Memorable | One of the Best
Charlie’s Hot Dogs
Review by: Bruce Bilmes and Susan Boyle
It’s possible to be served an Italian hot dog in the Newark area at a restaurant with more soul, more sass, but few dog houses can compete with the taste of a Charlie’s Italian dog. What makes a Charlie’s dog special is that each item in the sandwich is a little bit, but noticeably, better than at most other places. The hot dogs themselves are more flavorful, the potatoes are superb and crisp, and the onions and peppers are brighter, too. We recommend getting a double. In fact, we always recommend a double when ordering an Italian hot dog. Not only is it easier to eat (you get a 180 degree section of bread, rather than the awkward 90 degrees), but it just feels right, in the same way that getting a double brat in Wisconsin feels more right than a single.
The place is small, a neighborhood joint really, and most customers take out, though there are tables available for dining in. Note also that Charlie’s serves some top notch bottled cream soda and root beer.
Root beer and a double Italian; life in Jersey just doesn’t get any better.
Directions & Hours
Information
| Price | $ |
| Seasons | All |
| Meals Served | Lunch, Dinner |
| Credit Cards Accepted | No |
| Alcohol Served | No |
| Outdoor Seating | No |
What To Eat
Charlie’s Hot Dogs Recipes
Discuss
What do you think of Charlie’s Hot Dogs?
One Response to “Charlie’s Hot Dogs”
Robert D. Asaro, Sr.
November 15th, 2007
I heard about how good Charlie’s Italian Hot Dogs in Kenilworth was, so I decided to take a trip. I convinced my son who never experienced an Italian hot dog to take a ride with me from Parsippany. We hit Route 78 construction traffic; he told me this better be worth it! We found it easy enough just off the parkway. It’s a typical storefront restaurant showing its age a little but very clean.
I couldn’t convince my son to order an Italian hot dog once he saw cheesesteaks on the menu. I‘m a big fan of cheesesteaks, but I had Italian hot dogs on the brain form the onset. I also had to order a side of potatoes. My son took a bite of his Philly cheesesteak and smiled, and with his mouth still half full said it was worth the trip. After the second bite he said it was the best sandwich he ever had! Then he ate my potatoes. My Italian hot dog tasted like the ones I remembered back when. I tried some others in my area and they didn’t even come close.
Highly recommend; even if you have to take a drive, it’s worth it.