Destination Dogs image

Destination Dogs

Restaurant Bar Hot dog restaurant

One of the Best Places To Visits in New Brunswick


Address

101 Paterson St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Website

www.destinationdogs.com

Contact

(732) 993-1016

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (2.4K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 12 PM to 12 AM
  • Monday: 11:30 AM to 12 AM
  • Tuesday: 11:30 AM to 12 AM
  • Wednesday: 11:30 AM to 12 AM
  • Thursday: 11:30 AM to 2 AM
  • Friday: 11:30 AM to 2 AM
  • Saturday: 12 PM to 2 AM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (18) great (16) dogs (15) Destination (14) delicious (13) time (9) friendly (8) menu (8) service (8) staff (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Elizabeth D. 2 years ago on Google
    We were craving a hot dog and happened to be in the area and I’m happy we stopped because this place is great! There’s a good draft selection and plenty of hot dogs to choose from. You can even create your own hot dog if you want! There’s a room with arcade games and skee ball! Bartenders were friendly and the place was very clean. The inside was pretty big with an upstairs room.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Claude T. 3 months ago on Google • 275 reviews New
    A gem of New Brunswick, NJ! Longevity has to be attributed to creative, comfort food inspired Hot Dog menu and home away from home bar/dining space.

  • 5/5 Shashi K. 2 years ago on Google
    We got the vegan and vegetarian dogs. The Deviled eggs were amazing. the beer was great. the bourbon cupcake is surprisingly awesome! Food service was fast. Don't forget to order the secret sauce on the side. Might have to wait to get a table. Amazing place.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Michael T. 9 months ago on Google • 46 reviews
    This is a tough review for me. I’ve been to Destination Dogs many times before pre covid. This was my first time in recent years and we went during restaurant week. Let me focus on the positives. The ambience is wonderful and decor is super fun. The inside is comfortable and it’s always nice being greeted by random games when you go to the bathroom. The food was solid. I’ve had better here but today was still good. First was the conquistador dog which was pretty tasty. It’s nice having potatoes on top. The sauce was a little heavy but overall it worked. Next was the Kansas City dog. The pulled pork and hotdog worked really well together. The beef nachos were delicious and super tasty. A side of fries rounded out the meal nicely. For dessert we had the chocolate mosaic cake which I’d give a B. Now the not so good. Service was pretty bad. It’s hard because I know many places are understaffed - so some of that might not be the fault of the wait staff. However regardless of reason, it results in a bad experience for the customer. First was ordering two waters and a coke with the nachos. We got everything but the coke since the waiter forgot. He relatively quickly addressed that. The hotdogs came out at a good time. Once given our entrees, we didn’t see the waiter again until the food was eaten and all the drinks were done. It would’ve been nice to re order drinks while eating. Upon taking our plates to bring us the dessert, we asked for two more waters. We received the dessert. But no water, and so we reminded the waiter. The waiter passed us two more times over the next 10-15 minutes with no water. Eventually I got up, walked a few feet to the bar and asked for after myself. I don’t know if this was relevant, but the table by us was engaged with two different workers (not at the same time) for almost their entire meal time. I don’t know if this resulted in less workers creating more work for others. Just trying to rationalize what happened. If I had never eaten here before I would probably not return. That being said. The food is good. Hopefully this was a one off. And I’ll probably be back in a few months.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bailey R. 8 months ago on Google • 30 reviews
    we’re big hot dog people, so this restaurant was a must-do while we were in jersey for the weekend. y’all - this place does not disappoint! the staff is very attentive and polite. they have a hot dog for every taste and they’re DELICIOUS 🙌🏼 I had the Kansas City BBQ and it was actually a little mind-blowing. my husband went with the Scarlet Bite and enjoyed it just as much. the restaurant has dedicated parking spaces around the side of the building and plenty of seating. definitely adding this to our list of regular visits for when we come back!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ryann 9 months ago on Google • 89 reviews
    I recently had the pleasure of dining at Destination Dog. The staff are so friendly that made me feel im great. The restaurant's ambiance was trendy and inviting, creating the perfect setting for an enjoyable meal. The decor was tastefully done Now, onto the food: Destination Dog truly defines culinary creativity! Their menu is a tantalizing adventure, offering an array of gourmet hot dogs that push the boundaries of flavor. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted and bursting with unique combinations of toppings and condiments that surprise and delight the taste buds. I had the pleasure of trying their signature "Destination Dog" which featured a perfectly grilled sausage topped with caramelized onions, spicy mustard, and a tangy relish. The flavors were expertly balanced, and the quality of the ingredients shone through in every bite. It was a delicious revelation! The service at Destination Dog deserves special commendation. The staff were attentive, knowledgeable, and passionate about the menu offerings. They were eager to accommodate dietary preferences and offered excellent recommendations based on personal preferences. In addition to their incredible hot dogs, Destination Dog also offers a range of sides, including loaded fries that complement the main course perfectly. The portion sizes were generous, ensuring that each bite was satisfying and enjoyable. Overall, my dining experience at Destination Dog was exceptional. The restaurant's commitment to providing a unique and delicious dining experience, paired with their warm hospitality, sets them apart. I highly recommend visiting Destination Dog to anyone seeking a memorable dining adventure. You won't be disappointed!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Elijah K. 2 years ago on Google
