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Jolly Nick's In Dumont Strives For 'Top Dog' In DVlicious Hot Dog Contest

DUMONT, 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. 

Jim Strohmeyer, Jr. works the grill in Jolly Nick's in Dumont.

Jim Strohmeyer, Jr. works the grill in Jolly Nick's in Dumont.

 Photo Credit: Cecilia Levine
Co-owner Jim Strohmeyer, Sr. points to photographs of Jolly Nick's Westwood and Cresskill locations.

Co-owner Jim Strohmeyer, Sr. points to photographs of Jolly Nick's Westwood and Cresskill locations.

 Photo Credit: Cecilia Levine
Jolly Nick's doesn't skimp on the cheese and chili for its deep-fried dogs.

Jolly Nick's doesn't skimp on the cheese and chili for its deep-fried dogs.

 Photo Credit: Yelp
Two chili dogs with onions from Jolly Nick's in Dumont.

Two chili dogs with onions from Jolly Nick's in Dumont.

 Photo Credit: Yelp
A Jolly Nick's customer enjoys his usual hot dog with sauerkraut.

A Jolly Nick's customer enjoys his usual hot dog with sauerkraut.

 Photo Credit: Cecilia Levine
Daily Voice

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

Who Has Bergen County's Best Hot Dogs?

  • Callahan's, Norwood
    14%
  • Callahan's, Fort Lee
    22%
  • Hank's Franks, Lodi
    25%
  • Hiram's, Fort Lee
    36%
  • Jolly Nick's, Dumont
    4%

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 Bergen 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.

Jolly NIck's, 31 E. Madison Ave., Dumont, (201) 501-0889

Frank Talk: Located within walking distance of a school, Jolly Nick’s gets a little loud and crazy at lunchtime with hordes of hungry students craving a little comfort food. 

Nick Zambitto opened his first location in Cresskill in the 1960s, and later, two more spots in Westwood and Dumont. He is retired and living in Florida, but current Co-Owner Jim Strohmeyer, who works the counter and register, and his son, Jim Jr., who cooks, are both old hands at keeping the dogs and burgers coming. They even have a “credit system” for their young repeat customers and daily specials, including 10 percent off for senior citizens.

Top This: Jolly Nick’s has a color chart for ordering their deep-fried Thumann’s dogs. For instance, a blue dog comes with mustard and relish; green (mustard, peppers and onions); tan (mustard and red onions); white (mustard and sauerkraut); and rainbow, with everything. Customers say their chili sauce is tangy, not sweet.

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