- Attraction: Destination Dogs
- Location: 101 Paterson St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://destinationdogs.com/
Picture walking into a casual sports bar where the menu reads like a passport stamp collection.
Founded in 2012 by two friends who met working at another New Brunswick restaurant, Destination Dogs transformed from a tiny storefront operation into a full-fledged destination spot when it moved to its current spacious location in 2013.
What started as a simple concept has evolved into something extraordinary: a place where you can sample wild boar from Philadelphia, chorizo from Spain, and duck confit from France, all in hot dog form.
The restaurant occupies the former home of the legendary Doll’s Place bar, and you’ll still find pieces of that historic watering hole hanging on the walls, including the original outdoor sign and sections of the classic bar itself.
With around 34 globally-inspired hot dogs and sausages on the menu, each handmade in-house, this isn’t your average ballpark frank situation.
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You’ll discover options ranging from kosher beef to python, all served on oversized toasted buns that are more like individual loaves of bread than traditional hot dog rolls.
The Dogs That Made Them Famous
The Conquistadog: This Spanish-inspired creation features spicy chorizo sausage topped with crispy fried potatoes, spicy mayo, and fresh scallions.
The heat level sits at just right, not overwhelming but with enough kick to keep things interesting. It’s become a crowd favorite for those who want bold flavors without setting their mouths on fire.
The Bahn Mi: Take everything you love about Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches and reimagine it on a hot dog. Loaded with daikon radish, sauerkraut, and fresh cilantro, this one brings together tangy, savory, and herbaceous notes in every bite.
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The Rocky Bal-Boar-A: Paying homage to Philadelphia with wild boar sausage, sliced steak, cheese sauce, onions, and peppers, this hearty option satisfies serious appetites. The wild boar adds a deeper, more complex flavor than traditional pork, making it worth the premium price.
The Hebrew Hammer: An all-beef kosher dog topped with potato latkes, onions, and spicy mustard brings deli-style comfort to the table. The crispy latkes add wonderful texture contrast against the juicy sausage.
The Scarlet Bite: A local favorite inspired by New Brunswick’s own Rutgers University colors. This creation features generous toppings that burst with flavor, and the aroma hits you before the first bite even touches your lips.
The Howlamo: Wild boar sausage meets pork belly, chicharrones, and bacon mayo in this pork lover’s dream. If you’re committed to trying as many types of meat as possible, this is your ticket.
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Beyond The Bun
Patatas Ridiculas: This isn’t just a side dish, it’s often the star of the show. Fried potatoes get topped with duck confit, bacon, melted jack cheese, cheese sauce, brown gravy, pickled jalapeños, sour cream, and scallions.
Think elevated poutine with an indulgent twist. The combination of crispy potatoes, rich meats, and tangy heat creates something you’ll want to order every single visit.
Deviled Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs with whipped seasoned yolks and paprika offer a lighter start to your meal. Simple, classic, and well-executed.
Wings: Choose from Buffalo, Barbecue, or Korean Barbecue styles, served with blue cheese dressing and celery. The wings come out perfectly cooked with just the right size, not those massive ones that overwhelm you.
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Discover MoreFried Cheese Curds: Served with marinara sauce for dipping, these golden nuggets of melted cheese provide that satisfying crunch-to-gooey ratio.
Sausage Party: Choose any three of their handmade sausages served with dipping sauces, cornichons, and toasted bread slices.
This appetizer works perfectly for groups wanting to sample multiple flavors, and it’s an excellent way to taste the quality of their in-house sausage-making without committing to full hot dogs.
The Sides: Fries come as simple skin-on cuts with light seasoning, nothing complicated. Truffle fries upgrade the experience, though some wish for a heavier hand with the truffle seasoning. The baked beans arrive warm and flavorful, perfect for rounding out your meal.
Bar & Beverage Program
Craft Beer Selection: With an extensive list of craft beers on tap and in bottles, you’ll find plenty of options to pair with your meal. The beer menu leans toward local and regional breweries, giving you a taste of what New Jersey and surrounding areas produce.
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Keep Exploring →Signature Cocktails: The bartenders mix creative cocktails that complement the adventurous menu. The drinks program takes the same thoughtful approach as the food, offering both classic and innovative options.
For Non-Drinkers: The strawberry lemonade has earned its own following. Refreshing, not too sweet, and a perfect complement to the rich, savory flavors of the hot dogs.
The Space & Setting
Multi-Level Layout: The ground floor features a generous bar area with high ceilings and large picture windows perfect for people-watching.
Upstairs offers additional dining space away from the bar scene, making it ideal for families or those wanting a quieter experience. A game room in the back houses foosball, pinball machines, and other entertainment options.
Historic Touches: The back wall displays sections of the original bar from Doll’s Place, the beloved establishment that operated at various New Brunswick locations from 1933 until 2013. The outdoor sign from Doll’s Place now hangs inside, creating a connection to the neighborhood’s history.
Atmosphere: Dark woods, antique light fixtures, and pub-industrial decor create a warm, cozy vibe that works equally well for casual dates, group gatherings, or solo dining at the bar.
Despite the upscale touches, the space maintains a relaxed, come-as-you-are attitude. The dim lighting and vintage bulbs make evening visits particularly inviting.
Seating Options: You’ll find both table service and bar seating. The restaurant accommodates larger groups comfortably, with servers taking orders tableside rather than counter ordering.
What Else To Know
Pricing: Individual hot dogs range from around $6 to $10, depending on the protein and toppings. While this sits above standard hot dog pricing, the portion sizes, quality ingredients, and creative combinations justify the cost.
Many find one dog filling enough for a meal, though some prefer ordering one and a half dogs or pairing a single dog with an appetizer. A restaurant week special for around $37-$40 includes appetizers, two hot dogs, a side, dessert, and drinks, offering excellent value.
Portion Sizes: These aren’t your typical hot dogs. The sausages are substantial, and the bread-to-filling ratio skews heavily toward bread.
The buns are essentially split lengthwise loaves, creating a hearty, almost sandwich-like experience. Without the toppings, you’d notice the bread dominating, but the generous accouterments balance things out.
Dietary Options: Gluten-free diners can request Schar gluten-free buns for an additional $3, or opt for complimentary corn tortillas.
Vegetarian and vegan Beyond sausage options are available, though they come with a $4 upcharge. The kitchen isn’t dedicated gluten-free, so those with celiac should inquire about precautions.
Parking: Street parking can be challenging, especially during peak hours. However, you’ll find paid municipal parking garages nearby. The restaurant also has a few designated free spots in a small lot adjacent to the building, though snagging one requires good timing.
Best Times To Visit: Located near Rutgers University, the spot can get packed when school is in session and during weekend evenings. Lunch hours and early weekday evenings tend to be calmer. Late-night hours extend to 2 AM on weekends, making it a solid option after other activities.
Family-Friendly: Despite the bar presence, families feel welcome here, especially in the upstairs dining area and game room. The variety of proteins and customization options mean even picky eaters can find something they’ll enjoy.
Menu Reading: Half the fun comes from perusing the menu and its aviation-themed naming conventions. Each hot dog is named after an airport code, adding a layer of entertainment to your decision-making process. The puns and creative descriptions make ordering an experience in itself.
Destination Dogs
📍 101 Paterson St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
