Ham, Egg & Cheese sandwich, as well as pancakes and French toast.
• 'Make Your Own at Home' Kits: The ability for customers to purchase their famous Chili Sauce, Gravy, and Chopped Onions in take-home containers (pint or quart size), or even a Picnic Special with uncooked hot dogs, buns, and chili, allowing locals to recreate the experience at home.
• Great Coffee: Explicitly highlighted as a feature, the quality of their coffee is noted for those looking for a great cup with their breakfast or late-night meal.

Contact Information

For inquiries, placing orders, or confirming the current hours of operation, you can reach The Hot Grill using the following details:

Address: 669 Lexington Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011, USA

Phone: (973) 772-6000 or +1 973-772-6000

What is Worth Choosing

For any local or visitor making their first pilgrimage to The Hot Grill, the choice is clear and simple: The World's Tastiest Texas Wiener "All The Way" is the definitive order. This is the menu item that has brought them decades of fame and is the dish that truly captures the spirit of this North Jersey institution. It is a deep-fried hot dog served on a bun, topped with mustard, chopped onions, and a generous portion of their renowned secret chili sauce, all for a great value. Many long-time patrons often pair their Texas Wiener with a side of their French Fries with Gravy for a classic, hearty combination.

For breakfast lovers, the All Day Breakfast menu provides satisfying options, with the local favorite, the Taylor Ham, Egg & Cheese sandwich, being a recommended order to start the day. Finally, don't miss the chance to try one of their fountain sodas, a crisp Root Beer Float, or a classic Milk Shake to complement your meal. And for the devoted fans, purchasing a container of the Chili Sauce Take Home allows you to bring a piece of this North Jersey legend into your own kitchen.

The Hot Grill remains a pillar of the community, offering a quick bite that is rich in flavor and local history. It's a taste of New Jersey tradition that is both satisfying and highly memorable.

Hot Grill

669 Lexington Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011, USA