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The Hot Grill In Clifton Competes For 'Top Dog' In DVlicious Contest

CLIFTON, N.J. -- The classic hot dog, in all its bronzed, charred perfection, holds a special place in the hearts – and stomachs -- of most Americans, especially come summer. July, in fact, is National Hot Dog Month, thanks to the designation by the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council. 

A patron at The Hot Grill in Clifton pauses for a photo opt before chowing down on its Texas hot wieners and fries drenched in gravy.

A patron at The Hot Grill in Clifton pauses for a photo opt before chowing down on its Texas hot wieners and fries drenched in gravy.

 Photo Credit: Yelp
It's all in the chili sauce for fans of the Texas hot wiener at The Hot Grill in Cliifton, but sauerkraut and mustard don't hurt either.

It's all in the chili sauce for fans of the Texas hot wiener at The Hot Grill in Cliifton, but sauerkraut and mustard don't hurt either.

 Photo Credit: Yelp
The Hot Grill in Clifton.

The Hot Grill in Clifton.

 Photo Credit: Yelp
The Hot Grill in Clifton.

The Hot Grill in Clifton.

 Photo Credit: Yelp
Daily Voice

Poll
Who Has Passaic County's Best Hot Dogs?
Final Results Voting Closed

Who Has Passaic County's Best Hot Dogs?

  • Rutt's Hutt, Clifton
    53%
  • The Hot Grill, Clifton
    44%
  • Goffle Grill, Hawthorne
    1%
  • Hot Diggity Grill, Hawthorne
    1%
  • Jersey Johnny's Grill, Woodland Park
    0%

So where’s the best place to slather on the toppings and indulge in the perfect weiner? Daily Voice readers picked five nominees for our DVlicious “Best in Passaic County,” contest, each of which is being profiled this week.

Read below for what makes each nominee a “top dog,” then let your fingers do the clicking. Keep in mind you can vote multiple times, albeit once per day. Voting ends 4 p.m. Thursday, July 28.

The Hot Grill, 669 Lexington Ave., Clifton, (973) 772-6000

Frank Talk: Folks on Yelp and TripAdvisor rave about the Texas hot wieners laden with chili sauce, mustard and onions, The circa-1961 eatery touts itself as the place to go for a spicy sauce (cayenne pepper, cinnamon, cloves and cumin) that is closest to the one developed, not in the “Lone Star State,” but in nearby Paterson.

According to Owners Carmen LaMendola and Domenick Sportelli, their sauce has been enjoyed in countries as far away as Italy and England. Among the notables that they say have eaten their dogs are: former Major League baseball player Tommy John; actor Tim Conway, best known for his comedic turns on “The Carol Burnett Show;” the late game show host Allen Ludden; and the late president Richard Nixon -- before he made it to the White House.

Top This: The dogs are fried pork and beef Sabretts and the buns are steamed, but for Hot Grill addicts, it’s all in the sauce. 

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