Tommy's Hot Dogs

- 117 Grant Ave, Carteret, NJ 07008

For over six decades, the name Tommy's Hot Dogs has been synonymous with classic, no-frills, high-quality fast food in the Central New Jersey area. Located in Carteret, this veteran-owned establishment is far more than just a hot dog stand; it is a beloved local institution and a true taste of New Jersey culinary history. The family's legacy of serving great food, starting back in the early 1960s, continues today with a menu built on tradition, from their famous all-beef hot dogs to the legendary homemade chili that is prepared without beans.

Tommy's Hot Dogs perfectly embodies the spirit of a community restaurant—a cozy, casual spot where friendly service and consistently good food are the main features. It serves as a reliable go-to for all three daily meals, seamlessly operating as a Hot dog restaurant, a full-service Lunch restaurant, and a purveyor of fast, satisfying Comfort food. Whether you’re stopping by for a hearty breakfast featuring pork roll and eggs, or craving a late-day cheesesteak, Tommy's is a foundational piece of the Carteret, NJ dining landscape.

The commitment to quality, such as crafting their burgers homemade and ensuring every order is fresh and flavorful, is why generations of locals continue to choose this spot. It’s an authentic New Jersey experience, complete with outdoor seating options for those nice days.

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Location and Accessibility

Tommy's Hot Dogs is centrally located and easily accessible within the Carteret community in Middlesex County, New Jersey. The address is:

117 Grant Ave, Carteret, NJ 07008

Situated slightly off the main commercial routes, the location provides a cozy, neighborhood feel that is typical of long-standing local favorites. For patrons traveling by car, there is the advantage of Free street parking, making quick pickups and dine-in visits hassle-free. The restaurant also takes measures to ensure all customers feel welcome:

• Wheelchair Accessible: The location is equipped with a wheelchair accessible parking lot and seating, demonstrating a commitment to serving all members of the community.
• Pet-Friendly: For those bringing their four-legged friends along, dogs are allowed, specifically in the outdoor seating area.
• Atmosphere: The environment is distinctly casual and cozy, favoring a no-frills approach that prioritizes great food and friendly conversation over formality. It's a place where locals feel at home.

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Services Offered

To meet the needs of their busy New Jersey customers, Tommy's Hot Dogs offers a comprehensive array of service options, ensuring their comfort food is available whenever and wherever you want it. Their service model focuses on maximum flexibility and speed, which is why "Fast service" is highlighted as a key feature.

• Dine-in and Counter Service: Customers can enjoy their meal right on-site. The atmosphere is casual and cozy, offering seating within the no-frills establishment and outside with Outdoor seating options.
• Takeout: The most traditional fast food service, allowing for quick order placement and pickup for meals on the go.
• Delivery & No-Contact Delivery: Catering to the modern convenience trend, they offer direct delivery services, including a No-contact delivery option for safety and preference.
• All-Day Dining: Tommy’s is one of the rare local spots popular for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, making it a reliable choice for any mealtime.
• Payment Flexibility: For ease of transaction, the business accepts both Credit cards and Debit cards.

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Features / Highlights

What truly sets Tommy's Hot Dogs apart in the competitive New Jersey fast food market are its unique offerings and community-centric values:

• Homemade Chili Recipe: The legendary Chilli is made in-house using a generations-old family recipe that is notable for being bean-free, a regional preference highly valued by hot dog purists. This chili is available as a topping ($2.10) or by the bowl ($3.00).
• Authentic New Jersey Italian Hot Dog: A must-try local specialty, the Italian Hot Dog is served with peppers, onions, and potatoes, all wrapped up—a classic New Jersey fast food tradition that locals rave about.
• Homemade Burgers and Cheesesteaks: The menu emphasizes that their Burgers are homemade! and customers frequently praise the freshness and flavor of the "Philly" Cheesesteak ($6.00).
• Veteran-Owned Business: The business proudly identifies as veteran-owned, adding a layer of community pride and history to the establishment's long-standing family legacy.
• Wide-Ranging Menu Toppings: The hot dog toppings menu is incredibly comprehensive, featuring everything from simple Kraut and Relish to specialty combinations like Chilli & Potato ($2.25) and Peppers, Onion, Potatoes ($2.25).

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Contact Information

To place an order for delivery or takeout, or to inquire about the menu, you can reach Tommy's Hot Dogs directly:

Address: 117 Grant Ave, Carteret, NJ 07008
Phone: (732) 541-8409
Mobile Phone: +1 732-541-8409

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What is Worth Choosing

For any local or visitor exploring the quintessential New Jersey fast food scene, a visit to Tommy's Hot Dogs demands a focus on the classics that made this place famous. The hot dog selection is undoubtedly the star, but the menu offers satisfying choices for every taste and time of day.

If this is your first visit, you must try the signature combination: a hot dog topped with the Homemade Chili (No Beans). The chili is consistently described by reviewers as nice, smooth, and having a bit of heat, providing the perfect savory complement to the hot dog. You can try the Chili & Cheese dog ($2.25) or the fully loaded Chili, Peppers, Onions, Potatoes dog ($2.35) for a truly hearty experience.

The Italian Hot Dog is also essential for any New Jersey food enthusiast. This regional specialty, served on a roll and stuffed with the frankfurter, sautéed peppers, onions, and crispy fried potatoes, is a unique and satisfying meal unto itself. Reviewers frequently highlight this as a perfectly cooked and flavor-packed choice.

Beyond the dogs, the homemade quality of the other menu items is what keeps Tommy's in high rotation. The Sandwich and Burger selection offers excellent value and flavor. The "Philly" Cheese Steak ($6.00) and the California Cheeseburger ($4.75), which comes with lettuce, tomato, and onion, are frequently recommended for their fresh ingredients and generous portions.

Finally, for a side dish, the Onion Rings ($3.00) are a must-order. Multiple customers have singled them out, often using capital letters to express their quality, emphasizing that they are "EXCELLENT" and freshly made. Paired with the chili cheese fries, these sides complete the authentic, indulgent fast food experience that Tommy’s Hot Dogs has perfected over its long history in Carteret, NJ.

Tommy's Hot Dogs

117 Grant Ave, Carteret, NJ 07008, USA