J's Beef: Linden, NJ (CLOSED)

Update:  As reported on roadfood.com by John the Hot Dog Guy, J's Beef has closed in Linden.  The owner is considering a move to Seaside on the boardwalk with a slightly different menu.

J's Beef opened on St. Georges Ave in Linden, New Jersey, last year, and I've been champing at the bit since to get down there.  I finally made it last week, and I was very pleased.

Their tagline is "Chicago Style Italian Beef and Sausage", and boy are they not kidding.  I'm no expert on Chicago beef sandwiches, but I've had a few.  From what I can tell, J's is doing Chicago beef justice. 

The giardiniera is a bit different than what I'm used to, but it was nice and spicy, and really worked well with the beef (which was ordered "wet", meaning the whole sandwich is dunked into the jus).

The sandwich is enormous.  Too big I'd argue.  I overheard the owner telling another customer that they are going to start offering smaller sizes.  I'm looking forward to that.

J's is also using Vienna Beef hot dogs, straight from Chicago, for their Chicago-style hot dogs.  Firstly, they have a lot of guts bringing a Chicago-style hot dog to North Jersey, which I would say is the hot dog capital of the world. I have to admire that move.  Secondly, it's really good.

J's hot dog really impressed me, even after woofing down at 2 lbs of beef on a wet roll.  It's got all the trimmings, including that wacky neon green relish, onions, yellow mustard, tomato wedges, sport peppers, and seasoned salt.  The tomatoes were nicely trimmed of the wet nasty stuff in the middle, leaving just the meaty flesh.  That's a nice touch.

If I had 3 stomachs I would have gotten into the real smoked BBQ , or pork chop sandwich, or the Po Boys that they offer.  J's menu does seem to be a bit schizophrenic, but they've refined it since opening, removing items that weren't selling.  I'm hoping to motor through their whole menu.

J's Beef : 902 W. St. Georges Ave : Linden, NJ : 908.587.0105

Comments

[John Fox]

J's is one of my favorite places to grab a bite to eat. Every time I go, I plan on trying something new on the menu, but the allure of the hot dog usually prevents me from doing so. But I have had the Italian Beef (for the first time anywhere) and the Brisket sandwich. I liked the brisket here better than the Front Street Smokehouse in Elizabeth. As for the hot dogs, I'm sure you would agree that they are authentic, having been to Chicago. I am now a convert, having not been crazy about this style before. Usually I like just a little mustard on my dog, in order to fully appreciate the flavor and other qualities (char, etc.) of the meat. But all of the ingredients on this dog blend together well. The Vienna frank is all beef, but not as spicy as say a Sabrett or Nathan's. If it was, it would probably overwhelm the other ingredients and throw everything out of balance. It's a great hot dog.

[menton1]

A bitout of my geographic range, but it looks wonderful. Union, Kenilworth, Roselle, Elizabeth and Linden seem to have a bunch of these great "family fast food" one-of-a-kind places.

P.S. Tommy: Thanks much for the correct use of the phrase "champing at the bit". Most people misuse the phrase and put in "chomping".

[John Fox]

Menton 1,
I mentioned it on other forums, but a Papaya King opened up in Clifton. Same great dog as in N.Y. And you prefer grilled dogs if I remember. Another great place I went to recently is Jimmy Buffs in East Hanover. In addition to Italian Hot Dogs, they serve a Schickhaus dog that has been griddled, then charbroiled. They also serve the Best's footlong (same dog as Syd's) but with a unique touch, sauteed in oil, then charbroiled. Delicious. Although if you don't like it this way, you can specify how you want it done.