Jimmy Buff’s: Home of the Italian Hot Dog

A Quick History

In 1932, James “Buff” Racioppi opened the doors of his famed restaurant, Jimmy Buff’s on the corner of 14th Ave. and 9th St. in Newark, New Jersey. What makes this restaurant famous is the Italian hot dog.  Starting as a treat served only to family and close friends, the Italian hot dog quickly gained popularity and became a key item on the restaurant’s menu. This Italian-American delicacy is served up in a deep pizza bread pocket with: crispy potatoes, sauteed onions and peppers, and topped with both ketchup and mustard if ordered “all the way”. Though the Italian hot dog isn’t the only menu item at Jimmy Buff’s, it is really what gave Mr. Racioppi his claim to fame and allows his restaurant to continue serving customers today.

While the original Jimmy Buff’s location in Newark is no longer operating, you can take a quick fifteen minute drive up 280 to the West Orange location where they’re still slinging dogs. As a Essex County native, Dan has been frequenting Jimmy Buff’s since he was just a kid. Nick, on the other hand, recently moved to New Jersey after several years of weekend visits to the area. Naturally, Dan was eager to show off one of his favorite local restaurants. Nick then got to indulge in his very first Italian hot dog. 

Nick’s First Jimmy Buff’s Experience

Sitting in the parking lot of Jimmy Buff’s, rain poured down creating a moody aesthetic. However, we believe this is the perfect weather for an Italian hot dog. Walking into the restaurant you’re immediately hit with the aroma of a flat iron grill top hard at work. Just two or three employees work in tandem on the line to dole out the quality product that’s enabled Jimmy Buff’s to withstand the test of time for 90 years.

With a limited menu, you’d think picking an item would be easy. Yet, this is harder than expected due to all food choices being tasty! Whether it’s a cheesesteak, burger, chicken, sausage, hot dog, or even simply potatoes you can’t go wrong. Where you will go wrong is when you forget your cash. Being a cash only establishment, your black card won’t go far here. Fear not, there is a strategically placed ATM just outside so you’re never really out of luck. Ordering can be tough here, but we knew exactly what we were getting; two double Italian hot dogs.

Waiting for our food to come out, we jammed out to a playlist bouncing from 80s classics to modern day hits while gawking at the various awards, articles, and random New Jersey themed decor. Thankfully we didn’t have to wait long as our stomachs rumbled in anticipation. Out came our steaming-hot dogs topped with a mountain of potatoes that left Nick pondering how to dig in without covering his mustache with ketchup. (Spoiler alert: a beard napkin was very necessary.) After his first few bites, Dan asked Nick his thoughts to which he responded, “This is definitely not your typical hot dog. You better come with an appetite”.

The Verdict

Simply put, Jimmy Buff’s is a staple in this area and a trendsetter for Italian hot dogs across the country; and for good reason. Next time you’re craving a warm, filling meal on a rainy day, visit Jimmy Buff’ and pick from a menu full of deliciousness. Nick already expressed his desire to return sooner rather than later to get his hands on an Italian style cheesesteak. How could we forget, if you visit on Tuesdays you can expect a double for the price of a single. Gotta love Fat Tuesdays! What are you waiting for? Check out this certified…Jersey Gem!