    I really thought New Jersey didn't have much good hot dog joints, but I have been proven wrong. Destination Dogs have really tip the scale with the amazing variety of creative hotdogs. Introducing state of the art sausages made to perfection. Ask for Aline, her personality, charm & wit makes the whole experience awesome! Definitely a must go 👌.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lisboa L. 11 months ago on Google
    🌭🍗Destination dogs, a place where you could catch a quick bite while you waiting for the train 🚂 or have a court session to attempt too or if u or just in the mood to chill and have a 🍻 beer 🍺 or maybe some cocktails, also if you want to light up your mood while you having some drinks they are some arcades to fun up your day!🥖🌭
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Travis E. 10 months ago on Google
    Best place for the unusual dogs. Good selections that are price friendly. The service was great. It's a definite go back to.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Arch 2 years ago on Google
    Got a lamb dog there, its was decent. Guy did warn me that the meat is a littles dry but they were honest about it up front. Overall I enjoyed the food and the service. Which is why I gave the 5 stars
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sabrina C. 2 years ago on Google
    A hidden gem. The variety of dogs made it hard to choose. The Kansas and Newarker were delicious. Although my drink choices weren't available, Aline was a great hostess and have alternate suggestions. I loved her service.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Holly G. 7 months ago on Google • 53 reviews
    Nice place, kind of in an odd spot, but not far from downtown. Deviled eggs were delicious, so were the cheese curds. My husband loved his New Orleans inspired dog, mine (el borracho) was a bit overly sauced but good. Fries were crispy and hot. We will be back!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nick F. 5 months ago on Google • 41 reviews
    Stopped by for a bite to eat and drink on a Friday. The menu has plenty of traditional bar food options, but the highlight is obviously the incredibly diverse and inventive hot dog / sausage options. There are different selections for many different tastes and the quality of the food was excellent. I tried the Pig Trouble In Little China with Cantonese sausage, fried shrimp, hoisin, pepper jelly, orange zest, sesame seed, and scallion. Accessible price point, great options, and delicious food. Will absolutely be back.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Chris W. 3 months ago on Google • 27 reviews New
    Many choices here from local themed to all over the world dogs. Some are hot dogs and others may include Italian, chorizo and Cantonese sausages. I had the Bun Mi Vietnamese style with the Cantonese sausage along with their nachos to start. All things were delicious. Great drinks from the bar too! Forgot to mention the cool game room and music selection.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 steph r. 2 months ago on Google • 24 reviews New
    I dont even like hot dogs! This place changed my mind! The alligator dog with the shrimp on top wow! Must try! Great drinks, amazing servers that are very knowledgeable about the menu. Super cool ambiance. They even have a little arcade room. Just Go!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yuen C. 5 months ago on Google • 8 reviews
    We came in after a Rutgers vs OSU game and it was packed, we sat at the bar and was served by Brian and he was AWESOME! Even when it was so busy, he took his time to explain to us the menu and was super friendly and great! We ordered the banh mi and andouille dog and they were awesome. The drinks were delicious too!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jules H. 9 months ago on Google
    We visited during the New Brunswick restaurant week. For $34 you got a shared appetizer, two dogs, a side dish, a dessert, and two fountain drinks. A great price. There’re so much food we took the dessert and 1/2 the beef nachos home. We had beef nachos, an Italian dog, a domestic oscar dog, and cole slaw. The beef nachos were loaded with toppings: cheese, tomatoes, guacamole, and ground beef. It was great and could be a meal itself. The Oscar dog was tasty and the Italian dog was delicious and loaded with broccoli rabe. The Cole slaw was fine but had slightly too much salt for my taste. The restaurant wasn’t super busy and the wait staff was attentive and friendly.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kai E. 1 year ago on Google
    I love this place!!! So many fun combinations to try and very well priced. I miss the Philly location so much! Staff was kind and the food came very fast even during the dinner rush. Will definitely be back! I love the Oscar and the deviled eggs appetizer. The chips are fun too. Only consideration is that they were very packed (covid cautious here)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marc F. 2 years ago on Google
    The only bad here was parking is suspect. There are garages and lots near though. The food was fantastic. The wait staff was great. Drinks were good though a little light on the alcohol. When we inquired about gluten free for my wife the manager was available to speak and on top of all the questions. I had One bite in Bangkok and The Waco Kid. Both were great but the Thai dog was off the charts. I'd eat a few of those without hesitation. The deviled eggs were surprisingly bland and should probably be skipped. All in I'd 100% come back again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pete C. 2 months ago on Google • 64 reviews New
    Awesome place. Great recipes and the hotdogs are really filling. The bread they use for the buns is delicious! Highly recommend

