The recession has reminded me that old favorites never go out of style.
Everyone loves to sit down for a gourmet meal – but every once in a while, there’s nothing better than an American classic: the hot dog. If you’re in New Jersey – there’s only one place to go – one institution that has earned the praise of food critics nationwide – Rutt’s Hut.
A recent Friday night brought me to this classic roadside restaurant, where I was told stories of my mother being brought to the hot dog stand out back as a child. My grandfather, a first-generation Italian-American, worked in a factory nearby – and must have discovered Rutt’s Hut on his lunch hour.
He introduced my mother to ‘rippers’ (hot dogs that got their name from ‘ripping’ while cooked) as a childhood treat. Growing up – my mom started heading to Rutt’s Hut with friends for hot dogs, fries, and onion rings. When you first walk in the door, there is a long bar with the menu listed overhead. My grandfather told my mother that the menu hasn’t changed since the 50′s, and that only the prices have been changed over the years.
There’s a dining room in the back, and one of the most charming elements of the restaurant awaits. Waitresses are notoriously unhappy at Rutt’s Hut, and don’t believe in pleasantries. When they drop a pile of hot dogs on your table, you’ll realize they aren’t being rude, it’s all apart of the quirky charm.
Don’t expect to make an evening out of it – it literally takes minutes to sit down, order, have your meal delivered, and pay. Rutt’s Hut accepts cash only, so leave your credit cards at home and head out for a recession-busting meal.
