So cool that place is still around, especially since they host a great cruise night on Tuesdays. For all of you guys here not familiar with Rutt's Hut, here's some info from Wikipedia: Rutt's Hut is a restaurant in Clifton, New Jersey known for its style of deep-fried hot dogs. The process of frying causes the hot dog casings to crack and split, which has led to the nickname "Rippers". The restaurant is also known for their mustard-based relish made with cabbage, onions and carrots. The original roadside stand was opened in 1928 by Royal "Abe" Rutt and his wife, Anna. The family sold the restaurant to the current owner, Nicholas Karagiorgis, in late 1974. Today the building is split into three separate sections: a restaurant, a bar, and a take-out counter. Rutt's Hut has been featured on the PBS special A Hot Dog Program, numerous Food Network shows, the Travel Channel's Deep-Fried Paradise, and was the setting of a commercial for Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey. It is also listed in the book 1,000 Places to See in the USA and Canada Before You Die. From my own personal experience, my Mom used to tell me about when she used to go to Rutt's Hut as a little girl, when my grandpa would take her and my Grandma there in his '56 Chevy wagon. Later she'd drive there on her own when she was old enough. When Route 21 was built, Rutt's stayed in place, and a portion of the parking lot of Rutt's actually hangs over the right lane of Route 21 where the exit for Route 3 comes in. This is a very cool place, rich with Americana and history. Anyone who comes to the area should make the trip if they can. Thanks for the pics Al
best cruise spot in north jersey .one of my favs.someone tell the nutty frenchguy maker i said hi . cant wait till i get back need a hotdog and see a real cruise where they dont ask for a $1.00 to enter .like sat nights one at whisky cafe where all the new cars seem to go .
What a cool spot, thanx for the cool snaps of the cruz in. Love the shoebox ford with the 57 chevy grill bar. That should make the die hard blue oval cats freak. Rare Hudson in the pix as well. I'll bet a couple of those ripper dogs with that cabbage base relish would make a ripper out of you as well. They should come with a gas-x tablet on the side. Thanx for the cool post. Love the tradition, screw where the new cars go! ~Sololobo~
Rutts Hut. To cool. Dont want to miss a single tuesday night on my home from the salt mines. Love the shot of Johhny paying off Officer Bob (Bob37). Thanks Al. Great to see ya as always.
As 57joefomopar stated, Part of the parking lot hangs over Rt. 21's Southbound and Rt. 3's merge ramp.Right at this point was the first of four marked of 1/4 miles dating back to the sixties. These were the days when every night was a cruise night at Rutt's. Two "Rippers", a Howdy (orange drink) and I'll take the inside lane and give you a half car for $15.00, and my p***enger does the count...ha. There is no way you could race down there anymore with the amount of traffic in today's world. The back-room restaurant/bar area is like stepping back into the 1930's. All they do is varnish right over the nicotine stained "Knotty-Pine" every couple of decades. I think they missed the last four coatings though. This all adds to the ambiance of this fantastic, old, iconic road stand. Long live Rutt's Hut!
All year long for the hard-core "Ripper" worshipers. In the winter it's inside at the "stand-up" counter for 3-4 months of "bench-racing".
Al...you're killin' me. Rutt's used to be a regular stop when I was going to Montclair State in the early 60's.
Hey Rich, I think the guys will save you a spot. The place has not changed since you were up here. Slim
dame you guy,s got me i,ll have to stop and get a few ripper,s today for lunch thanks for the pictures AL great as always joe great story about rut,s and bob you bring back the great time,s that made rut,s a place to go
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