Rutt's Hut — Restaurant in Clifton

I was told by an incredibly reliable source, some would actually say the ultimate source of hot dog knowledge, that these were the best hot dogs in the country.

I currently live in Los Angeles, and flew into upstate New York to help out with my recently injured mom. After spending days with her, she insisted I take a night off to have fun and go to the Red Bulls game in New Jersey. Some might say soccer is anti-fun, but those people have not had the pleasure of kicking balls.

Regardless, my friends and I stayed late at the game, and then it hit me, I’m somewhat close Rutt’s Hut! I can finally try these legendary dogs that all the kids are talking about!

Having told my family about Rutt’s Hut, who had just returned from looking after my mother in the hospital, they wanted some too. They were excited to try these legendary dogs, and wanted me to bring some back.

After the game, I looked at my phone, and saw that I had enough time to make it before they closed at 11:00 PM. Before my friends and I went to the parking garage to go our separate ways, one of them said “I’m going get a gyro, you want one?” I was tempted. The gyro looked edible, some would even say “good.” But I was a man on a mission, a man with a goal. I replied “no thank you sir, it’s going to be a night of Rutt’s for me!” He looked at me like I had three heads, then ordered his food.

I got to my car, looked at my GPS, and it said I would arrive before closing time. I rush out of the parking lot, but take a couple of wrong turns because I’m not familiar with Newark. The only thing I know about Newark is, don’t stay in Newark. I bump into traffic, and the only thing I could think is, “oh no, I gotta hurry! The delicious delightful dogs might not be within my grasp if I don’t move it!”

Luckily, I get past the traffic and move down towards Mr. Rutt. I felt like Dominic Toretto with how I was moving on the road. However, in this case, it wasn’t about family, it was about hot dogs.

I see the place in the distance, and I shout, “yes!” I pull into the parking lot without checking the time, because I have no time to spare.

I open the door, and it looks magnificent. No frills, just a few counters and maybe or a seat or two. I honestly can’t remember, I was just so blindly by the interiors pure white majesty that it felt like I was entering the pearly gates.

There were some people staring at me, eating. I wasn’t focused on the people, I was focused on what they were eating. I couldn’t wait for what was in them, to be in me.

I get to the counter, ready to place my order. My stomach growling, on the verge of finally getting these magnificent weanies I’ve heard so much about. I open my mouth, ready to place my order.

“We’re closed pal.”

Closed? I looked at my phone.

It was 10:50PM.

“Even for take out?” I replied, stunned.

“We’re closed, pal.”

“I see…”

I turned away, back to my car. I sat in the drivers seat, dejected, depressed, but worst of all, hungry.

Now, some people would say if you close at 10:50, why would you not put your hours as 10:50, instead of tricking people into going out of their way from upstate New York, thinking they have at chance at purchasing your sustenance, only to be stonewalled at the gate. However, I would never be so bitter, no sir.

So here’s my dilemma. I’d love to review what the dogs taste like, but unfortunately I’m unable to. Instead, I’m going to have to review what I would IMAGINE they would have tasted like, had I been allowed to actually partake.

The chili is incredible. Soggy, runny, and filled with carpet shag that gets stuck to your tongue.

Then the French fries. Every bite reminded me of the cafeteria fries I had when I was growing up. Undercooked, flavorless, and felt like cardboard. Nostalgic!

Then finally, we got to the piece de resistance, the ripper. The hot dog that they shout from the rooftops that everybody should try. The ripper certainly lives up to its name, in that it tasted like they ripped a fart into my mouth.

Overall: one of the most memorable meals I’ve ever...

Yummy Rutts Hut in Clifton, NJ

Rutts Hut in Clifton, NJ, is nothing short of a culinary institution. Known for its legendary “Ripper” hot dogs, this no-frills spot has been serving up some of the best comfort food in New Jersey for decades. If you’re looking for gourmet or fancy dining, this isn’t the place—but if you’re after an authentic, greasy spoon experience with food that hits the spot, Rutts Hut delivers in spades.

The star of the menu is undoubtedly the deep-fried hot dog, affectionately called the “Ripper” for the way it splits open in the fryer. The dog is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfectly complemented by their famous house-made relish—a tangy, slightly sweet concoction that adds just the right amount of zing. You can order your hot dog in varying degrees of doneness, from the slightly fried “In-And-Outer” to the well-done “Cremator,” which lives up to its name with a charred, crunchy exterior.

Beyond hot dogs, Rutts Hut offers a range of classic sides and other quick eats. The fries are crispy and golden, perfect for dipping in some ketchup or mustard, and the onion rings are a crowd favorite—lightly battered and fried to perfection.

The atmosphere at Rutts Hut is as classic as its menu. The interior has an old-school charm, with a no-nonsense counter service and a dining area that feels frozen in time, in the best way possible. It’s the kind of place where you can sit back, enjoy your food, and soak in the history of a spot that’s been a local favorite for generations.

Prices are reasonable, and portions are generous, making it a great place for a quick bite or a casual meal with friends or family. If you’re in Clifton or passing through, Rutts Hut is a must-visit. Whether you’re a first-timer or a long-time fan, the food and experience will leave you satisfied and...

The rippers are high quality and tasty. The chili is delicious and flavorful. Wings and fries were amazing; their fry oil must be ultra clean. Idk what this lady named Lynne is going on about giving a 2 star review; literally complaining about “seasoning” in the “bland chili”; seems pretty contradictory right? Ironically I had some hot grill Texas wieners 3 days ago because Rutts doesn’t do door dash, and was severely disappointed. They were incredibly bland. The only thing you could taste was the bitterness of the cheap mustard and sourness from the amount of raw onion. Tried their burger too. Absolutely gross; like they boiled a frozen patty in water. The bread they’re using is so incredibly cheap it tasted like communion wafers. Amazing how Lynne compared Ruts to Hot Grill and likes Hot Grill’s dumpster food. A friend of mine actually went to the hot grill a month ago and warned me that there are only old people in there; he was indirectly letting me know the food was going to be bland af; he was right. As for Ruts, their dogs are high quality and they get them from a not so secret deli in a neighboring town which also sells custom dogs. Sounds like Lynne needs wait until the taste comes back into her face after contracting...