  • 5/5 Rob G. 4 months ago on Google • 24 reviews
    I was visiting family in the nearby hospital and stopped into Destination Dogs with my daughter on a whim. I was pleasantly surprised by everything! It felt and looked like a local bar but the food made it stand out as a unique place. We shared something called Patata Ridicula and it was a great appetizer! It's base was cubes of fried potatoes and the jalapeños and other ingredients made it a spicy and perfect starter. I ordered a hot dog from the clever menu - each special Entree is based on a location (both domestic and international). You can also build your own dog with a variety of toppings. I chose the one from Palm Springs and it had roast beef, Swiss, Horseradish sauce, and onions. Let me say now that the hot dog itself was top notch! The toppings help elevate it to a higher level! The bread was almost like toast but very light and fluffy. My daughter got a taco-related dog and it was messy(but delicious) so she ate with a knife and fork. I was able to keep mine together and ate with my hands. The service was very good. Jack welcomed us at the door and provided friendly and prompt service. Later on, a big party came in; I thought we would have to wait a while before he was free. But the bartender quickly stepped in and handled our check. It may seem like a small thing, but I appreciated the convenience. It tells me there's good management there with quality hires! Overall I enjoyed my time and will go back!

  • 5/5 Michael S. 1 year ago on Google
    Nothing like your thinking. This is a pub serving not just traditional hot dogs. Basically, it's a build your own. Starting with choice of Meat: beef, chicken, lamb, alligator & shrimp, veggies & more. Then more topping that you can imagine.

  • 5/5 Sean M. 6 months ago on Google • 4 reviews
    NJ has many hot dog options but this one is my favorite. Lots of really creative and unique menu items, all of which taste great. I especially love the “Rocky Bal-Boar-A” dog which is Italian sausage with sliced steak/onions/peppers/cheese, and cherry pepper relish for added kick. You can also create your own hot dog with tons of choices of meats, toppings, and condiments. There’s indoor and outdoor seating and a small parking lot in the back. Great place!

  • 5/5 Marshall W. 11 months ago on Google
    Stopped here with a coworker after visiting the area for a product demo and definitely will be back! These dogs were delicious 😋 especially the Andouille Armstrong.

  • 5/5 Ellen D. 11 months ago on Google
    My son suggested this place as I was telling him I was dying for a good chili hot dog and believe me I was not disappointed!! Went with my 2 daughters. Everything was prepared fresh!! Has a nice bar,great staff and very clean and friendly!!! Has a small "arcade" room and plenty TVs for sports fans!

  • 5/5 Tammy C. 10 months ago on Google
    Wow! What a place! My husband and I decided to go to Destination Dogs after hearing about it from two people. Well, we were amazed by the food, the vibe, and the service. Our server Bonnie greeted us with warmth and enthusiasm which remained throughout our visit. She recommended several different “dogs”. We chose three to share (we both LOVE food!): the Andouille Armstrong, the Bun Mi, and the Achilles Meal. These were made with sausages rather than “hotdogs”. All were unique in flavors and toppings, and all were absolutely delicious! You have to go to Destination Dogs for a magnificently unique cultural culinary experience. You will not be disappointed!

  • 5/5 Turner P. 1 year ago on Google
    As a lifelong connoisseur of Hot Dogs - it did not disappoint! Tons of cool, creative options, that taste as good good as they sound. We only had stopped for takeout it the interior looked great with a full bar to hang out in. Get ya dog on!

  • 5/5 Daniel S. 1 year ago on Google
    This is my 3rd time coming to Destination Dog and it hasn’t failed me yet. I was recommended by the bartender to order the Lord Fletcher and Cleo McDowell. Both hotdogs were on point. If I could come on lunch break I would do it but I don’t want to rush them or for me to rush to finish my food. You need to take time and really savor the flavors. Grade A as always.

  • 4/5 John Jay A. 1 year ago on Google
    Service was quick. The selection of hotdogs was awesome. 20+ different types of hotdogs from all over the world and USA. Very nice place to hangout with friends, grab a beer, watch the games, and enjoy some nice hotdogs. They got a small arcade to play foozball, darts, and video games.

  • 4/5 Brooklyn 1. 1 year ago on Google
    We tried 6 different dogs can’t remember the names I know 1 was duck sausage and a lamb dog all were great but I’m old school I loved the dog that was like the old Italian hotdog from Newark, bread pudding was good not like the way I usually have it with more sugar and cinnamon but it was very good . We sat upstairs and I waitress ran up and down without a problem we will return .

  • 3/5 Marvin M. 2 years ago on Google
    The hotdog was ok but the Italian sausage was pretty good and the chips was pretty good as well. The staff is friendly and do a good job. The restaurant seems to be in a bar like space. I wish there was lower chairs and tables.

  • 5/5 Jesse C. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing experience didn't think there could be this many combinations for a hot dog! Will definitely return next time we are in town! Also the lemonade tea bourbon drink was very refreshing!


Call (732) 993-1016 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Paid parking garage
    • ✓️ Paid street parking
    • ✓️ Somewhat difficult to find a space
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Happy hour food
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Happy hour drinks
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery

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