+1 908-351-9831
Located in the heart of Elizabeth, New Jersey, Tommy's Italian Sausage & Hot Dogs is a beloved local gem that masterfully combines Italian culinary tradition with classic American hot dog culture. This unique eatery offers an enticing fusion of Italian-inspired and all-American favorites, making it a hotspot for food lovers seeking a flavorful, satisfying bite on the go.
Tommy's has earned a reputation for its signature Italian Hot Dog, a mouthwatering creation that features their original handmade sausage nestled in half of a freshly baked Italian pizza bread, topped with a generous heap of fresh cut onions, peppers, and a crispy layer of potatoes. The combination elevates the traditional hot dog experience to something truly exceptional — hearty, savory, and comfortingly complex with vibrant textures and a perfect balance of flavors. As one reviewer aptly put it, it’s a "unique twist on a classic favorite," highlighting how Tommy’s sets itself apart from the typical hot dog stand.
For those who appreciate simple, high-quality ingredients, the All Beef Hot Dog showcases robust 100% natural beef with tender casing, steamed to juicy perfection and offered with an array of customizable toppings such as mustard, ketchup, raw and fried onions, sauerkraut, and chili cheese. This customizable, no-frills approach ensures every bite bursts with bold, authentic flavors that resonate deeply with both longtime locals and curious visitors.
Vegetarians are delighted here too, with options like the Jersey Original Veggie Sandwiches. These come loaded with golden-cooked, fresh-cut potatoes, peppers, and onions, all cradled in their famous Italian pizza bread. Whether in a medium or large portion, these sandwiches provide a comforting, hearty alternative that embodies the same satisfying crunch and warmth as their meat-filled counterparts.
Tommy’s atmosphere is casual, reflecting its nature as a classic, no-frills window service establishment. This means you won’t find an elaborate dining room or table service, but instead, a straightforward, authentic experience centered on the food itself. While parking in the dense urban area can be a challenge, many customers find the effort well worth it for a taste of a New Jersey institution. One frequent patron mentions that Tommy’s is “an Elizabeth staple and worth the travel to get a taste of home,” underscoring the restaurant’s deep-rooted presence in the community and the nostalgic value it holds.
The real magic here lies in the hand-crafted quality and the unmistakable local charm infused in every bite. It’s no surprise that Tommy’s was voted the best in 2018, an accolade reflecting not only the consistently delicious food but also the heartfelt connection it fosters between the small neighborhood eatery and its devoted fans.
Whether you’re new to Tommy’s or a returning enthusiast, expect a rich, satisfying culinary experience filled with bold flavors, generous portions, and the comforting feel of a hometown favorite. From the spicy, savory sausage sandwiches to the perfectly seasoned cup of potatoes—a humble but treasured side—Tommy’s Italian Sausage & Hot Dogs delivers thoughtful, crave-worthy eats that truly celebrate the art of a great hot dog.
Contact: 900 2nd Ave, Elizabeth, NJ 07201 | Phone: +1 908-351-9831
At first glance, one might merely shrug this place off as "Oh, just another hot dog stand". However, it takes more than just a nice looking front to make a great hot dog establishment. And this where Tommy's excels. The hot dogs and sausages are top quality, the chili quite palatable, and the cup of potatoes is a satisfying compliment to your sandwich. The prices are very reasonable as well, and the service is very attentive and accommodating. There is only one drawback, and that one is a common occurrence with stands of this kind. There is almost no place to eat your food here, unless you want to sidle up to a narrow ledge and have a standing meal, or go across the street to Olympia Square and sit down on a narrow cement block. The quality of it all is worth it though.
I have been going to Tommy's since I was a kid. They are an elizabeth staple and worth the travel to get a taste of home.
The Best Hot Dog in NJ? You can make that argument. It was a good experience once I finally arrived. The parking is a real pain , but that was to be expected. Heard so much about this place over the years, not sure it met such high expectations. The Italian Hot Dog was really hard to eat. More potatoes than Hot Dog so it was difficult to judge the hot dog itself. It was good, not sure I would go out of my way again, but you cant have that kind of success if you don't know what you are doing. Worth trying.
We took a drive to Elizabeth, NJ, to try Tommy’s Italian Sausage and Hotdogs. According to their sign, they were voted the best in 2018, so we had to see what the hype was about. It turned out to be a unique twist on a classic favorite. I ordered a hotdog and a sausage, both served with sliced potatoes in pita bread—definitely not something I’d had before. The combination was delicious and very different from the usual fare. At first glance, I wondered how in the world I was supposed to eat something that size, and sure enough, I couldn’t finish it! If you plan on visiting, don’t expect indoor seating—this is a walk-up window spot where you order and get your food quickly. We ate in our car, but on a nice spring day, you could grab a bench across the street. Since we live too far away to take it home, eating on the spot was our best option. Would I go again? Yes, the drive wasn’t bad, and the food was worth it. The only downside was the parking—it was a bit of a nightmare, though that may have been due to the time of day (evening, when everyone was home from work). Overall, a fun and tasty experience!
Second stop on our trip from VA to Newark for hockey game on Saturday. Another old-school place that has been on my goal list for a long time. The place is in a very urban area, tough to find street parking, I would suggest the public parking lot at the SE corner at intersection of Elizabeth Ave. & S.Reid St. It is really just a window service place, not a restaurant of any kind. But that is not a knock, it is the vintage charm that makes it a great place to try. In addition, the Italian style hot dogs in pizza bread, are fantastic. The sandwich is really sort of stuffed pizza bread pita, as seen in photo. Order with everything, meaning onions , peppers & potatoes. The amount of potatoes included in the sandwich is over-whelming. I wouldn’t order a separate cup of potatoes. It’s just too much food! It can be messy, take or bring plenty of napkins. Another suggestion- bring your own paper plates and plastic cutlery! The sandwich is wrapped in foil and the only utensil is a little wooden fork-spear, like the ones at Nathan’s. But the potato slices at Tommy’s are so huge, the wood fork-spear can’t handle the weight. All that said the sandwich is awesome, great grilled hot dogs and all the toppings provide nice depth of flavors. A must visit, if your hungry, don’t go for just a snack, it’s a great meal!
Great Texas weiners and cup of taters, however, don't get here too early, My cup of potatoes was hard, as if not cooked enough, and my hotdog looked like it was a leftover from day before. Still rate a 5 star, but will wait till after 12 noon next time.
I visited Tommy’s on 5/31 and it didn’t disappoint me at all. I had the Double Italian Hotdog with everything on it and also bought potatoes in a cup which was delicious. It’s hard finding a good Italian hotdog spot nowadays especially a place that has great quality and flavor. The service was amazing from the time I walked up to the window until I left. If I’m in the Elizabeth, I’ll love to come back. Keep up the great work guys. Grade A.
Tommy’s is the definition of a local legend. I finally made the trip to Elizabeth to try the famous Italian sausage sandwich, and it absolutely lived up to the hype — and then some. The sausage was juicy, flavorful, and perfectly grilled, tucked inside that signature pizza-style bread that holds everything together like a dream. The fried potatoes, onions, and peppers on top? Crispy, greasy perfection in the best way possible 10 out of 10 must try again