Rutt's Hut is a roadside hot dog stand and tavern at 417 River Rd in Clifton, New Jersey. It has been frying hot dogs since 1928, and it's the place that made the "ripper" famous: a hot dog deep-fried until its casing cracks and splits open. Topped with the house mustard relish, it's one of New Jersey's best-known food traditions. This guide covers what a ripper is, what to order and how to visit.
About Rutt's Hut
Rutt's Hut started as a roadside stand in 1928 and has kept the same basic recipe ever since. The building has two sides: a stand-up counter for quick orders, and a sit-down tavern with table service and a longer menu. Regulars order by nickname. The best known is the "ripper," named for the way the fried casing rips open.
What Is a Ripper?
A ripper is a hot dog dropped into hot oil until the skin blisters, cracks and curls. The result is crisp outside and juicy inside. The usual way to eat it is on a soft roll with a spoonful of Rutt's relish, the house's secret blend of mustard and spices.
Rutt's Hut Menu
Hot dogs are the main event, but the tavern side serves a full diner-style menu:
Hot Dogs
- Hot Dog (Ripper)
- Hot Dog Platter with Potato Salad & Cole Slaw
Sides
- French Fries
- French Fries with Gravy
- Onion Rings
- Potato Salad
- Sauerkraut
Platters
- Cheese Steak Platter
- Gyro Platter
- Fried Scallops Platter
- Virginia Ham Platter
Fried seafood sandwiches, roast meats and daily platters round out the menu. The prices posted on Rutt's Hut's website look years out of date, and the owners said in 2026 that prices have gone up sharply, so check the board at the counter. Expect a couple of hot dogs and fries to cost much less than a sit-down meal in nearby Manhattan.
What to Order
Get two rippers with relish and a side of fries with gravy. That's the classic Rutt's Hut order. If you're hungry, the hot dog platter adds potato salad and cole slaw.
Location and Tips
Address: 417 River Rd, Clifton, NJ 07014
- Getting there: Rutt's Hut is on River Road along the Passaic River, about 15 miles west of Manhattan. It's easiest to reach by car.
- Counter or tavern: use the counter side for a fast stand-up meal, or the tavern side for table service and the full menu.
- Hours: Rutt's Hut opens in the morning every day. Published closing times vary between sources, so call ahead for a late visit.
- Payment: reports differ on whether cards are accepted, so bring some cash just in case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rutt's Hut
What is a ripper at Rutt's Hut?
A ripper is Rutt's Hut's signature hot dog: it's deep-fried until the casing cracks and splits open, which gives it a crisp, blistered outside. It's usually ordered with the house mustard relish.
What is in Rutt's Hut relish?
The relish is the restaurant's own recipe, a secret blend of mustard and spices.
Where is Rutt's Hut?
Rutt's Hut is at 417 River Rd in Clifton, New Jersey, about 15 miles west of Manhattan.
How old is Rutt's Hut?
The original roadside stand opened in 1928, making it one of the oldest hot dog spots in New Jersey.
What else does Rutt's Hut serve besides hot dogs?
The menu also has fried seafood platters and sandwiches, cheesesteak and gyro platters, roast meats and classic sides like fries with gravy, onion rings and potato salad.
History and menu items were checked against Rutt's Hut's official website and local reporting on October 27, 2026. Confirm hours and prices with the restaurant before visiting.
